Summer is almost upon us once again and many families will be deliberating of where to spend their holidays.
While some will be jetting off to warmer climes across the world, the trend of staycationing is becoming more and more popular. The UK has a wealth of attractions for families to visit and with the multitude of B&Bs, campsites and caravan parks people have much more to choose from without having to leave British shores.
For those looking for a few railway-related attractions while they are away, they are in luck. Here are just some of the great days out people can enjoy.
National Railway Museum, York
The National Railway Museum is an absolute must and is ideal for families and railway enthusiasts alike. Sitting just a stone's throw from York train station it has everything that a fanatic could wish for.
Being home to a plethora of famous steam trains most notably The Mallard, which celebrates its 75th anniversary in July. To commemorate this milestone, the museum will be putting on a series of event between July 3rd and 17th.
Kids and grown-ups alike will learn a great deal about the history of the nation's railways and also see some of the world's most famous trains, including the Japanese Bullet Train. There is also a huge model railway which flanks the side of the main hall.
Admission is free, although visitors can make a small donation if they wish, making it a great day out for all the family.
London Transport Museum
Sat in the swanky Covent Garden area of the English capital, the London Transport Museum is the go-to place to learn about the history and evolution of the transport network in one of the busiest cities in the world.
Visitors can see how the London transport grew throughout the ages. Everything from the very first red London bus to the modern day Underground tubes.
The summer months see a host of events including a celebration of the 150th anniversary of the first Underground journey between Ongar and Epping (June 21st to 24th and June 28th to July 1st).
August 6th has been designated Railway Connoisseurs Day and will include a number of locomotive journeys all day.
Admission to the museum is £15 for adults and £11.50 but these prices are reduced when in big groups.
Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway Adventure Centre
Enjoyed by kids and adults alike the famous miniature railway is a great day out for the whole family.
Set in picturesque scenery, the Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway Adventure Centre offers rides on the scaled-down real working steam train models. There are a host of recognisable editions including the LMS Royal Scot Class and the 70000 Britannia.
Families can spend the full day enjoying the scenery with nature walks, play areas and picnic sites all set out around the lake.
Admission with unlimited train rides in £6.90 for adults and £6.40 for children and seniors, while under three's go free.
Isle of Wight Railway
The Isle of Wight has an abundance of picturesque countryside and there is no better way to explore this by hopping on a steam train and snake through the winding hills.
Luckily, these sights are just a short ferry ride away and families can explore the sights and also hop on an array of impressive steam trains.
Summer is a big time of the island as the 39th Island Steam Show is due to take place over the August bank holiday (23rd to 26th). There will be a series of events including Mr Alexander's Travelling Show to entertain visitors.
Admission is £14 for adults and free for children aged up to 15. This includes tickets for the show and a ride on the steam train.