Big adventures. Little smiles. Endless memories.
There’s something magical about trains that never fades - the whoosh of steam, the gleam of brass, the sound of the whistle echoing across the hills. For children, it’s pure excitement; for grown-ups, it’s nostalgia reborn. The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway is full of moments like these - whether you’re watching their eyes light up as a locomotive rolls in, waving from the platform, or sharing a picnic as the countryside glides by.
Across our line, there’s plenty for children (and the young at heart) to enjoy - from special family events to playground adventures and hands-on railway fun.
Unmissable Family Events
Our calendar is full of family-friendly events that add a little extra magic to a day on the railway. From creative play and hands-on activities to seasonal favourites, there’s always something special for children to enjoy.
Trainmaster Kids’ Playtime Sessions (Winchcombe Station) - Relaxed, guided play sessions designed for younger children, combining imaginative activities with a friendly railway setting.
GWSR Bricks Weekend - A favourite with young builders, featuring impressive LEGO® railway layouts, hands-on building areas and creative displays inspired by trains.
Summer Crafts for Kids - Drop-in craft activities during the school holidays, giving children the chance to get creative and make something to take home.
Santa Express - A magical festive train journey to the ‘North Pole’ at Winchcombe Station, where children meet Santa in his Grotto and receive a special gift.
Teddy Bear Specials - Children travel free when they bring their favourite teddy, with themed activities, gentle fun and lots of photo opportunities.
Spooky Sessions - A family-friendly Halloween experience with seasonal decorations and light-hearted surprises — spooky enough to be exciting, without being scary.
Fun Around the Railway
There’s plenty to keep little explorers entertained between train rides:
Playground at Toddington – Let off some steam at our dedicated play area right next to the station.
Narrow Gauge Railway (Toddington)* – Take a short trip on this charming little line, perfect for children who can’t get enough of trains.
Model Railway Carriage (Winchcombe)* – Small in size but big on fun - a great favourite with younger visitors.
Mini Signal Box and Loco Yard (Toddington) – Budding railway fans can peek behind the scenes, see locomotives up close, and try their hand at signalling in our demonstration box.
*Opening Hours dependent on volunteer availability and timetable.
Child-Friendly Dining at the GWSR
Exploring the railway is hungry work - and we’ve got plenty of places to stop for a tasty break. Each of our main stations has its own café or refreshment kiosk, serving a range of light meals, snacks, and drinks to suit the whole family.
At Toddington, you’ll find our welcoming Cotswold Halt Café with indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for watching the trains come and go. Winchcombe offers a cosy spot for tea and cake, and at Cheltenham Race Course Station, our refreshments stand is ideal for a quick snack before your journey.
You can even enjoy a bite on the move in our Buffet Car, serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and ice creams as the countryside rolls by.
We know that every family has different needs, so we do our best to cater for food allergies and dietary requirements. Gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options are usually available, and our volunteers are always happy to help with ingredient information - just ask before you order.
Of course, no visit is complete without a treat for the little ones - a scoop of ice cream, a slice of cake, or a drink of their own to enjoy while you watch the steam engines at work.
Shops and Souvenirs
No day out is complete without a little something to take home - and our station shops are packed with treasures for train lovers of all ages.
You’ll find our main shops at Toddington and Broadway, each one brimming with railway-themed gifts, books, and collectables. For younger visitors, there’s a fantastic range of pocket-money toys, from whistles and badges to model engines and storybooks that bring the magic of steam to life long after your visit.
We also stock a variety of exclusive GWSR souvenirs, so you can take home a reminder of your journey - perhaps a mug featuring your favourite locomotive, a fridge magnet, or a limited-edition print.
If your child has caught the “train bug”, there are starter model railway sets and accessories to inspire their next hobby, plus activity books and puzzles to keep them entertained on the way home.
Our friendly volunteers are always happy to help you find the perfect keepsake - whether it’s a small memento or a gift for a lifelong enthusiast.
Accessibility for Families
We’ve done our best to make the railway comfortable and accessible for all families.
Baby changing facilities are available at main stations.
High Chairs available for use in our Cafe's
Buggy space can be found in the guard’s van on most trains.
Please note that, due to the historic nature of our coaches and buildings, some areas (like the model railway and mini signal box) are not fully accessible. Our friendly volunteers will always be happy to help wherever possible.
All Aboard for Family Fun
Whether it’s their very first train ride or a day packed with adventure, a visit to the GWSR is the perfect way to spend time together. From giggles in the playground to wide-eyed wonder on the platform, you’ll make memories that last long after the last whistle blows.