Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway

4.8/5 based on 1381 reviews
Latest Reviews
lovelly little place, mix of steam and diesel trains. You can buy a ticket for unlimited rides, well worth it. The machines (ride on and watch) are 20p yes thats correct! Have your 20p pieces at the ready. Good food at the cafe, or take a picnic, we have done both. Have a picnic by the lake. You can spend the day here, but not spend too much money
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Nice steam trains and plenty for everyone to do as long as it's a dry day. Shame no public transport to the site. you do need a car as not in centre of tourist area
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited here the week-end before christmas with our daughter, grandson and elderly father. Good value for money. Had a ride on the steam engine which took you to see santa in his grotto. Our grandson received a substantial gift not the usual tat which ends up in the bin. Mulled wine and warm mince pies were included in the price. We had a good laugh with the staff who were all so friendly. A lot of hard work goes into this place and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Refreshments are available and there is a small shop. The annual membership is amazing value at £12:50. This would be a good outing whatever the time of year. We hope to return in the summer. Well Done to all concerned.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a lovely outing for children under probably about ten. We have gone there for years and we are always made so welcome by the friendly staff. The food is lovely and very reasonably priced. We just went to their lovely Christmas event and it was gorgeous.
The cost of a years membership at £12.50 per person is just amazing. They have a well stocked shop at good prices too.
We would thoroughly recommend a vist if you have young children.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have to say we were astounded by the value for money over the Santa weekend. (20 and 21st Dec). Everyone gets transported to see Santa on the mini train, the gifts were great (we got a magenetic Ludo game, Mr potatohead and christmas activity book with a chocolate. I actually wondered if they are making any money! Even the adults get a mince pie and mulled wine or fresh orange juice. We had gone on the Saturday late afternoon and there were queues, so we decided to come back on Sunday. We got the first train. No wonder there were queues it was a really lovely experience and well worth the money. There is plenty to do around the park too, a lovely day out and one the kids will remember for many years to come!
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A hidden jewel for eastbourne, privately owned. Reasonable prices. Playground and picnic benches, walk around the lake or go on the mini train. Kids love it
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I saw this attraction listed in a tourist brochure (Sussex 2014 top attractions) and decided it would be worth a visit. Had a good and pleasant visit, the staff were courteous and TG community friendly too.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
it was nice sitting on the train and the tiny museum. The play area was nice for younger children in good weather. not really too much to do for older children.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Thanks to Eastbourne's poor bus network, we did a lot of walking to get here (but it's well signposted for drivers). But we didn't need to go anywhere else that day. Fun miniature railway to ride on or just watch; models, slides, playground. Only one entrance/exit, so kids can run round and explore freely. All prices very modest, especially the cafe. Shop full of sensibly priced Thomas and other train toys. Lots for young kids, parents will get a nostalgia kick, teens might bore quickly. Excellent staff. Really good value day. Access to main area good unless you want to cross the railway (footbridge), there may be level alternative if you ask staff.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We came here for my sons 2nd birthday and it was an absolute hit! Although he refused to ride the train!
The play park is exciting but also felt safe, lots of slides and places to hide etc etc...there is also a bit for toddlers with lots of wooden Wendy houses - which my son loved running in and out of.
Plenty of benches to sit and eat/drink/chat.
My husband noticed there were lots of bins...and the place seemed really tidy...clearly the parents and kids are noticing them and using them - which is great!
There's an indoor bit with trains in glass cases, they are set up into working mini villages etc, you put 20p in and watch the trains whizz along - very entertaining for a train mad toddler. Also great for adults and kids, spotting all the cute tiny cars, trees, animals etc.
Certain trains run in certain days and they look good fun to go on - you travel round a lovely lake and go through tunnels - but my son really didn't want to go on so we didn't.
As i said there is a lake on the land too. You can walk round this - it's set up as a bit of a nature trail. There are a few more Wendy houses and play things on the round - a welcome surprise. We saw some people fishing and you can walk out to the edge of the little jetties round the lake. It's all very serene and peaceful - you really don't feel like you're in Eastbourne!
The cafe serves fine food at a very reasonable price but you're welcome to take a packed lunch, the toilets are well serviced and clean. The shop is lovely - but be prepared - train stuff isn't cheap! There are a few lower end gifts you can get away with buying if you're on a budget though.
Entrance in reasonable and if you live locally it's well worth getting a season ticket as it ridiculously cheap! £12 or something.
All in all it's a fab place for little ones and grown ups even if you don't get to ride a train.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had an awesome day with our 2.5 year old. The park was practically empty so he had limitless use of the train! Spent about four hours there in all, money well spent :-)
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have been coming to the miniature railway since we have lived here. I try and pay for a year, because it's cheaper. You need to ask about annual pass. If u have more than 3 people in your family it must work out better for u. It certainly does for us. We are a small family of 3.

There's plenty of space to park your cars .there are 2 disabled spaces down by the gates if u wish to park there. If not people park on the grass

I have never seen another place like this around the country . I am so glad Eastbourne have you. Everyone can go on it, it's not just for children, it's for everyone. Doesn't matter how old you are. They are all dress up in the proper outfits , train driver at the front, with his hat on. They blow the whistle to let everyone know they are off. You must sit still, with your feet firmly on a ledge. There's also a conducter at the back to make sure everyone is safe and not playing around for health and safety.

You can have a drink, our favourite is a nice cup of hot tea with extra water to have another one. It's always very clean. It's family run. I always see them on the go, making sure tables are cleaned, and wipes down. They do food too, sandwiches, ice cream, drinks for the kids, chocolate .

There's a park too with climbing frames. There is Thomas the tank where u put £0.20pence in so u can watch the train go around. In the shed where they do parties as well. There are small trains also that takes 20p. Good for the children and see there face light up.

You have different sections for age groups. There are play houses.

Joshua loves going there. You can trust this lovely place because they are safe.

Memories that I used to go on swings, slides, kids will always love this.

You can walk all the way around the place. You can go Fishng too. It's a beautiful place.,

You can see the sunshine light up on the water. It's amazing.
We usually see this when we are on the train, or if u decide to walk round.
You can cross from one side of the path to the other. Listen out for the whistle, you will see the lights anyway telling u if u can cross

I always wave to everyone. The children wave back and u can see there smile.

There's also a shop which u can look at before u leave for the day.

They are really nice people, when I walk in, the daughter is always pleasant and it makes a huge difference.

Thanks for the memories over the years

You can check on the internet for the prices , because we have annual pass, we show them, you can buy tickets for the train too. They are £5 for 6 goes.

Have fun that's what life is all about
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
On entry,decided to buy a Years subscription.Excellent value.
Always clean and tidy,plenty of room for kids to run around,and plenty to do.
Miniature trains run very frequently,and is great fun.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The railway itself is well worth the visit. There's not just one miniature steam loco but many in a perfect railway setting. The track is a complete circuit with tunnel and bridge and meanders round the edge of a lake.

There is also a large childrens play area, cafe, shop and toilets and a free car park that can fill up at busy times.

Best visited in good weather as there is a walk round the lake
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We love this attraction! It is a great little train to take the grandchildren on and fun parks for them to play at. Great value for money and friendly staff make this the ideal Saturday afternoon outing!
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Loved it is many different Play parks for little ones, and then train complete with tunnel where all kids scream as though it's a roller coaster! Great day out
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My children love this place, they enjoy riding on the train, walking round the lake and playing in the various play parks. Staff always seem friendly and good value for money as you can stay all day (in nice weather of course!).
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Well run 7 1/4inch miniature railway with frequent trains on circuit round lake with tunnel, level crossings and girder bridge. For the railway enthusiasts they have some half a dozen steam locomotives including a superb Britannia Pacific and while only one or two will be in steam the others are out in the open on display.Also a couple of push-button to operate OO gauge layouts although these are not particularly special. For the rest there is a play park catering for up to 12s or so and a walk round the lake so for most people probably a couple of hours would be enough.
Adequate (Clean) toilet facilities, refreshments and shop. Refreshment area well kept and prices reasonable (Ice-creams cheaper than you would pay on the seafront).
Biggest attraction is that all staff from the ticket office to the trains seem fully signed up to the ethos that this is a family attraction and manage to combine friendliness with efficiency
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was our second visit with my 3 year old and 7 year old nephew. Staff welcoming and all the areas really clean and tidy. The kids loved it and it'll be one of our regular places to visit!
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
great place for family good price.
google.com
Source: google.com
I liked this place and so did my grandson (he loves trains) trains fab and a great short ride on the sit on train (ladies wear trousers!) Make sure that you buy un-limited train ride tickets as you will have to go on a few times if you have young kids. Food offering seemed good with tables being cleared quickly. Great walks for the adults and playground with slides for the kids. I would not visit this place unless I had kids with me - I will visit agin though deffo!!
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This place was fantastic for kids, the miniature train was lovely, the cost was just amazing £4-60 for adults and my grandson got in for free, included ride on the train, lovely play area and adventure through the woods and nature walk round the big lake, people sat fishing, had a lovely cream tea at the café, and then went into the shop, which wasn't too expensive, wish we had seen this place before, it was brilliant!
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Super value, especially if you buy a season ticket. Lots of play equipment, little Wendy houses, geese and goslings by the lake. Pretty walks and the miniature railways... One you can ride and many more model ones to look at tootling round tracks.

We go every time we visit Eastbourne and it's always fun.

There is a reasonably priced cafe that makes light lunches - toasted sandwiches and filled baked potatoes etc.

The only drawback is there is not much cover, so not so great on a really wet day.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My brother and I with our three young boys, between the ages of 10 months and 3 years, made an impromptu visit to Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway.

First impressions; you can see continual reinvestment for such a contained outdoor park. Very clean and tidy. With the steam railway being the main focus, the family entrance fee was just £17.50 with one ride (which we thought would be enough for our little ones) or you can upgrade later for unlimited rides.

There are outdoor play areas for kids and a separate one for toddlers plus a few small indoor and one outdoor model train sets at 20p to operate.

It made for a pleasant Saturday afternoon out and the boys loved it.

What would be a good consideration is making it an all-weather attraction by including an indoor play area so if it rains, you can dive for cover instead of packing up for the day. I feel that this kind of venue possesses scope to expand.

Would I go back? Absolutely. I am sure we will be a regular visitor as our boys grow up.

Website could do with a little revamp as it doesn't give the attraction much justice.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
With a membership of £12.5 , this place is such fantastic value. Kids under a certain age are free. My daughter who is 20 months, absolutely loves this place. We are here at least twice a week. The 'baby' play park is lovely and the grown up ones are also done well. All the little ones love the wooden play houses. The cafe is a reasonable price and so are the 20p machines. Havent managed a walk around the lake yet, as little one likes to run for the water!
Would definitely recommend this place, have bought annual passes for my parents too!
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Displaying page 51 of 56
Latest Reviews
Social Interaction