Statfold Country Park is a distinctive family attraction near Tamworth in Staffordshire, combining heritage railways, working locomotives, museums, children’s play areas and outdoor activities in one large countryside setting. Unlike a traditional railway museum where visitors mainly look at historic engines, Statfold offers the chance to experience railway heritage through train rides while also providing attractions for visitors who may not be railway enthusiasts. The site is home to more than 20 working steam and diesel locomotives and has railway tracks in three different gauges, ranging from 12¼ inches to 2 feet. It also includes the National Narrow Gauge Museum, the National Fairground Museum, Toby’s Barn Soft Play and Little Statfold role-play village. This mixture makes it an appealing choice for families, railway fans and anyone looking for a varied day out in Staffordshire.
What Is Statfold Country Park?
Statfold Country Park is a heritage and family attraction on Ashby Road near Tamworth, Staffordshire, best known for its narrow-gauge railway collection and working locomotives. However, it offers much more than a traditional railway museum, with heritage train rides on selected opening days, historic fairground displays and a range of family activities. The site has more than 20 working steam and diesel locomotives across three different track gauges, giving visitors an opportunity to explore railway engineering and understand why narrow-gauge railways were used for industrial, agricultural and specialist transport. Alongside its heritage attractions, the park provides modern family facilities including a three-tier soft-play area, outdoor play spaces and a children’s role-play village, making it suitable for visitors with different interests and ages.
One important point for anyone planning a visit is that the experience can vary depending on the opening date. Peak general-opening days offer the broadest selection of attractions and include heritage train rides, while other opening formats place greater emphasis on children’s activities and museum experiences. This makes checking the official event calendar before travelling particularly important, especially for visitors whose main reason for going is to ride the trains or see a specific attraction. Choosing the right date can help families make better use of their admission and enjoy a more complete experience at the park.
Where Is Statfold Country Park and How Do You Get There?
Statfold Country Park is situated on Ashby Road, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B79 0BU, making it a convenient day-trip destination for visitors travelling from across the Midlands. The attraction is particularly accessible by car and can be reached from the M42 at Junction 11 or through Tamworth via the B5493. Visitors are advised to enter “Statfold Country Park” into their sat-nav rather than relying solely on the postcode, which can help when travelling to the attraction’s rural setting. The entrance is also easy to identify by the large red Cadbury locomotive displayed near the site, making it a useful landmark for first-time visitors.
Before travelling, visitors should check the opening hours and event programme for their chosen date because Statfold Country Park does not operate the same attractions every day. The 2026 calendar includes peak general-opening days, PLAYday Fridays, school-holiday activities and special events, while some dates are closed. Planning the journey around a specific opening day or event is therefore more reliable than assuming the park operates as a conventional daily attraction. This is particularly important for visitors who want to experience the heritage railway, as train operations depend on the scheduled programme.
What Can You See and Do at Statfold Country Park?
The main attraction is the combination of railway heritage and family entertainment. On peak general-opening days, visitors can take unlimited countryside train rides, explore the working railway museum, visit Little Statfold, enjoy a session in Toby’s Barn Soft Play and use outdoor facilities such as the play areas and mini golf when conditions allow. The National Fairground Museum adds another important part of the experience by preserving historic fairground attractions and displays.
The railway collection is particularly valuable for visitors interested in engineering and industrial history. Instead of separating the educational side from entertainment, Statfold allows visitors to see historic machinery and then experience a working railway. This gives children a practical introduction to transport history and can make the museum experience more memorable than simply reading information panels.
The main attractions to look for include:
- Heritage railway and countryside train rides
- More than 20 working steam and diesel locomotives
- National Narrow Gauge Museum
- National Fairground Museum
- Little Statfold children’s role-play village
- Toby’s Barn three-tier soft play
- Outdoor play areas
- Fellumpa Mini Golf
- Woodland areas and trails
- Seasonal events and themed family experiences
The exact combination depends on the date, so the attractions list should be treated as a planning guide rather than a promise that every feature operates at every visit.
Why Is the Railway Experience So Important?
The railway is at the heart of Statfold Country Park and gives the attraction much of its distinctive character. The park operates heritage railway experiences using a collection of steam and diesel locomotives across different narrow-gauge tracks, allowing visitors to experience working railway heritage rather than simply viewing engines in a museum. On peak general-opening days, unlimited countryside train rides are included with admission, making the railway particularly appealing to enthusiasts as well as families. For children, the experience offers a practical introduction to transport history, as they can see and hear working locomotives while learning how narrow-gauge railways were used to move people, goods and materials.
The railway also adds educational value for parents and grandparents, who can use the experience to introduce younger visitors to industrial history and the development of older forms of transport. However, visitors should check the opening programme carefully because train operations are not available every day. Peak general-opening days include countryside train rides, while PLAYday Fridays focus on children’s activities and museum access without operating the railway. Anyone visiting primarily for the trains should therefore select a peak opening day or a railway-focused event to make sure the main attraction they want to experience is available.
