Swindon & Cricklade Railway-South Blunsdon Station

Steam trains still run on this stretch of preserved railway, and South Blunsdon Station is where you board them. It's a proper slice of railway heritage - the kind of place where you'll actually see locomotives being fired up and hear the hiss of steam before departure. The station itself has been restored to look roughly as it did in the 1960s, with period details that feel authentic rather than theme-park fake.

This works brilliantly for families with kids who've watched too much Chuggington and want the real thing. Adults who grew up trainspotting will find something genuinely worth their time here too. A typical journey takes around 90 minutes return, winding through the Wiltshire countryside between South Blunsdon and Cricklade. It's gentle, scenic, and far enough away from Swindon town centre to feel like you've actually gone somewhere.

If you're staying at Park Farm Campsite or Second Chance Touring Park - both just a few miles away - this makes for a cracking afternoon out without needing to drive far. The railway operates seasonally, so check ahead before planning your visit. Admission isn't free, but it's reasonable for what you get. Allow three to four hours if you want to nose around the station before and after your train.

Worth the trip? Yes, if you've got railway enthusiasts in tow or simply fancy something different from the usual Wiltshire attractions. Less essential if you're just passing through.