Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway
Latest Reviews
Came 3 years previously with my husband. They did not have much in the park other than the steam trains and bits of a park for little ones.
My 6 year old nephew loved this and enjoyed the maze and park.
The steam train ride is brilliant and a must do when you are in the area (its only up the road from the Sovereign Centre) there was plenty to do and a variety of food and drink. I would recommend the supermarket and take your own because it can be a bit pricey.
Would recommend and would love to return.
My 6 year old nephew loved this and enjoyed the maze and park.
The steam train ride is brilliant and a must do when you are in the area (its only up the road from the Sovereign Centre) there was plenty to do and a variety of food and drink. I would recommend the supermarket and take your own because it can be a bit pricey.
Would recommend and would love to return.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A fab day out great for the kids and great value for money, our kids love. The parks combined by the train rides make it the perfect place for a family picnic.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Ample parking, good catering facilities which will provide for children' parties, probably best for kids up to about ten, our grandkids love it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The EMSR is in a beautiful setting. It is suitable for children up to 12 years, but if you are passionate about steam trains then these mini versions are brilliant and all you men out there will have a great day out. There is a ice cream hut and a menu which included paninis, salads, sausage rolls etc. However there are plenty and spacious picnic areas around the beautiful lake. Everything is well kept and very clean, clearly looked after by the owner. The play area is excellent with plenty of seating if you like to sit and watch your child(ren). There is also a fenced off area for children under 5. Nowhere for ball games so leave the football in your car. Entrance fees and food prices very reasonable. We would definitely visit again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
2 miles from main Eastbourne seafront and set around a lake and next to a golf course. £5.25 for adult ticket with just one train journey or £7.25 for unlimited train rides. I would only buy the one train ride ticket unless you either intend to go on the same ride loads of times or have lots of kids and need to take them on at different times. I was under the impression there was more than one train to ride on but it is just a short ONE ride. Good play area, plenty of places to sit and eat a picnic. Nice walk around the lake. Small cafe selling drinks and sandwiches etc. My 6 year old enjoyed it, so that's all that matters and he gave it the 4/5 rating!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went to the Eastbourne miniature steam railway with family. Both kids (2) and (8) loved the trains and park. Lovely couple of hours out with family. Worth a visit with family for couple of hours not too expensive.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Took 3 and 5 year olds. They loved the train ride and then wanted to visit the points of interest around the lake that they had passed on the train. Lots of little houses for them to play and a great adventure park. They did not want to come home.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I took my grandchildren to the miniature railway and they just loved it. We bought a ticket for unlimited rides and they just went round and round and round. Also played in the playground which is well equipped. We had lunch there too and it was very reasonably priced and good to eat too!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We spent a whole day here, from 20 minutes after opening until it closed. The fact that it is still family-run gives it a really nice feel. It isn't overpriced and, whilst it is obviously a successful business, you get the impression the owners just love being able to share the result of their work, rather than caring too much about making a big profit. Friendly staff, good play area.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A family run business where the staff are happy and polite and always glad to see you.
The children love the train rides on either the steam or diesel locks which go round the lake, through the tunnel, past a small playground, over two level crossings, over a river bridge, past the large playgrounds and finally past the sidings and sheds. It's great!
You can walk right round the lake and see people fishing and even see real life trains going by.
The playground is large and varied with all manner of apparatus, with a smaller playground for young ones. There are also model railways to look at. The cafe is clean and reasonably priced.
We have annual membership and go there regularly and the kids never tire of going.
The children love the train rides on either the steam or diesel locks which go round the lake, through the tunnel, past a small playground, over two level crossings, over a river bridge, past the large playgrounds and finally past the sidings and sheds. It's great!
You can walk right round the lake and see people fishing and even see real life trains going by.
The playground is large and varied with all manner of apparatus, with a smaller playground for young ones. There are also model railways to look at. The cafe is clean and reasonably priced.
We have annual membership and go there regularly and the kids never tire of going.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Take a picnic sit by the lake, wall through the woods, ride the wonderful train - not forgetting to scream when you enter the tunnel! An adventure playground, café (serving great jacket potatoes and all the snacks and drinks children and grown ups enjoy).
Easy parking, clean environment, well organised. A a good choice to take the grandchildren for a fun day out and of course a trip to the gift shop for a souvenir of the day is a must.
