Families in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, can take a trip on a famous steam train this month as Thomas the Tank Engine returns to the tracks. The Nene Valley Railway is hosting the special event on February 14, 2026, and February 15, 2026, to offer a local day out during the mid-winter break.
Visitors will board the blue steam engine at Wansford Station for a journey through the Wansford Tunnel to Yarwell and back. This specific train, known as Number 1800, is unique because it was officially named “Thomas” by the creator of the original books, the Rev. W. Awdry, in 1971.
The event comes at an important time for the local charity, which has been working to raise money to cover the rising costs of running the heritage line. By visiting the railway, which links to the nearby Nene Park, residents help support the preservation of local transport history.
The trip includes a ride through a dark tunnel that is over 600 yards long, which is a highlight for many young passengers. These rides are part of a wider celebration across the country in 2026 to mark 200 years of British rail history.
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