One thing I MUST recommend - you will be visiting in July, August or September?

Don't forget to bring an umbrella and a raincoat!

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

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. 

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.  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! 

Quote from: Bealman on August 08, 2015, 08:18:26 AM
Now that one would be on Bealman's agenda! 

Maybe next trip!