Surrey's miniature railways opening in time for the perfect family day out this spring

While May will bring trains strikes and engineering works, it will also mark the opening of a fleet miniature railways. These little locomotives are a thrill for adults and children alike, and make for the perfect family day out.

In Guildford, Woking and Chertsey these little trains open up in the summer for journey’s round their tracks. Journey’s are often made by locomotives puffing smoke meaning you don’t have to be on the train to enjoy the outing.

Below, SurreyLive has compiled a list of miniature railways in the county. All are set to open this month, but have a look at each of them to see what dates they are operating.

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Mizens Railway, Woking

Mizens Railway takes its name from its original location at Mizens Farm, where the McLaren headquarters are now located. It moved to its current site in Knaphill in 2000 and has two routes to enjoy.

The shorter Suburban route is around ¾ of a mile long and takes about 7-10 minutes to complete. The Miler route is longer at about 1 mile in length (hence its name) and takes in a inner loop as well as the main track.

As well as the trains it has a station building, foot bridge and area for refreshments. Tickets can be bought on the day, and there is no entrance fee. They operate every Sunday from May 5 until Sunday, September 29 (except for 21st July).

Tickets range from £2.50 for a ride on the Suburban Line to £27 for a multi ride ticket (12 journeys). More information here.

Address: Mizens Railway, off Barrs Lane, Knaphill, near Woking, Surrey, GU21 2JW

Stoke Park Railway, Guildford

On the edge of Stoke Park, the Guildford Model Engineering Society, has two tracks both of which form continuous loops. The society owns three 5” locomotives and two 7¼” locomotives, which are all used on their passenger open days.

Depending on the weather there are other attractions. You may be able to drive your own locomotive under expert guidance for £2, as well as have ago on the remote controlled boats (£1 for five minutes). There is enough space for others for visitors to watch the mini engines pootling around a narrow gauge track – complete with model buildings and mini shrubs.

Train tickets are £2 each or three for £5, available from the ticket office in the station building. Children under three are free. The next open day is Sunday, May 17. More information here.

Address: Guildford Model Engineering Society Ltd, London Road, Guildford, GU1 1TU

Thames Ditton Miniature Railway

The Malden District Society of Model Engineers has been running passenger trains for 87 years. Located in Thames Ditton, it has two tracks, one at ground level for the bigger trains and an elevated track for smaller ones.

A journey on the ground track takes between 5-10 minutes. Depending on the weather there can be up to three vendors providing food, drinks, cakes and ice creams.

Tickets go on sale 13 days before an open day event at 1pm and need to be booked in advance. An afternoon ticket is £9 while a single ride ticket is £3.50. The next open day is Sunday, May 5. More information here. Please note no parking on site.

Address: Malden and District Society of Model Engineers Ltd, Willowbank, Claygate Lane, Thames Ditton, KT7 0LE

Frimley Lodge Miniature Railway

Starting out as Ascot Locomotive Club, the miniature railway used to be in the grounds of Heatherdown Preparatory School. The club relocated to Frimley Lodge Park and in 1988 started its first public rides in March 1991.

The track is around 1km long and is nice and close to the Basingstoke Canal and can be found within Frimley Lodge Park, with its superb playground, open spaces, café and loos.

Tickets can be bought on the day, and are £1.50 per person, per ride, and it is £12 for 10 rides. Children under 3 years old travel free. The next open day is Sunday, May 12. Find more information here.

Address: Frimley Lodge Park, off Sturt Road, Frimley Green, GU16 6HY.

Great Cockrow Railway, Chertsey

The Great Cockrow Railway has two extensive routes complete with junctions, a viaduct, tunnel and multiple stations. Named the Red and Green route both will give you ample time to enjoy your time on the locomotive.

Both routes take about the same length of time but take in different elements of the railway. They are open from 1pm to 4.30pm every Sunday throughout the Summer (May to October), but will close in bad weather.

Tickets start at £5 for a child’s single ride and £6 for an adult ride, but there is an option to buy a place on both routes. More information can be found here.

Address: 4 Hardwick Lane, Chertsey, KT16 0AD

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