Cropthorne light railway

A narrow-gauge railway line that runs through the Vale of Evesham near Pershore - this is the sort of place that appeals instantly to anyone with even a passing interest in steam engines and vintage rail travel. The Cropthorne light railway takes you on a proper journey through Worcestershire countryside, rattling past orchards and along routes that hark back to a very different era of transport.

It's brilliant for families with children old enough to sit still for a journey - under-fives might find the novelty wears thin after twenty minutes, but primary school kids tend to be absolutely gripped by the whole steam engine experience. Serious railway enthusiasts will want to allow a good couple of hours to really soak it in and chat with the volunteers who run the place. Adults without kids enjoy it too, especially on quieter days when you can actually hear the engine properly.

The surrounding area is prime Worcestershire Vale - orchards, gentle rolling hills, the sort of landscape that makes you remember why you came to the Midlands in the first place. It sits nicely alongside a broader holiday in the region, particularly if you're based at one of the nearby parks like Plum Tree Glamping (they've even got a railway wagon as accommodation - bit of a nod to the place). The Springs Holiday Park and Bredon View are also within a couple of miles.

Go mid-week if you can. Weekends get busy and the magic of a Victorian railway experience somewhat evaporates when you're queuing with thirty other people.