Telford Steam Railway — Attraction in Dawley Hamlets

Booking fiasco for polar express - do you believe? I believe in the nightmare that is this fiasco!!

As per previous frustrated and bitterly disappointed parents - I signed up for the email to say tickets had gone on sale (having previously missed out as I wasn't in the know when tickets went on sale). As soon as I got the email I tried to secure tickets. On 4 separate occasions I had the 4 tickets I required in my basket (& on 2 of those had put in payment details) only for the site to crash out. Eventually after using up 2 sets of mobile phone data (we were off out for the day in the Easter holidays) the site permanently went down. I tried ringing the railway - phones wouldn't answer, I tried emailing to get a cheery reply of 'do you believe?' I replied with the issue to get a reply telling me 'they will be in your basket when you get back on'.

I, like many others endured being placed in a virtual holding queue to wait to enter a queue to enter the website. But it's Ok - to save you going blind staring at the sceen - you can request an email to tell you when to rejoin the virtual holding queue to join the queue (& you get a 45 minute window to do this from when you receive the email). My helpful time arrived at 5am when I was in bed, having stayed up until 3 AM staring at the screen and willing it to change! I tried the link, but alas had missed my window - so I then requested another email alert to inform me when i could return to the queue of all queues.

I eventually get back on - no tickets in my basket, but I select another date as 'hurrah there are tickets for a date I can do' - selecting 4 tickets of the 8 available I try to check out ... hmm the message says ... 'there are not sufficient tickets on the date you've selected , change the amount or select another date' or better still 'try again in an hour'. An hour ?? - it's taken me almost 2 days (not excluding the weekend when the whole thing was just down) to get on - what hope do I have of getting back on in an hour? - so as I am such a glutton for punishment I stay on said site for almost 2 hours checking every date that says there are tickets (- even dates I can't do just out of curiosity) & guess what there are no tickets that will process on any date at all.

I have to admit by that point I had become the parent everyone else fears, frothing at the mouth in frustration, jumping up and down like Rumplestiltskin and all because? ........ yep my children still do believe. I missed the boat two pevious years (through my own fault) & this year being uber organised I expected to get some tickets - not lose several days of my life & end up as some deranged railway hating anti-Christmas-ite!

So superb effort by the railway! I'm sure those who manage to experience the £150 hot choc and cookie will write o so marvelous reviews of how wonderful it is, but for us poor suckers who experienced a nightmare worse that taking several kids for shoe fittings on the last day of the summer holidays - this is an appalling experience and certainly not one I will ever repeat.

End result: 2 bitterly disappointed kids, 1 mother who the authorities are trying to vaccinate for rabies & 1 husband who is too afraid to come out from the cupboard under the stairs - but the q is 'do...

Our visit to the Telford Steam Railway was for a Guards Experience, a Christmas present from my daughter's family. My daughter was able to join me for my special day and my wife and grandson joined us later for our first journey. We were met by the duty guard, Ben, and introduced to the Pacer, our train for the day, and on one of its only running schedules this season. We walked through the safety procedures, both inside and out, ensuring the train was safe to use. Following us was our driver, who carried out more thorough checks. With all checks carried out and a few passengers on board, we were off. We departed in one direction, then the driver swapped ends, and we set off in the other direction, to another station, which is the end of the current line. We then did the journey in reverse. As the 'guard', I was given the task of clipping the passengers tickets and having a chat with them, as well as operating the doors and carrying out the safety checks before we departed each station. I was given the opportunity of a footplate ride in reverse, which was great. Our lunch was provided at the cafe on site and was fantastic. We rejoined the train for the return journey, where I received my certificate, a year's membership, and a booklet on the history of the railway. We went to view the incredible model railway layouts, which have to be seen before going for a family walk around the lake. We returned, and my daughter had another treat in store for my grandson and myself, the chance to drive a narrow gauge diesel. This year, the Phoenix Railway were offering guests the opportunity to 'drive for a fiver'. Both my grandson and I enjoyed the opportunity of driving the locomotive twice around a large track and blowing the horn when signs appeared to warn people of our presence. Until this year, I had never heard of this railway or Horsehay, but I do now. The railway may be small in travelling distance, but they have some very ambitious plans, which will build over the coming years and bring great delight to everyone. I would like to say a massive "Thank You" to Ben, for his infectious enthusiasm for the railway, all the railway volunteers, the cafe staff, Phoenix Railway, for making our day incredibly special, and we look forward to travelling again with you as passengers. I have enjoyed reading the booklet and learning more about this amazing little line!! For a great family day out, this is definitely worth visiting, as it caters for all ages. Parking can be found beside the Goods Shed and along the old road, which is a cul de sac, as it was the turntable when the line was...

An absolutely magical experience from start to finish! We attended the Polar Express night at Telford Steam Railway as a group of 6 adults and 2 teenagers, and it was so much more than just a train ride—it was a full theatrical experience that brought out the festive spirit in all of us.

The evening began seamlessly at the park-and-ride in Ironbridge, where the well-organised bus service got us to the venue in just 8 minutes. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by cheerful staff in festive costumes, setting the tone for an enchanting night.

The waiting area was buzzing with excitement, offering delicious hot food, refreshments, and an incredible model railway exhibition that captivated everyone. A few carols and dances later, we were guided to the platform for the main event, and that’s when the real magic began.

The train journey itself was unforgettable. The conductor and staff were full of energy, creating a lively, joyful atmosphere for everyone on board. From singing and dancing to meeting Santa himself at the North Pole, every moment was special.

When we returned, we had the chance to take photos with the cast and the beautiful train, as well as browse the gift shop for keepsakes to remember the night. The return bus ride to the park-and-ride was just as smooth, wrapping up a perfectly organised evening.

The joy on the children’s faces (and ours!) was priceless. This is a must-do experience for families and anyone who loves the magic of Christmas. Five stars...