East Anglian Railway Museum
East Anglian Railway Museum
4.5
About
For over 50 years the East Anglian Railway Museum has been transporting visitors of all ages back in time to discover the unique history of the region’s railways. The site covers over 10 acres, you can explore our Victorian station, goods shed and signal boxes to see how passengers and freight have been transported over the years. With displays of steam and diesel locomotives, vintage carriages and wagons there is something to interest everyone. Our heritage centre looks behind the scenes of running the railways with a host of smaller artefacts on display. Working restoration shed where Volunteers bring the Engines and Rolling stock back to life. The Museum also includes a railway themed Children's Playground, Picnic Area and an ex-London bus converted into a Children's Play Bus. The award winning Platform 2 Café will be open every day the museum is open*, serving delicious homemade cakes, afternoon teas, lunches and great coffee! Picnic Area Venue hire for Weddings, Parties, etc
Duration: More than 3 hours
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4.5
259 reviews
Excellent
144
Very good
72
Average
23
Poor
9
Terrible
11
Rob C
Chelmsford, UK24 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
As a family we were excited for the children to enjoy a 3 hour session with Thomas the tank engine and friends.
However in the end it was quite the opposite.
The train ride on Thomas and friends is extremely disappointing. You go about 5 miles an hour or under 100 yds up the track, back down again to change track the and Back. It took under 10 minutes and thankfully we only did it the once.
The open cart that Percy pulled was at least a little bit more interesting but obviously for safety goes just as slow.
Santa was shocking. He couldn't have been over 25. And the gifts I purchased before hand for £7 each weren't even Thomas related and in bulk I doubt they even cost 50p each.
I don't know if I was expecting too much, but for the price I definitely hoping for more. We paid £55 for two adults and 2 kids plus £14 for presents on top.
If you've got children that desperately want to walk everywhere but are unsteady on their feet I'd say this event is not for you yet. Reminding that it's a working train station and yard.
Rusty and dusty show was..not great. Glad the little one caused a fuss so we could walk out.
Also, Would it hurt to pressure wash Thomas for the event? And why does he have fake paint splatters all over him?
Overall it just didn't seem like there was alot to do after taking a picture of the trains.
Would also not recommend for Xmas. Too damn cold and the train got stuck for 45 minutes up the track with us people on it.
However in the end it was quite the opposite.
The train ride on Thomas and friends is extremely disappointing. You go about 5 miles an hour or under 100 yds up the track, back down again to change track the and Back. It took under 10 minutes and thankfully we only did it the once.
The open cart that Percy pulled was at least a little bit more interesting but obviously for safety goes just as slow.
Santa was shocking. He couldn't have been over 25. And the gifts I purchased before hand for £7 each weren't even Thomas related and in bulk I doubt they even cost 50p each.
I don't know if I was expecting too much, but for the price I definitely hoping for more. We paid £55 for two adults and 2 kids plus £14 for presents on top.
If you've got children that desperately want to walk everywhere but are unsteady on their feet I'd say this event is not for you yet. Reminding that it's a working train station and yard.
Rusty and dusty show was..not great. Glad the little one caused a fuss so we could walk out.
Also, Would it hurt to pressure wash Thomas for the event? And why does he have fake paint splatters all over him?
Overall it just didn't seem like there was alot to do after taking a picture of the trains.
Would also not recommend for Xmas. Too damn cold and the train got stuck for 45 minutes up the track with us people on it.
Written 4 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jam a
Hinckley, UK9 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Me and my family (husband, baby and 4 year old) visited for the Day out with Thomas after we had such a fantastic time at Ropley Station one last year, but it certainly didn’t match the expectations.
First of all the organisation of the day was all over the place, lack of communication about what was going on. Then the long draining waits for the trains to set off, there were 3 trains you could ride on, Thomas, Daisy and Percy, unfortunately because they share the same line you have to board and then wait 20-30mins before your train leaves just for it to go up and down a track for less than 5mins. The Percy train had the biggest queue which took 20mins to queue then sitting on the train carriage for 20mins before actually setting off.
