Autumn Steam Gala

We're yet to announce what will join us for our steam gala this year, but no doubt we will have something special for you in due course! Check back to see what we have coming soon!

Join us for an exciting weekend and celebrate steam with this multi-engine event. See autotrain operations, freight trains, shunting demonstrations, plus tours of our workshop areas, usually closed to the public. See some of the features of our site in operation, including our signal box, traverser, turntable and coal stage.

This is a great way to travel back in time to the golden age of the Great Western Railway and savour the sights, sounds and smells of steam as you explore this 24-acre living museum with trains dating from Victorian times to the 1960s.

Steam trains will be operating on both demonstration lines, allowing you to take unlimited rides. Check our Locomotive Roster to see what we expect to be running on the date of your visit.

• Stroll around the 1932 Engine Shed housing our unique collection of operational and cosmetically-restored locomotives. Find 5900 Hinderton Hall, climb onto the footplate and listen to Archie, the driver, and Stan, the fireman, prepare their loco! Listen out for the sounds of a working engine shed and see if you can hear Stan fetch his supplies from Jonah, the storeman.
• Visit the carriage and wagon display of restored rolling stock from Victorian times to the 1940s, including the VIP Saloon reputed to have been used by General Eisenhower during the preparations for D-Day and later used in the GWR Royal Train, and our restoration workshops
• Marvel at Brunel's Broad Gauge railway, locomotives, coaches and transfer shed and don't miss a section of his not entirely successful 'Atmospheric Railway'
• Get hands-on in The Signalling Centre where you can find out how trains have been controlled through the ages.  The Swindon Panel is demonstrated on certain specified dates.
• Descend into a shelter built to keep Didcot's enginemen safe in WWII and experience an air raid
• Immerse yourself in the huge and varied collection of fascinating, smaller items in the Museum. 
• Discover some GWR road vehicles in the Road Transport Hangar.

Children can make tracks to the outdoor play area or dress up as a station master. You can relax over lunch or enjoy a snack in the refreshment rooms and don't forget to pick up a souvenir in the gift shop. The modern trains running past the centre complete the picture and mean you can experience over 180 years of railway progress in just one day.