What Can Families Expect From the Museums?
The museums add important depth to a visit because they provide historical context behind the locomotives, railways and attractions around Statfold Country Park. The railway museum focuses on narrow-gauge railway heritage, giving visitors the opportunity to see locomotives and related displays in an environment connected to a working railway. For families, this can turn a train ride into a broader learning experience, helping children understand how railway technology developed and why these smaller-gauge systems were used for particular types of transport.
The National Fairground Museum offers a different perspective by exploring the history of traditional travelling entertainment and vintage fairground culture. Its displays broaden the appeal of Statfold beyond railway enthusiasts and can provide an interesting experience for adults and children alike. Visitors should distinguish between museum access and operating fairground rides, however, because rides are not automatically available whenever the museum is open. Fairground rides operate during selected school holidays and special events, so anyone visiting specifically for the vintage rides should check the programme for their chosen date before travelling.
Is Statfold Country Park Good for Young Children?
Statfold Country Park works particularly well for families because children are not expected to spend the entire visit looking at railway exhibits. Toby’s Barn provides a substantial indoor soft-play area, while Little Statfold offers a role-play environment where children can use their imagination and interact with different activities. Outdoor play areas and mini golf provide further options, which can be especially useful during a longer visit. This variety also suits families with children of different ages and interests, as one child may be fascinated by trains while another prefers climbing, role play or outdoor games. Having several types of activity in one attraction means families can change pace without needing to leave the site.
The opening day can still make a significant difference to the family experience. Peak general-opening days provide the broadest combination of attractions, including heritage train rides, museums, soft play, role play and outdoor activities. PLAYday Fridays have a different focus, concentrating on family play and museum experiences at a lower admission price, but the railway does not operate. Families should therefore choose their ticket according to the activities they most want to enjoy, rather than assuming every opening day provides the same attractions.
What Are the Ticket Options and Prices?
Ticket costs vary according to the type of opening or special event. The official 2026 information lists general admission from £15 for adults and from £17.50 for children aged 2 to 14 on its pricing page, while peak-day information and ticket listings can vary according to the specific event and booking date. Under-twos are generally free, with senior and carer options also available on applicable admission days.
A useful way to understand the options is to compare the purpose of each type of visit rather than looking only at the headline price. A lower-cost play-focused day can be excellent value for families who mainly want indoor and outdoor activities, whereas a peak admission day offers more attractions and includes heritage train rides.
| Visit type | What it is best for | Main experience | Important point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak general opening | Full family day out | Trains, museums, play, role play and outdoor activities | Train rides included |
| PLAYday Friday | Lower-cost family visit | Play facilities and museum activities | Railway does not operate |
| Special event | Themed or enthusiast experience | Event-specific programme plus selected park facilities | Prices and inclusions vary |
| Steam Into Summer Pass | Multiple visits | General admission throughout the membership period | Designed for repeat visitors |
The Steam Into Summer Pass is another option for families planning several visits. For 2026, the pass runs from 1 June to 4 October and provides unlimited entry to general admission days during the membership period, along with selected event discounts. Family passes start from £95 for two adults and two children.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Visiting?
One of the clearest advantages is variety. Statfold is able to combine authentic heritage with modern family entertainment, meaning that a visit does not have to revolve around a single attraction. The railway collection provides historical interest, while play areas and role-play facilities help keep younger visitors engaged.
Another benefit is the opportunity to return for different experiences. The attraction’s event programme includes family days, railway events, model railway shows, seasonal experiences and larger events. This means a repeat visitor can experience a very different side of the venue on another date.
The main advantages and limitations are:
- Strong family appeal: Different age groups have different activities available.
- Educational value: The railway and fairground collections provide real historical context.
- Authentic railway experience: Peak days include countryside train rides.
- Good variety: Museums, play, outdoor activities and events can be combined.
- Variable programme: Not every attraction operates on every date.
- Planning required: Train enthusiasts need to select a suitable opening day.
- Additional costs: Some event activities, rides or experiences may have separate charges.
- Weather considerations: Some outdoor attractions depend on suitable conditions.
The biggest potential disadvantage is therefore not the attraction itself but choosing the wrong date for your expectations. Checking the official calendar before booking removes much of this risk.
What Events Take Place at Statfold Country Park?
Events are an important part of Statfold Country Park because they give visitors different reasons to return throughout the year. The programme covers family experiences as well as specialist railway and transport events, with examples in the 2026 calendar including Day Out With Thomas, The Big Statfold Weekender, the Road, Rail & Ale Steam Rally, Warley at Statfold and the Magical Santa Express. This variety means visitors can choose an event that matches their interests, whether they enjoy steam locomotives and model railways or prefer school-holiday activities and seasonal family entertainment. Larger events can also create a livelier atmosphere than a standard opening day by combining train rides with entertainment, food and additional activities.
