Ferry Meadows Minature Railway - Gunwade Station

The miniature railway at Ferry Meadows runs on a proper gauge track through the country park's grounds, and you'll spot the little steam and diesel engines pottering along if you time it right. Gunwade Station is where passengers board - it's the kind of place that appeals instantly to families with young kids, though anyone who remembers childhood train journeys will find themselves grinning like an idiot too.

What you're really doing here is taking a slow ride through the park itself, which is the main draw. The journey isn't long, but that's fine - it's the experience rather than the distance. You'll see proper countryside, maybe spot some birdlife, and the kids get to feel like they're on a real railway without the stress of a full-scale station. Steam days are the highlight if you can time your visit right.

It's free to wander around Ferry Meadows itself, though rides on the railway have a small charge. Allow a couple of hours if you're making a day of it - the railway ride itself is brief, but there's plenty to explore in the park. Summer weekends are busy, so go midweek if possible.

Peterborough is just minutes away, which makes this a solid stop if you're camping nearby - Castle Farm Campsite sits less than six miles down the road. It pairs well with the broader park experience rather than standing alone as a full afternoon's entertainment, but for families with restless children, it does the job efficiently.