Vintage Train Running Day – Summertime Excursions and the Rivieras

If you are looking for something a bit different to do on Saturday, 20 June 2026, the Brighton Toy and Model Museum is hosting its latest 'Vintage Train Running Day'. This specific edition is themed around 'Summertime Excursions and the Rivieras', focusing on the history of summer railway travel. The museum, located at 52-55 Trafalgar Street, uses these running days to bring their collection to life, operating a three-rail layout that features around 50 locomotives and trains.

The event draws inspiration from the golden age of rail travel, specifically looking at the routes that once ran from Paddington Station towards the Cornish coast. The display, curated by Chris Littledale, includes a variety of classic British locomotives, such as Kings and Castles, which are intended to capture the atmosphere of the 'English Riviera'. Beyond the British lines, the exhibition also covers continental travel from the 1930s, featuring routes from Paris to Nice and Cannes. Visitors can expect to see French PLM locomotives alongside sleeping and dining cars from the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits, representing the luxury travel style of that era.

Doors open at 10:30 and the event runs until 17:00. It is designed to be accessible for all ages, whether you are a dedicated model railway enthusiast or just interested in the history of the museum's collection. Tickets are available through Eventbrite, with prices ranging from £7 to £27.28, and a standard reference price of £12.00. If your plans change, the ticket policy allows for refunds up to 7 days before the event date.