Best for to visit on good weather days as little is under cover to protect you from showers.
Easy parking, clean environment, well organised. A a good choice to take the grandchildren for a fun day out and of course a trip to the gift shop for a souvenir of the day is a must.
Best for to visit on good weather days as little is under cover to protect you from showers.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Where to start...
This is a wonderful concept and carefully thought out.
The pricing is great, we opted for unlimited railway fun and paid the 2 pound extra for unlimited goes on the railway. Out son couldn't contain himself at three is was literally like Christmas for him. Engines galore and plenty of Thomas reference to keep him sweet.
The staff at the ticket booths, toy shop and kiosks were delightful. The guard on the train wasn't exactly talkative but the driver was a little friendlier.
The place was immaculate and beautifully kept, the walk around the lake was stunning and the summer sunshine very welcome. We looked at the different trees and plants and spotted a rather inquisitive young fox cub.
The adventure playground was excellent, so much to keep the Children occupied. It appealed to varying age ranges and had a toddler section too but we didn't try that.
The maze was good fun and perfect height for parents to be blue to see over the top ensuring their little ones were safe.
The train itself travels through a tunnel and over a bridge around the lake and if you opt for the unlimited travel you can get on and off as much as you or your child likes.
The gift shop was well stocked and what I liked about it was that you're not forced to go through it. You can exit without having to visit leaning if you didn't want to try and coax your child out or spend any further money you wouldn't have too. Our son bought hiro with his saved up pocket money and we found the prices to be very good, certainly not a rip off.
If we were in the area we would absolutely invest in the seasonal passes and would highly recommend this little gem to anyone with young children.
Tip, take lots of 20ps. The little rides are 20p and last ages, additionally of you put 20p in the slots you can watch the electric trains wizard around the tracks... Including Thomas and percy.
This is a wonderful concept and carefully thought out.
The pricing is great, we opted for unlimited railway fun and paid the 2 pound extra for unlimited goes on the railway. Out son couldn't contain himself at three is was literally like Christmas for him. Engines galore and plenty of Thomas reference to keep him sweet.
The staff at the ticket booths, toy shop and kiosks were delightful. The guard on the train wasn't exactly talkative but the driver was a little friendlier.
The place was immaculate and beautifully kept, the walk around the lake was stunning and the summer sunshine very welcome. We looked at the different trees and plants and spotted a rather inquisitive young fox cub.
The adventure playground was excellent, so much to keep the Children occupied. It appealed to varying age ranges and had a toddler section too but we didn't try that.
The maze was good fun and perfect height for parents to be blue to see over the top ensuring their little ones were safe.
The train itself travels through a tunnel and over a bridge around the lake and if you opt for the unlimited travel you can get on and off as much as you or your child likes.
The gift shop was well stocked and what I liked about it was that you're not forced to go through it. You can exit without having to visit leaning if you didn't want to try and coax your child out or spend any further money you wouldn't have too. Our son bought hiro with his saved up pocket money and we found the prices to be very good, certainly not a rip off.
If we were in the area we would absolutely invest in the seasonal passes and would highly recommend this little gem to anyone with young children.
Tip, take lots of 20ps. The little rides are 20p and last ages, additionally of you put 20p in the slots you can watch the electric trains wizard around the tracks... Including Thomas and percy.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had a fab 4 hours at this place! Great little cafe, not too expensive. Great parks for them to play and maze for the kids!
After reading the reviews we got unlimited train rides but to be honest once you've done it once you don't need to keep going on it. But was only an extra £8 for all 6 of us to do unlimited. Train ride lasts 6 minutes.
My girls are 6 & 8 yrs and loved it!
After reading the reviews we got unlimited train rides but to be honest once you've done it once you don't need to keep going on it. But was only an extra £8 for all 6 of us to do unlimited. Train ride lasts 6 minutes.
My girls are 6 & 8 yrs and loved it!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This place is very good if you're coming with younger kids, there's a large play park area and another for toddlers. There's a walk that takes you around the fishing pond, small play areas on route, there's a small maze, a gnome garden and water features. The steam railway ride was very nice, it takes you around the fishing pond and back through a wooded area. All the staff were lovely and friendly. There's a cafe with a fair amount of seating outside, a second smaller shop that sells icecream and coffee etc. There's also a gift shop on your way out. Prices are good, not over the top etc. I would definitely visit again and recommend it, especially if you'd like to relax on a picnic bench and watch your kids tire themselves out in the play park!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Fantastic for kids and adults! Great train ride and lovely parks for the children to play in! A maze and a lovely nature walk!
