Ruislip Lido Railway
Ruislip Lido Railway
4.5
About
The Ruislip Lido Railway is a 12 inch gauge railway operated entirely by volunteers. The line runs through the woodlands skirting the lake from Woody Bay Station beside the beach, all the way round to Willow Lawn Station which is close to the car park. Here you can watch the loco being turned on the turntable ready for the return journey. The two and a half mile round trip on Britain's longest 12 inch gauge railway takes about 35 minutes. PLEASE NOTE - This TripAdvisor page is for the railway at the Lido. The Lido itself is maintained and operated by the local council.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
127 reviews
Excellent
94
Very good
31
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
SunnyDay365
Rickmansworth, UK140 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
This was our 3rd visit (with a break for COVID) to the Santa Special and definitely the best. We all had an amazing time, it was so well organised and all the staff (Volunteers) were friendly and helpful.
Parking is free for Hillingdon First Card holders.
We arrived 20 minutes early expecting a queue to pick up our tickets but no one was waiting so it took 2 minutes. We got our free hot drinks and mince pies while waiting for the train.
There were lights and decorations along the train line and at the end was a lovely Christmassy scene.
We queued up for Santa for about 15 minutes and there was a glove puppet and a few wooden games on the wall to entertain the Grandchildren. There were heaters under the awning to keep us warm.
Santa and his helper Elf were really lovely and Santa spoke to the older children to ask them what they wanted for Christmas. The Elf took lots of photos for us on my mobile and there was no rush. The children got a bag of goodies and the adults got a bar of chocolate.
It was the best one yet, we will definitely be back. Thank you to all the volunteers at RLR it was magical.
Parking is free for Hillingdon First Card holders.
We arrived 20 minutes early expecting a queue to pick up our tickets but no one was waiting so it took 2 minutes. We got our free hot drinks and mince pies while waiting for the train.
There were lights and decorations along the train line and at the end was a lovely Christmassy scene.
We queued up for Santa for about 15 minutes and there was a glove puppet and a few wooden games on the wall to entertain the Grandchildren. There were heaters under the awning to keep us warm.
Santa and his helper Elf were really lovely and Santa spoke to the older children to ask them what they wanted for Christmas. The Elf took lots of photos for us on my mobile and there was no rush. The children got a bag of goodies and the adults got a bar of chocolate.
It was the best one yet, we will definitely be back. Thank you to all the volunteers at RLR it was magical.
Written December 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jacqui D
1 contribution
Dec 2022 • Family
Great value, professional staff, friendly and helpful with a large family, great decorations, Santa and the elves took their time with the kids and made it a personal experience. Gifts were even for the adults. The hot chocolate and mince pies at the end of the train ride were an added welcome treat. Can’t fault the experience.
Written December 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard C
21 contributions
Dec 2022
I've visited the Lido a few times before with the kids and this year was my first experience taking the kids to see Santa on the Santa Express. Having not been before, I was a little worried that the place would be really busy, packed with families and a bit stressful, like some Santa visits can be. This was none of that. Being Winter. the Lido is fairly quiet, so easy to find parking.
We arrived 15mins early as instructed and collected our complimentary Mince Pie and very generous hot chocolate (cream and marshmallows). Volunteers directed us to the train and we took our seats for a winding ride on the train through the woods, admiring the decorations and snow shower on the way! We disembarked at Santa's Grotto where there was entertainment for the kids as we waited inline to see Santa. Outside heating is also provided, everything has been well thought out.
Santa was great with the kids, looked the part (no false beard) and the Elves were helpful in taking photos for us on my phone. No charge for pictures, like some other places. Kids loved the Christmas goody bag, which had a mixture of sweets, books, crafts and toys. Daddy like his free bar of chocolate too. After the visit was complete, you are free to explore the Lido, which has a beach and playground, then return on the next train.
All in all a great stress free experience, which the kids loved, didn't cost the earth and isn't over commercialised.
