Things to do in London with your train-mad child
All aboard! If your child is a train enthusiast, you’re in luck because London is a paradise for little locomotive lovers. Trains have an irresistible charm for many kids, and London offers a plethora of opportunities to indulge in their passion. From iconic stations to quirks of the network, the city is brimming with train-themed adventures waiting to be explored. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the top train things to do in London that are perfect for satisfying your train-mad child’s curiosity and excitement.
Grab your ticket to an unforgettable journey through London’s railway wonders with our list of ideas. All aboard!
Challenge yourselves to ride on every Tube line
London’s extensive public transportation network includes a variety of Tube lines, each serving different parts of the city and beyond. With a total of 11 Tube lines, navigating the Underground can initially seem daunting. However, each line is colour-coded, making it easy to distinguish between them on maps and signage throughout the system.
Each line has its own quirks and subtle differences. Why not challenge yourselves to ride at least a short distance on each line?
Depending on the age of your children you could devise your own scoring system for each line to see which ‘wins’. Scores might be awarded in categories like spaciousness, seat moquette design, smoothness of ride etc.
‘Drive’ a DLR train
A delightful adventure awaits train-loving children on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) in London. This automated light metro system provides a unique experience that allows kids to feel like they’re driving the train themselves.
With its driverless operation and front-facing windows, if you can get a seat at the front of the first carriage then young passengers can watch as the tracks stretch out ahead of them, providing an exhilarating sensation of ‘driving’ the train.
As the DLR winds its way through the city’s Docklands area, passing by towering skyscrapers and waterfront vistas, children will be captivated by the passing city.
Riding the DLR offers a fun and immersive way for kids to experience London’s public transportation system while fuelling their passion for trains.
Discover the quirks of the Tube network
As mentioned above, each Tube line and station has its own quirks. Discovering those quirks is part of the fun of exploring London.
Why not pay a visit to Angel station where you can ride the longest escalator on the Tube network? The ascent spans a staggering 60 metres and if your child loves trains then there’s a good chance they’ll also appreciate a good escalator.
Alternatively, why not stop off at Whitechapel station, which is unique on the network because the Underground trains are overground and the Overground trains are found Underground. Work an interchange between lines into your journey and truly boggle the mind of a train-loving child.
There are plenty more quirks to discover as you make your way around the city, let us know your favourites in the comments!
Find Platform 9 and 3/4
For families with children who are Harry Potter fans, a visit to Platform 9 and 3/4 at King’s Cross Station is a magical experience not to be missed.
This iconic platform offers a unique photo opportunity for young fans to imagine themselves on their way to Hogwarts aboard the Hogwarts Express. With a trolley disappearing into the brick wall, it’s a whimsical nod to the fictional world created by J.K. Rowling.
Children can don their Hogwarts house scarf, clutch a wand, and pose for a picture that captures the excitement of embarking on a magical journey. Keep in mind that there is usually a queue, so allow enough time for this.
Find Paddington bear
A must-visit destination for families with train-loving children is Paddington train station, in addition to being a place where children can see trains arriving and departing, Paddington Station is renowned as the arrival point into London for the beloved fictional character, Paddington Bear.
Seek out the iconic Paddington Bear statue. Standing proudly in the station’s concourse, the statue serves as a charming reminder of the beloved bear’s adventures and offers the perfect photo opportunity for young fans. Paddington Station blends the magic of children’s literature with the joy of modern trains, making it a memorable stop on any London itinerary for train-mad kids.
See our separate blog post for more information on things to do for Paddington Bear lovers.
Visit Blackfriars Station
Blackfriars train station is an interesting destination for children with a passion for trains, offering a unique layout and breathtaking views.
Spanning the River Thames, it’s the only station in London to stretch across the river, providing an unforgettable experience for young enthusiasts. Kids can marvel at trains traversing the iconic Blackfriars Railway Bridge, which boasts panoramic vistas of the river and the city skyline.
To access the platform without taking a journey, you can buy a ‘platform ticket‘ from the station that allows you to access the platforms on foot or cross the Thames via the platforms if you wish. Platform tickets cost just 10p – a bargain for train-mad children and an excellent souvenir of your day. Once on the platform you can observe trains arriving and departing against the scenic backdrop of the river – a memorable experience for children fascinated by trains and transportation.
Challenge yourself to spot (or use) as many different types of trains as you can
One activity for train-loving children in London is to embark on a train-spotting adventure to see how many different types of trains you can spot or ride.
In addition to the Tube lines, London also boasts other rail services that connect up with the Tube network such as the Elizabeth Line (formerly known as Crossrail), the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) offers automated train services to areas like Canary Wharf and Greenwich, and the Overground network which connects various parts of Greater London and surrounding areas. Parts of South London are also connected by trams.