Cafe is on the cheap side in my opinion! And they do a lovely cream tea :)
Cafe is on the cheap side in my opinion! And they do a lovely cream tea :)
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Having not been to Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway for 15 years since I last worked there in the refreshment cafe, I was delighted to see that the charm and unique appeal of this lovely attraction has not changed. The steam railway is great for big kids (me) and children alike. My niece loved the playground which is well equipped, and begged us to go in the maze again. The nature walk around the lake is as pretty as i remember it with places to stop for a picnic and watch the wildlife and trains (both big and small) go by.
We could have stayed all day if we had the time too and I think the entrance fee is well worth the money! Must remember to take 20 pence's for the model railways which are worth viewing!
Thank you for a lovely couple of hours and a trip back down memory lane!
We could have stayed all day if we had the time too and I think the entrance fee is well worth the money! Must remember to take 20 pence's for the model railways which are worth viewing!
Thank you for a lovely couple of hours and a trip back down memory lane!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This place is fantastic for young children. Our two year old had such a fun day at a reasonable price. We bought one unlimited train ride ticket and one single ride - this meant far fewer tantrums and endless begging for "more trains" as one of us was able to take him on as many rides as he liked while the other stood back and took some pictures!
I would recommend taking a bag of 20p pieces as there are a number of 20p model trains to set off around miniature tracks in the sidings or at the side of the track - the Thomas model train was a particular favourite with our son. He stood watching this for ages and mastered putting the 20p into the slot too!
The walk around the lake was beautiful and we bought food in the cafe and took it around the lake for a picnic. When we visit again, we will definitely take a picnic. Another bonus feature for a train enthusiastic toddler was watching the Eastbourne mainline track go past several times while we were eating lunch at the far corner of the lake.
The playground was excellent - plenty to do and a well varied section for under-5s that was sectioned off. Lots of play houses both in the playground and around the site for added playtime fun.
The maze, gnome garden and pond were also lots of fun. We didn't visit the gift shop (or notice it to be honest) which just sums up how uncommercial this little gem of a place is. A refreshing thing for parents and children.
If you are looking for things to do in the area and you want a very reasonably priced day (family of 4 ~£18.50) this is the place - beats the more commercial, expensive attractions nearby (Paradise Park, Drucillas etc...) hands down and will make some lovely memories for you all.
We spent about 5 hours there and the place was kept clean and tidy throughout with lots of attentive staff - a family run affair.
Thank you EMSR for an excellent day!
I would recommend taking a bag of 20p pieces as there are a number of 20p model trains to set off around miniature tracks in the sidings or at the side of the track - the Thomas model train was a particular favourite with our son. He stood watching this for ages and mastered putting the 20p into the slot too!
The walk around the lake was beautiful and we bought food in the cafe and took it around the lake for a picnic. When we visit again, we will definitely take a picnic. Another bonus feature for a train enthusiastic toddler was watching the Eastbourne mainline track go past several times while we were eating lunch at the far corner of the lake.
The playground was excellent - plenty to do and a well varied section for under-5s that was sectioned off. Lots of play houses both in the playground and around the site for added playtime fun.
The maze, gnome garden and pond were also lots of fun. We didn't visit the gift shop (or notice it to be honest) which just sums up how uncommercial this little gem of a place is. A refreshing thing for parents and children.
If you are looking for things to do in the area and you want a very reasonably priced day (family of 4 ~£18.50) this is the place - beats the more commercial, expensive attractions nearby (Paradise Park, Drucillas etc...) hands down and will make some lovely memories for you all.
We spent about 5 hours there and the place was kept clean and tidy throughout with lots of attentive staff - a family run affair.
Thank you EMSR for an excellent day!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The train experience is exactly what you get - my kid is crazy about trains so he got his fix! Big train for the family to ride on top, with crossroads, bridge, tunnel and the expected smoke of the steam engine. It has a huge playground with lots of entertainment for the little ones and nice facilities. The food could be better though as well as the souvenir shop, as it felt like a Thomas and friends outpost. Overall a great experience- the little ones enjoyed it and the parents too :)
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited today and couldn't of had more fun! This place is perfect we can't wait to come back!
