Really nice experience - have visited a few times now and this doesn't disappoint. Two separate railways with a wide mix of trains on them, some being driven by the people who built them - steam, diesel and electric - including bridges and a short tunnel, proper signal system that is quite impressive and clearly a labour of love (keep an eye out for the big control centre behind one of the train sheds!), and a big carriage shed - all looked after by a large and enthusiastic team, with a good sense of community. It's clearly a proper railway club with all sorts of skills involved (if you're really lucky you might get to peek in to the big machine shop where trains are made and repaired). Both the team and the visitors have a big range of ages and styles - lots of small children but lots of others too, it's a decent day out, special points for the sweets for small kids at the end of the visit. Very occasionally, trains even run down on the branch line to the turntable near the entrance. On practicalities - opening days vary - it's about once a month in summer - do make sure you check the website beforehand. There's a very large green area at the back (surrounded by railways) with picnic tables, as well as picnic tables nearer the entrance, and more often than not, a classic old French van selling good coffee and pastries, an ice cream van, and sometimes a full burger and hot dog option. A smart new toilet building is now also available on site, including a baby change. We usually go for the wristband infinite-journeys option, you will get a lot of train rides - the queue for the main line goes fast, the smaller trains on the raised track have a smaller capacity but they keep things moving there too. No on site parking, there is plenty of space in surrounding streets and around the Common but as it's set among residential streets, visitors are asked to park politely. Finally, it's worth noting these are proper coal based steam trains, and it can get a bit sooty if you're sat near the front - you'll want to wear your older tracksuit rather than your newest suit!

Good fun for young kids (note: babes in arms can't ride trains). A variety of different trains to ride on and, when we visited, an ice cream van and a food and coffee van. Tickets cover the whole session and allow as many trips as your kids want. All the staff very friendly and helpful, much waving at and from the trains. Relax in the little grassy park and picnic if you want. Parking is limited.

Brilliant fun lots of rides on miniature trains,coffee van with delicious drinks and cakes.Plenty of space for picnics and fir children to run around.Lovely day out for train fans .

What a fun hour with the family spent marvelling the engineers work. Lovely community vibe. Really pleased they open it up to the public occasionally and we can enjoy their works as well :) There was an ice cream van amd some snacks available to buy as well. The booking system could do with some modernising but didn't impede the experience :) The trains are so fun and all the steam and choo choos kept all the kids from 1 to 37 years entertained 🤣 CHOO CHOO!

Amazing place to have a great time, especially if your little one is crazy about trains like mine! They have the chance to ride miniature trains and all of them go crazy! A space for birthday parties is a green field that can host several parties at the same time. The kids run around, play and love absolutely everything! Such a great surprise!