Experiences

A wide range of experiences are available, for a family day out or to celebrate a special occasion. There is also a wide range of general events such as steam galas, children's events, and themed weekends to explore.

  • All
  • Drive a Train
  • Dining Experience
  • Fish & Chips
  • Behind the Scenes Access
  • Murder Mystery
  • Curry Night
  • Gin/Beer/Ale Train
  • Father Christmas Event
  • All Dates
  • Sep 2026
  • Oct 2026
  • Nov 2026
  • Dec 2026
  • Jan 2027
  • Feb 2027
  • Mar 2027
  • Apr 2027
  • May 2027
  • Jun 2027
  • Jul 2027
  • Aug 2027
  • Sep 2027
  • Oct 2027
  • Nov 2027
  • Dec 2027
19th September 2026
Pacer Driving Experiences

Pacer Driving Experiences

Aln Valley Railway, Alnwick, Northumberland,

An opportunity to drive a Pacer DMU

How do you fancy taking the helm of a Diesel Multiple Unit? A four hour experience in prepping and driving a Pacer Unit.

Date
19th September 2026
Event Type
Drive a Train
Location
Lionheart Station, Lionheart Enterprise Park, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 2EZ, GB
Distance
0 away
25th September 2026
Steam Driver Experience - Silver

Steam Driver Experience - Silver

North Norfolk Railway, Sheringham, Norfolk,

A half-day course featuring TWO complete round trips over the full length of our line on one of our impressive steam locomotives!

Our silver experience gives you the opportunity to have two complete round trips over the full length of our picturesque line working one of our magnificently-restored steam locomotives at the head of a train between Sheringham and Holt. You will drive one trip and fire one trip spending 11 miles doing each. You will learn about the workings of the engine and the operation of our railway under the guidance of our fully qualified crew. This package is offered on several dates throughout the year and we take two participants and their guests on each half-day experience. The morning session begins at Sheringham at 9.00 where participants are welcomed with a bacon roll and mug of tea before meeting the engine crew and climbing aboard the footplate for two full round trips with a private train of passenger carriages to Holt and back. There’s then time for a light lunch before catching the train to Weybourne for a guided tour of the Engine and Carriage Sheds before returning to Sheringham. The session ends the presentation of a certificate as a souvenir of the day. Participants may bring up to six guests to spectate (they will not be able to ride on the footplate) but they arrive at 11.00am travel in one of the carriages on the train, enjoy lunch and join the guided tour. Guests are charged at £25 each. Afternoon sessions start at 12.30 at Sheringham for participants and their guests. After checking in, you will travel by train to Weybourne to take a look behind the scenes on a tour of the Engine and Carriage Sheds. After travelling back to Sheringham, participants will meet the engine crew on the footplate followed by the chance to drive and fire the locomotive hauling a private train of passenger carriages during two return trips to Holt. Guests can ride in one of the carriages of the train during the first of these trips and have free time in Sheringham while participants complete the second run. The afternoon ends with tea and cake for participants along with the presentation of a souvenir certificate. Guests are charged at £25 each. ADVANCED BOOKING ESSENTIAL For further details: https://www.nnrailway.co.uk/portfolio-items/steam-driver-experience-silver/

Date
25th September 2026
Event Type
Drive a Train
Event Type
Behind the Scenes Access
Location
Sheringham Station, Station Approach, Sheringham, Norfolk, NR26 8RA, GB
Distance
0 away
29th September 2026
Driver Experience (2026)

Driver Experience (2026)

Weardale Railway, Bishop Auckland, County Durham,

Drive a Train at the Weardale Railway! The experience lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

Live out your childhood dream and drive our Sentinel diesel-mechanical locomotive, featured on the BBC's Weekend Escapes. Experience the power of its 325 hp Rolls-Royce 16.5-litre C8FSL engine as you take a scenic 6-mile journey through beautiful Weardale. Available on selected dates throughout 2026 (please check availability when booking).

