Travel back in time to the golden age of the Great Western Railway. Savour the sights, sounds and smells of steam as you explore this 21-acre living museum with trains dating from Victorian times to the 1960s. Take unlimited rides on steaming days, explore the original 1932 engine shed and see magnificent, preserved locomotives – you can even climb onto the footplates of some! See surviving track from Brunel’s broad gauge, discover painstakingly restored buildings and learn more about the development of railways and how they changed everyday lives.
The large, well-ventilated carriage shed houses vintage that evoke bygone eras. See 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!
Visit the small artefacts Museum containing 1000s of exhibits including nameplates, signals, tickets, distinctive posters and beautiful models that tell the story of the Great Western Railway – the display of vintage tinplate models and other traditional toys with GWR connection is especially popular.
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 180 years of railway progress in just one day!
