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Exploring new places together in your motorhome is a great experience but sometimes you might want to park up and take a break from driving.
So, whether you’re looking for a romantic trip down memory lane or a fun-filled day out with the family, a ride on a steam train could be just the ticket.
The UK is blessed with some of the most jaw-dropping steam railways in the world so choose one of the following and let the adventure begin.
Just make sure you’ve updated your motorhome insurance before you head out.
Great Central Railway, Leicestershire
The UK’s only double-track main-line heritage railway is the perfect place to see full-size steam locomotives passing each other just as they did when steam ruled the rails.
Running between Loughborough and Leicester, the trains call at the heritage stations of Quorn & Woodhouse and Rothley.
It’s the ideal place to realise your childhood dreams with a Drive a Locomotive Experience.
There are also regular special events for all the family, including Steam Galas, Peppa Pig, Bonfire Night and the 1940s-style Wartime Weekend.
Downpatrick & County Down Railway, Northern Ireland
Just south of Belfast you will find the two miles of lovingly restored track of Northern Ireland’s only full-size heritage railway.
It runs through the rolling drumlins of County Down and over the peaceful River Quoile between Downpatrick and the ruined 12th century monastery of Inch Abbey (if you’re a Game of Thrones fan you might recognise it).
Located in a quiet corner of the sprawling Castle Ward estate the National Trust’s Castle Ward Caravan Park is a great place to stay and continue your exploration of this stunning area.
South Devon Railway, Devon
This long-established steam railway in the south west is a popular all-weather attraction.
The seven miles of this former Great Western Railway branch line run along the spectacular valley of the River Dart between the small market town of Buckfastleigh and Totnes.
Leave time for a traditional Devon cream tea or a visit to the 12th century Buckfast Abbey in Buckfastleigh.
There are plenty of campsites that welcome motorhomes around the National Park, where you can enjoy Dartmoor’s dark night skies.
Dartmoor is a wild and sometimes lonely place however so make sure you have your motorhome insurance documents with you in case of mishaps.
Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway, Cumbria
Take the 20-minute journey from Haverthwaite to Lakeside and enjoy the out-of-this-world views at the southern tip of Lake Windermere.
There’s plenty to do nearby, from the Lakeland Motor Museum to The World of Beatrix Potter.
Or hop on board a Windermere steamer and enjoy a cruise to Bowness or Ambleside to really make the most of the scenery.
Motorhomes are welcome at the National Trust’s campsite at Low Wray on the western shore of Lake Windermere.
Or perhaps try the Great Langdale site sitting just below the towering Langdale Pikes, one of the best walking and climbing areas in the Lake District.
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway, Gloucestershire
Climb aboard the volunteer-run Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway to soak up some of the Cotswolds' most striking landscape.
Grab snapshots across the Malvern Hills and beyond, spotting scenic hamlets and villages as you ride the rails between Cheltenham Racecourse and Broadway.
The line runs right past the nearby Broadway Caravan and Motorhome Club site, so you might get lucky and spot the trains as they sail past.
West Highland Line, Argyll and Bute, Scotland
One of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world it's worth travelling to no matter where you’re based.
Beginning at Craigendoran near Glasgow, the line first runs along the Clyde Estuary and Rannoch Moor to Fort William.
Then it's on to Mallaig, covering 84 miles of mountains, lochs and the silvered sands of Morar.
Just 10 miles from Fort William the Bunree Caravan and Motorhome Club site is set in a breath-taking location on the banks of Loch Linnie. Look out for cormorants and sea otters!
Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, Kent
Established in 1927 the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway was billed as 'the world’s smallest public railway'.
It’s a 15-inch gauge working railway with ⅓ scale trains running along a 13.5-mile route taking in seven stations – Hythe, Dymchurh, St Mary’s Bay, Romney Warren, New Romney, Romney Sands and Dungeness.
You can also book experience days to learn to drive the locomotives, or look behind the scenes at the workshops and offices.
There are many options for motorhome stays nearby so why not soak up the atmosphere of a traditional seaside town and take a walk along a glorious stretch of beach?
Vale of Rheidol Railway, Ceredigion, Wales
If you’re looking for adventure then travel from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge through some of Wales' most spectacular scenery on the Vale of Rheidol Railway.
The rolling hills and unspoilt countryside of this picturesque part of West Wales will leave you stunned.
And if you want to make more of your railway experience, there are plenty of special events to keep you busy throughout the year.
From Jazz Nights and Santa Specials to Sunday lunch specials and 'ride and dine' summer evening excursions.
Just don't forget to bring your hiking boots if you want to enjoy the variety of scenic walks from many of the station stops.
Just over a 50-minutes’ drive away is the tranquil National Trust caravan site located next to the River Cothi on Dolaucothi Estate in Carmarthenshire.
This location is a haven for stunning wildlife from the wildflower meadows to the ancient woodland. You’ll be sure to spot something you’ve never seen before.
Motorhome insurance from Motorhome Protect
Your motorhome offers you a home away from home from which to enjoy a range of experiences.
Wherever you find adventure, the team at Motorhome Protect will ensure you’re protected.
Your motorhome insurance could include unlimited cover across all countries that are part of the EU, cover for camping personal effects up to £3,000, and cover for vehicles with a value of up to £150,000.
Get a quote from Motorhome Protect today.
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