We arrived 15mins early as instructed and collected our complimentary Mince Pie and very generous hot chocolate (cream and marshmallows). Volunteers directed us to the train and we took our seats for a winding ride on the train through the woods, admiring the decorations and snow shower on the way! We disembarked at Santa's Grotto where there was entertainment for the kids as we waited inline to see Santa. Outside heating is also provided, everything has been well thought out.
Santa was great with the kids, looked the part (no false beard) and the Elves were helpful in taking photos for us on my phone. No charge for pictures, like some other places. Kids loved the Christmas goody bag, which had a mixture of sweets, books, crafts and toys. Daddy like his free bar of chocolate too. After the visit was complete, you are free to explore the Lido, which has a beach and playground, then return on the next train.
All in all a great stress free experience, which the kids loved, didn't cost the earth and isn't over commercialised.
Written December 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Howard-Liverpool
Liverpool, UK3,082 contributions
Aug 2022
A really good long ride 2.02 miles return trip from one side of the lake to the other through nice forest scenery. Very professional operation with superb locos. Good value even for families. A great trip
Written August 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
madmichyLondon
Henlow, UK1,877 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
Love this mini train and the trip we went on around the reservoir, Ruislip Lido. What a fabulous way to see the sights and cheap £3.50 return.
The volunteers that run it are amazing, friendly and very professional ...thank you for your time keeping this railway and nostalgia going in this super modern era
The volunteers that run it are amazing, friendly and very professional ...thank you for your time keeping this railway and nostalgia going in this super modern era
Written April 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
S E O
6 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
Wonderful local lido with impressive lake full of wildlife, great walks, a model railway, 2 cafes and a restaurant. An artificial beach tops it off with good playground and climbing pirate ship for kids. Very busy in summer - don't park up Ducks Hill Road though unless you want to make the traffic warden's day...
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shaky
Sutton, UK69 contributions
Dec 2022
Fabulous and well organised from start to finish! Slick operation and could not fault it. The whole experience was great; children and adults had a wonderful time. Best value day out of the year!
Written December 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suecroxley
Rickmansworth, UK32 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
The Santa special is an amazing experience for the children & adults. Just seeing the children’s faces light up when they see all the lights & of course Santa. They also receive a bag of goodies. The adults receive a large bar of chocolate. We have been 6 times now only missed because of covid.
Written December 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
takemeaway532013
London, UK72 contributions
Dec 2022
Great experience for all the family especially this year on Mad Bess Steam train. The goody bags were an improvement and goes without saying that all the volunteers made it so special. Amazing achievement given the wintry conditions. Thanks
Written December 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alexandra D
42 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
Wonderful visit on the Santa Special, such lovely volunteers who run this and made it so special for my train loving son. Would definitely recommend and go again next time. The attention to detail and lovely present bag from Santa was just so nice. Thank you 😊
Written December 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Juliane C
London, UK1 contribution
good place to bike?
Paul G
Rickmansworth, UK249 contributions
If you want a very gentle cycle ride the lido is very very short and has a lot f walkers on the narrow path around it. However next to it is the Ruislip woods which are really good so you use the same car park. Once you have cycled round you can cycle off to the cafe by the sandy beach for food and a drink!
Ruislip Lido Railway - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Ruislip Lido Railway
- Hotels near Ruislip Lido Railway:
- (6.03 mi) North Hill Farm
- (1.30 mi) Premier Inn London Ruislip hotel
- (2.67 mi) ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT IN NORTH WEST LONDON
- (4.13 mi) The Red Lion Hotel
- (5.57 mi) Travelodge London Stockley Park Hayes
- Restaurants near Ruislip Lido Railway:
- (0.17 mi) Garden Cafe
- (0.19 mi) Arens Bar & Grill
- (0.19 mi) Turntable Tea Room
- (0.60 mi) Miller & Carter
- (0.54 mi) The Woodman
Ruislip Lido Railway Information
Excellent Reviews | 94 |
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Very Good Reviews | 31 |
Ruislip Lido Railway Photos | 61 |