CATEGORY · FRESH AIR INCLUDED
Steam Railways & Boat Trips in Derby
Steam Railways & Boat Trips in Derby: every place written up honestly, with the details parents actually need.
10 places 6 upcoming events 2 free to visit
What's on: steam railways & boat trips
SAT 10 OCT, 08:20 · +16 MORE DATES
Duffield Shopper Special
Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
SUN 11 OCT, 12:45 · +16 MORE DATES
Sunday Countryman
Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
From £67
SAT 17 OCT, 10:00 · +1 MORE DATE
The 1940s Steam Event
Papplewick Pumping Station
From £13
SAT 17 OCT, 11:00
TUGS Day
Midland Railway Butterley
From £10
SAT 17 OCT, 12:45
Luxury Afternoon Tea
Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
From £50
FRI 27 NOV, 12:45
Christmas Countryman
Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
From £60
Places for steam railways & boat trips
Ashby Boat Company
Nuneaton
Hire a narrowboat and pilot it yourselves along the Ashby Canal, a stretch with no locks to fumble with.
from £23Birdswood Canal Boat
Matlock
A canal boat trip with commentary out to the Leawood Pump House, at £23 a head for the premium heritage sailing.
Booking requiredCaféChanging Places
from £20Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
Wirksworth
Ride heritage steam and diesel trains through the Derbyshire countryside, with a model railway carriage and picnic stops along the way.
ToiletsParkingPicnic areaGift shop+3 more
from £13Great Central Railway
Loughborough · ages 0+
Hop between four vintage stations on a steam or heritage diesel train, with museums and tea rooms to explore along the platforms.
ToiletsCaféFood on sitePicnic area+7 more
FreeGreat Central Railway (Nottingham)
Nottingham
Free site entry, £3 parking and a flat, buggy-friendly 25-acre site with steam trains, old buses, mini railway rides and a dog-friendly café.
Baby changeBike parkingBlue badge parkingCafé+13 more
from £10Midland Railway Butterley
Ripley
Ride heritage steam or DMU trains, explore the museum and playground, then hop the train to Swanwick Junction.
Free parkingCaféToiletsOutdoor play+8 more
FreeNottingham Heritage Railway
Ruddington
Steam and diesel trains, a miniature railway and a working bus depot to explore near Ruddington.
ParkingToiletsCaféGift shop+1 more
from £4Papplewick Pumping Station
Nottingham · ages 0+
Victorian beam engines and a wooded play area near Nottingham, with steam days when the engines actually run.
Booking requiredCaféCard onlyDog friendly+12 more
from £8.50Peak Rail
Darley Dale
Ride steam and diesel heritage trains between Rowsley South and Matlock - kids under 16 travel free with a paying adult.
ToiletsAccessible toiletBaby changeCafé+8 more
from £23.95Princess River Cruises
Colwick
Cruise the Trent on a heated river boat with live commentary, a companion map and a sit-down meal.
Free parkingToiletsBirthday partiesGroup bookings
Good to know: steam railways & boat trips in Derby
Are any of them free?
Yes, Great Central Railway (Nottingham) and Nottingham Heritage Railway are free to visit.
What does a paid visit cost?
Paid entry starts from £4 at Papplewick Pumping Station. Prices, ages and facilities are listed on every place page, taken from each venue's own published price list.
Whereabouts are they?
You'll find steam railways & boat trips in Nuneaton, Matlock, Wirksworth, Loughborough, Nottingham and 4 more. Every place we list is in or around Derby, and each listing has the full address and directions.
More ways to plan a day out
KEEP EXPLORING
Not a steam railways & boat trips day? Try another lane
THE WEEKENDER
Next weekend, sorted. Every Thursday, free.
The best family things happening around Derby, one hidden gem, and a rainy-day backup plan, from a dad who's been there with a bored seven-year-old.
Free forever. One brilliant email a week. Unsubscribe anytime.