Didcot Railway Centre

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Visit one of the best things to do near Oxford at the Didcot Railway Centre and Museum

Welcome to the Didcot Railway Centre in Oxfordshire! Explore a 21-acre living museum centred around a unique collection of Great Western Railway steam locomotives. 

Just a short train journey from Oxford, enjoy one of the best days out near Oxford for families when you visit the Didcot Railway Centre. Suitable for all ages, the Didcot Steam Railway centre is simply a must visit for experienced rail enthusiasts and newbies alike as one of the best places to visit in Oxfordshire. 

What's on at Didcot Railway Centre?

Throughout the year, Didcot Railway Centre is home to steam engine rides, museum visits and other special events. Take a look at some of the best things to do in Didcot Railway Centre in 2024: 

  • Steam Days: For the Didcot Railway Steam Days, enjoy unlimited steam train rides on one of the site's iconic locomotives. 
  • Discovery Days: When no trains are running, you can save on tickets and explore the 21-acre living museum at your own leisure and get up close to the many exhibits. 
  • Heritage Diesel Days: Take unlimited rides on the Great Western Railway Diesel Railcar on one of the most unique day outs near Oxford. 
  • Limited Run Days: Steam and diesel trains will be in action at various points throughout the day as you explore the heritage of the iconic railway centre. 
  • Special Events: There's plenty of events taking place throughout the year in the Dicot Railway Centre Museum, so keep your eyes peeled! 

Take a look at all the events in Didcot Railway Museum and get your tickets for the best prices you'll find online. Booking is quick and easy, with tickets delivered to you instantly via email and SMS. 

Don't miss out on a great day family day out near Oxford at the Didcot Railway Centre and book your tickets today! 

Location

Didcot Railway Centre

Station Road,
Didcot,
Oxfordshire,
OX11 7NJ
Show on Google Maps

How to find us

On arrival, the entrance to the Railway Centre is through the ticket hall of the Didcot Parkway mainline railway station.

Didcot is 53 miles west of London, 10 miles south of Oxford and almost halfway between London and Bristol on Brunel's original Great Western Railway.

By train:

Great Western Railway trains serve Didcot Parkway with direct services from London Paddington, Reading and Thames Valley, Oxford, the Midlands, Swindon, Bath, Bristol and South Wales.

Visitors arriving by train should follow the signs to the Railway Centre in the subway as you leave the platforms at Didcot Parkway. Turn right at the bottom of the steps from the platforms and you will see the double doors to the entrance.

By bus:

Thames Travel run daily services from Oxford & Abingdon and Wallingford.

Buses stop at the front of Didcot Parkway railway station.

By car:

The Railway Centre is signposted from the M4 (junction 13) and the A34, follow the brown signs to Didcot Railway Centre. It can also be accessed from the M40 and A34. Take the turning for the Milton Interchange.

If you are using a SAT-NAV to find the site, please do not use the address for Didcot Railway Centre as this will take you into the middle of a housing estate. 

There are no car parks operated at Didcot Railway Centre, however, there are three options available for use nearby. The main railway station multi-storey car park (Foxhall Rd) is the only one that takes cash or card payments. This car park is your destination if you follow the brown signs to Didcot Railway Centre.

The car park does not have a postcode. Use the What3Words: caves.wades.slanting to find the car park

From the car park, leave on foot, via the covered walkway from Level 2 which leads to the front of Didcot Parkway station.

Facilities
  • Refreshment rooms.
  • Picnic area
  • Shop
  • Toilets
  • Baby-changing facilities
More Info
What are the Didcot Railway Centre locomotives in traffic?

The locomotives currently in traffic at Didcot Railway Centre include: 

  • 1340 - Trojan - GWR (Avonside) 0-4-0 Saddle Tank Locomotive
  • 2999 - Lady of Legend - GWR 4-6-0 Tender Locomotive
  • 4079 - Pendennis Castle - GWR 4-6-0 Tender Locomotive
  • 4144 - GWR 2-6-2 Prairie Tank
  • 2409 - King George - Hunslet 0-6-0 Tank Locomotive
  • 31 270 - Athena - Brush Type 2 Diesel Electric
  • D9516 - Class 14 0-6-0 Teddy Bear Ex BR(WR) Diesel Hydraulic
  • 08604 - Phantom - Class 08 0-6-0 BR Diesel-electric shunter
Are dogs allowed at Didcot Railway Centre?

Well-behaved dogs are welcome to the centre but should be kept on a lead at all times. Please make sure to pick up after your dog. Only assistance dogs are allowed at the refreshment rooms. 

Is Didcot Railway Museum wheelchair accessible?

A new entrance ramp is in the process of being installed at Didcot Railway Centre, with a ceremonial opening set to take place in February 2024. 

There is currently an unavoidable 18-step entrance to the site. 

From the main entrance, there is level access to: 

  • Engine Shed
  • Transfer Shed
  • The Signalling Centre
  • GWT Museum
  • Accessible Toilet
  • Refreshment room
  • Shop
  • Picnic area
How long should I spend at Didcot Railway Centre?

You should allow at least two hours to explore everything that the Didcot Railway Centre has to offer. 

How long is the track at Didcot Railway Centre?

There are two demonstration lines which provide unlimited train rides all day (breaking only for lunch). Each demonstration line is about half a mile long.

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