This summer, we've got a jam-packed schedule of activities to keep the whole family entertained – come rain or shine. The theme is the seaside, 1930s style – we're celebrating the 175th anniversary of the Great Western Railway, which promoted itself as the 'holiday line'.

Special events

Hogwarts Castle

From 5 August: The steam engine from the Harry Potter films is in Great Hall – and from 11 Aug, you can climb inside the cab. (Cab access 11:00-13:00, 15:00-16:00)

Giant Water Balls*

24 July - 5 Sep: Your child, a giant transparent ball, and a big pool of water. This exhilarating activity will be making a splash in the South Yard.

All through summer

Sand sculpture

Watch as 20 tonnes of sand is transformed into an impressive railway sand sculpture. The build is from 26 - 29 July, then the sculpture is on display until 5 Sep.

Steam rides*

Take a ride behind either Rocket replica, or City of Truro – a locomotive well known for steaming passengers to the Cornish coast (loco schedule). 10:30 - 13:00, 13:30 - 16:00. £1 child, £2 adult.

Garden games and adventure playground

Just try and resist our big versions of Jenga, Connect 4 and more, or have fun on our slides and climbing frames.

Picnic area and BBQ*

Bring your own lunch to our indoor picnic area, or indulge yourself at our BBQ and ice cream cart* in the South Yard (subject to weather).

1930s dressing up

Get in the 1930s seaside spirit by donning one of our '30s-style holiday costumes. 11:00 - 16:00, Station Hall

Summer trail

Grab our sizzling summer trail at Reception, and follow the route for your chance to win your very own giant garden game.

Funfair* and Simulator*

Enjoy the dizzying delights of our outdoor fairground rides, or ride our rocking and rolling Simulator.

Miniature Railway*

All aboard! Take a trip on our 7¼“ gauge train in the South Yard. The miniature railway runs every day, weather permitting.

Science shows and storytelling

Don’t miss our science extravaganza, From Rocket To Bullet, which reveals how big things move fast. Plus there's interactive storytelling for the little ones.

Performances

Weekends only: See our Collections come alive through short, engaging plays from the Platform 4 theatre company. Full performance timetable

Barbecue photo by Flickr user (nutmeg)
Donkey photo by Flickr user Looking Glass
Witch's hat photo by Flickr user gaelx