- Online Maps:
|
- Compose an email -
|
- Plan your route to "Didcot Railway Centre" -
|
- Other "neighborly" websites -
|
- Location -
[
SU 525905
]
[
OX11 7NJ
][
51.6104978807187,-1.24132314528474
][
452529,190510
]
[
Waypoint
]
|
 General view, including engine sheds, of part of the site on a cold January day
 A mail carriage
Didcot Railway Centre, located in the town of Didcot
in the English
county of Oxfordshire
, is based around the site of an old engine shed which became redundant due to the rationalisation of the UK
railways, as well as the gradual switch from steam to diesel power.
The Great Western Society
was offered the use of the site and took it over in 1967. The society has a comprehensive collection of Great Western Railway
locomotives and rolling stock. There are two short lengths of running track, each with a station at both ends. The shorter of the two lengths - the 'branch line' - has a wayside halt-type station named Didcot Halt at one end while at the other end is the transhipment shed dating from Broad Gauge
days, when it was used for transferring goods from broad to narrow gauge rolling stock and vice versa; it has been carefully reconstructed from its original site nearby. This is where the Firefly
replica, completed in 2005, can be found. The other length of track has a prefabricated concrete station platform at one end next to the entrance, and a newly built platform at the other end. Long term plans include the reconstruction of the Brunel
station building from Upper Heyford
on this platform.
The site retains many original GWR features including the engine shed, turntable pit and coal stage from the 1932 rebuilding. The turntable itself is a Southern Railway (UK)
item from the Southampton
Docks.
The centre regularly holds events such as steam and diesel railcar
days. Members of the Great Western Society are active in the preservation of locomotives and rolling stock and as of 2005 several locomotives such as King Edward II
are being restored, in addition to the restoration of rolling stock such as coaches.
The railway centre is accessed through Didcot Parkway railway station
, which links the centre by rail to London
and much of the south and central England.
External links
[ Didcot Railway Centre website ]
{{Heritage railways in England}}
<Heritage railways in England>
<Museums in England>
<Railway museums in the United Kingdom>
<Visitor attractions in Oxfordshire>
<Railway engine sheds>
Add your review. editor@places2visit.co.uk
|
 |
7.3 miles to Millets Farm Centre Frilford
Description:
Millets Farm
|
|
 |
9.9 miles to Laser Quest - Oxford Oxford
|
|
 |
10 miles to Ashmolean Museum Oxford
|
|
 |
16 miles to Abilad's Attic Witney
Description:
Abilad's Attick, Antique, decorative
and collectable items bought and sold
|
|
 |
16 miles to Blenheim Palace Woodstock (Tickets)
Description:
Blenheim Palace is the home of the 11th Duke of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.
|
|
 |
20 miles to Cotswold Wildlife Park Burford
Description:
Home to a fascinating and varied collection of mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates, from Ants to White Rhinos and Bats to big Cats. A great family day out with plenty to do.
|
|
 |
21 miles to Burford Garden Company Burford
|
|
|
|
22 miles to Laser Quest - Wokingham Wokingham
|
|
 |
23 miles to Wyvern Theatre Swindon (Tickets)
|
|
|
|
23 miles to Laser Quest - Swindon Swindon
|
|
 |
23 miles to Crofton Beam Engines Crofton
|
|
 |
25 miles to Bekonscot Model Village Beaconsfield
Description:
Bekonscot.com is the ultimate Model Website. Bekonscot Model Village is the oldest model village in the world; and is located in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, in England. It's a wonderland in miniature for children and adults alike; where you can explore villages and railways of 1930's rural England.
|
|
 |
27 miles to Legoland Windsor Windsor (Tickets)
Description:
LEGO.com is the official LEGO web site which contains fun and engaging games, activities, and online shopping for LEGO toys.
|
|
 |
31 miles to Hawk Conservancy Andover
Description:
The Hawk Conservancy Trust - a look at its history, work and some of the rare and endangered raptors being bred in captivity as an aid to global conservation
|
|
 |
34 miles to Whipsnade Zoo Dunstable
Description:
The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is a charity devoted to the worldwide conservation
of animals and their habitats.The charity is made up of five operating divisions: London Zoo, Whipsnade
Wild Animal Park, Institute of Zoology, Conservation Programmes and Fellowship Services.