Visitors should check the individual event details before booking because admission arrangements and included attractions can differ. Some events provide access to several Statfold facilities, while particular activities may have additional charges or require separate arrangements. The Big Statfold Weekender, for example, includes access to trains, museums and play areas, but some activities, including certain soft-play sessions and fairground rides, may cost extra. Checking the event programme, ticket conditions and attraction inclusions in advance helps visitors choose the most suitable date and avoid unexpected costs.
How Long Should You Spend at Statfold Country Park?
Most families should allow several hours at Statfold Country Park, while visitors who want to experience the railway, museums, play areas and outdoor attractions may benefit from spending most of the day there. The ideal length depends on your priorities, as someone mainly interested in the railway museum and a train journey will need less time than a family using Toby’s Barn, Little Statfold, the museums and outdoor facilities. A full day is particularly useful on a peak opening day because there are several experiences to fit around train operations, and children may want to spend longer in the play and role-play areas than expected.
Rather than following a strict timetable, it is usually better to plan around the activities that operate at specific times. Start with any train ride, special event or other time-sensitive experience you particularly want to see, then leave flexible periods for the museums, play areas, food and outdoor activities. This approach reduces the pressure to rush between attractions and gives families enough time to enjoy the parts of Statfold that interest them most, while still making the most of a full-day visit.
How Should You Plan Your First Visit?
The most important planning step is to check the exact opening type before purchasing tickets. Statfold’s 2026 calendar includes peak general-opening days, PLAYday Fridays, school-holiday activities and special events, so two visits on different dates can offer noticeably different experiences.
If your main priority is riding a heritage train, select a day when the railway is scheduled to operate. If your children mainly want soft play, role play and outdoor activities, a play-focused day may provide better value. Visitors interested in fairground heritage should also check whether the museum and any rides are operating on their chosen date.
A simple first-visit checklist can help:
- Check the calendar before booking.
- Confirm whether train rides operate.
- Check the event-specific inclusions.
- Look at the weather if outdoor activities matter.
- Allow enough time for the museums.
- Plan breaks rather than rushing between attractions.
- Check whether any favourite activities have additional charges.
- Use “Statfold Country Park” in your sat-nav when travelling by car.
This small amount of preparation can make the experience significantly smoother, particularly for families travelling with young children.
Is Statfold Country Park Worth Visiting?
For families who enjoy heritage, entertainment and hands-on activities, Statfold Country Park is worth considering because it brings several experiences together in one destination. The working railway and historic locomotive collection give the visit genuine heritage value, while the museums provide useful historical context and children’s attractions add plenty of variety for younger visitors. The best experience depends on choosing the right opening day for your interests. Railway enthusiasts are likely to prefer a peak day or specialist railway event, while families mainly looking for play and children’s activities may find a PLAYday Friday more suitable. Repeat visitors can also explore seasonal events and options such as the Steam Into Summer Pass.
Statfold may not be the best choice for visitors looking only for a quiet countryside walk, as its main appeal comes from organised attractions, heritage railways, museums and family entertainment. However, for families and railway enthusiasts who want something more varied, the combination offers a strong reason to visit. With the right date selected and enough time to explore the different areas, Statfold Country Park can provide an enjoyable full-day experience that gives children plenty to do while also offering adults genuine historical and railway interest.
(FAQ’s)
Where is Statfold Country Park?
Statfold Country Park is located on Ashby Road, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B79 0BU. It is accessible from the M42 Junction 11 and through Tamworth via the B5493.
Does Statfold Country Park have steam trains?
Yes. The park has more than 20 working steam and diesel locomotives, with heritage train rides available on selected opening days and events.
Are train rides included in the Statfold Country Park ticket?
On peak general-opening days, unlimited countryside train rides are included with admission. Train rides are not available on PLAYday Fridays.
Is Statfold Country Park suitable for toddlers?
Yes. Young children can enjoy Toby’s Barn Soft Play, Little Statfold and outdoor play areas, making the park suitable for families with younger children.
How long do you need at Statfold Country Park?
Most visitors should allow several hours, while families wanting to experience the trains, museums, play areas and outdoor attractions may benefit from spending most of the day.
Is Statfold Country Park worth visiting?
Yes, particularly for families and railway enthusiasts who want a mixture of heritage trains, museums and children’s activities. The best value depends on choosing an opening day that matches your interests.
Conclusion
Statfold Country Park offers much more than a conventional railway museum, combining working narrow-gauge railways, historic locomotives, museums, children’s play facilities, outdoor activities and seasonal events in one destination. The railway collection provides genuine heritage value, while attractions such as Toby’s Barn and Little Statfold make the park appealing to families who may not normally visit a transport museum. This balance of education, entertainment and hands-on activities makes it suitable for different ages and interests.
The main point to remember is that the attractions available can vary depending on the date. Peak general-opening days offer the broadest experience and include heritage train rides, while PLAYday Fridays focus more on play and museum activities, with special events providing additional railway and family experiences. For families in Staffordshire and the wider Midlands, Statfold Country Park is a strong choice for combining history, nostalgia and entertainment. With the right date selected and a little planning beforehand, it can provide a rewarding full-day visit rather than simply a short stop.
