Ecclesbourne Railway

The Ecclesbourne Railway runs a proper steam train service through some lovely Derbyshire countryside near Ashbourne. You board vintage carriages - some dating back decades - and rattle along a restored stretch of line that feels frozen in time. The whole operation is run by railway enthusiasts who actually know their stuff, not some corporate heritage attraction pretending to care.

It's mainly heritage rail buffs and families who get the most from this. Kids love the novelty of a real steam engine, though the journey itself isn't long and can feel a bit slow if you're not genuinely interested in locomotives. You're looking at a couple of hours maximum, so it's best paired with other activities in the area rather than treated as a full day out.

The trains run on weekends and special dates throughout the year - worth checking their timetable before you visit. Admission isn't free, but prices are reasonable for what you get. If you're staying at Mulino Lodge, the glamping pods just down the road, you could easily pop over for an afternoon without it dominating your holiday schedule.

Truth is, this works best if you either have a genuine interest in railways or very young children who think anything with a steam engine is magic. For everyone else, it's a pleasant diversion rather than essential. The surrounding countryside around Ashbourne offers better value for walkers, but if the timing works out, it's a nice enough afternoon.