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Model Villages & Miniature Railways in Sheffield

Miniature railways round here tend to come with a proper day out attached. Abbeydale Miniature Railway is right in Sheffield itself, a steam-hauled line where entry is free and a ride is just £2. Out at Chesterfield, Barrow Hill Roundhouse Railway Centre gets children up close to real engines and a working turntable, from £8 and best for ages three and up, with a café to duck into if the weather turns. A longer trip out to Buxton takes you to Pavilion Gardens, free to wander, with outdoor play parks and a paid miniature train and boats for when you fancy the extra. If you want free rides rather than a paid ride, Tingley's WRSLS runs its miniature railway free on Sunday afternoons between April and September. Matlock Boats and Train mixes a £1 train ride with £6 motorboat hire on the lake, no booking needed, which suits older children better than toddlers. Sherwood Forest Railway, a longer trip out at Kings Clipstone, adds play areas alongside its steam train from £4. For toddlers, Abbeydale and Pavilion Gardens are the easiest starts.

✓ 6 places★ 1 upcoming event✦ 3 free to visit