Start your family journey this summer by discovering the variety of fascinating modes of transport the UK has to offer. Let the kids hop on board a steam train, explore a collection of vintage cars, watch the dizzying heights of air shows and float along the Thames. There are plenty of great events for all ages to catch the travel bug and discover what their favourite mode of transport might be.

Here’s some of our favourite places to take the children to check out everything that moves!

Climb aboard Concorde at Brooklands Museum

For an exciting plane and automobile filled day for the whole family visit Brooklands Museum in Surrey. Discover the birthplace of British motorsport and aviation, explore the vast collection of Brooklands related cars and planes, including the only Concorde with access in the South East. Visitors to the Museum can now take their seat for the ride of their life in the state-of-the-art 4D Theatre, flying with the RAF Red Arrows, racing the Napier-Railton on the Brooklands track or experiencing a lap of Le Mans in Mike Hawthorn’s Jaguar.

On weekdays during the school holidays, visitors can take a thrilling car ride along the historic banked race track, join a fun and noise-filled Kids Tour on Concorde, try out one of the themed family workshops and meet the Museum’s mascot, Bertie Bear. More…

Experience the amazing London Duck Tours

Hop aboard one of London Duck Tours’ distinctive yellow vehicles and enter the wonderful world of amphibious travel. It is far more exciting than just an ordinary sightseeing bus tour or river trip.

See some of London’s most talked about sights, learn interesting facts about the city and be entertained by an action packed live commentary before the thrilling splashdown onto the river Thames! It’s terrific fun for everyone, whether it’s with the kids, an activity for family or friends, a special occasion, corporate event or even a date.

There is a fabulous range of fun packed sightseeing and themed tours including the ever popular Classic Sightseeing Tour, historical D-Day Duck (London Blitz) Tour and action-packed James Bond Tour.

All scheduled tours leave from Belvedere Road, Waterloo, London, SE1 which is near to the London Eye (between Jubilee Gardens and The Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall) and a short walk from Waterloo tube and rail stations.

The Ducks, originally used in the Second World War, have been completely rebuilt from scratch and modified to meet the stringent safety regulations set by the road and river authorities.

All commentaries are presented in English by a live tour guide. More…

Bluebell Railway

During the summer experience a family fun day out in by taking the kids to The Bluebell Railway. One of the first preserved heritage lines in the country resulting in one of the finest collections of vintage steam locomotives and carriages, many of which were preserved straight out of the service from British Railways.

The train services run on a 22 mile return trip between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead, offering fabulous views for the family to enjoy. The trains are popular with film and television productions, especially Horsted Keynes, which has been regularly seen on television and film, including Downton Abbey, Muppets Most Wanted movie and Churchill’s Secret.

Check out some of the wonderful events that run throughout the year including visiting engines, family fun days and historical themed days. Take the trains from Sheffield Park, East Grinstead and Kingscote to Horsted Keynes and visit the seaside! The Seaside Weekend on the 19th and 20th August will see the paddock at Horsted Keynes Station transformed into a lovely beach with some exciting new displays and entertainers to bring some seaside magic – so grab your bucket and spade!

Discover something that will suit families of all ages and discover special services that the trains operate on select dates throughout the year. More…

Edwardian Pageant at The Shuttleworth Collection

Timeless entertainment for the whole family at this event on Sunday 6th August. With the thrill and skill of the Red Arrows display team and Breitling Wing Walkers headlining in the skies, and a ground show that includes vintage bicycles on display (with the Veteran-Cycle Club), free rides on our 1913 Wellingborough and 1921 Charabus, and an Edwardian Mining experience from Goodluck Mines.

The Shuttleworth Discovery zone with activities for all ages will offer hands-on STEM fun, crafts, BMFA Foam Gliders, Airfix & IPMS Make & Paint, and the Biggleswade Air Squadron flight training simulator.