Date
29th September 2026
Event Type
Drive a Train
Location
Stanhope Station, Station Road, Stanhope, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL13 2YS, GB
Distance
0 away
2nd October 2026
Steam Driver Experience - Bronze

Steam Driver Experience - Bronze

North Norfolk Railway, Sheringham, Norfolk,

A half-day or evening with an experienced crew aboard the footplate!

Our bronze experience gives you a taste of driving and firing during two return journey over the full length of our picturesque line from Sheringham and Holt. Climb aboard a steam engine (on its own, without a train) and take the controls under the guidance of an experienced crew. You will alternate between driving and firing, spending 11 miles doing each and learning about the workings of the engine and the railway. The bronze experience is offered on several dates throughout the year usually starting at 9.45, 12.45 or 16.45. We are able to accommodate 2 participants on each session. Your experience begins at Sheringham with a welcoming drink and a slice of cake before participants join the driver and fireman on the footplate of the locomotive. At the end of the session each participant is awarded a certificate as a souvenir of the experience. ADVANCED BOOKING ESSENTIAL For further details: https://www.nnrailway.co.uk/portfolio-items/steam-driver-experience-day/

Date
2nd October 2026
Event Type
Drive a Train
Location
Sheringham Station, Station Approach, Sheringham, Norfolk, NR26 8RA, GB
Distance
0 away
3rd October 2026
One Day Steam Locomotive Driver Experience

One Day Steam Locomotive Driver Experience

Bure Valley Railway, Aylsham, Norfolk,

We are able to offer a one day course, designed to get you behind the controls of one of our unique narrow gauge steam locomotives.

A fantastic present to give someone for a special occasion, or maybe it's just an opportunity for you to indulge in a childhood dream! • Preparation of steam locomotive for service • Driving a steam locomotive hauling passenger carriages - 9 miles • Refreshments (including a cooked lunch) • Price £275.00 Please note this experience is available for suitably fit people aged 18 years and over only.

Date
3rd October 2026
Event Type
Drive a Train
Location
Aylsham Station, Norwich Road, Aylsham, Norfolk, NR11 6BW, GB
Distance
0 away
6th October 2026
Driver Experience (2026)

Driver Experience (2026)

Weardale Railway, Bishop Auckland, County Durham,

Drive a Train at the Weardale Railway! The experience lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

Live out your childhood dream and drive our Sentinel diesel-mechanical locomotive, featured on the BBC's Weekend Escapes. Experience the power of its 325 hp Rolls-Royce 16.5-litre C8FSL engine as you take a scenic 6-mile journey through beautiful Weardale. Available on selected dates throughout 2026 (please check availability when booking).

Date
6th October 2026
Event Type
Drive a Train
Location
Stanhope Station, Station Road, Stanhope, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL13 2YS, GB
Distance
0 away
9th October 2026
Steam Driver Experience - Silver

Steam Driver Experience - Silver

North Norfolk Railway, Sheringham, Norfolk,

A half-day course featuring TWO complete round trips over the full length of our line on one of our impressive steam locomotives!

Our silver experience gives you the opportunity to have two complete round trips over the full length of our picturesque line working one of our magnificently-restored steam locomotives at the head of a train between Sheringham and Holt. You will drive one trip and fire one trip spending 11 miles doing each. You will learn about the workings of the engine and the operation of our railway under the guidance of our fully qualified crew. This package is offered on several dates throughout the year and we take two participants and their guests on each half-day experience. The morning session begins at Sheringham at 9.00 where participants are welcomed with a bacon roll and mug of tea before meeting the engine crew and climbing aboard the footplate for two full round trips with a private train of passenger carriages to Holt and back. There’s then time for a light lunch before catching the train to Weybourne for a guided tour of the Engine and Carriage Sheds before returning to Sheringham. The session ends the presentation of a certificate as a souvenir of the day. Participants may bring up to six guests to spectate (they will not be able to ride on the footplate) but they arrive at 11.00am travel in one of the carriages on the train, enjoy lunch and join the guided tour. Guests are charged at £25 each. Afternoon sessions start at 12.30 at Sheringham for participants and their guests. After checking in, you will travel by train to Weybourne to take a look behind the scenes on a tour of the Engine and Carriage Sheds. After travelling back to Sheringham, participants will meet the engine crew on the footplate followed by the chance to drive and fire the locomotive hauling a private train of passenger carriages during two return trips to Holt. Guests can ride in one of the carriages of the train during the first of these trips and have free time in Sheringham while participants complete the second run. The afternoon ends with tea and cake for participants along with the presentation of a souvenir certificate. Guests are charged at £25 each. ADVANCED BOOKING ESSENTIAL For further details: https://www.nnrailway.co.uk/portfolio-items/steam-driver-experience-silver/

