Thompson Park Miniature Railway
A charming volunteer-run miniature railway offering affordable rides through the scenic gardens of Thompson Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More trains usually run
Thompson Park Miniature Railway
Best Time
More trains usually run
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming volunteer-run miniature railway offering affordable rides through the scenic gardens of Thompson Park.
"One of the best miniature railways in the UK, offering brilliant family fun at a great price!"
🎯 Affordable Rides
Tickets are incredibly cheap at just £1 per ride! A fantastic value for family fun. :moneybag:
🚂 Volunteer Power!
This railway is run by volunteers. Be patient and appreciative of their hard work! :heart:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Steam & Diesel Rides
Thompson Park
Experience the thrill of riding on authentic steam or diesel miniature trains. A delightful journey through the park's scenic grounds.
Scenic Park Circuit
Ornamental Gardens
A 1km track winds through the park's lovely ornamental gardens, offering picturesque views from the train.
Themed Train Designs
Station
Marvel at the variety of train designs, including freight and Intercity styles, adding to the charm of the ride.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Volunteer-Run Charm
Park & Ride Combo
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Affordable Rides
Tickets are incredibly cheap at just £1 per ride! A fantastic value for family fun. :moneybag:
🚂 Volunteer Power!
This railway is run by volunteers. Be patient and appreciative of their hard work! :heart:
📸 Great Photo Ops
The park setting and unique trains offer plenty of opportunities for memorable photos. :camera:
🎁 Unexpected Treats
Sometimes staff give out free sweets! Keep an eye out for these little surprises. :candy:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Affordable Rides
Tickets are incredibly cheap at just £1 per ride! A fantastic value for family fun. :moneybag:
🚂 Volunteer Power!
This railway is run by volunteers. Be patient and appreciative of their hard work! :heart:
📸 Great Photo Ops
The park setting and unique trains offer plenty of opportunities for memorable photos. :camera:
🎁 Unexpected Treats
Sometimes staff give out free sweets! Keep an eye out for these little surprises. :candy:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You might want to explore the park before or after your ride, so wear comfy shoes. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Thompson Park Miniature Railway for its excellent value, friendly volunteer staff, and charming atmosphere. It's described as a highlight for families and a well-maintained attraction offering a delightful ride through beautiful park gardens. Some visitors note that it can get busy, and operating hours can vary due to its volunteer nature.
"Good old fashioned family fun! Well done to all the volunteers that keep it going. An exciting little rife, aboard the diesel or the steam trains, around the lovely Thompson Park gardens."
Jo Garrigan
"The train ride was brilliant and well worth the money. Probably one of the best minature railways that we've been on and in a wonderful setting. The staff where also very friendly and brilliant with the kids, will definitely be visiting again in the future. Even the park the trains set in is very nice."
Paul Smith
"One of the best miniature railways in the UK. Has between 2-4 trains running on a 1Km track that circles the ornamental gardens and grounds. Entirely staffed by volunteers with a range of ticket options. Highly recommended for young children and fascinated adults."
Mark Keating
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Thompson Park is located in Burnley, Lancashire. You can reach it by car, with parking available nearby. Public transport options like buses also serve the area, making it accessible for visitors without a car.
Yes, there is parking available at Thompson Park, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car. It's advisable to arrive early on busy days to secure a spot.
Thompson Park is a pleasant walk from Burnley town centre, offering a chance to see more of the local area. The walk is generally manageable for most visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Rides are very affordably priced at approximately £1 per ride, making it an excellent value for families and individuals.
Advance booking is generally not required for the miniature railway. Tickets can usually be purchased on the day of your visit.
Operating hours can vary, especially as it's volunteer-run. It's best to check their social media or local listings for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
While the primary option is per ride, there might be variations or special event tickets. The £1 per ride is a consistent highlight.
Thompson Park is a public park and typically does not have an entrance fee, allowing you to enjoy the grounds freely.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The miniature railway operates on a 1km track that circles the park's ornamental gardens and grounds.
You can expect to see a variety of trains, including steam engines and diesel locomotives, with designs ranging from freight to Intercity styles.
Absolutely! It's highly recommended for young children and is considered one of the best miniature railways for family fun.
Yes, the railway is enjoyed by fascinated adults as well as children, offering a charming and nostalgic experience for all ages.
Thompson Park offers lovely gardens, open spaces for picnics, and play areas, making it a great place for a family outing.
📸 📸 Photography
The sections where the track goes over the rail bridge offer great views. The curves through the ornamental gardens also provide picturesque backdrops.
Yes, you can take photos from the train, offering unique perspectives of the park as you ride.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on photography for personal use, but always be mindful of other visitors and the volunteers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider arriving early to explore the rest of Thompson Park, which offers playgrounds and open spaces for kids to run around.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your train ride with a picnic in the beautiful Thompson Park, which is free to enter and offers lovely grounds to explore.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of the Railway: Volunteers
Visitors often praise the volunteers for their friendliness and helpfulness. Some have even noted receiving unexpected treats like free sweets, highlighting the extra mile these volunteers go.
Because it's volunteer-run, operating hours can sometimes be variable. It's always a good idea to check their social media or local event listings for the most current information before planning your trip. This ensures you don't miss out on the chance to experience this delightful attraction.
A Journey Through Thompson Park
Passengers can enjoy a variety of train designs, from classic steam engines to modern diesel locomotives, including impressive freight and Intercity styles.
Beyond the railway, Thompson Park itself is a lovely place to spend time. It features open green spaces perfect for picnics, play areas for children, and beautifully landscaped gardens.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit