Hidden gems - Rail museums in Manchester, United Kingdom not to miss (Updated February, 2024)

Hidden gems: Rail museums in Manchester

Discover the city's hidden treasures—remarkable spots that are relatively undiscovered but offer exceptional experiences. Our selection criteria? A rating of 4.5 or higher with fewer than 150 reviews. Explore these lesser-known yet outstanding places that promise a delightful visit in Manchester. This list contains 15 places from Rail museum category.

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Within Manchester

Miniature Railway

Rail museum

👍👍 Great little train rides for kids and grown up kids alike. No charge but donation boxes... Please give generously in order to keep this little gem going👍

5.00 (7 reviews) (~37.61 km from centre)

West Cumberland Railway Museum

Rail museum

5.00 (7 reviews) (~142.73 km from centre)

Telford Horsehay Steam Trust

Rail museum

4.90 (12 reviews) (~92.25 km from centre)

Swansea Society of Model Engineers, home of the Derwen Fawr Miniature Railway.

Tourist attraction

👍👍 Hidden gem. We had such a lovely morning down here. They had 3 little trains running , 1 pound a train ride . Also 1 pound entry. Lovely green area where lots had bought picnics. Children and adults enjoyed the ride. Highly recommended.

4.80 (50 reviews) (~240.02 km from centre)

St Albans Signal Box Preservation Trust

Museum

4.80 (26 reviews) (~231.91 km from centre)

Rainhill Railway and Heritage Society

Rail museum

👍👍 Perhaps the most important place in railway history, yet so small!

4.80 (6 reviews) (~35.14 km from centre)

Cambrian Heritage Railways - Penygarreg Halt

Rail museum

4.80 (5 reviews) (~93.59 km from centre)

County School Station

Rail museum

4.80 (5 reviews) (~227.36 km from centre)

Leadhills and Wanlockhead Railway

Rail museum

👍👍 Amazing little adventure with small people. The volunteers were very friendly and helpful. The little shop had snacks and hot beverages. The train was wonderful. We all had a fabulous time. Wrap up warm as it can get a little nippy.

4.70 (80 reviews) (~236.1 km from centre)

Scalby Mills Station

Rail museum

👍👍 The Scarborough North Bay Railway is a charming little railway that runs between Peasholm Park and Scalby Mills in the seaside town of Scarborough, England. It is a great way to see some of Scarborough's beautiful scenery and have a fun day out with the family. The railway is a 20-inch gauge miniat...

4.60 (88 reviews) (~150.95 km from centre)

Nunckley Hill Station

Rail museum

👍👍 Good experience for the family on the old train. The day tickets are only £2 more than one ride. It is a short ride with no other stops. There is a model railway with two radio controlled trains that the kids can control for £1 for 5 mins. Staff are friendly. Nice setting and you can walk round t...

4.60 (28 reviews) (~111.18 km from centre)

Amerton Railway

Rail museum

👍👍 Lovely experience even in a foot of snow. Santa and the elves were great and even provided sherry and pressies. A Christmas stream train treat for all

4.50 (127 reviews) (~71.98 km from centre)

Mid-Norfolk Railway - (County School, Station)

Heritage preservation

Visitor centre for the Mid-Norfolk Railway in a former 1886 station building, with a tearoom.

4.50 (107 reviews) (~227.36 km from centre)

The Steeple Grange Light Railway

Tourist attraction

👍👍 Fantastic afternoon visit. Our 3 yr old loved it. All the volunteers were very kind and friendly. I was shocked to see the 1 star review they had, but after a little digging, I found that whoever posted it generally doesn't like anything. I would 100% recommend this, and we will be back.

4.50 (92 reviews) (~61.87 km from centre)

Cambrian Heritage Railways

Heritage railroad

👍👍 Cute little cafe made from an old rail carriage, staffed by volunteers. Simple fare but that's all you n need. Cute little cat called Lenny was snoozing on one seat. A little railway themed shop was there two. Toilets were accessible and there was a baby change facility in the accessible toilet. Tho...

4.50 (74 reviews) (~87.21 km from centre)

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Hidden gems: Rail museums in Manchester, United Kingdom