Rockin' Bulstrode & Sodor Docks

The old railway sidings near Atherstone still carry the ghost of their industrial past, though these days they're better known to fans of a certain blue tank engine. Rockin' Bulstrode and Sodor Docks are essentially a working heritage railway attraction that pulls in families with young children who've grown up watching Thomas the Tank Engine on screen.

What you get is a chance to see actual locomotives and rolling stock - including some genuinely historic engines - plus the chance to ride on short heritage railway journeys if they're running. The 'Sodor' connection is obvious to anyone who knows the books, and there's enough railway nostalgia here to keep transport enthusiasts of all ages occupied for a couple of hours.

The main crowd will be families with under-eights who want to spot Thomas-themed characters, though older railway buffs get genuine value from the collection itself. It's not a massive operation - you won't need more than two hours here unless you're catching a ride - but it's a solid half-day diversion if you're staying nearby.

Acycling from Nightingales Rustic Camping, about six miles away, would be perfectly doable for a morning trip. The site itself is quite weather-dependent; summer weekends tend to draw bigger crowds, so go midweek if you can. Check ahead for specific opening dates, as heritage railways often run seasonally rather than year-round.