Date
9th October 2026
Event Type
Drive a Train
Event Type
Behind the Scenes Access
Location
Sheringham Station, Station Approach, Sheringham, Norfolk, NR26 8RA, GB
Distance
0 away
10th October 2026
Pacer Driving Experiences

Pacer Driving Experiences

Aln Valley Railway, Alnwick, Northumberland,

An opportunity to drive a Pacer DMU

How do you fancy taking the helm of a Diesel Multiple Unit? A four hour experience in prepping and driving a Pacer Unit.

Date
10th October 2026
Event Type
Drive a Train
Location
Lionheart Station, Lionheart Enterprise Park, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 2EZ, GB
Distance
0 away
13th October 2026
Driver Experience (2026)

Driver Experience (2026)

Weardale Railway, Bishop Auckland, County Durham,

Drive a Train at the Weardale Railway! The experience lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

Live out your childhood dream and drive our Sentinel diesel-mechanical locomotive, featured on the BBC's Weekend Escapes. Experience the power of its 325 hp Rolls-Royce 16.5-litre C8FSL engine as you take a scenic 6-mile journey through beautiful Weardale. Available on selected dates throughout 2026 (please check availability when booking).

Date
13th October 2026
Event Type
Drive a Train
Location
Stanhope Station, Station Road, Stanhope, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL13 2YS, GB
Distance
0 away
16th October 2026
Steam Driver Experience - Silver

Steam Driver Experience - Silver

North Norfolk Railway, Sheringham, Norfolk,

A half-day course featuring TWO complete round trips over the full length of our line on one of our impressive steam locomotives!

Our silver experience gives you the opportunity to have two complete round trips over the full length of our picturesque line working one of our magnificently-restored steam locomotives at the head of a train between Sheringham and Holt. You will drive one trip and fire one trip spending 11 miles doing each. You will learn about the workings of the engine and the operation of our railway under the guidance of our fully qualified crew. This package is offered on several dates throughout the year and we take two participants and their guests on each half-day experience. The morning session begins at Sheringham at 9.00 where participants are welcomed with a bacon roll and mug of tea before meeting the engine crew and climbing aboard the footplate for two full round trips with a private train of passenger carriages to Holt and back. There’s then time for a light lunch before catching the train to Weybourne for a guided tour of the Engine and Carriage Sheds before returning to Sheringham. The session ends the presentation of a certificate as a souvenir of the day. Participants may bring up to six guests to spectate (they will not be able to ride on the footplate) but they arrive at 11.00am travel in one of the carriages on the train, enjoy lunch and join the guided tour. Guests are charged at £25 each. Afternoon sessions start at 12.30 at Sheringham for participants and their guests. After checking in, you will travel by train to Weybourne to take a look behind the scenes on a tour of the Engine and Carriage Sheds. After travelling back to Sheringham, participants will meet the engine crew on the footplate followed by the chance to drive and fire the locomotive hauling a private train of passenger carriages during two return trips to Holt. Guests can ride in one of the carriages of the train during the first of these trips and have free time in Sheringham while participants complete the second run. The afternoon ends with tea and cake for participants along with the presentation of a souvenir certificate. Guests are charged at £25 each. ADVANCED BOOKING ESSENTIAL For further details: https://www.nnrailway.co.uk/portfolio-items/steam-driver-experience-silver/

