Aln Valley Railway

Aln Valley Railway, Shop and Tearoom is a free-entry heritage railway attraction near Alnwick, Northumberland, with a big mission: reconnecting Alnwick and Alnmouth by rail. Dogs on leads are usually welcome on the steam trains, making it a proper day out where nobody needs to split up or wait in the car park.

Climb aboard a steam train, take the miniature ride-on railway for a spin, and let the kids unleash their energy in the outdoor play area while dogs supervise. When it's time to refuel, the Buffet Stop Tea Room does sandwiches, cakes, snacks and hot drinks with indoor and outdoor seating, and Lionheart Station has a shop packed with gifts, souvenirs and tickets.

It's the kind of place that starts as "just a quick look" and ends with crumbs in your pockets and a dog who's made three new best friends. The railway opens weekends from Easter to September, Wednesdays in the summer holidays, and on selected other dates — free parking on site.