Where ever you go there is plenty to see. I would how ever say there are a few you can't miss.

Kew pumping station in London.
Romney Hythe and Dimchurch.
North Wales, you got a choice of about ten or more narrow gauge railways in a 40 mile radius.
There are many Standard gauge lines to chose from and you will find one or two within the range of something non railway you want to see.
York is good.
I would also recommend a mine line run also.

You must visit the areas between Yourk & Newcastle. The museum and NYMR are tops. But for a holistic stop you want the Beamish Museum. It is a whole village of 19th century buildings plus they have reproduced several of the earliest colliery locomotives (which they run). Go up on the roof of the castle in Toon and watch the comings & goings at Central Station. And if you hear the roar on Saturday afternoon, try to make it into St. James Park to see who the Magpies are kicking about with.

There is a steam in the subway event in London during August. I was there days before the last time they did this. Would love to see it!


http://www.eventmagazine.co.uk/Destinat ... ains-tube/

Yes, but we have a lady to consider. My wife has similar reservations. On our expeditions she has introduced me to other things, the most memorable of which included: Bodnant Gardens in North Wales and the Inland Waterways museum at Ellesmere Port just around the corner. Also Blackwell House in the Lake District, which is a most striking example of the "Arts and Crafts" style.

When I get back to the Lake District, I would like to see the steam yacht Gondola on Coniston Water. Or you could take a steamer trip down Windermere and accidentally find the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway at the end (Honestly Dear, I had no idea it was there).

If the Swanage Railway stays on the list and you like heavy machinery, the world's largest collection of tanks is at Bovington a few miles along the coast.

So many variables!

Tim

Swanage is well worth it. The coastal village and Corfe Castle should make both of you happy. The railroad is great. There is a clay mine I did not get to visit. Train takes you to the mine and the castle.

Rob

I haven't made it "across the pond" yet. But just reading these posts it sounds like to cover all the interesting things to see one needs a number of weeks or several trips.

I have a interest in (old) ships (commercial and naval) so, I'd want to add in Bristol and the Great Britain which was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and the first iron steamer to cross the Atlantic in 1845 -- it's displayed in the graving dock in which it was built. And to Portsmouth for HMS Warrior -- the first British iron and steam warship of 1860. And also at Portsmouth there is the Mary Rose and Nelson's Victory. And more and more.

Paddle Steamer Waverly is also worth riding or chasing, usually along the Clyde River.