The park and activity area was adequate as well as the mini model train area, the biggest let down was queuing for the miniature railway for the driver to decide he was going on break, it would have been helpful if a sign was posted prior to people queuing so they knew 🙄
Overall I wouldn’t return again to this railway for the Day out with Thomas and would gladly return to the Ropley Station event
First of all the organisation of the day was all over the place, lack of communication about what was going on. Then the long draining waits for the trains to set off, there were 3 trains you could ride on, Thomas, Daisy and Percy, unfortunately because they share the same line you have to board and then wait 20-30mins before your train leaves just for it to go up and down a track for less than 5mins. The Percy train had the biggest queue which took 20mins to queue then sitting on the train carriage for 20mins before actually setting off.
The park and activity area was adequate as well as the mini model train area, the biggest let down was queuing for the miniature railway for the driver to decide he was going on break, it would have been helpful if a sign was posted prior to people queuing so they knew 🙄
Overall I wouldn’t return again to this railway for the Day out with Thomas and would gladly return to the Ropley Station event
Written 27 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Philip H
Colchester, UK22 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Fantastic day on the steam engine driver experience. Staff couldn’t have been more helpful and friendly, while the museum may be small but is great fun and very interesting. Highly recommended.
Written 1 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lynn k
Chingford, UK135 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
We went on an event day, and there was a lot to see and do. Thoroughly enjoyed it, worth a visit. Lots of parking.
Knocked a point off for the poor attitude of staff at the cafe, (which I believe is run independently) who kept complaining that the customers were to blame for the long wait for the sausage and bacon rolls and they should have had their breakfast at home. Really???? if everyone had their food at home they would be out of business, isn't that the point of a cafe?
Knocked a point off for the poor attitude of staff at the cafe, (which I believe is run independently) who kept complaining that the customers were to blame for the long wait for the sausage and bacon rolls and they should have had their breakfast at home. Really???? if everyone had their food at home they would be out of business, isn't that the point of a cafe?
Written 25 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicole B
Clacton-on-Sea, UK1 contribution
Jun 2023 • Couples
Had the most fantastic day out today, there was so much to do and see. Even had coffee inside an old War time carriage. I cannot thank Martin enough who was so kind and helpful, he showed us inside off bounds areas including a Victorian carriage I had been really excited to see and their workshop and projects, really made the whole experience 10000% times better so thank you so much!
Written 7 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Derbyshireflyboy
Needham Market, UK589 contributions
May 2023
We arrived late in the day, on a spur of the moment visit and were unable to see everything as there was a private function on in the goods shed, but what we did see was interesting and the volunteers in the repair shed were friendly, helpful and happy to answer questions.
Next time we will arrive earlier and hope to try out the cafe, when it is open.
Next time we will arrive earlier and hope to try out the cafe, when it is open.
Written 21 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicky S
London, UK10 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
I did the one day steam experience last October and it was brilliant- we drove the steam engine, worked the signals and the crossing gates and acted as guard. The most fun ever. Loved it so much I went back a couple of weeks ago to drive the train again. Super friendly people and a lovely little museum. Walking through the restoration sheds was an education in itself. A hidden gem on a branch line.
Written 8 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Explorer67278398492
7 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
Visited on a Saturday and were really surprised on how great the staff, venue and especially the café experience was. We had bacon sandwiches and tea whilst seating in a carriage. Brilliant!
The staff are Brilliant
The staff are Brilliant
Written 26 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
john e
1 contribution
Dec 2022
My young son loves steam trains regardless of if they are working or not. Yesterday we went on a visit and one of us checked the closing time which was at 16:00.
We wanted to have lunch and then have a quick look around the museum.
Unfortunately, as we arrived at the Cafe at 14:00 we were told rather abruptly that they closed at 14:00 and refused to serve us any food. The staff could see we had a young child but that made no difference. To make matters worse they said they could serve us drinks but no food! To my mind if you can serve one you can serve the other, and it would not have taken much for them to keep the kitchen open 10 minutes longer so we could eat properly.
