Great Cockcrow Railway - Days out in Surrey

If you have a small child who is fascinated by railways, especially old steam trains then an afternoon visit to The Great Cockcrow Railway is well worth considering. The Great Cockcrow Railway is a 7 1/4" gauge railway in Lyne (near Chertsey), Surrey. The railway is open every Sunday afternoon between the first Sunday in May and the end of October. It is also open on Wednesday afternoons during August.

The railway is a little off the beaten track, so car is the method of transport. It is not far from junction 11 of the M25.

This is a lot bigger than a typical small railway with almost two miles of track and well over 20 engines. The majority of the engines are steam driven. There are two basic routes you can take, both are very scenic. Trips take between 15 and 25 minutes so you get a fair ride for your money. There are plenty of trains with only short breaks in between rides. This helps to keep any waiting times to a minimum for eager children.

The maximum speed of the trains is 10 miles per hour. There are many sections where the trains travel at a more sedate pace. There is also a tunnel on route to add variety to the ride. Watch out for the animals at Jungle Halt.

Each train holds around 12 people and you sit inside the small carriages. On a Sunday the first train runs shortly after 1.30pm with the last ride at 4.45pm. On a Wednesday proceedings get underway at around 1.00pm before an earlier close at 4.00pm.

Although the Great Cockcrow Railway is run by a large army of volunteers the railway is run to a very high standard. In fact one of the reasons for the small waits between trains is due to the number of trains that can run on the track at the same time owing to the quality of the signalling system.

Refreshments including teas, soft drinks cakes and ice creams are available on site, but you can also bring a picnic. You are also welcome to take photographs, although you are not permitted to walk around the track for safety reasons.

The origins of the Great Cockcrow Railway date back over 60 years. Originally the railway was opened in 1946 at Greywood House in Walton-on-Thames. This venue closed in 1965. Three years later the railway opened its doors at the present site. Currently the oldest engine was built getting on for one hundred years ago in 1913.

All in all a visit to the Great Cockcrow Railway is a pleasant and relaxing way to spend a summer's afternoon. Although as such an open, outdoor attraction it is not seen at its best in wet weather it is worth noting the railway does not shut if it starts to rain.

There is no Santa Special at Christmas time, but there is a spooky Halloween service that runs in the dark! Normally on the last Saturday in October.

The Great Cockcrow Railway is recommended for children under the age of nine who have an interest in railways. It is difficult to give a suggested visit time. Two to three hours is about right if your children are interested in looking at the engines as well as jumping on a ride. If you children are only interested in riding on the trains then I would suggest around an hour to an hour and a half.

Parenting.co.uk tip: It is worth checking opening times before travelling.

Further information can be found at: www.cockcrow.co.uk.

What do you think?
Login or Register to add a comment or ask a question.

FURTHER PARENTING HELP

Parenting.co.uk offers a range of options tailored to your individual parenting needs. Help options include both telephone and email based support. Please note there are charges for these services. If you would like to find out more about how we can help you lead a more fulfilling life as a parent or overcome specific problems you are having email andy@parenting.co.uk with details of the areas you would like help, support and guidance.

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING? TRY THE PARENTING.CO.UK DIRECTORY

The Parenting.co.uk Directory covers the entire range of parenting subjects from health to activities, shopping to education and sports to days out. You can also search your local area for everything from drama lessons to babysitters and sports clubs to baby photographers.

Check out the directory here: Parenting Directory

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS IN THE PARENTING.CO.UK DIRECTORY

If you are looking to reach thousands of parents and families to boost your business then advertising in our directory is a simple way for you to do it.

Join our directory here: Join the Directory