Days out
Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic trip down memory lane or an exciting day out for the whole family, a steam train journey could be the answer. There are plenty of steam train rides no matter where in the UK you’re headed, and as a Club member, you may even get a discount too.
Where: Burrs Country Park, Woodhill Road, Lancashire, North West England, BL8 1DA
Closest Club campsite: Burrs Country Park Club Campsite
The East Lancashire Railway is not to be missed, running from Rawtenstall to Heywood on the outskirts of Manchester. Why not explore the museums of Bury or the lively market town of Ramsbottom; two of the seven stops on the line. You can also take in the beauty of Burrs Country Park, which is easily accessible from our nearby Club campsite. This family-friendly site is literally on the doorstep of the railway - you can watch the trains go past from some pitches!
Club member discount: Two for the price of one with a ‘Freedom of the Line’ ticket
Where: Park Avenue, Ceredigion, Wales, SY23 1PG
Closest Club campsite: Shawsmead Club Campsite or Gwern-y-Bwlch Club Campsite
Travel from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge through some of Wales' most stunning scenery on the Vale of Rheidol Railway. Marvel at the rolling hills and unspoilt countryside as you travel through this picturesque part of West Wales. If you want to make a day of your railway experience, there are plenty of opportunities. Enjoy various special events throughout the year, including Jazz Nights and Santa Specials, plus Sunday lunch specials in November and 'ride and dine' summer evening excursions from May to August. Don't forget to pack your walking boots to enjoy a number of walks from many of the stations.
Where: The Station, Dartbridge Road, Devon, Devon and Cornwall, TQ11 0DZ
Closest Club campsite: Steamer Quay Club Campsite
The South Devon Railway runs along the valley of the River Dart between Buckfastleigh and Totnes. This former Great Western Railway branch line stretches for seven miles and is the perfect all-weather attraction for the whole family. Enjoy Sunday lunch or Afternoon Tea throughout the year on one of the steam trains with dining experiences from Buckfastleigh station or attend one of many special events like the South Devon 1940s festival or the Summer Diesel Gala.
Club member discount: 10% off adult, senior citizen and child fares
Where: Aylsham Station, Norwich Road, Norfolk, East Anglia, NR11 6BW
Closest Club campsite: Norfolk Broads Club Campsite or Incleboro Club Campsite
Welcoming over 100,000 visitors a year, Norfolk's longest narrow-gauge steam railway operates between the old market town of Aylsham and the bustling town of Wroxham. A single journey between Aylsham and Wroxham takes 45 minutes and involves optional request stops (known as halts) at the likes of Brampton, Buxton and Coltishall. Break up the 18-mile round trip with a few nearby walks from any of the halt stations and explore an abundance of local history.
Club member discount: £2 off adult return fare
Where: Matlock Station, Nottinghamshire, DE4 3NA
Closest Club campsite: The Firs Club Campsite or Carsington Water Club Campsite
Enjoy riverside walks and museum strolls on the heritage steam railway between Matlock and Rowsley South Station. Peak Rail hosts many special events and galas throughout the year, from an Easter Treasure Hunt to the Steam and Diesel Gala, and also offers luxury dining. If you’re bringing the whole family, take advantage of kids go free days throughout the year.
Where: Haverthwaite Station, Cumbria, Lake District, LA12 8AL
Closest Club campsite: Meathop Fell Caravan Club Campsite or Coniston Park Coppice Club Campsite
Take the 20 minute journey from Haverthwaite to Lakeside and enjoy stunning views at the southern tip of Lake Windermere. There’s an abundance of things to do nearby, from the Lakeland Motor Museum to The World of Beatrix Potter. You could also hop aboard a Windermere Steamer with Windermere Lake Cruises and head to Bowness or Ambleside to extend your day out or head out on a country walk to really make the most of the views.
Club member discount: One free child when accompanied by one full paying adult
Where: The Railway Station, Toddington, Cheltenham, GL54 5DT
Closest Club campsite: Broadway Club Campsite
Hop aboard the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway to see some of the Cotswolds' most spectacular scenery. Your views will stretch out across the Malvern Hills and beyond, spotting picturesque hamlets and villages as you travel from Broadway to Cheltenham Racecourse. The railway line runs right past Broadway Club Campsite, so lucky campers might be able to spot the trains as they fly past.
Where: Bitton Station, Bath Rd, Bitton, Bristol BS30 6HD
Closest Club campsite: Longleat Club Campsite or Cheddar Club Campsite
Looking for a great day out for folk of all ages? How about a ride on one of the UK’s 200-plus heritage railways? The Avon Valley Railway runs a six-mile round journey through the South Gloucestershire countryside, making for an hour of the easiest going. Start from Bitton Station (it’s on Bath Road almost exactly midway between Bristol and Bath) and then head in either direction – north to Oldland Common or south to Avon Riverside – the latter is great if you want to stop off for a picnic.
Where: Wirksworth Station, Coldwell Street, Derbyshire, Peak District, DE4 4FB
Closest Club campsite: Carsington Water Club Campsite
Enjoy the delights of the beautiful Ecclesbourne Valley. Step on board one of the heritage steam or diesel trains for a fantastic day out on the nine mile heritage line between Wirksworth and Duffield, home to picturesque rolling hills, quaint towns and villages and an array of interesting wildlife. Motorhome parking is available and dogs are welcome in standard class too!
Club member discount: 50% discount on Adult Day Rover tickets
By Jonathan Manning | 27 February 2019
Even a raging storm cannot spoil the untamed beauty of Scotland for Jonathan Manning as he heads north in his VW camper from Maragowan Club site to Kinlochewe. During his seven-site tour Jonathan has his breath taken away by enchanting waterfalls, fairytale castles, beautiful lochs, imposing mountains and a Harry Potter steam train.
By Rochelle Hibbitt | 7 March 2019
Start your touring season off right with a great British break - there’s plenty here to visit, and we’ve compiled a list of places responsible for some of the most iconic British foods, so you can eat your way around the UK!
