Discovery Days
30/31 December - With no trains running, explore our 21 acre living museum at leisure and get close to our exhibits
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...
For a full schedule of events see our calendar page:
Full Calendar
We are open only on days indicated by coloured blocks and closed on days shown as grey or blank.
Latest Information - Mon 11 Dec 2023
Next Discovery Days - 30/31 December and Weekends in January
Next Event: Steam into Christmas - December 2/3, 9/10, 16/17, 21-23
The Railway Centre is currently closed on Weekdays (Other than 21/22 December). We are also closed on Sunday 24 December
What's Next
Steam Into Christmas and 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
Thursday 14 December - A one man theatrical performance. Mulled wine and mince pie included.
Steam Days 2024
2024 Steam Days. Unlimited steam 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 Grand pre-Christmas Day Out! - We took our family of two couples, and 5 grandchildren (5 to 6/12 old) and us grandparents to the pre-Christmas Reindeer and Santa day on 23rd December. It exceeded our expectations throughout, and although we had been to the centre previously, there wasn't a moment of disappointment!
From the initial welcome, to the ease of boarding the train, collecting all the 'stamps' on the 'passport' for each child - accompanied by great presents (not trashy items as in crackers, but really appreciated children's gifts) - and the final meeting off Santa with an even more exciting present to collect from the carriage, it was all perfect! Despite it being a rainy day off and on, we enjoyed great hot chocolates and lunches in the canteen along with the brilliant silver band accompaniment.
This was a day out that will be remembered by our grandchildren for many years to come, and we want to thank all the volunteer staff who put it on, and say out was exceptional value for money after all!
- Tim - December 2022
Latest News
Ramp Progress
1 December - Shuttering comes down to reveal the first walls cast
Entrance Ramp - First Concrete Pour
Progress as of 5th November, with the first major concrete pour
Pitchford Hall arrives for Gala
Our latest visitor is delivered to Didcot West Yard
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
Didcot Railway Centre Newsletter
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