Date
16th October 2026
Event Type
Drive a Train
Event Type
Behind the Scenes Access
Location
Sheringham Station, Station Approach, Sheringham, Norfolk, NR26 8RA, GB
Distance
0 away
17th October 2026
Pacer Driving Experiences

Pacer Driving Experiences

Aln Valley Railway, Alnwick, Northumberland,

An opportunity to drive a Pacer DMU

How do you fancy taking the helm of a Diesel Multiple Unit? A four hour experience in prepping and driving a Pacer Unit.

Date
17th October 2026
Event Type
Drive a Train
Location
Lionheart Station, Lionheart Enterprise Park, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 2EZ, GB
Distance
0 away
18th October 2026
Joyce Light Engine Experience

Joyce Light Engine Experience

Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway, Chinnor, Oxfordshire,

Drive the Sentinel loco 7109 Joyce light engine

Driving experience with Sentinel locomotive 7109 Joyce at Princes Risborough

Date
18th October 2026
Event Type
Drive a Train
Location
Station Road, Chinnor, Oxfordshire, OX39 4ER, GB
Distance
0 away
23rd October 2026
Diesel Driver Experience - Bronze/Silver

Diesel Driver Experience - Bronze/Silver

North Norfolk Railway, Sheringham, Norfolk,

Step into the shoes of a diesel driver!

Our Diesel Driver experiences give you the opportunity to be at the controls for over the full length of our picturesque line between Sheringham and Holt. BRONZE DIESEL EXPERIENCE This experience gives you a taste of being a secondman and of driving during a return journey between Sheringham and Holt. Climb aboard a powerful diesel locomotive (on its own, without a train) for two 11 mile trips. You will alternate between being a secondman and of driving, spending 11 miles doing each and learning about the workings of the engine and the railway under the guidance of a fully qualified crew. The bronze experience is offered on several dates throughout the year usually starting at 09:45, 12:45 or 16.45. We are able to accommodate 2 participants on each session. Your experience begins at Sheringham with a welcoming drink and a slice of cake before participants join the driver and secondman in the cab of the locomotive. At the end of the session each participant is awarded a certificate as a souvenir of the experience. SILVER DIESEL EXPERIENCE Our silver diesel experience gives you the opportunity to have two complete round trips over the full length of our picturesque line working one of our magnificently-restored diesel locomotives at the head of a private train of passenger carriages between Sheringham and Holt. You will drive one trip and be secondman for the other, spending 11 miles doing each. You will learn about the workings of the engine and the operation of our railway under the guidance of our fully qualified crew, including the art of starting and stopping smoothly with a passenger train. The morning session begins at Sheringham at 9.00 where participants are welcomed with a bacon roll and mug of tea before meeting the engine crew and climbing into the cab for two full round trips to Holt and back. There’s then time for a light lunch before catching the train to Weybourne for a guided tour of the Engine and Carriage Sheds before returning to Sheringham. The session ends the presentation of a certificate as a souvenir of the day. Participants may bring up to six guests to spectate (they will not be able to ride in the cab) but they arrive at 11.00am travel in one of the carriages on the train, enjoy lunch and join the guided tour. Guests are charged at £25 each. Afternoon sessions start at 12.30 at Sheringham for participants and their guests. After checking in, you will travel by train to Weybourne to take a look behind the scenes on a tour of the Engine and Carriage Sheds. After travelling back to Sheringham, participants will meet the engine crew on the footplate followed by the chance to drive and be secondman on the locomotive during two return trips to Holt. Guests can ride in one of the carriages of the private train during the first of these trips and have free time in Sheringham while participants complete the second run. The afternoon ends with tea and cake for participants along with the presentation of a souvenir certificate. Guests are charged at £25 each. ADVANCED BOOKING ESSENTIAL For further details: https://www.nnrailway.co.uk/portfolio-items/diesel-driver-experience/

