For three decades, Day Out With Thomas has been bringing the beloved blue engine to life in unforgettable, real-world adventures. 2026 marks the 31st annual Day Out With Thomas tour for the global program, reflecting not only the enduring popularity of Thomas & Friends but also the collaborative spirit that drives its success.
What began as a charming brand extension for preschool fans has become a global heritage attraction, and a cornerstone partnership for railways and museums around the world. Parents and Grandparents who once met Thomas themselves now return with their own young fans in tow.
Already a key part of the calendar at many heritage rail sites, the Day Out With Thomas program is a unique train ride adventure and enjoyable day out for all the family. Day Out With Thomas is designed to be consistent in the overall guest experience and branded elements. However, because of the unique nature of each location, Mattel works with partners to maximise the best of each railway and incorporate their assets and offerings into a tailored event experience.
Mattel has partnered with the HRA to engage with heritage railway members across the UK, Ireland and Isle of Man that are interested in becoming a Day Out With Thomas licensee.
“Day Out With Thomas could not be what it is today without our railway partners” said Julie Freeland, Vice President of Global Location Based Entertainment at Mattel “We have been working in collaboration with the rail community for 30 years and have seen Day Out With Thomas go from a collection of events to a high-quality, branded program across six countries, delivering a wonderful experience for our fans. Mattel is honoured to be joining the Heritage Railway Association to continue its journey in helping t o preserve the history of UK heritage railways and inspiring a love of trains in future generations with the beloved Thomas & Friends brand”
Through the wide-reaching love of Thomas & Friends, the enduring reputation of the Day Out With Thomas event and decades of experience as a global program, these events can help railways to increase their visitor numbers and attract audiences that are new to heritage rail too. The events make use of a strong and internationally recognisable brand that can boost tourism in local communities whilst helping railways create exciting family events that stand out from their local competitors.
Heritage Railway Association Chief Executive, Steve Oates, said: “We’re really pleased to be partnering with a major global entertainment organisation like Mattel. Thomas is of course one of the most famous locomotives in the world, standing alongside the likes of Flying Scotsman as a railway icon. For generations Thomas has been a key part of engaging young people with our railway heritage. I can think of many people now in senior positions in the heritage rail sector who first fell in love with railways through the stories of Thomas and his friends. I hope we’ll be able to work together to bring Thomas to new audiences, and new audiences to heritage rail”
The Heritage Railway Association has a number of partners it works with to help the heritage rail sector as a whole. They specialise in everything from digital ticketing and legal services to carriage restoration and track work. Alongside a directory of partners and their specialist expertise, HRA members get to meet many of the organisations face to face as part of its regular conferences.
To learn more about the Day Out With Thomas program and schedule for 2026, visit dayoutwiththomas.co.uk.
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