Nene Valley Railway

Nene Valley Railway

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"The NVR is a standard gauge railway, which runs for seven and a half miles between Yarwell Junction and Peterborough in Cambridgeshire"  (from their website)

The railway basis its main headquarters at Wansford station in Peterborough which on a long journey with 2 small boys makes an ideal spot to stop for a cup of tea and a sandwich.

Directions:

Turn off the A1 at the new Stibbington fly over, which is 1 mile south of the A1 / A47 interchange and 4 miles north of the end of the A1(M). Look for the large brown "Nene Valley Railway" signs on both the A1 and A47.

Note: Avoid Wansford village on the opposite side of the A1.

Parking: Free

Sat Nav: PE8 6LR

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As you pull into the car park you have a well contained small play area to let small legs run around in while you can get simple food, ice lollies or a drink from the cafe.    You could also use the picnic benches for your own picnic.

There are disabled and child friendly toilet facilities on hand which were kept clean and well stocked.

The shop is nicely stocked with Thomas the tank and Peter's engine books as well as a few gifty bits (mugs, keyrings etc) at sensible prices.

One of the un-used engines has an open cab that the children can climb aboard and 'drive'.

You can watch 'Thomas' the little blue engine pull his coaches into the station and also post him a letter in the special blue Thomas postbox.  For an additional cost you can board the train to any of the other stations on the route.

  

The Stations

Yarwell StationYarwell Junction station is the gateway to Northamptonshire and walks to the villages of Nassington and Yarwell.

Ferry MeadowsFerry Meadows station is the gateway to the Nene Country Park. 

Orton Mere StationOrton Mere Station is an ideal point to either join the train or stop off at whilst travelling 

Peterborough (Nene Valley) StationPeterborough Nene Valley Station is the eastern terminus of the Nene Valley Railway.

It hosts many special occasions throughout the year which have surcharges attached to them.

Cost
Free to use the car park, facilities and playground.
Additional costs to go on the platform and train.
Additional costs for special occasions.

Would I go again?
As a stop-off point to break up a long journey? yes.  The cafe was reasonably priced and facilities well kept.

For a special event?  Thomas with his face on looks very scary and I'm not sure the children would react well to him so probably not.