Dean Forest Railway, Lydney, Gloucestershire
Aw, how lovely is this, like a little model trainset, all come to life! If you’re staying in the Forest of Dean on your large group holiday in the UK, you should go for a ride on a steam train with the Dean Forest Railway. The 4.5 mile line runs along part of the old Severn & Wye Railway lines from Lydney to Parkend, passing through pretty woodlands and countryside.
There are 5 stations along the line, so it’s up to you where you want to stop and go for an explore; if you decide to alight at the main station, in the middle of the line at Norchard, you can have a look round the museum, go for a stroll along the river, and have a cup of tea in the café.
If you’re worried the kids will get bored, buy an Explorer book from the shop or the booking office; give them a hand with the activities and quizzes. The railway runs regular events like a Witches & Wizards Weekend, Evening Fish & Chip Suppers, Dining Trains and Murder Mysteries, all jolly good fun.
Trains run on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from mid-March to early November; there are Santa Specials in the run up to Christmas and Mince Pie Specials between Christmas and New Year.
All information correct at the time of writing