It's easy to find. Very affordable! With two under 3 year olds it cost us £14.50 for two adults with unlimited train rides! Facilities are clean and family friendly.
You can buy food and drink but it's not jumping out in your face if you'd rather take a picnic! They have some great playgrounds a maze and a gnome garden which my children loved!
It really was a great day with no pressure for it to cost an arm and a leg!
Also a thank you to Alan the train guard who was so patient and friendly to all children and adults! Alan you really added to making it a great day :)
It's easy to find. Very affordable! With two under 3 year olds it cost us £14.50 for two adults with unlimited train rides! Facilities are clean and family friendly.
You can buy food and drink but it's not jumping out in your face if you'd rather take a picnic! They have some great playgrounds a maze and a gnome garden which my children loved!
It really was a great day with no pressure for it to cost an arm and a leg!
Also a thank you to Alan the train guard who was so patient and friendly to all children and adults! Alan you really added to making it a great day :)
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
If you're looking for family fun for the under 8's this is THE place, at £18.50 for a family of 4 it's pretty good in the pocket too (compared to say cinema £40, legoland £200).i have been visiting regularly for 7/8 years with my kids, they loved it when they were 1 and 3 and love it now at 9 and 11. This attraction is family built, family run and for the family. It has managed to retain that feel as the site has grown and developed.
Central to the park is the miniature steam railway that circles a substantial lake, (it is a railway too, not just a train), there are 2 platforms, a goods yard, sidings, engine sheds and a fully working turntable, the boys will love to wander around the yard. The Train journey will follow the landscape through a tunnel and across a bridge for about 5 minutes before returning home to the starting point. The landscaping is manicured, beautiful, easy on the eye water features and plants, a superb adventure playground full of swings, slides, climbing frames, there is a junior park too that is "fenced off" so the little ones can roam safely. Plenty of wooden huts dotted around the site too for the kids to play in.
Food and drink is available at not too expensive prices, (around £2.50 for a sandwich, £2 for a coffee) although I would recommend a picnic, loads of picnic space either at the "action" end of the site, (station, park, toilets, shop etc) or as you wander around to the quieter spots.
Visit the well constructed, but not too challenging bushy maze or take the 20 minute nature walk around the lake. On a fine day a slow walk around and a few train rides combined with a picnic and a play can keep you there all day,
Lovely clean toilet facilities, well stocked toy shop, pleasant catering. This place is an absolute Jewel and there is nothing but positive things to say about it
Central to the park is the miniature steam railway that circles a substantial lake, (it is a railway too, not just a train), there are 2 platforms, a goods yard, sidings, engine sheds and a fully working turntable, the boys will love to wander around the yard. The Train journey will follow the landscape through a tunnel and across a bridge for about 5 minutes before returning home to the starting point. The landscaping is manicured, beautiful, easy on the eye water features and plants, a superb adventure playground full of swings, slides, climbing frames, there is a junior park too that is "fenced off" so the little ones can roam safely. Plenty of wooden huts dotted around the site too for the kids to play in.
Food and drink is available at not too expensive prices, (around £2.50 for a sandwich, £2 for a coffee) although I would recommend a picnic, loads of picnic space either at the "action" end of the site, (station, park, toilets, shop etc) or as you wander around to the quieter spots.
Visit the well constructed, but not too challenging bushy maze or take the 20 minute nature walk around the lake. On a fine day a slow walk around and a few train rides combined with a picnic and a play can keep you there all day,
Lovely clean toilet facilities, well stocked toy shop, pleasant catering. This place is an absolute Jewel and there is nothing but positive things to say about it
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Have been coming to Eastbourne for years and never been here so thought we'd give it a whirl.
A beautiful spot the is well landscaped, the walk round the lake was gorgeous.
The miniature railway was fun and you can pay an extra pound for unlimited rides.
The maze was great and the playground was good but did get busy.
Some bits were definitely more for the 'buffs' than kiddies.
Think a slightly older child than our toddler would get more out of it.
Food was ok, toilets were clean but smelt a bit damp.
We spent two very pleasant hours here.
Top tip - if your child likes the miniature stream train the unlimited ticket is well worth it.
Particularly impressed - lovely walk round the lake.
