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Is this the best family day out in Peterborough?

A photo of site author Ally Neagen

Ally Neagen Travel Writer

What’s big, blue, 80 years old, and one of the most iconic trains in England? No, it’s not the Thameslink Trainbow (that’s a much newer icon). It’s Thomas the Tank Engine, and there’s no better place to get up close and experience it in real life than at the Nene Valley Railway in Peterborough.

This heritage railway isn’t just for trainspotters, it’s a multi-sensory, joy-packed attraction for families, history lovers, and those looking for quintessentially English summer fun.

Nene Valley Railway

The Nene Valley Railway (NVR) is a heritage railway in Peterborough, offering visitors a nostalgic ride on vintage steam and diesel locomotives. Spanning 7.5 miles from Peterborough Nene Valley to Yarwell Junction, the line passes through scenic stations like Orton Mere, Overton, and Wansford.

Opened in 1845 as part of the Northampton and Peterborough Railway, the route became an essential link between East Anglia and the Midlands. Passenger services stopped running in the 1960s, but in 1977 the NVR was revived by volunteers and railway enthusiasts. Today, it stands as a living museum, preserving historic trains and hosting events that attract families and railway aficionados alike.

Nene Valley Railway's 2025 calendar is packed with fun-filled events. Dad Drives a Diesel on Father’s Day weekend lets dads and granddads live their childhood dreams by driving a real diesel train. Murder on the Railway, taking place on 28 June, turns a train ride into a thrilling Agatha Christie-style whodunnit, and the Railway 200 Gala on 12-13 September will celebrate two centuries of UK rail heritage with unrivalled flair. There are events throughout the year, so be sure to check their website to find your next family day out.

Peterborough Nene Valley Railway

How to get there

Catch a Thameslink train to Peterborough. It takes just over an hour direct from London St Pancras International, or even quicker if you live north of London. There are direct trains from Stevenage, Huntingdon, Hitchin and many more. From Peterborough railway station, it’s an easy and scenic 20-minute walk to the Nene Valley Railway heritage station.

Thomas The Tank Engine’s Big Birthday Adventure

When I arrived at Nene Valley Railway, I was surprised by how much joy I felt seeing Thomas roll into the station - I really felt like a kid again. I climbed aboard the cheerful blue engine and instantly felt like I’d travelled back in time. Sunlight filtered into the vintage carriages, reminding me of those scenes on the train in Harry Potter. I could almost hear the call of the lady asking “anything from the trolley?”

Vintage train carriage NVR

As the steam engine puffed and jolted along the track, a rich, earthy scent filled the air, mixing with the unmistakable tang of BBQ drifting in from Wansford Station. The train chugged along, its familiar “choo-choo” rhythm making children giggle and grown-ups nostalgic. There’s something so delightfully British and eccentric about the whole event, from the Union flag bunting to whimsical bubble machines.

Wansford Station NVR

A travelling post office?

As we rolled along the track at a gentle speed, I noticed a huge red carriage on an adjacent track, which had the words Royal Mail Travelling Post Office on it. As it turns out, this is an absolute gem for anyone who loves quirky British history.

Did you know that postal workers used to sort the mail while on moving trains, and then fling the mail sacks into nets at full speed and grab outgoing mail without stopping? The Nene Valley Railway hosts special demo days where you can see this in action, which is pure magic (and surprisingly thrilling).

Travelling Post Office NVR

History coming to life

When Thomas arrived at Wansford, it was like stepping into a mini-festival. Two energetic entertainers sang and danced, kids darted between games and attractions, and a BBQ made the air smell like summer. One of the best moments was when visitors were invited to help Thomas “take on water”. Grinning children handed the coal-covered train driver tiny buckets of water, which he poured into the steam engine. Seeing the engineer with his ashen face and hands was incredible and really made it feel like history was coming to life.

Thomas the Tank Engine Engineer

The perfect family day out

The station yard itself is a treasure trove of old engines and historic carriages you can climb aboard and explore. You don’t have to know your steam from your diesel to feel the sense of wonder and amazement. There’s also a miniature railway which you can actually ride on (so fun!), a museum full of interesting artefacts, a gift shop for any train enthusiasts in your life, and so much more to discover.

After a few hours, with bellies full of burgers and having discovered just about everything there was to see, we loaded back onto Thomas and chugged back to Peterborough. Idyllic countryside rolled by the windows and smiling local residents waved as we went over level crossings.

Nene Valley Heritage Railway

Heading home

Once we got back to Peterborough Nene Valley Station, it was an easy walk back to Peterborough’s main railway station. I couldn’t wait to tell everyone about my adventure, and I’ve already signed my dad up to drive a diesel for Father’s Day.

It was truly a magical and unique experience. Don’t miss this one, it’s the perfect family day out for every generation.

Ideas for days out

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