No. 6201 Princess Elizabeth

If you're staying at one of the parks around Crewe, you've got a genuinely unusual piece of railway history on your doorstep. No. 6201 Princess Elizabeth is a vintage steam locomotive - a real, tangible reminder of Britain's railway golden age. The engine itself is the star: a powerful Pacific-class locomotive that once hauled express trains across the country. You're looking at one of the few surviving examples of its kind, which alone makes it worth a look if you've got even a passing interest in heritage railways or Victorian engineering.

The setting is industrial Cheshire, nothing fancy, but that's rather the point. This isn't a manicured attraction with themed zones. It's straightforward and honest - exactly what you'd expect from a railway enthusiast project. Families with older kids who like trains will get more from it than toddlers; expect a good hour if you're keen, less if you're just stopping by for a quick gander.

Based near Crewe, it's perfectly positioned between visits to Oakwood Campsite or The Willows Touring Park. Worth combining with a wander around Crewe Heritage Centre if you're making a railway pilgrimage, though fair warning: opening hours and access can be patchy, so ring ahead before you visit. Not a blockbuster attraction, but for the right person it's genuinely rewarding.