Take the opportunity to look around our Regency period Swiss Garden, and The Shuttleworth Mansion House that will be open to visitors from 10am -14:00pm. More…

Enjoy West Somerset Railway with the children

The West Somerset Railway is a heritage railway offering a fun day out for all the family. Nestled in the Somerset Countryside, four miles outside the county town of Taunton, trains depart from Bishops Lydeard to the seaside town of Minehead. Nine idyllic stations are situated along the line which include the historic harbour town of Watchet with its harbour, small shops, cafes, pubs, museums and beaches.

The medieval village of Dunster is home to The National Trust’s Dunster Castle and an old Yarn Market building which is flanked on either side by shops , tea rooms, Dunster Museum and Doll Collection.

On selected dates throughout the year, there are family specific events which include meet and greet days with children’s characters making appearances on Minehead Railway Station at intervals throughout the day. Peppa Pig will be there on Saturday 16th September 2017 so plan ahead!

In the latter part of the year there is the extremely popular Santa Special event, where travel by steam and the magic of Christmas are combined to create an amazing experience for all.

Save a further 15% off tickets booked online in advance using promotional code: LGC2017.

For more information about the railway and what is on offer, visit www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or call 01643 704996. More…

Mid Hants Watercressline

Let off steam at this living history railway! Experience the nostalgic sights, sounds and smells of steam as you travel through 10 miles of beautiful Hampshire countryside.

Located just 7 miles from the ancient city of Winchester, you can join the line at the picturesque Georgian town of Alresford or at the bustling market town of Alton. Fares give you all day travel, so you can visit all four stations with period charm and explore these historic towns. Watch the world go by at the peaceful country station of Medstead & Four Marks and enjoy a run around at Ropley station with its elevated picnic area and the famous Kings Cross Bridge which featured in the Harry Potter films. Here you can also investigate the impressive engineering sheds and see preservation in action!

Special events throughout the year include a Day Out With Thomas, War on the Line, Santa Specials and Christmas Leave, along with spectacular Steam Galas and much more! There are real ale and fine dining trains for the grown-ups and Sunday lunch trains for all the family available to pre-book. More…

Beautiful South Pennine foothills on Kirklees Light Railway

The Kirklees Light Railway, the home of Yorkshire’s Great Little Steam Trains, runs every weekend throughout the year and during school holidays for a scenic journey along a 15” narrow-gauge railway track.

Hosting several special events including; Days Out with Thomas, Halloween Ghost trains, Steam Galas, Santa Specials and Educational Visits. The Railway is operated by a small number of full-time paid staff and the support of the Friends of the KLR volunteers.

Win a family ticket to Kirklees Light Railway!

The KLR’s Commercial Manager, Richard Hale said “Here at Kirklees Light Railway we aim to provide a fantastic day out for all the family. The railway runs almost 3½ miles between Clayton West and Shelley through the beautiful South Pennine foothills. With our Day Rover tickets, large, free car park and superb café and tea rooms serving home cooked food, you can stay and ride the trains all day. There really is something for everyone.” More…

Summer holiday activities at the British Motor Museum

The British Motor Museum is home to the world’s largest collection of historic British cars; from the very first Land Rover to Lady Penelope’s FAB1.

Discover the new British Motoring Treasures Exhibition and enjoy a treasure trove of summer family activities at the British Motor Museum 22nd July to 3rd September.

Every Monday come and meet the costumed explainers. Tuesdays to Saturdays come and make your own motoring treasure out of all sorts of bits and bobs! And whether you’re learning to drive a pedal car or had your license for years, come and talk about your first car with the ‘My First Car’ project.

Experience the sights, sounds and stories of the British motor industry. Enjoy dedicated zones on Motorsport, Design & Concepts, Jaguar, Land Rover and film cars. Get a ‘behind the scenes’ insight into how vehicles are stored and preserved in the new Collections Centre. Over 400 cars to discover, as well as interactive exhibits, an outdoor play area, cafe and extensive programme of events.

Win a family ticket to British Motor Museum by entering here.

