Gartell Light Railway

A working heritage railway hidden away near Sturminster Newton, Gartell Light Railway is one of those places that proper transport enthusiasts lose their minds over - and honestly, even if you're not obsessed with locomotives, it's oddly engaging. The line still operates vintage trains along a short stretch of track, so you're not just looking at static exhibits behind velvet ropes. You actually get to ride the thing, which makes a difference.

It's genuinely worth a morning visit if you're camping in the area. The whole experience doesn't take long - a couple of hours maximum - but it's the kind of activity that appeals to kids who like anything with wheels that moves under its own steam, and adults who remember when train journeys meant something. The volunteers who run it are invariably chatty and knowledgeable, the sort of people who'll spend twenty minutes explaining the valve mechanism if you ask.

Stay at Starlight Glamping or Sunnyhill Campsite nearby and you're well placed for exploring this corner of Dorset. The railway sits nicely between a proper day out and a quick rainy-afternoon diversion. Go on a weekday if you can - weekends attract crowds, and somehow that dampens the charm of these places.

Check ahead for opening times before you visit; heritage railways often run seasonal services rather than year-round. Admission usually costs a few quid, though riding the train itself will cost extra.