Date
23rd October 2026
Event Type
Drive a Train
Event Type
Behind the Scenes Access
Location
Sheringham Station, Station Approach, Sheringham, Norfolk, NR26 8RA, GB
Distance
0 away
23rd October 2026
Pacer Driving Experiences

Pacer Driving Experiences

Aln Valley Railway, Alnwick, Northumberland,

An opportunity to drive a Pacer DMU

How do you fancy taking the helm of a Diesel Multiple Unit? A four hour experience in prepping and driving a Pacer Unit.

Date
23rd October 2026
Event Type
Drive a Train
Location
Lionheart Station, Lionheart Enterprise Park, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 2EZ, GB
Distance
0 away
24th October 2026 - 25th October 2026
Driver Taster Experience (Diesel)

Driver Taster Experience (Diesel)

Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, Chatham, Kent,

Take the controls of one of our historic diesel locomotives and enjoy a short drive along Anchor Wharf under expert guidance.

Step onto the footplate and experience the sights and sounds of a working diesel engine with our popular Driver for a Tenner experience. Under the guidance of our friendly, knowledgeable crew, you'll learn the basics of driving and controlling the locomotive as you take it for a run along the historic Anchor Wharf. This short but unforgettable taster session gives you the chance to feel the power of steam for yourself - perfect for anyone who has ever dreamed of being an engine driver. Over 18s only; additional fee applies.

Dates
24th October 2026 - 25th October 2026
Event Type
Drive a Train
Location
Chatham Historic Dockyard, Main Gate Road, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4TE, GB
Distance
0 away
24th October 2026 - 25th October 2026
Steam Crane Operating Experience

Steam Crane Operating Experience

Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, Chatham, Kent,

Try your hand catching a duck by actually operating our Steam Crane.

Step onto the footplate and experience the sights, sounds, and heat of a working steam engine with our new Steam Crane Experience. Under the guidance of our friendly, knowledgeable crew, you'll learn the basics of controlling the crane as you put your skills to the test and try to hook one of our oversized ducks! This short but unforgettable taster session gives you the chance to feel the power of steam for yourself - perfect for anyone who has ever dreamed of being an engine driver. Over 18s only; additional fee applies.

Dates
24th October 2026 - 25th October 2026
Event Type
Drive a Train
Location
Chatham Historic Dockyard, Main Gate Road, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4TE, GB
Distance
0 away
2nd November 2026 - 6th November 2026
Steam Driver Experience - Gold (5 Days)

Steam Driver Experience - Gold (5 Days)

North Norfolk Railway, Sheringham, Norfolk,

Our five day course provides a real insight into the enginemen’s art!

The Gold Driver Experience course runs over five consecutive days from Monday to Friday and is based at our locomotive workshops at Weybourne. The course starts with two days in the classroom learning about locomotive theory and method of working on the railway. The third day is practical experience of preparation of the loco followed by two days on the footplate out on our line – one with a light engine (a locomotive without carriages) and one hauling a train. Lunch will be provided and the days will be from 9:00 to 4:30. This package is offered on several dates throughout the year and we take just four participants on each course. ADVANCE BOOKING ESSENTIAL For further details: https://www.nnrailway.co.uk/portfolio-items/5-day-steam-driver-experience-gold/

Dates
2nd November 2026 - 6th November 2026
Event Type
Drive a Train
Event Type
Behind the Scenes Access
Location
Sheringham Station, Station Approach, Sheringham, Norfolk, NR26 8RA, GB
Distance
0 away
4th November 2026
Steam Footplate Tasters

Steam Footplate Tasters

Bluebell Railway, Uckfield, East Sussex,

Experience the thrill and nostalgia of the golden age of steam on our exclusive Footplate Taster Day at the Bluebell Railway. Step onto the footplate and feel the power of a working steam locomotive.