|
|
 |
34 miles to Thorpe Park Chertsey
|
|
 |
44 miles to Chessington World Of Adventure Chessington
Description:
Welcome to Chessington World of Adventures, the theme park for families looking to share an adventure in 2006
|
|
|
Website |
46 miles to Natural History Museum London SW (Tickets)
Description:
The Natural History Museum, London, England, home page
|
|
 |
48 miles to National Gallery - London London WC (Tickets)
Description:
The National Gallery, London, houses one of the greatest collections of European painting in the world. These pictures belong to the public and entrance to see them is free.
|
|
 |
48 miles to British Airways London Eye London SE
|
|
© 2004-2006 places2visit.co.uk
|
|
(Books)
Your Choice Railways Magazine Subscription
A magazine subscription makes a perfect gift. However, choosing the right magazine for that special someone can be tricky; so, why not let that person choose from some of the UK's top railway magazines? Titles Choice Model Rail (12 Issues) Steam Railway (12 Issues) Rail (12 Issues) If you are giving this as a gift, you will still need to fill in your own address as the delivery address when you place the order. On purchase, you will receive a gift pack. Inside the pack you'll find an exclusive greeting card, so you can write your own message if you are giving it as a gift. To receive the year's subscription, the recipient simply needs to fill out the enclosed form and send it off in the envelope provided. The pack must be registered to receive the subscription. Please note that due to magazine print deadlines, it may take up to eight weeks to receive the first copy of the magazine. The magazine subscription will run for twelve months from receipt of the first magazine. TERMS & CONDITIONS Valid for UK postal addresses only (includes N.Ireland). It may take up to eight weeks for receipt of the magazine. An alternative magazine cannot be chosen, once the registration form has been returned. The pack must be registered by the date shown on the activation label (to be found next to the barcode on the reverse of the pack). Unfortunately, WHSmith is unable to register packs or give refunds after this date. The magazine subscription runs for twelve months from the date of receipt of the first magazine. Subscription postage is to the UK only. Confirmation will be sent within two weeks of receipt of the registration form. In the unlikely event that you have not received confirmation by this time, please contact WHSmith Customer Services on 0870 444 6 444 or e-mail: customer.relations@whsmith.co.uk.
.00 GBP
|
(Books)
AA the Days Out Guide 7Rev ed
This is the 7th edition of a colourful guide to the best of Britain's rich and varied heritage and attractions. With all the information you need to enjoy a perfect day out in Britain and Ireland, it is the perfect companion for organising family days out or weekend breaks throughout the year. Fully updated and revised for 2006, there are over 2,000 places of interest - from castles to art galleries; museums to theme parks. There is essential advice on availability of refreshments, disabled access, parking and whether dogs are allowed, plus up to date details of prices, addresses, directions and opening times. Each location is plotted on the colour location atlas to help you find your way.
7.80 GBP
|
(Gadgets)
Steam Train Journey For Two
The Cathedral's Express is pulled by a fabulous 1940's steam engine, offering customers a refined and civilised journey reminiscent of the bygone steam age. As you travel back in time to your chosen destination, the gentle rhythm of the piston-driven wheels will restore your sense of well-being, as will the courteous staff who are on board to help make your day a memorable one. There is a choice of destinations making it the ideal way to visit England's beautiful medieval Cathedral cities. Location: Departs London (South East) to destinations across England Agenda: On purchasing this experience you will be sent an open dated gift voucher with 10 months validity.The voucher will have the contact details to make your booking. Destinations include Ely, Canterbury, Salisbury and Winchester. All trains depart mid-late morning and return by 9pm. Giving you 3-4 hours to explore the delights your chosen city has to offer. Notes: On purchasing this experience you will be sent an open dated gift voucher with 10 months validity. This experience is for two people. The voucher will have the contact details to make your booking. Please note that food is not included but there is an at seat trolley service. Locomotives used include 'Black 5', 'Taw Valley', 'Duke of Gloucester', 'King Edward 1', 'Bittern', and 'Standard 5'. The operator reserves the right to vary the locomotives throughout the year and for operational reasons it may be necessary to change locomotives at short notice. A vegetarian meal is available and should be requested at time of booking. Please note this experience does not include the Christmas Carol Service Specials.
98.49 GBP
|
(DVDs)
Discover England - Oxford And Bath
With it's timeless cloisters and quads, its magnificent churches, chapels and libraries, its tranquil water meadows and peaceful river walks, Oxford has inspired countless artists, philosophers and scholars. This concise historical film will take the viewer on a journey through one of the world's most famous and beautiful cities, unveiling many of it's delightful secrets along the way. Then we travel a few miles further afield to the historic city of Bath and a tourist guide to the most complete and best preserved Georgian city in Britain.
13.59 GBP
|
|
Didcot Railway Centre
.JPG)