Located just off junction 12 of the M40 in Warwickshire.  More…

South’s longest narrow gauge steam railway at Moors Valley Railway

Approximately 10 miles from Bournemouth, at the edge of Ringwood Forest, is Moors Valley Country Park. The Park is home to the South’s longest narrow gauge steam railway, Moors Valley Railway. It provides passengers with a ride of one mile, travelling alongside Moors Lake, through tunnels and under a bridge around the children’s play area, and through the Goods yard where you can see the Engine shed, home to 17 locomotives. Kingsmere Station is host to the Model and Gift shop and the Station Buffet – something for everyone! Lakeside Station offers cold drinks and Ice Cream, and is an ideal stop for picnics and playgrounds.

Autumn Steam Gala is on 16th & 17th September – all available MVR engines will be in steam, with the addition of engines from other railways visiting for the celebration!

Open daily between June and September, from 10.45am – 5.00pm. Look out for our Special Events!  More…

Action-packed events at Santa Pod Raceway 

Santa Pod Raceway provides thrilling, non-stop action perfect for fantastic family days out with a difference! Located in the heart of England on the border of Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire, 20 miles from junction 15 of the M1 motorway, families can witness 300mph Top Fuel Dragsters, feel the heat of the Jet Cars, watch caravan crushing Monster Trucks or grab a ride on the funfair.

These family friendly events offer great value for money with kids under 16 getting FREE entry at most major events. With over 50 events to choose from, there is something to thrill all the family, including the amazing UK Monster Truck Nationals at Santa Pod Raceway on 20th August.

With full site facilities suitable for camping including FREE car parking, FREE paddock access, toilets, shower block, licensed bar, disabled access, ATMs, cafe & caterers, medical centre, water points, chemical disposal points plus much more, Santa Pod Raceway is a home away from home! More…

Steam into Summer with the East Lancashire Railway

If the thought of your little ones uttering those dreaded words “I’m bored” during the holidays is getting you down? Fear no longer, the award-winning East Lancashire Railway is here to help with some super summer fun!

Based in Bury, just 30 minutes from Manchester City Centre with major road links and public transport nearby yet on the doorstep of picturesque Pennine Lancashire, the railway is conveniently located for a steam train adventure through the beautiful Irwell Valley. Get up close to these magnificent machines and admire the passing scenery of traditional villages and lush landscapes. Visitors can even save 50% on Wednesday – Friday “Freedom of the Line” tickets from 21st June – 25th August when they book online using promo code: SUMMER50

Join the railway for one of their popular Family Activity Days on selected dates throughout summer, complete with characters, themed activities, photo opportunities and of course a steam train ride. Whether the youngsters have a penchant for Pirates, a fondness for Fairy Tales or are manic about Magic, there’s something for every age and interest.

Can’t make it to the seaside this summer? Don’t worry, the East Lancashire Railway will be bringing the beach to you with their Family Fun Weekend on 26th– 28th August. There’s plenty to see and do along the line including Punch & Judy Shows, Sand Art, Balloon Modelling, Donkey Rides, Mini Golf, Miniature Railway, Lego Displays and ‘Brick Pit’, plus steam and diesel train rides, all for standard fares! More…

Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway

Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway runs for 13 ½ miles from the Cinque Port town of Hythe, through the seaside village to Dymchurch, towards the railways headquarters at New Romney and finally reaching the National Nature Reserve of Dungeness.
Winner of the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence this world famous steam railway is one of Kent’s top attractions and a great way to spend the day with the family.

The Model Exhibition at New Romney Station is a must-see attraction. Showcasing RH&DR memorabilia, past headboards and of course a working model railway. The interactive features are sure to keep the children intrigued whilst displays depicting the railways history always engage the grown-ups. Set alongside these extensive indoor features, over the bridge, the children will find the train themed outdoor play area. Younger children can enjoy the Tiny Tots Children’s Play Area adjacent to the picnic area on the station concourse.

Catering is available at most stations. For 2017, Dungeness boasts a newly renovated End of the Line Restaurant specialising in local seafood. The Heywood Buffet at New Romney serves up a warming lunch and a bite sized children’s menu. Looking for something sweet? The vintage style Tea Room at Hythe Station has plenty of homemade cakes to whet the appetite. More…