Summer Holiday Activities for Kids in Essex 2026

Keep the children entertained with unlimited train rides and attractions, starting at £6 this summer. Open during the Essex school summer holidays from Wednesday 22 July to Sunday 30 August 2026 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Enjoy a relaxing day with us, with unlimited rides and plenty of time to take a leisurely walk around the other attractions we have on offer.

There is plenty for children to see and interact with it, and loads of seating and picnic benches. Why it’s a great summer holiday day out for families Unlimited train rides included with admission Tickets from just £6 Free parking on site Picnic benches and grassed areas Dog-friendly railway Toilets, seating and covered carriages Museum, signal box and model railway Near Braintree, Halstead and Colchester On certain days, our miniature railway will be running, offering parallel operation with our larger trains and views of our sidings. Check out the https://www.facebook.com/CVMRAILWAY for announcements.

The carriages used are padded and soft cushioned, and even the dog can ride in them. Don’t forget to take a picture as you run parallel to our big trains! On select days during the summer holidays, our static HST buffet on platform three will be serving hot & cold food along with teas, coffee, soft drinks, beers and wines.

Full menu will be available on the day. Buffet opening dates The HST buffet is currently planned to open on: Sunday 2 August Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 August Sunday 9 August Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 August Sunday 16 August Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 August Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 August The buffet will not open on Thursday 30 July. The Colne Valley Railway is in Essex.

Near Braintree, Halstead and Colchester. Address: Colne Valley Railway, Castle Hedingham Station, Yeldham Rd, Castle Hedingham, Colne CO9 3DZ 🅿️ We offer free parking for all visitors with plenty of spaces. Our museums take you back in time, offering a glimpse into the history of the Colne Valley Railway before its closure.

Our signal box is fully operational and works according to a historical method of railway signalling. It’s a must to see! Our heritage railway offers a relaxed, safe, and friendly environment for all ages — perfect for a half-day out with the family.

There’s plenty of seating, toilets, and free parking on site, with shaded areas and covered carriages if the weather turns. We have plenty of outdoor spaces for you to have a picnic. You can either bring your own picnic blanket and sit on our grassed areas or enjoy one of our many picnic benches.

We are a dog friendly railway, so bring your dogs along for a ride. We ask to keep them on leads and off the seats. We have plenty of water bowls available and we even have ice creams for them to enjoy!

We are open from 10:30 – 5pm with last entry at 3pm each Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday. Plus we are open Bank Holiday Monday 24th August Summer opening period ends on August 30th Frequently Asked Questions about Summer Holiday Visits Is Colne Valley Railway open during the Essex school summer holidays? Yes, we are open on selected days during the Essex school summer holidays 2026, including Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays between late July and the end of August.

How much are summer holiday tickets? Tickets start from just £6 and include unlimited train rides on the day of your visit. Is this suitable for young children?

Yes, Colne Valley Railway is a relaxed family day out with unlimited train rides, museum displays, picnic areas and plenty for children to see. Can we bring a picnic? Yes, families are welcome to bring a picnic.

There are picnic benches and grassed areas around the site. Is there free parking? Yes, free parking is available for visitors.

Are dogs allowed? Yes, Colne Valley Railway is dog friendly. Dogs should be kept on leads and off the seats.