When we arrived at the museum nobody told us that the Cafe would close early at 14:00. The website for a non-operational Wednesday clearly states 15:00!
Not a pleasant visit and rather disappointing as we had to leave early to go home and eat. Customer service and welcome at the Cafe leave a lot to be desired.
We wanted to have lunch and then have a quick look around the museum.
Unfortunately, as we arrived at the Cafe at 14:00 we were told rather abruptly that they closed at 14:00 and refused to serve us any food. The staff could see we had a young child but that made no difference. To make matters worse they said they could serve us drinks but no food! To my mind if you can serve one you can serve the other, and it would not have taken much for them to keep the kitchen open 10 minutes longer so we could eat properly.
When we arrived at the museum nobody told us that the Cafe would close early at 14:00. The website for a non-operational Wednesday clearly states 15:00!
Not a pleasant visit and rather disappointing as we had to leave early to go home and eat. Customer service and welcome at the Cafe leave a lot to be desired.
Written 29 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback. We are sorry to hear of your disappointment regarding Platform Two Cafe, which is run by an external supplier to the Museum, Stour Valley Catering. They can be contacted via their Facebook site. We will follow up your comments, and ask that they let our Visitor Reception Staff know should they be closing early any days in which we are planned to be open. Again, please accept our apologies and we hope to see you back at the Museum.
Written 3 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cora B
Scherpenzeel, The Netherlands1,369 contributions
Oct 2022 • Solo
Travelled by bus to this location, £ 7.20 for a daycard outer circle. You need to walk a short stretch along a quiet road with no pavement so beware. The 1890's station building looks really impressive. There is a shop selling all kinds of railway paraphernalia. You need to take the steps into the museum to start the tour. Staff and volunteers are a very friendly brunch. I loved the set up, loads of original features on display. There is a ticket office, waiting room, WH Smith kiosk, the exterior looks amazing. On the opposite platforms you find the trains you can visit, the goods shed, the repair shed, the signal boxes and much more. The cafe sells great food, the scones looked really yummie. I had the leek and potato soup and a coronation chicken sandwich, excellent choice. There are seats outside or you can eat in a very luxurious dining car. Really loved it, if you want to have a proper look you need at least 3 hours.
Written 17 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for the amazing review, and we are really glad you enjoyed your visit!
We'd love to see you again soon.
If required there is an accessible entry point to the site (so that you don't have to take the stairs) round the side of the main building onto the platform.
Alternatively, there are other accessible options available on request.
Written 19 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
essexgran2016
Essex, UK244 contributions
Thinking of booking Thomas Day Out ......but how long is the running track ?
Are the children liable to be disappointed with the length of time spent chugging along on Thomas.
Chris C
Colchester, UK42 contributions
It's not a long track but it is a great day out if the weather holds, there are lots of attractions as well as other friends of Thomas to see.
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Claim your listingEAST ANGLIAN RAILWAY MUSEUM: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about East Anglian Railway Museum
- East Anglian Railway Museum is open:
- Wed - Wed 10:00 - 17:00
- Sat - Sun 10:00 - 17:00
- Hotels near East Anglian Railway Museum:
- (0.21 mi) Romantic Lodge with Hot Tub at Wakes Hall Lodges
- (0.91 mi) Wakes Hall Lodges
- (2.95 mi) Swallows Field Glamping Pods
- (6.68 mi) Stoke by Nayland B&B Poplars Farmhouse
- (7.59 mi) The Suites at Pannells Ash
- Restaurants near East Anglian Railway Museum:
- (0.30 mi) The Swan Inn, Chappel
- (0.49 mi) Platform 2
- (1.91 mi) The Thatcher's Arms
- (4.34 mi) Rim Jhim Spice Indian Restaurant
- (6.55 mi) Timbers