Planes, Trains & Automobiles Newsletter

Ready to go full speed ahead? Discover exciting transport and travel attractions across the UK, from steam train adventures and thrilling motorsport experiences to fascinating aviation museums and family-friendly vehicle-themed days out.

Thruxton Race Circuit in Hampshire

Thruxton Retro ‘presents Back to the 80s’, a weekend celebrating iconic 1980s music, family-friendly entertainment and thrilling racing action. Visitors can enjoy car and motorbike clubs, legendary machines, and a vibrant fun fair atmosphere. Perfect for all ages, the event promises nostalgia, excitement and community spirit, with Kids go free offering added family value.

Beaulieu in Hampshire

Beaulieu is one of the South Coast’s most popular family attractions, offering a full day of adventure, discovery and fun in the heart of the New Forest. Home to the world-famous National Motor Museum, visitors can explore hundreds of fascinating vehicles, ride the monorail, discover the historic Palace House and wander through beautiful gardens and grounds. With interactive exhibits, engaging family activities and special events throughout the year, Beaulieu offers something for every generation, making it the perfect destination for a memorable family day out.

Mercedes-Benz World in Surrey

Mercedes-Benz World is a fantastic family attraction in Surrey, offering a fun-filled day out packed with interactive exhibits, exciting experiences and hands-on activities for all ages. Children can test their skills on racing simulators, explore engaging displays and get up close to an impressive collection of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, while adults can discover the brand’s rich motoring heritage and innovation. With regular family events, driving experiences and plenty to see and do throughout the day, Mercedes-Benz World combines learning, adventure and entertainment for an unforgettable family outing.

Photo: Buckinghamshire Railway Centre – credit Ricky

Buckinghamshire Railway Centre in Buckinghamshire

The Buckinghamshire Railway Centre is a working steam museum and heritage railway set within 25 acres of picturesque Buckinghamshire countryside at historic Quainton Road Station. Home to one of the UK’s largest collections of steam locomotives, rolling stock and railway memorabilia, the centre brings Britain’s railway heritage to life through steam train rides, beautifully preserved station buildings and fascinating museum exhibits. With popular family events throughout the year, including Day Out With Thomas™, seasonal celebrations and heritage weekends, it offers a nostalgic and engaging day out for visitors of all ages.

Father and son looking at model London bus at London Transport Museum. — ©London-Transport-Museum

London Transport Museum in London

The London Transport Museum is a fascinating family attraction in the heart of Covent Garden, where visitors can explore the story of London’s transport network through interactive exhibits, historic vehicles and hands-on experiences. Children can climb aboard buses and trains, enjoy dedicated play areas and take part in engaging activities, while adults discover how transport has shaped the city over the last 200 years. With family events, immersive displays and plenty to see and do, the London Transport Museum offers an entertaining and educational day out for visitors of all ages.

Spa Valley Railway in Kent

The Spa Valley Railway is a charming heritage railway in the heart of Kent, offering scenic journeys through the beautiful High Weald countryside aboard lovingly restored steam and diesel trains. Running between Royal Tunbridge Wells and Eridge, the railway celebrates the region’s rich railway history with beautifully preserved stations and vintage rolling stock. Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy a variety of family-friendly events, themed experiences and seasonal specials, making the Spa Valley Railway a delightful day out for railway enthusiasts, families and history lovers alike.

Shuttleworth Trust in Bedfordshire

The Shuttleworth Collection is a brilliant family day out in the Bedfordshire countryside, combining historic aircraft, vintage vehicles and beautiful gardens in one unique attraction. Based at Old Warden Aerodrome, visitors can get up close to an incredible collection of airworthy vintage aircraft and classic cars, many of which still take to the skies during thrilling flying displays. Alongside the aviation exhibits, families can explore the picturesque Swiss Garden and enjoy seasonal events, making Shuttleworth an engaging mix of history, engineering and outdoor adventure for all ages.

Santa Pod Raceway in Northamptonshire

Santa Pod Raceway is Europe’s premier drag racing venue and a fantastic family day out, offering high-octane entertainment for visitors of all ages. The venue hosts an exciting calendar of events throughout the year, from thrilling drag racing championships and car festivals to family-friendly shows and themed weekends. With opportunities to get up close to incredible vehicles, meet drivers and enjoy a lively atmosphere, Santa Pod delivers an unforgettable experience for motorsport fans and families alike.

Land Rover negotiating obstacle in arena

British Motor Museum in Warwickshire

The British Motor Museum is a fantastic family attraction celebrating the story of British motoring through the world’s largest collection of historic British cars. Visitors can explore hundreds of iconic vehicles, from vintage classics to modern favourites, all displayed in impressive exhibitions that bring automotive history to life. With interactive family activities, hands-on exhibits, themed trails and regular events throughout the year, it offers an engaging and entertaining day out where both kids and adults can discover, learn and get up close to Britain’s motoring heritage.

Severn Valley Railway in Worcestershire

The Severn Valley Railway is one of the UK’s leading heritage railways, offering an unforgettable 16-mile journey through the stunning countryside of Worcestershire and Shropshire. Following a route that dates back to the Victorian era, visitors can travel behind beautifully restored steam and diesel locomotives, explore charming period stations and discover the fascinating Engine House Visitor Centre. With a packed programme of family-friendly events, seasonal experiences and enthusiast galas throughout the year, the Severn Valley Railway combines railway heritage, scenic beauty and nostalgic adventure for a memorable day out for all ages.

Diesel train at East Lancashire Railway — Images by Liam Barnes

East Lancashire Railway in Manchester

The East Lancashire Railway is an award-winning heritage railway that winds through 12 miles of beautiful Lancashire countryside in the Irwell Valley. Originally part of the region’s Industrial Revolution transport network, today it offers visitors the chance to step back in time aboard lovingly restored steam and diesel trains. With a packed programme of family-friendly events throughout the year, including visits from Thomas the Tank Engine, Peppa Pig, Santa Specials and seasonal celebrations, the railway provides a memorable day out for visitors of all ages.