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12 Educational Days Out
Learn Something
New This Summer
If your kids are bored with being cooped up in the house during the school
holidays, it’s time to plan some inspiring days out. Whilst are hopes of a long, hot
summer have been dashed, it’s no reason to stay at home; Britain is bursting with
great days out that promise a whole lot of fun with an educational twist.
In Britain, our love of the past is clear for all to see, from Listed buildings to ancient
castles, vintage fashion to traditional recipes, we embrace any chance to celebrate
items and ideas from a bygone era. However, for youngsters, a day out which
incorporates items and ideas from the past can also provide a unique glimpse
of how life in Britain used to be. So, why not head out for a day and discover the
world of nostalgia that exists at our numerous museums.
Take your children on a journey through time by visiting a vintage steam museum.
Combining old-fashioned charm with light-hearted fun, steam rallies offer younger
generations the chance to see amazing feats of engineering in action and actually
take a ride on them, as well as learning a little of their historic importance.
In Britain, steam locomotives dominated the railways in the 19th and early
20th Centuries, and were improved greatly during this time, but were gradually
phased out. Britain’s love of steam eventually came to an end in the 60s, as diesel
locomotives took over. Diesel locomotive trials started as early as the 1930s, but its
development was halted during the World War II and the availability of cheap coal
kept the steam locomotive in widespread use. However, towards the end of the
1960s the cost of running a steam locomotive became four times more expensive
than the diesel equivalent and steam railways became a distant memory.
For many children, and even some adults, imagining a world without mobile
phones, iPods and the Internet, never mind electricity, is simply impossible. We’re
so accustomed to having unlimited access to these electronic luxuries that we find
it difficult to comprehend an era where people read by candlelight and enjoyed
simpler pleasures. Children can also gain an insight into how ‘the other half lived’
by taking a wander around one of the many grand stately homes that our country
is famous for, where children can see, touch and feel what life was like during a
different era.
Keeping your children’s leisure time educational, as well as fun, will ensure their
minds are kept active ready for the start of the new school year.
Located in the heart of Buckinghamshire’s beautiful
countryside and covering a mammoth 25 acres,
Buckinghamshire Railway Centre promises a
charming and nostalgic day out. With a wealth of
exhibits, including impressive locomotives and
vintage wagons, and an exciting calendar of events
throughout the year, all ages will be kept easily
entertained.
Taking you on a journey to the past, the centre’s
working steam museum offers a rare glimpse at
these giant and magnificent feats of engineering.
Express passenger locomotives sit alongside humble
shunting engines and can be admired as you wander
the spacious museum, whilst a carriage used by
General Eisenhower and Winston Churchill during
wartime Britain and a Royal train dining car from
1901 are sights to marvel. For those too young to
remember and those who want to reminisce, there are
also exhibits that reveal Britain’s railway history and
provide a fascinating look at how steam transformed
our country.
Fun For All At
Buckinghamshire Railway Centre
At Buckinghamshire Railway Centre it’s all
about enjoying a day out with a difference,
which is why they have a packed schedule of
events planned throughout 2011. For those
who want to see, hear and feel what life in
the past was really like, the special Victorian
days and evacuation days offer an experience of
history like no other, whilst the steam rally and
enthusiast days also guarantee that those with a real
passion for the railways can also enjoy a great day out.
Proving to be a big hit with the young and young at
heart, the centre’s Day Out With Thomas events are
always a major draw. As well as meeting Thomas the
Tank Engine – who has remained a children’s favourite
for several decades – visitors can also enjoy magic
shows, Punch ‘n’ Judy, storytelling, arts and crafts, the
Thomas DVD theatre and rides from the famous big
blue engine’s cousins.
Committed to making a positive contribution to
Britain’s industrial heritage, Buckinghamshire Railway
Centre is an organisation largely run by dedicated
volunteers and they’re always on the lookout for
enthusiasts who want to get involved. Whether it’s
helping with restoration, driving a steam engine or
giving guided tours, help is always warmly welcomed.
Buckinghamshire Railway Centre is open seven
days a week from the end of March to the end of
October and opens for Santa steaming days during
December. The centre operates as a static museum
when not running steam open days or special events.
Gates open at 10.30am and free parking is available.
Educational visits are always welcomed and the centre
can also be hired for private events all year round,
such as weddings and birthdays.
To find out what’s going on and when, go to
www.bucksrailcentre.org or call 01296 655720.
Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Rewley Road,
Quainton Road Station, Quainton, Aylesbury HP22 4BY