Didcot Railway Centre Discovery Days
24 July All day
About Didcot Railway Centre Discovery Days
With no trains running, explore the 21 acre living museum at leisure and get close to the exhibits
Travel back to the golden age of the Great Western Railway and experience the sights, sounds and atmosphere of steam across this 21-acre living museum, showcasing trains from Victorian times through to the 1960s.
Visitors can explore the site at leisure and uncover almost two centuries of railway history. With trains not running on Discovery Days, there is a rare opportunity to see the locomotives up close.
A colourful Centre Guide helps visitors navigate the site, from the original 1932 Engine Shed to the impressive collection of preserved locomotives, including 5900 Hinderton Hall. Guests can step onto the footplate and hear staff in character as they bring the engines to life, capturing the rhythms of a working steam-era shed.
Across the site, the Engine Shed atmosphere is carefully recreated, with sounds and details that evoke daily railway life. The Carriage and Wagon section displays restored rolling stock from Victorian times to the 1940s, including a VIP saloon believed to have been used by General Eisenhower during preparations for D-Day and later part of the GWR Royal Train, alongside ongoing restoration work. Brunel’s Broad Gauge collection is also on display, including locomotives, coaches, the transfer shed, and remnants of the ambitious Atmospheric Railway.
Interactive and interpretive experiences continue in the Signalling Centre, where visitors can discover how rail traffic has been controlled over time, with the Swindon Panel demonstrated on selected dates. A WWII air raid shelter offers a powerful glimpse into wartime history, while the museum houses a vast and varied collection of smaller artefacts. The Road Transport Hangar adds further depth with examples of historic GWR road vehicles.
Discovery Days offer full access to the site, with the restaurant, shop, museum, Engine Shed displays, carriage and wagon exhibits, signalling centre, and transfer shed all open to visitors. The quieter atmosphere allows more time to appreciate the locomotives and surroundings. At times, visitors may also witness shunting movements, workshop activity, or even steam tests taking place outdoors.
Families can enjoy the outdoor play area or dress up as station staff, while the refreshment rooms provide space to relax over lunch or a snack. A visit to the gift shop offers souvenirs to complete the experience. The backdrop of modern railway traffic passing nearby adds contrast, bringing over 180 years of railway evolution together in a single day.
Tickets
Please see important booking information below.
Booking information
Ticket prices:
Admission for 2 people with Tea & Cake – £32.00 (£35.50 with Gift Aid)
Adult Admission – £12.00 (£14.00 with Gift Aid)
Senior Admission (65+) – £9.00 (£10.00 with Gift Aid)
Child Admission (3 to 15) – £7.50 (£8.50 with Gift Aid)
Child Under 3 Admission – Free
Family of 4 Admission (2 Adults and 2 Children) – £35.00 (£38.50 with Gift Aid)
Family of 5 Admission (2 Adults and 3 Children) – £44.00 (£48.50 with Gift Aid)
Carer Admission – £0.00
Visitors may be asked to provide reasonable proof of carer status on the day of arrival.
Admission prices are inclusive of all regular attractions including free train rides on running days.
Child prices apply to children aged 3 to 15
Opening times:
The Didcot Railway Centre is currently open only at Weekends and on 18 to 20 February for Half-Term, with the last entries at 2.30pm. You are welcome to stay until closing at 4.00pm.
Please have your original e-ticket ready to show the staff. Please also bring your membership card if you’re a member or your carer‘s ID if you have booked a carer’s ticket.
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Good to know:
Joining during half term week, will be a visiting engine, Prairie 5199 courtesy of the 5199 Project, and together with our own 4144 and 6106 will be the first time these 3 Prairies will have been seen together in preservation. 5199 is due to come out of traffic shortly as its boiler certificate is running out, so make the most of being able to see this operating while you can!
