Early next year, my wife, Sandy, finally joins me in the ranks of the retired and we're planning a trip to the UK in June/July/Aug. Primarily so she can visit the remains of her family. She's originally from Stoke.
We've already got some of the usual museums and other attractions sorted out, but I was interested to hear your views on what "modeling/railroading" events/attractions we should attend. Exhibitions, museums, collections, displays, etc. The National Railway Museum in York is the only museum we have listed so far.
Also, do you have any tips on reasonably priced rental cars? Which companies & where they're located? We hope to pick up a car close to Heathrow or in London and drop it back about 6 weeks later.
My thanks in anticipation,
Cheers,
Rob
Australia
G'day Rob, and welcome to the NGF! :thumbsup:
Having visited the UK three times in the last 5 years, I can recommend Shildon Railway museum not far from York, the narrow gauge railways of Wales - the Festiniog especially, and of course Pecorama at Beer, Devon.
I have documented my adventures on this forum if you wish to take a look.
Regarding car rental, I always pre-book here in Australia, and use Europcar because I get Virgin loyalty points through them. :thumbsup:
Hello and welcome to the forum, Rob.
Apart from those places mentioned by Bealman, and I second his opinions of them, we have around 120 preservation railways, museums and other railway attractions, and that is before we start on model railway attractions, narrow gauge and so on, so to list them or even recommend a few will be difficult.
You haven't said if your wife also enjoys the railway side of things so I am trying to find places where, if she doesn't, there are things for her too.
York is a lovely city to visit with its National Railway Museum (www.nrm.org.uk (http://www.nrm.org.uk)) and parts dating back over 2000 years (of the city, not the railways! :) ) while Swindon has a great railway museum dedicated to the GWR situated actually in the old railway works. Parts of the works have been converted into a major shopping centre (Google Swindon Outlet) and much railway interest still remains with gems like cranes, pictures, plaques and even a full sized main line steam loco dotted about as you walk around. (www.steam-useum.org.uk (http://www.steam-museum.org.uk))
One trip not to miss which runs throughout the summer is the steam hauled excursion train over the former GWR main line from Bristol to Paignton and on to Kingswear. You would need to book in advance, it's very popular. The run itself takes you through some of the most scenic parts of the West, including the famous 'sea wall' section at Dawlish, an unforgettable experience and one I never tire of even though I have been there countless times. (see www.torbayexpress.co.uk (http://www.torbayexpress.co.uk))
You could easily spend a few days in Bristol alone with so much 'Brunel' there; don't forget his 'Great Britain' ship, a full day out on its own. (www.ssgreatbritain.org.uk (http://www.ssgreatbritain.org.uk))
And then there is Didcot, a former GWR engine shed now home to the Great Western Society and has one of the finest, working, tributes to GWR steam, including full sized working broad gauge (Brunel's original 7 foot railway) replica trains. (www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk (http://www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk))
Essentially there is just so much to see and too little room to tell you all about it. I can but scratch the surface but these would be amongst my 'must see' in your place.
I just remembered... Railway Modeller magazine always publishes a booklet of British railways attractions in one of their summer issues, which may still be available here in Australia.
Whereabouts on the South coast are you, if you don't mind my asking, Rob?
:beers: George
Your dates should include when the Tyseley Loco Works hold their first Open Day of 2016 - see http://www.tyseleylocoworks.co.uk/ (http://www.tyseleylocoworks.co.uk/) for details of this year's stuff (and archive too). It's normally across a Saturday & Sunday, and tends to have Halls, Castles & Manors together with visiting engines (Princess Elizabeth is based there these days, they've hosted Bittern at a previous Open Day, Duchess of Sutherland has been several times, they have a pair of Jubilees (one under restoration, one pending Clun Castle to finally finish). Lots to see if these pique your interest.
I'm not quite sure how but I forgot to mention the Severn Valley Railway, and of course Swindon's finest EVER loco Class, the Westerns, which are based there :drool:.
OK, I admit some might not agree with that comment about the locos, but the trip is nice and well worth making.
June to August is generally the quietest time for the model railway shows but busy with full size railway gala and events... If your visit stretches to mid August, one I'd recommend that encompasses both is "Midland Railex" the model railway exhibition (and more) at the Midland Railway Centre in Derbyshire. not too far from Stoke...
As a non UK resident now I can only approve of the suggestions listed. However re Car Hire, I visit the UK about 4 / 5 times a year and use Rentalcars.com for all my UK car hire. If it is available to you search for "Insurance for Car hire" my policy cost £49 and is valid for a year. This company WILL pay out in the event of a bump dent scratch etc. The car hire companies love to charge you £6- £10 per day to "cover" your insurance excess, when you hire a car there is always an "uninsured amount on the car you rent" so they want to sell you a very pricey extra. With the policy I use IF YOU have an incident the car hire company will charge your credit card but in 2 incidents in the past 10 years I have recieved payment within a month from the policy. Hope this makes sense.
Jerry
You could hire a car, but don't forget the Britrail pass which is excellent value for money.
Hi Rob
If you are near Stoke in early June then you might want to pop down to Burton-on-Trent for DEMU's Showcase exhibition (4/5 June IIRC) if diesel and electric modelling are your kettle of fish.
