Nene Valley Railway - (Wansford, Station) — Attraction in Huntingdonshire

Used to love the Christmas train with the family, but this year was a disappointment.

Firstly, NVR need to sort their capacity issues. Parking is woefully inadequate and with the place located where it is, a car is required by most to get there. Vehicles were dumped all along the access road, which is now double yellow lined. I heard that locals aren't happy with the cars everywhere and I can see why. Also, due to it being so busy, the queues to get anywhere on site are ridiculous.

Secondly, the much loved hot food and drinks served on the train are gone. This has been replaced with overpriced hot drinks available from a train cafe and food you can pay for in advance and pick up before you board the train. I heard people stating the collected food isn't a patch on the old served food. I can't comment on this as didn't book it. But, it was a disappointment that the old way of serving the food is now gone.

Thirdly, the entertainment when queuing is rather poor. You used to queue for a bit, see santa and get on the train or be on the platform to see the train arrive. Now, you have to queue in overcrowded enclosed areas with no chance of seeing the train or the platform, wait for ages to see santa and then get straight on the train. This process seems to have slowed everything down meaning the train departure is significantly delayed. What is the point of enclosing everyone so they can't even see the train until they emerge from the poor queuing areas?

In summary, this year was disappointing when compared to years gone by. I doubt we will bother visiting next year. It isn't so much fun anymore.

One final point, the staff failed to point out to an elderly relative of mine (who books by phone) that the food isn't served on the train anymore. Bit if a...

Our youngest grandson had never been on a real train he was always interested. When we pulled into the car park both boys were excited. They thought we were just looking around. They had a lovely welcome from the man who asked them if they had been befor. awe struck they could see a little blue train at the back of the station they asked about the blue train. Wow it was THOMAS. Thomas was being serviced. We wandered around I was taken back to memories of my childhood. Those Boys and grandad had a fantastic time. Oliver 5yrs and Alfie 7yrs.This is a place where dreams are real. We paid approximately £50 we were there 6 hrs it was absolutely worth it.. Those Boys marvelled at everything. We took them to sit in different parts of the train to get the feel.and have cake n pop from the buffet carriage. Every ride was superb. The boys felt very important to be asked for tickets 😁. Everything was amazing to them. The countryside was beautifull the sun was bright the clickety clack as we went along. We had a little lunchbox taken from home too. We shared in a coach compartment they were real travellers on a train having a great adventure. Everything was fun and all kids on board behaved. The train was so awe inspiring the staff helfull and polite. The station was so interesting. A day of happiness for all. The boys don't KNOW it yet... We are planning a return ticket to more fun. These are their golden memories of us in our era. A bit like TIME TRAVEL.THANK YOU TO ALL THE STAFF FROM CLEANERS TO TRAIN DRIVER FOR THE MOST WONDERFUL AUTHENTIC DAY OUT. Please be respectful put all rubbish in BINS JUST LIKE WE DID WHEN WE WERE KIDS. Stay...

The Nene Valley railway runs for 7.5 miles.tjete are 5 stations in total. Trains start from Wansford which houses the engines which are both steam and diesel. Wansford has a cafe,shop and also a booking office. There is also a reasonable sized car park that is free for visitors. Trains leave Wansford and go east to Yarwell where the engine runs around. It then returns to Wansford and heads west to Peterborough ( Nene Valley ) calling at Orton Mere and Overton. Orton Mere has a tea room with indoor and outdoor seating and is a pretty station. There are sidings opposite housing some smart old rolling stock and behind other wagons and engines in store. You can also alight here and take a stroll at Ferry Meadows country park. Along the line you will see the river Nene at various points alongside peaceful countryside. The railway has quite unusual rolling stock and engines, passenger carriages are a variety of European stock with French and Dutch influences,I believe one coach is Italian. The dining car has a lovely interior. One of the steam locos is (656) is a Danish engine built in 1949. There is also a Swedish Railcard named Helga which is due in service this summer. You may see some shunting going on around the depot when you visit. In the depot I saw a visiting GWR loco, a class 45, the lines Thomas the tank engine which is in service at selected times. For quieter days they have a class 143 Pacer rail bus,a train built in the 1980's to serve rural routes and branch lines. An adult rover ticket is £19, there are discounted fares for kids and family...