Didcot Railway Centre has new feature for fans to enjoy

The steam rail centre next to Didcot Parkway attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Visitors now have an easy way to refill their glasses or bottles with mains water at the touch of a button, thanks to a grant from Didcot Town Council.

READ MORE: Rail enthusiasts enjoy train rides

Last month, Didcot’s mayor from 2025-2026, Jim Loder, was joined by his immediate predecessor, Councillor Andrew Jones, to unveil the new water refill station.

Mr Loder said: “Didcot Town Council is pleased that giving this grant has allowed more people to refill their bottles while visiting the railway centre.”

Andrew Jones (left) and Jim Loder (right) unveiling the water station. Martin Buckland of the railway centre’s environment group is on the far left, and Ann Middleton on the right. (Image: Frank Dumbleton)

Ann Middleton, a member of the board of the Great Western Society, which runs the railway centre, said: “Giving easy access refill drinking water containers shows our commitment to reducing our impact on the environment.

A steam train at Didcot Railway Centre (Image: Frank Dumbleton)

“We are very grateful to Didcot Town Council for the grant of £2,000 to install the water station and were honoured to have Jim Loder and Andrew Jones visit to inaugurate it.

“We also acknowledge the assistance of Sustainable Didcot who supported our application.”

During ‘steam’ days at the centre, trains are running and visitors can enjoy unlimited rides, as well as calling in at other attractions, including the museum, engine shed, shop and cafe.