Cheers, Mike
Gentlemen,
"Thank You" for all the great suggestions.
Some of them are already being worked into our schedule and I expect more will be, in the weeks to come, as all this info will help us to make our UK holiday all the better.
I'm really looking forward to this trip as it will probably be my last big overseas adventure. A highlight of the adventure will be our return journey, where we hope to travel from London to Hong Kong all the way by train.
Once again, "Thank You" for both the information you've provided and your time/efforts in providing it.
Its very much appreciated.
Cheers,
Rob
George,
"Moruya".
Cheers,
Rob
I am envious of that 'London to Hong Kong by train' plan. Should be a great adventure.
Hope all your plans work out and you have a great time (and the problems and frustrations along the way all add to the memories).
Cheers, Tom.
Rob
Nice neck of the woods. Enjoy your adventure! :beers:
George
I can't comment much on the museum stuff as I'm so out of the way but if you want a recommendation for hire cars I can say I used to use Avis for years for business. When it came to a decent length hire out of my own pocket "thrifty" gave me a brand new BMW 525 diesel M sport estate for just a tad less than than most quoted for a bog-std 4 door saloon so it sometimes pays to shop around compared to the big names. On a 1,500 mile return trip it was darn good on fuel also!
One thing I MUST recommend - you will be visiting in July, August or September?
Don't forget to bring an umbrella and a raincoat! :rain:
I'm being serious - you might not need them, but most likely will, at least for a few days during the stay.
Quote from: D1042 Western Princess on August 02, 2015, 01:45:58 PM
You could hire a car, but don't forget the Britrail pass which is excellent value for money.
I would most definitely agree with this and then some - They truly are a bargain; we used to have loads, and I mean
loads of people with them "doing the South West" in the not quite High Season.
http://www.britrail.net/passes/britrail-pass (http://www.britrail.net/passes/britrail-pass)
I am a great believer in combining trips to pack in as much fun as possible.
With so many preserved Railways in the UK, you are rather spoilt for choice. However some in particular are worth a visit if you are in a particular part of the country. If you are going to be in/around York then a trip on the North York Moors railway is highly recommended. The stock is lovely, particularly if you get a ride in one of their restored Gresley coaches.
The line runs all the way to Whitby on the coast which is a lovely place to visit in its own right. The ruined abbey is great to explore for an hour or two or you can search for Jet on the beach. Lastly, if in Whitby, try to get a fish and chip supper at the Magpie, reputedly the best fish and chippy in the world. Turn up early though as it gets busy quickly, especially in the holiday season. I have only eaten there once but it was probably the best fish and chips I have ever had. :food:
http://www.magpiecafe.co.uk/ (http://www.magpiecafe.co.uk/)
Not train related but the Royal Armouries in Leeds are also great for an half-day out.
I would also recommend a visit to the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales. Lovely hill-climbing, walking and beer. :pint: A trip on the famous Settle and Carlisle line will take through some of the most stunning scenery in the British isles including the massive Ribblehead Viaduct, a masterpiece of Victorian engineering. This is a favourite route for steam specials so you should have no trouble if you want something more memorable than a Sprinter for this journey.
As a GWR fan, I can agree that both Swindon and Didcot are must-see destination. Check Didcot's schedule to make sure you visit on one of their steam-up days. Plus you can get a chance to ride on an HST before they are retired, probably Britain's finest express train.
The Isle of Wight is a fun place to visit for a day or so and can be done with or without a car. Car ferries sail from Southampton to Cowes while passenger ones from Portsmouth connect with the trains at Ryde. The Island line runs the oldest trains still in revenue earning service. These are refurbish 1938 tube trains which are older than a lot of trains you will find on preserved railways. Change at Smallbrook Junction for a ride on the Isle of Wight steam railway (lots of Southern steam and atmosphere). Then continue down to the old town of Shanklin and explore the Chine, a favourite haunt of smugglers.
Heading west across the border into Wales brings you a feast of narrow gauge railways and castles. Each has its own charm and character. If I had to pick one then I think the Festiniog would win for me with its distinctive Double Fairlies. The Snowdon Mountain railway is unique as the UK's only rack-railway and is a lot easier than walking to the top. ;)
Another great area to explore is the Jurassic coast in Dorset. Lovely beaches such as Bournemouth as well as the famous Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. For trains in the area, the Swanage railway is great and has recently been reconnected to the mainline and Wareham (although I am not sure if they will be running through-trains by then.
Start the day at Norden where the Ball Clay museum tells the story of this interesting industry (the produce of which was often carried by rail). Then pop down the line to Corfe where the magnificent ruined castle overlooking the railway is well worth a visit. Finally head to Swanage for an afternoon by the sea a cream tea at one of the many fine cafes.
When you say Stoke, I presume you mean Stoke on Trent in the midlands, in which case I would think a visit to the Wedgewood pottery museum should be on the cards as it is probable that SWMBO's family had some connection. Also in the area is Butterly Rly museum. The Derby museum also has an O scale model railway which operates on Saturdays, ( or at least it did when I lived there) and for a bit of refreshment there is the brewing museum in Burton on Trent.
Now that one would be on Bealman's agenda! :beers:
Quote from: Bealman on August 08, 2015, 08:18:26 AM
Now that one would be on Bealman's agenda! :beers:
Maybe next trip!