Step into the boots of a steam engine driver or fireman and join our experienced crew for an unforgettable hands-on session aboard one of our heritage locomotives. This immersive experience lets you enjoy the sights, sounds and sensations of working on the footplate while learning the basic skills of steam locomotive operation. Whether you are a lifelong rail enthusiast or simply seeking something extraordinary, this experience offers a unique chance to drive and fire a genuine steam locomotive. Under expert supervision, you will handle the controls of either 72 Fenchurch or SECR O1 65, subject to availability. A perfect introduction to steam for anyone looking to get closer to the action.

Date
4th November 2026
Event Type
Drive a Train
Location
Sheffield Park Station, Sheffield Park, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3QL, GB
Distance
0 away
6th November 2026
Steam Footplate Tasters

Steam Footplate Tasters

Bluebell Railway, Uckfield, East Sussex,

Experience the thrill and nostalgia of the golden age of steam on our exclusive Footplate Taster Day at the Bluebell Railway. Step onto the footplate and feel the power of a working steam locomotive.

Step into the boots of a steam engine driver or fireman and join our experienced crew for an unforgettable hands-on session aboard one of our heritage locomotives. This immersive experience lets you enjoy the sights, sounds and sensations of working on the footplate while learning the basic skills of steam locomotive operation. Whether you are a lifelong rail enthusiast or simply seeking something extraordinary, this experience offers a unique chance to drive and fire a genuine steam locomotive. Under expert supervision, you will handle the controls of either 72 Fenchurch or SECR O1 65, subject to availability. A perfect introduction to steam for anyone looking to get closer to the action.

Date
6th November 2026
Event Type
Drive a Train
Location
Sheffield Park Station, Sheffield Park, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3QL, GB
Distance
0 away
7th November 2026 - 8th November 2026
Steam Footplate Experience

Steam Footplate Experience

Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway, Chinnor, Oxfordshire,

Steam Driver Experiences with 7820 Dinmore Manor

On Tuesday 10 September and Saturday 21 September we aim to make steam locomotive Dinmore Manor available for Silver Driver Experiences, which means that you as a lucky steam driver will get a feel of Dinmore Manor and experience her sheer power as you tackle our steeply graded Railway! You will get to pull a rake of 1950s passenger coaches when you drive a round trip of the line up to our boundary gate at Thame Junction and return, all made under guidance from our experienced driving instructor. We are confident you will have a great time! Our friendly and knowledgeable train crew will look after all our new Drivers and guide them throughout their Steam Driver Experience. Starting with a Safety Briefing, we then give a familiarisation session with the locomotive, to show how it works and how to operate its controls. We'll show our new Drivers how to start and stop the locomotive and train safely and what to do as they take it and the train along the 6 mile round trip of the line. Price £495 (includes VAT) Enjoy one trip of the line as a solo driving experience - drive Dinmore Manor to Thame Junction and return with expert tuition given by our experienced staff. You may be able take a second trip in the locomotive cab as an observer too. You can also bring along up to 6-Guests with you for a Free ride in the passenger coaches if arranged in advance - it's always enjoyable to join in with the fun on a Driving Experience - even for those who are not driving! In addition, you and your guests are welcome to come earlier / stay later for more trips of the line 'on the cushions' and please do discuss with Chris by email below. Refreshments Your Driving Experience Course price includes refreshments for the Driver and one guest. We will be delighted to provide refreshments for additional guests at our regular prices. Special Requests Our aim is to ensure all of our visitors enjoy a wonderful and memorable visit with us. If you have a special request for your Driving Experience, do let us know and we’ll see how we can accommodate your wishes. For further information and to book? You can book online below at any time. Or if you would like to find out more please email Chris, Experiences Coordinator, at driverexperience@chinnorrailway.co.uk

Dates
7th November 2026 - 8th November 2026
Event Type
Drive a Train
Location
Station Road, Chinnor, Oxfordshire, OX39 4ER, GB
Distance
0 away