Didcot Railway Centre

About Didcot Railway Centre

Didcot Railway Centre is a former Great Western Railway engine-shed and locomotive stabling point located set in 25 acres alongside Didcot Parkway Station in Didcot, Oxfordshire, which today has been converted into a railway museum and preservation engineering site.

For anyone who loves steam trains and railways, Didcot Railway Centre offers a unique collection of Great Western Railway steam engines, coaches, wagons, buildings and small relics based around the original 1930s engine shed. It’s exhibition Only Days are great fun for young and old alike – even if you are not into trains and history.

Experiences

Pull-on your overalls and climb into the cab of one of our full-size steam locomotives under the expert guidance of our experienced footplate supervisors. Whether it’s to realise a childhood ambition, find a memorable birthday treat, celebrate a special anniversary, entertain corporate guests or undertake an unusual team-building activity, the centre offers a host of railway experience days and behind-the-scenes tours.

Didcot Railway Centre is operated by the Great Western Society as a living museum of the Great Western Railway

Opening times

Didcot Railway Centre is open from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm on all Exhibition Days and on Steam Days between October and March, and until 5:00 pm on Steam Days between April and September. Last admission is at 3:30 pm on all days.

On Arrival

• The entrance to the Railway Centre is through the ticket hall and original steam-age subway of Didcot Parkway railway station.
• Please advise the GWR ticket barrier staff at the mainline station that you are visiting Didcot Railway Centre and they will open the barriers to allow you access. (You will need to show your Railway Centre tickets when you exit the main station after your visit).
• Walk straight through the modern subway and continue into the original subway, built to allow enginemen to get to work at the locomotive shed. The old-style flight of stairs leading from the subway will take you to the Railway Centre entrance and ticket office.
• isitors with limited mobility and wheelchair users should consult the Railway Centre Accessibility Page when planning a visit or call 01235 817200 for further information.

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.

By Bus
Thames Travel runs daily services from Oxford and Abingdon. For more public transport information see Traveline South East. 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 white on brown signs to Didcot Railway Centre. It can also be reached via the A34 from the M40. There is ample car parking at the main station car park – a modern multi-storey facility accessed via Foxhall Road and Basil Hill Road.

Facilities

Refreshment room: There is a welcoming refreshment room serving hot & cold drinks and snacks all day, and also lunches on every open day.
Picnic area: You can enjoy your meal out in the picnic area: with plenty of fresh air and in full view of the trains as they pass by.
Shop: From pocket money treats to expensive collectables you’ll find a good range of items on sale in our shop.

Good to know

Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.