Despite having lived in the area for more than ten years, I never knew that Ickenham Miniature Railway even existed until I read The Mummy Stylist’s account of her afternoon out there. I used to go to the quiz night at the Coach and Horses in Ickenham with a group of friends every Tuesday night for several years and had no idea that there was an alleyway just down the side of the car park leading to a miniature railway. Having discovered that the railway opened on the first Saturday of each month, I resolved that we would pay a visit the next time it was open.
It was the perfect Saturday to visit – a beautiful warm, sunny afternoon. I’m not sure who was more excited about the trains – the girls or hubby! There were several different trains to look at – from model versions of the electric trains I remember seeing as a child, to the miniature steam engines.
There was a turntable at the end of the track so the trains could turn around; a booking office to buy the tickets from, a little café selling drinks and snacks and a station to catch the train from. I think there must have been a birthday party going on too as there were lots of Thomas the Tank Engine balloons around and small children eating cake!
We bought our tickets from the booking office – 50p a ride for both adults and children – and had these punched at the entrance to Ickenham St Giles station before we boarded the train. Hubby took the girls on first so I could take some photos and then we swapped over. I was quite surprised to see how far back the train tracks went – we went round a couple of times, going under a bridge and through two tunnels.
Afterwards we sat in the sunshine for a while watching all the different trains going around the track and just enjoying having time together as a family. With hubby having been so busy lately, these moments have felt even more precious. It was nice not to feel like we needed to do anything, or explore anything – we were just happy to sit in the sunshine and watch the trains go by. Sometimes it’s the simple moments like these that are the best.
Isn’t that so true. It is the simpler moments that are the best. The train looks great fun. Lovely all the details the add to the experience too. It sounds like a perfect outing. #CountryKids
It was so much fun – we’ll have to try and go again some time now we’ve discovered it! 🙂
What fun!!
It was – we had a great time 🙂
This looks just like our little train. they are so much fun and the idea for ours came from visiting a local miniature railway just like the one at Ickenham. I think tickets is the main thing we are missing, even though all our rides are free I think the children would quite enjoy having tickets. I shall have to think on this one. Looks like a lovely warm summers day for you and a great way to enjoy some family time. Thank you for sharing with me on #CountryKids
I always love seeing your little train in your posts – it looks like so much fun. The girls quite liked having tickets but I think they would have been equally happy without them – watching and going on the trains was the main appeal 🙂
Funny isn’t it, when these things are right on your door step you don’t visit them? Looks like a great little;e railway. Not to sure who looks happier, you or the kids! #CountryKids
I’m always happy just being out with my family – getting to discover somewhere new was the icing on the cake for me! 🙂
What a lovely trip out, nice and relaxed. Looks like I good place to visit x
It was lovely and relaxed, we really enjoyed it 🙂
That looks like so much fun and a great day out and also the prices seem really reasonable too. Sounds like there was great attention to detail like with the tickets. Did you try anything in the cafe? #countrykids
Firstly I love your shoes!
This place looks like fun! My son loves trains and its been awhile since we last rode one! #countrykids
Thank you Merlinda. We had a lot of fun 🙂
I think we need to just follow you around the country Louise, every week I look at your post and add something else to our list! Monkey would love this #CountryKids
Lol I’m often the same with your posts Mary! 🙂
What a great find. My Pinnerite wife had never heard of it either. One to add to the visit list!
Hope you enjoy it if you go – it’s always fun finding new local places especially when you had no idea they even existed 🙂
Sounds so lovely and I love the pictures of you and the girls on the train. I also love that rides are only 50p a time, what great value!xx
It was amazing value – we will definitely be going again! 🙂
I know Ickenham too, and I never knew this miniature train station existed either! Maybe it’s very well hidden!
Lovely photos and it looks like a perfect day out – you had great weather for it
Thanks for bringing it to my attention it’s on our list of places to visit
#CountryKids
Isn’t it funny when you think you know somewhere well and then discover something completely new! It was such a fun afternoon, would certainly recommend! 🙂
lovely to read your account of this treasure of a find. we used to live in Ickenham and went every month. we went in may and plan to go this weekend as well. just love it x
We will definitely be back again – so glad we found out about it! 🙂