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.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- Judy872 contributionsAmazing ExperienceI had an eggciting day out with family for Easter Sunday. My family and I visited Ruislip Lido Railway in the afternoon and had one of the best Easter ever. All the families had a great time visiting the bunny and staff made us feel special. Would definitely recommend!Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 3, 2024
- sally s1 contributionFun Easter train rideThe Easter train ride was brilliant.I went with my daughter and 2 year old grand daughter. Such a great atmosphere all the staff joining in the fun and made it so special and entertaining with music dancing and Easter eggs for us all. I would highly recommend and will be booking again next year!Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 4, 2024
- Keeley PGreater London, United Kingdom554 contributionsHidden gemFabulous hidden gem!!! Plenty of parking. Lovely little railway cafe and I must say the young man serving (Think he’s name is Robert) is a credit!! Very informative and helpful. All voluntary run which is amazing. Kids loved the train journey to the lidoVisited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 23, 2024
- Moira A1 contributionA train ride to see Santa.We visited with our 4 year old granddaughter and her 3 year old friend, along with parents and other grandparents to see Santa. It was a wonderful experience, Santa was great, he ‘knew’ the children’s names! One of the volunteers took some great pictures of us all. Every volunteer deserved a medal for being out in the pouring rain for so long, yet still being friendly and smiley. We’ll definitely come again.Visited December 2024Traveled with familyWritten December 2, 2024
- Ellie OAmsterdam, The Netherlands26 contributionsChristmas trainWe went on the Santa train. It was brilliant! Lots of Christmas lights and all staff were kind and friendly. We met a very friendly Santa and our son got a fantastic gift. Getting a free hot drink and mince pie was a lovely touchy would Highly recommend to anyone wanting a great Christmas experience.Visited December 2024Traveled with familyWritten December 2, 2024
- CarolineUxbridge, United Kingdom23 contributionsFantastic Christmas train and Santa visitWe visited to ride the Christmas train and meet Father Christmas. It was such a lovely experience for all 4 of us (2 adults and 2 boys) and would definitely do it again. From all the Christmas lights and decorations to the lovely volunteers who work tirelessly to make sure everything runs smoothly, the whole evening was just magical. The gift bags for the children were fantastic and there was even a little something for the adults as well! A hot drink and mince pie were included and we were glad to have opted to have them at the end when we needed warming up! Highly recommended and we’d love to do this again next year (as long as my 8 and 11 year old don’t decide they’re too old to see Santa!).Visited December 2024Traveled with familyWritten December 15, 2024
- allan k1 contributionSanta was a StarWow what an event the twins were ecstatic especially when we went through the snow blizzard. The organisers entered into the Christmas spirit beautifully and Santa was a real star remembering everyone's names. A bag of fabulous gifts just right for the age range and even parents and grandparents got a gift. Well done RLR a great start to Christmas.Visited December 2024Traveled with familyWritten December 18, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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149 reviews
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SunnyDay365
Rickmansworth, UK134 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
10 contributions
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
18 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.
Jon L
2 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Took my daughter on train ride to see Santa, she loved it. We'd wanted to do this experience for many years but hadn't booked it early enough. Lovely lit up decorations in the woods on the ride travelling to Santa's Grotto were magical. Really pleased to have finally done it. Tickets come out late August so book immediately then or you'll miss out.
Written December 12, 2023
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, UK3,345 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, UK2,024 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.
Annette
Eastcote, UK3 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
A magical train ride that takes you through decorated woodlands to meet Santa.
The whole experience was amazing. All the jolly staff, the best Santa for miles! The goody bag was full of age appropriate gifts and each adult was given a bar of chocolate. We were a park ranging from 5 months to 64 and everyone loved it.
The whole experience was amazing. All the jolly staff, the best Santa for miles! The goody bag was full of age appropriate gifts and each adult was given a bar of chocolate. We were a park ranging from 5 months to 64 and everyone loved it.
Written December 11, 2023
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.
Megjane_11
Bury St. Edmunds, UK144 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
We were staying nearby for the new years weekend. Fantastic find for young kids. We loved it! One of our kids lost her woollen hat whilst we were riding on the train and one of the engineers went back to collect it for us.
The play area near the beach is epic and we enjoyed the walk on a cold, wet New Year’s Eve day. Would definitely recommend. The gift shop is very reasonably priced too! Plus there is EV charging in the car park! :)
The play area near the beach is epic and we enjoyed the walk on a cold, wet New Year’s Eve day. Would definitely recommend. The gift shop is very reasonably priced too! Plus there is EV charging in the car park! :)
Written January 1, 2024
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, UK89 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.
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!
Written May 4, 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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