Thomas the Tank Engine has been a staple of children’s childhoods for many decades, with the adventures of the lovable blue locomotive and his friends captivating audiences. Read on to find out how your train-loving children can meet Thomas face-to-face and take a ride.

Drayton Manor

Thomas the Tank Engine is based at Drayton Manor theme park. Thomas Land has 25 rides for younger kids. It has all the landscape features of Sodor from the beloved television series, even the airport. You can buy lunch at Mrs Kyndley’s Tearooms and there is even a Thomas-themed suite at the Drayton Manor Hotel. The actual characters from the show make appearances at set times.

Touring Thomas

The full size steam engine Thomas the Tank Engine also tours the UK. It is available to ride at 9 different locations on mainland Britain. Look for dates and details of tickets for a Day Out With Thomas online. Sir Topham Hat usually does the meet and greet and often other engines are present. The station sweepers Rusty and Dusty assist with singalongs, storytelling and performances.

Thomas and Percy appear at the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre in Aylesbury. The rides are unlimited and there is also a miniature railway and models to enjoy.

At the Watercress Line in Hampshire, Thomas appears with Diesel and Toad. The rides through the countryside leave frequently throughout the day and there is plenty to entertain children for a full day out.

In Essex, Thomas, Percy and Daisy come to the East Anglian Railway Museum in Wakes Colne. The ride is built into a full day of activities including story re-enactments.

In Devon, Thomas and Diesel appear at the South Devon Railway in Buckfastleigh. This is another stunning rural line that runs to Totnes riverside.

In Lancashire, Thomas and Diesel come to the East Lancashire Railway in Bury, Greater Manchester. Thomas takes passengers on a 45 minute ride through Burrs Country Park and Summerseat to Ramsbottom station.

In Yorkshire, Thomas, Percy and Mavis come to Whistlestop Valley in Huddersfield. There is one 25 minute ride in the morning. After that, the 5 minute rides can be taken as many times as you wish.

Thomas comes to the Swindon and Cricklade Railway in Swindon where kids can enjoy a 45 minute ride on a train Thomas pulls and unlimited rides on another train.

In Scotland the Caledonian Railway at Brechin, Angus hosts Thomas, Diesel, Percy, Mavis and Terrance. There are a variety of other fairground rides, bouncy castles and facepainting to enjoy.

You can also find Thomas and Percy at Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway near Edinburgh in West Lothian. The Museum of Scottish Railways is here and there are also engineering workshops to see. 

All of these locations offer a variety of activities and attractions to inspire children about railways and trains. The stations are made attractive and refreshments served in venues in keeping with the golden age of steam travel. The special event of Thomas being there will probably be the first of many visits to the sites where many special events including Halloween and Santa experiences have been developed. 

Photo by Robert Linder on Unsplash