Closed until April. Weekend running finishes at the end of October. Check the official site before you set off.
Seven and a quarter inches. That is the gauge, the circuit is not far off a mile, and the ride lasts around ten minutes through a corner of Runcorn Town Park. For a three year old obsessed with trains this is close to the ideal outing, and it costs nothing.
It has been running since 1979, all of it built and operated by members of the Halton Miniature Railway Society. Volunteers, in other words, which is where the timetable goes loose.
The aim is 1pm to 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays from April to October, with Thursday afternoons added in August. Every listing on their own site carries the same caveat: it depends on volunteers being available. They tell you to check their Facebook page or ring the ski centre on 01928 701965 after half twelve on the day. Do that.
Build the rest of the visit around Town Park. There is a free children's play area, picnic tables, and the ski centre by the main station does refreshments and runs family tubing from Easter to October, so a shut railway does not write off the afternoon. Children have to be supervised on the train. Donations are not compulsory, but they are how the thing keeps running.
What it costs: There is no charge to ride the train. Donations are welcome to help cover running costs. No fare is published because none is charged.
Worth knowing: Children must be supervised by an adult on the train.
Seasonal: Weekend afternoons April to October. Check before travelling.
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