Ride live steam and electric miniature trains on quarter-mile tracks for just £1, with special events and activities for all ages throughout the year.

The Peacock Railway is a volunteer-run heritage attraction based in Willaston, near Nantwich, offering visitors the chance to ride on authentic miniature trains. The venue features multiple raised railway tracks in different gauges (2.5″, 3.5″, 5″, and Gauge 1), allowing guests to experience the thrill of live steam and electric locomotive rides. For just £1, visitors can enjoy two laps around the nearly quarter-mile track, with rides available during regular Public Running Days and special events throughout the year. Founded in 1968 by model engineering enthusiasts, the society has grown to over 110 members and relocated to its current two-and-a-half acre site in 1991. The venue features a clubhouse, automatic signalling systems, and well-maintained grounds with trees and shrubs. Families of all ages are encouraged to participate, with a dedicated Junior Section for children aged 10-16. Beyond train rides, visitors can experience the full working railway atmosphere, watch members maintain electric and steam locomotives, and enjoy picnicking on site. The venue also hosts special charity events throughout the year, making it an educational and entertaining destination for families interested in railway heritage and engineering.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

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Karen Heath

a month ago

Today Sunday 25th children very disappointed as arrived at 13.10 to everywhere locked up and closed. Website clearly says OPEN Sunday 12-4pm and website NOT updated 😡😡😢😢

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Laura B

4 months ago

Lovely setting for a Gauge 1 & 5" Gauge railway. It is a Model Engineering Society. You have to go through a premier in car park to get to the entrance, but once you are there the setting is fabulous. This is private club for members/invited visitors only.

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Robert Gleave

7 months ago

Excellent venue for eating and drinking & large minature ride on railway,called the Peacock Railway to the rear of the car park Also super Premier Inn.

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Wendy Moulton

a year ago

Lovely little railway, hidden away and staffed by volunteers who are very knowledgeable. They have special open days where you can have rides ,only £1 ago ,all proceeds help with running cost, the local scouts did a refreshment tent . Also vintage cars on show sometimes .

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Hello Ness

3 years ago

A small hidden away miniature railway gem behind the Peacock Inn and Premier Inn hotel, where I went around the small tracks of the site on the train ride, hanged out and talked to both volunteers and visitors there at the site The place was open on Saturday during an Open Heritage Days event, where other visiting miniature gauge Locos were brought in for the day to look at and no cost to enter the place as well during the event, overall a wonderful time.

Reviews last updated: 7 October 2026