On Saturday it came up on my Facebook timeline that the Ickenham Miniature Railway was opening that day. I had a click on the website and we thought this is something Tyler would really enjoy. It had been ages since we had a day out – this winter has felt like the longest winter ever. So off we went, without our coats hee hee!
If you’re wondering where Ickenham is, it’s West of London, just by Uxbridge. The miniature railway is near Ickenham station on the Met/Picadilly Line or West Ruislip on the Central Line. We drove, as it’s about 20 minutes drive from Slough, and parked in the Pay and Display car park by Ickenham Library.
To get there, we walked down a little alleyway in the car park of the Coach and Horse pub, and then suddenly we were inside this miniature steam train land! There were LOADS of toddlers, but it turned out that there was a 4-year-old boy’s birthday party happening, and freakily one of the dads used to work with my husband, which was how we knew.
It was free entry, and you could ride on the trains for 50p each (adult or child fare). Tyler’s eyes were going everywhere, there were so many little trains. Ganesh took him for his first ride. He bought the tickets from a little booking office hut and then they queued up.
There were steam trains, where you could actually see the coal being loaded in with cute little shovels. And there were battery operated trains. As the trains come into the platform. they turn around on the turntable.
It was absolutely fascinating to watch. I had a go after Ganesh, and the trains go quite fast! They go round the track twice, under a little bridge, through two tunnels and then back on to the platform. I made a little 1-minute video so you can see the journey.
ICKENHAM MINIATURE RAILWAY VIDEO:
My brother and sister came a little while after, which Tyler was super excited about, and we forced them to have a go too. Unfortunately the battery ran out on their go, and the driver had to push them back to the platform which was very amusing! I videoed it too, just so they can never forget haha – it’s in the vlog above.
The track went past a shed where the trains are kept and maintained (above right). There was also a little cafe for refreshments. We were constantly seeing mugs of tea being brought out for the drivers!
I loved all the little level crossing signs, well all the vintage looking signs. There’s just something about them. I guess they are original, as this railway has been there since 1969.
The railway is open on the first Saturday of each month, so I think we’ll be back in May! – (EDIT: Currently closed due to the pandemic) – The good thing is that as it’s quite small, it’s not so tiring for me being quite heavily pregnant and there’s plenty of benches. There’s nowhere really for Tyler to run off to, so I can easily keep an eye on him without him getting lost. This is a real plus for me!
If you’re ever in the West London area and have a train-mad child, I totally recommend this place!
Address: Next to the Coach and Horse pub, 1 High Road, Ickenham, Middlesex UB10 8LJ
I love miniature railway! There’s something so interesting about them for both adults and children! Looks like you had a great day!
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Me too! It’s so fascinating to watch and you’re right, both adults and children love it! xx
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I bet your little train enthusiast loved this. What a fabulous place and I love those signs too. One had my maiden name on! Can’t wait to watch the video, hilarious!!! TY for linking up with #FamilyFun 🌸
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Yes he didn’t want to leave! Luckily it’s not too far from where we live, so I’ll bring him back next month. I love vintage signs, so cool aren’t they! xx
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What a lovely day out, Harry is train mad and would love this
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Oh your boy would love it if he’s train mad! It was so cute seeing all the little ones there xx
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Aww it looks like you had a great time. I love the little train, so cute! Xx
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Yes they are so cute, especially the little steam ones! xx
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This looks like so much fun! My guys would love it 🙂
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It’s great fun, can’t wait to go again! X
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Such a lovely day out! The Ickenham miniature railway seems like a great place to take little ones! 🙂
http://lilinhaangel.com/
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Definitely, the kiddies were so excited! X
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Love the look of this – might have to try and get to the one in May too! 🙂
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Oh do, it was so fun. I just hope it won’t rain! X
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It looks like a wonderful day out – where I live we have the York Railway Museum that the kids love – plus, it’s free! H x
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I really have to visit York one day, so much there! Xx
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This place looks lovely, it sounds quite secretive being down an alley in a pub car park, making it feel quite special. You and your family look like you had a fab day out. Claire x #FamilyFun
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Hehe, yes it’s a funny location! But good for getting food and drink after! Xx
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this isn’t too far from us – looks like a fab day out 🙂
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Oh cool, I had no idea it was here – despite living in the area all my life! Xx
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Looks like a fun day out – some great pictures to remember it by too x
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Yeah I love taking pictures 🙂 xx
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Fab photographs! I love a little train – we have a small steam engine in the western Lake District and it’s a great day out too.
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Oh cool, aren’t steam trains so lovely to watch! xx
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This looks so much fun! I don’t think we have anything like this near us 😦 x
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It was, I didn’t even know about it til it popped up on my Facebook page. You never know what’s in your area! X
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Too funny about the training running out of battery and having to be pushed back!!
Yep, my 10 year old would have a wonderful day at the Ickenham Miniature Railway, shame its not in Australia 🙂
Thanks for sharing your day out!
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I know, they are never going to live that down! Aw you’re in Australia, wow! I’d rather be there than Ickenham 😉 xx
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What a great little outing! We have a miniature railway near us yet we haven’t been on it yet! Looks like a lot of fun! By the way love the name of your husband. My dad was Indian, from Kolkata so I know the god Ganesh but have never met anyone with the same name. Thanks for joining in with #MyFavouriteTrip. Polly x
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It really was a fun afternoon, Tyler really enjoyed himself. Ahh thanks I’ll tell him, he’ll be well happy! He’s the first Ganesh I’ve ever met too! x
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