Devon Railway Centre, Bickleigh, Tiverton, Devon
If you’ve got any train fanatics with you when you’re on your large group holiday in Devon, you should take them to Devon Railway Centre at Bickleigh, 4 miles from Tiverton, on the site of the former Exe Railway that closed in 1963.
It’s not just one for train folk, the whole family can have a jolly good day out at the Devon Railway Centre; board the Narrow Gauge Railway and ride along the River Exe, alighting at the picnic area where the kids can play on the climbing frame, or take the Miniature Railway to the Magic Wood.
There’s also an impressive Model Railway Exhibition with 14 layouts and over 40 trains, very aptly displayed in full sized railway coaches, and a Edwardian Model Village with a tin mine, funfair and circus parade. There’s crazy golf, 3 outdoor play areas, Drive Your Own Cars, Space Orbiters, a Play Shed with soft play, a sand pit, wooden railways, a play and build area and ball pool. When you find yourselves in need of sustenance if you haven’t brought a picnic, you can go to Buffers Café for a light lunch or tea and cake.
And when we say the whole family, we mean the whole family because the railway centre is dog friendly, apart from the indoor play areas and the exhibition. Opening times are generally 10:30am-5:00pm from April to early November, though it’s always best to check the website before planning your trip.
All information correct at the time of writing