10 Best Steam Train Railways In London

We all know the famous train station, London Paddington! This iconic railway was built in 1852 by the leading architect, Isambard Kingdom Brunel. It was described as being a Victorian marvel and the gateway to London…

Today, the train station is filled with shops, restaurants, and excellent facilities for families of travellers. Trains from all over the country travel here as well as a few steam trains.

One of the steam locomotive trains that will be visiting London Paddington Station is the West Somerset Steam Express which will depart on Saturday 16th September 2023! On this train journey, you will travel through the rural countryside of Reading, Newbury Racecourse, Kennet & Avon Canal, Savernake Summit, and Taunton. You can enjoy premier dining which entails breakfast and a scrumptious four-course dinner!

Now, not all steam train experiences include holidays or fancy dining. If you have kids that are train enthusiasts and just want to have a play around then the East Herts Minature Railway attraction is the perfect place to take them just outside of London. It’s run by passionate volunteers and costs only £1 per person with under 2’s travelling for free! 

Located in Hertfordshire, the East Herts Minature Railway has been in action for the last 40 years! Hop aboard Samson (0-4-2 with tender), it’s a passenger favourite as it bears a striking resemblance to Thomas the Tank Engine! You should also check out Peter N Brow (0-4-2 Tinkerbell Class) and T C B Miller – it has 10,000 miles under its belt!

There are other great miniature locomotives like H G Harrison (0-4-0 Petrol Hydraulic), Lady Amwell (Bo-Bo Battery Electric), and the Lee Endeavour (Bo-Bo hydraulic Cab Loco).

Epping & Ongar Steam Railway is a heritage railway which began its service as The Eastern Countries Railway in 1856. A single-track extension between Loughton and Ongar was added in 1865, and so it became the Epping & Ongar Steam Railway.

Over the last 150 years, the railway has seen lots of life and many internal changes in order to revive the period features of the train station while also rewiring the whole station and installing wheelchairs access ramps. Inside the train station, you will see original fireplaces and original doorways, history boards, a ‘Gents Waiting Room’ Gift Shop, and period-style lights. You will also find a 1980s ticket machine room too! This charming station has also National Railway Heritage Awards!

Hop aboard guided tours of the town, board the Railway Rambler or enjoy a life of luxury on the dining trains. Standard timetable services cost just £1 for children!

Aside from the station revamp and general attractions, Epping & Ongar hold exciting events for children such as Peppa Pig meet and greets and PAW Patrol character appearances! But what die-hard steam train lovers will be most interested in, is the Steam Gala which will run on the 23rd – 25th of June.

Pop your champagne bottles and celebrate a trip of luxury from London Victoria Station to the beautiful city of Venice. As you may have already guessed this trip is an expensive one as you’ll be travelling through Europe in a luxury historic cabin. So if you’re looking for a luxurious trip to start saving for, then this steam train ride could be for you.

You’ll be climbing aboard the British Pullman (a Belmond Train) from London Victoria Station. You’ll start your journey by being escorted to your reserved seats by your steward with brunch and a bellini served to you as you travel through the Kentish countryside – and that’s just day 1!

On day 2 you’ll wake up to spectacular views of mountains and the French countryside. You’ll get breakfast delivered to your cabin and the chance to explore the train. You’ll get a chance to hop off the train and explore nearby sites.

In the evenings you’ll get sophisticated served dinners chosen from a seasonal menu created by Chef Jean Imbert. And after dinner? Soak up the silky notes of a talented pianist while chatting away and drinking exquisite cocktails in The Bar Car. Just make sure to get your song requests ready!

The Bluebell Railway is a wonderful place for the whole family to explore as there are so many fascinating things to do and events to attend throughout the entire year. Bluebell is one of the first preserved heritage lines in the country which means it has the finest collections of vintage steam locomotives and carriages!

Kids will feel immersed in The Bluebell Railway’s history as they meet friendly staff dressed in period clothing and explore interactive exhibitions onsite. Climb through vintage carriages from the Victorian era and the 1930s and the 1950s! 

Looking to make your day out sweeter? Book an afternoon tea experience or a silver service dining experience. Make sure to keep an eye out for exciting events throughout the year like the Bluebell Beer Festival, Road Meets Rail Exhibition, and 2023 weekend family events! Psst, you can even climb aboard the Flying Scotsman! 

Enjoy a train ride with a steam locomotive and a heritage diesel between Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge, calling at High Rocks and Groombridge. Sit back and relax while the train carries you towards your next adventure. You’ll pass through the beautiful countryside while you unwind and chat with your loved ones.

This experience is fully accessible too with wheelchair-friendly ramps and blue badge parking at the train station. 

Are you located in the Barking area? If so then you most likely already know about the jewel of the community which is the Barking Park Railway. Operating since 1937, this charming 7.25-inch gauge train has maintained its love and appreciation from generation to generation of families. Did you know the railway has even carried the Olympic torch?!

The train runs from the main gates on Longbridge Road to the boating lake at the other end of the park. You can board the train every weekend but just keep an eye on the Barking Park Facebook page before visiting, to check that it is operating.

This is the cheapest steam train railway in London on our list with rides starting from 50p! 

Hop aboard 7¼” gauge trains during the Summer for a blissful ride around Roxbourne Park. The trains use coal in the form of beans or small nuts to create an authentic steam train experience. If you’re looking to enhance your trip to the park make sure you check out the Roxbourne Park Railway as they are one of the cheapest steam train railways in London!

Swanley New Barn Railway opened its doors in 1986 and it has seen many miniature steam trains grace its tracks. Today you will get the chance to see an exuberant flurry of trains like the Western Enterprise, Sir Goss, Aneirin, Kestrel, Mrs Darling, Queens Messenger & so many more!

Why just visit Swanley New Barn Railway when kids over 13 years old can become actual volunteers and work on-site? if you’ve got some train lovers who want to get up close to the action and learn how these trains operate then why not consider signing your kids up? They’ll get training and the chance to work with other volunteers of all ages who share a mutual bond of loving steam engines.

Is there anything more blissful than a steam train ride in London by a lake? Perfect on a Summer’s day, the Ruislip Lido Railway is perfect for toddlers and small children who want to spend the day outdoors.

Hop aboard locomotives or pulling stock and take a whizz around the lake and past the woodland on a magical journey with your little ones.

Aside from train rides, kids can paddle in the 60-acre lake, go horse riding, cycle, walk or leap around on the splash pad. There is also a playground, toilets and even a carvery onsite. You’ve got everything you could possibly need for a park day out with the kids.