Mainline trains connect London stations with the rest of England and Scotland and Eurostar trains from St Pancras whisk passengers to the continent.
London’s diverse array of train services promises an unforgettable opportunity for train-spotting for children with a passion for locomotives.
Visit the London Transport Museum
A visit to the London Transport Museum is a must for families with train-mad children seeking an immersive and educational experience in the heart of London. Located in Covent Garden, this museum offers a fascinating journey through the history of London’s transport system, showcasing iconic vehicles, vintage posters, and interactive exhibits that bring the city’s transportation heritage to life.
Children can climb aboard historic buses, trams, and even a tube carriage from the past, allowing them to imagine themselves as passengers from bygone eras. With hands-on activities, engaging displays, and informative guides, the London Transport Museum provides a dynamic and entertaining day out for families, offering a deeper understanding of the role that trains and other modes of transport have played in shaping London’s identity.
For under 7s, the Transport Museum’s All Aboard playzone offers that ability for children to drive a bus, repair a mini Tube train, work in the ‘Lost Property Office’ and become a mechanic, riverboat captain, station announcer or driver.
It’s a place not to be missed for train enthusiasts of all ages!
Get a bird’s eye view of London Bridge Station from the Shard
For families with train-loving children, a visit to the viewing gallery at the Shard offers a unique and thrilling perspective on London’s railway network.
From the viewing heights of the 68th, 69th and 72nd floors of this iconic skyscraper, kids can enjoy a bird’s eye view of trains arriving and departing from London Bridge Station, one of the city’s busiest transport hubs which is located right at the foot of the Shared.
Watching the trains arrive into and depart from the station from such a high vantage point provides an inspiring experience that will capture the imagination of young enthusiasts (and perhaps even a few older enthusiasts, particularly model train lovers).
The sense of scale and the mesmerizing sight of trains darting through the cityscape below offer a different way to appreciate London’s railway infrastructure. With its panoramic views across London, the Shard promises an unforgettable outing for families, combining the excitement of train-watching with the wonder of London’s skyline.
Ride the Mail Rail
A visit to the Postal Museum in London offers an unforgettable experience for families with train-mad children, particularly the chance to ride the historic Mail Rail.
The Mail Rail was a fascinating underground railway system used to transport mail beneath the streets of London. Originally in operation from 1927 to 2003, the Mail Rail provided an essential service for the postal system, delivering letters and parcels across the city with impressive efficiency.
Today, visitors to the Postal Museum can embark on a thrilling journey through this hidden world of postal history, riding on a specially adapted train carriage along a section of the original Mail Rail track. It’s a unique opportunity to step back in time and discover the remarkable ingenuity and innovation behind London’s postal network while experiencing the excitement of riding on a piece of railway history.
Find locations from their favourite films
For older children with a passion for both trains and film, exploring locations on the Tube network where their favorite movies were shot can be a thrilling adventure. From Westminster station, where Harry Potter embarked on his trip to the Ministry of Magic with Arthur Weasley, to the futuristic Canary Wharf station featured in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, there’s no shortage of cinematic magic to discover on London’s underground network.
With a bit of research and a keen eye, families can embark on a self-guided tour of these iconic film locations, immersing themselves in the worlds of their favourite characters while experiencing the excitement of London’s bustling transportation system. It’s a unique and memorable way to combine a love of trains with a love of cinema, offering the possibility of adventure and discovery in the heart of the city.
Let them ‘tap in and out’
For train-loving children, tapping in and out of the Tube in London can be an exciting and empowering experience. While children under 11 travel for free on the Tube when travelling with a paying adult, many children enjoy the experience of, and responsibility for, tapping into and out of Tube stations.
Either put them in charge of the card you use, or alternatively, accept that you may pay a small amount (fares are capped daily) to allow them to use their own Oyster card or contactless card. This simple act not only makes them feel like independent travellers but also teaches them valuable lessons about responsibility and navigating public transportation.
Visit the Epping and Ongar Heritage Railway
A little further out of the city, a visit to the Epping and Ongar Heritage Railway is a dream come true for train-mad children and families alike. Nestled in the picturesque countryside on the outskirts of London, this charming heritage railway offers a nostalgic journey back in time. On most operating days, vintage buses start from the front door of Epping and Shenfield stations, whisking you back in time to period stations, with heritage steam and diesel hauled trains.
Children can immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and smells of vintage steam and diesel locomotives as they chug along the scenic route between Epping and Ongar. With lovingly restored carriages and beautifully preserved stations, the railway provides a glimpse into the golden age of steam travel, offering a unique and memorable experience for passengers of all ages.
Have you visited London with a child that loves trains? Let us know in the comments what your child loved the most about their trip!