Autumn Steam Gala - featuring 1466, 1450 and SECR 01 Class No 65
5-7 September - Join us for a multi engine event, with tours of some of our normally closed areas
Living Museum of the Great Western Railway
Welcome to Didcot Railway Centre
Explore the unique collection of Great Western Railway steam locomotives, carriages, wagons, buildings and small artefacts at our 21 acre living museum set around the original 1932 Engine Shed
What's Happening Soon...
We are completely closed on days with a white or grey background and open only on days with a brightly coloured block.
For a full schedule of events see our calendar page:
Full Calendar
Latest Information - Thu 4 Sep 2025
Buy a Gift and Virgin Experience Vouchers
Buy a Gift and Virgin Experience Vouchers can be used on yellow or purple days on our calendar. To visit using your voucher please email us with the voucher code, the date you'd like to visit and a contact number and we will send you an email confirmation.
Swindon Panel
Swindon Panel will be open on the following dates:-
September 6, 10, 21, 27
Next Special Events
- Autumn Steam Gala - 5-7 September
- Steam into Christmas - 6/7, 13/14, 20-23 December
Next Open Days
Next Steam Days - September 5-7
Next Discovery Days - September 4, 11/12, 18/19, 25/26
Next Heritage Diesel Days - September 13/14, 20/21, 27/28
Next Limited Run Days - September 3, 10, 17, 24
The Railway Centre is currently Open from Wednesday to Sunday, and on August Bank Holiday Monday.
Last Admission: 2.30pm on all open days
What's Next
Steam Into Christmas
Help Santa find his missing reindeer! Explore our 21 acre site to find each of Santa's lost reindeer, culminating in a visit to the grotto to meet Santa.
A Christmas Carol - performed by Gerald Dickens
16/17 December - A one man theatrical performance. Mulled wine and mince pie included.
Steam Days
Unlimited steam train rides. Explore our 21 acre living museum and experience 200 years of railway heritage
Discovery Days
With no trains running, explore our 21 acre living museum at leisure and get close to our exhibits
Limited Run Days
Train rides are available for part of the day. Explore our 21 acre living museum and experience 200 years of railway heritage
Heritage Diesel Days
Unlimited diesel train rides. Explore our 21 acre living museum and experience 200 years of railway heritage
Plan Your Visit
Getting here, loco roster, 10 things not to miss and accessibility information.
Visitors' Views
A short day visit - Loved visiting the museum. It was nice to roam around the yards looking at all their steam locomotives. The audio in the shed was a good idea, as it gives you a feel of what it would be like. It was a quiet day with no trains running, but I liked the exhibits they had. I hear they are going to repair the roof on the engine shed. It was nice to see a preserved original shed and the replica coaling station. My father and brothers had a nice chat with one of the volunteers who dedicates her time to keeping the museum going. Lovely job!
- rb - August 2025
Latest News
A Royal Visit
The Duke of Gloucester visits Didcot Railway Centre
Former Chairman awarded MBE
Richard Croucher is awarded Membership of the Order of the British Empire in the 2025 King's Birthday Honours
Heritage Fund support for historic Engine Shed restoration
Development funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Join Us and Get Involved
We have around 4,000 members including over 250 active volunteers who help run the Centre.
The Great Western Society
Didcot Railway Centre is the home of the Great Western Society
Members' Area
Members' Area
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