Could do better - the loos
A beautiful spot the is well landscaped, the walk round the lake was gorgeous.
The miniature railway was fun and you can pay an extra pound for unlimited rides.
The maze was great and the playground was good but did get busy.
Some bits were definitely more for the 'buffs' than kiddies.
Think a slightly older child than our toddler would get more out of it.
Food was ok, toilets were clean but smelt a bit damp.
We spent two very pleasant hours here.
Top tip - if your child likes the miniature stream train the unlimited ticket is well worth it.
Particularly impressed - lovely walk round the lake.
Could do better - the loos
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a little gem tucked away in Lottbridge Drove at the back of Eastbourne. There is a lovely miniature railway to ride on with steam at weekends and in the school holidays, a short country walk, play areas for younger and older children as well as snacks and drinks. Family run it is well looked after and very friendly. Our 5 year old granddaughter was visiting and we ended up going twice in three days. We spent a lot of time sitting watching her play on everything as well as enjoying unlimited steam train rides for a very reasonable price.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a lovely gem of a place this is. Spent the afternoon here, kids loved the train and the playground. Then took a stroll around the lake, nature trail and maze. The grounds are beautifully kept. Only wished we'd brought a picnic as there are loads of benches and nice spots to stop and chill. Best enjoyed on a nice sunny day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We go here quite a lot everytime we visit Eastbourne which is about two or three times a year so far, to visit friends. We get the unlimited rides ticket, stay the day and love going on the trains round. We watch our daughter on the adventure playground and have a lovely day out. We keep going there.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited on a Monday in the school holidays, not crazily busy but a steady flow of visitors young and old.
We were a family group of a 6 year old, parents and grandparents and we all enjoyed a good 4 hours here with something for everyone who is young at heart.
The whole park is clean and very neat and tidy - someone spends a lot of time on the plants and Grandmas Garden looked very recently done.
We paid for unlimited rides on the miniture steam train that goes around the lake. The queue was never that long, although they do have the ability to have 2 engines running which I presume they have at peak times/weekends. (This is the only train ride here).
Great train ride around the lake, the team here have gone to a lot of trouble with crossings, bridges and a tunnel. You can walk around the lake too and there are a couple of places for the children to play as you go around - but the main play area for children is near the entrance and has plenty to climb/slide on etc.
The maze isn't one where you are likely to get lost for hours, but bearing in mind the park is aimed at younger children this too was just right.
Cafe reasonably priced, not a massive choice but all sandwiches/potatoes/toasted sandwiches freshly made - or take a picnic - there are plenty of places to sit.
There are a few model railway sets that are 20p each to activate - not a lot compared to other places where it seems to be £1 for everything.
We don't think anyone over 8/9 would love it as much but our 6 year old had a great day. We all had smiles on our faces on the train and no one got fed up waiting in a queue.Overall a very reasonably priced 3 or 4 hour visit where you can tell the owners (family) actually take pride in what they offer and not just want to rip you off.
We were a family group of a 6 year old, parents and grandparents and we all enjoyed a good 4 hours here with something for everyone who is young at heart.
The whole park is clean and very neat and tidy - someone spends a lot of time on the plants and Grandmas Garden looked very recently done.
We paid for unlimited rides on the miniture steam train that goes around the lake. The queue was never that long, although they do have the ability to have 2 engines running which I presume they have at peak times/weekends. (This is the only train ride here).
Great train ride around the lake, the team here have gone to a lot of trouble with crossings, bridges and a tunnel. You can walk around the lake too and there are a couple of places for the children to play as you go around - but the main play area for children is near the entrance and has plenty to climb/slide on etc.
The maze isn't one where you are likely to get lost for hours, but bearing in mind the park is aimed at younger children this too was just right.
Cafe reasonably priced, not a massive choice but all sandwiches/potatoes/toasted sandwiches freshly made - or take a picnic - there are plenty of places to sit.
There are a few model railway sets that are 20p each to activate - not a lot compared to other places where it seems to be £1 for everything.
We don't think anyone over 8/9 would love it as much but our 6 year old had a great day. We all had smiles on our faces on the train and no one got fed up waiting in a queue.Overall a very reasonably priced 3 or 4 hour visit where you can tell the owners (family) actually take pride in what they offer and not just want to rip you off.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
