RAIL GOOD
The Thomas the Tank Engine train experience returning this summer with outdoor shows and unlimited rides
And the other popular kids characters you can meet in the UK this year
A THOMAS the Tank Engine attraction is returning in the UK this summer, but guests will only have a small window in which to enjoy it.
Visitors will be able to ride in a carriage pulled along by Thomas, while also meeting some of their favourite characters from the show.
2
Thomas will be running along the tracks of the Watercress Line in Alresford, Hampshire once again this summer.
Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty and Dusty will also be joining Thomas, along with Sir Topham Hatt, who will be on hand to meet and greet guests.
Sir Topham will be part of two new Rusty and Dusty outdoor entertainment shows, along with Percy, Diesel and Toad.
Terence the Tractor will be visiting the railway too.
Read More on Train Journeys
Anyone who wants to ride along with Thomas should book tickets in advance, to make sure they get the time slot they want.
However, tickets grant access to the railway for the whole day, so people are advised to arrive early to make the most of the entertainment and activities at Ropley and Alton stations.
As part of that access, guests can enjoy unlimited travel on the big trains from Ropley to Alton along .
They can also enjoy unlimited rides on the miniature railway as well.
Most read in Family
There will be a bubble zone on site for kids to play in, as well as children’s vintage fairground rides.
Play Pod play zones with Thomas & Friends activities will also be on offer, along with Thomas & Friends giveaways for every child.
Europe's Smallest Wonder: The Stourbridge Shuttle
Thomas & Friends story time sessions will be taking place and there will be some Thomas themed selfie spots around for some great photo opportunities.
Hot and cold snacks will be on sale from Ropley’s T-Junction, where there's a south-facing picnic area overlooking the South Downs.
A variety of stalls will also have food and drinks on sale.
Tickets for children aged 2-16 cost £19 when booked in advance, while adult tickets cost £24.
Three scenic train journeys you can take in the UK
Cornish Coast - One trip that rail enthusiasts seem to love is along a stretch of the Cornish coast and takes just 10 minutes to complete.
The route from St Erth to St Ives only stops at Carbis Bay en route to its final destination, but the views out the window for the whole journey are pretty spectacular.
Another highlight of the journey is that St Ives station is situated right next to Porthminster beach, meaning the sand and sea can be accessed almost immediately.
Meanwhile, the station is less than a ten minute walk into town, where the harbour, shops, galleries and pubs can be explored.
Durham to Edinburgh - Another train route that people in the UK love is the East Coast train line between Durham and Edinburgh, with coastal views and city landscapes among the sights that can be seen out the window.
Newcastle, Berwick, Lindisfarne and Durham Cathedral are all among the highlights on that route.
Scotland's West Highland Line - While Scotland is home to plenty of famous landmarks and top attractions, it also has one of the most breathtaking train routes in the world.
Scotland's West Highland Line has previously been dubbed the best rail journey in the world by - and it's easy to see why.
The journey from Glasgow to Fort William is one of my favourite train routes - and I've interrailed through mainland Europe.
With mountain landscapes, serene lochs, wistful moors, and wildlife all visible through the train window, it's certainly a route all holidaymakers should consider doing at least once.
A family of one adult and up to three kids costs £60, while two adults and up to three kids can be booked in advance for £79.
Children under two can ride for free.
The event will be taking place on the Watercress Line from May 25 until June 2.
Thomas rides are approximately 15 minutes long and will take place every half hour from 9.50am until 3.50pm.
Thomas isn't the only popular kids' character making an appearance in the UK this year.
Bluey
Bluey the Australian blue heeler is currently at Alton Towers.
The pub is ready for character interactions in the Staffordshire theme park’s CBeebies Land.
Paddington
A "multi-sensory experience" featuring the popular bear is once again being hosted at London's County Hall.
The attraction first launched last year to celebrate 65 years of Michael Bond's famous book character.
Now it has been announced that the interactive show will be back again this summer - starting from May.
Visitors will be required to help Paddington and the Brown family prepare for a special day
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Meanwhile, this new indoor theme park is opening in London with three floors of games.
And this retro amusement park has £4.7million worth of new attractions this year.
2
Topics