Planes Trains And Automobiles
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Aviation Viewing Park
As we went to press the Aviation Viewing Park was undergoing a massive overhaul costing more than £1 million. Replacing the static burger van and basic but clean toilet facilities will be a huge hangar to house Concorde as well as provide a restaurant, toilets and a new shop. There will also be a smaller...
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The Airport Hotel
I’d heard about the Airport Hotel but my visit definitely exceeded expectations. Admittedly from the front it looks rather like an unassuming pub, but the rear sits just 50 feet from the final approach for Manchester Airport’s Runway 23R, and the close-up views of aircraft landing are...
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Anderton Boat Lift
The Anderton Boat Lift in Cheshire is a spectacular feat of Victorian engineering and was the first of its kind in the world when it was built in 1875. It’s a 50-foot vertical link between two waterways – the River Weaver and the Trent and Mersey Canal. It’s hard to describe and do it justice...
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Abbotsfield Park Miniature Railway
Abbotsfield Park in Flixton looks at first sight like any other small park. It’s a recreation ground the size of a couple of football pitches with a small children’s play area. However, just as you’re crossing the bridge to the entrance you’re drawn to a plume of steam coming towards you at some speed. This...
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Brookside Miniature Railway
We always have a fun time here – I can’t get Will or his Daddy away from it! Brookside, located at a garden centre, has five locomotives – three steam engines and two diesel. The trains are located at their very own station, Brookside Central, which is a replica West Country station with authentic buildings,...
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Dragon Miniature Railway
The Dragon Miniature Railway is located at a garden centre in Marple. There, just by the side of the car park, you’ll find a little station with two trains (one diesel and one steam) running alternately on a half-mile track. For 70p each you’ll be taken through a tunnel, alongside a river, via eccentric displays...
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East Lancashire Railway
Arriving at Bury’s Bolton Street Station is like stepping back in time. There are traditional ticket booths, lovely signage and helpful staff. We decided to go from Bury to Ramsbottom but for a longer ride you can take the train from Heywood all the way to Rawtenstall. Ramsbottom is a 15-minute journey through some gorgeous...
