Have your chance of driving Class 73 E6040 'The Bluebell Railway' on a diesel footplate taster experience.

Be among the first to drive Class 73, E6040 'The Bluebell Railway', on this exclusive Electro-Diesel Footplate Experience! Spend approximately 1 1/4 hours operating the 80 ton heavy express passenger locomotive around Horsted Keynes, and a thrilling run to Kingscote and back along with a brake van that your family and friends can book to travel on (see below for additional booking). Along the way, you’ll pass through the impressive 731-yard (668 m) Sharpthorne Tunnel, the longest tunnel on a UK heritage railway—a thrilling highlight for any railway enthusiast! Ideal for anyone seeking an extraordinary day out to drive a real train, this hands-on experience offers a thrilling glimpse back into the 1980’s and 1990’s when you might have gone on holiday or to work on a train this locomotive hauled or been a railway enthusiast keeping an eye out for locomotives like this flying past. Make sure you book now whilst space is available! https://www.bluebell-railway.com/special/class-73-footplate-tasters/

Drive the Sentinel loco 7109 Joyce light engine

Driving experience with Sentinel locomotive 7109 Joyce at Princes Risborough

Have your chance of driving Class 73 E6040 'The Bluebell Railway' on a diesel footplate taster experience.

Be among the first to drive Class 73, E6040 'The Bluebell Railway', on this exclusive Electro-Diesel Footplate Experience! Spend approximately 1 1/4 hours operating the 80 ton heavy express passenger locomotive around Horsted Keynes, and a thrilling run to Kingscote and back along with a brake van that your family and friends can book to travel on (see below for additional booking). Along the way, you’ll pass through the impressive 731-yard (668 m) Sharpthorne Tunnel, the longest tunnel on a UK heritage railway—a thrilling highlight for any railway enthusiast! Ideal for anyone seeking an extraordinary day out to drive a real train, this hands-on experience offers a thrilling glimpse back into the 1980’s and 1990’s when you might have gone on holiday or to work on a train this locomotive hauled or been a railway enthusiast keeping an eye out for locomotives like this flying past. Make sure you book now whilst space is available! https://www.bluebell-railway.com/special/class-73-footplate-tasters/

Have your chance of driving Class 73 E6040 'The Bluebell Railway' on a diesel footplate taster experience.

Be among the first to drive Class 73, E6040 'The Bluebell Railway', on this exclusive Electro-Diesel Footplate Experience! Spend approximately 1 1/4 hours operating the 80 ton heavy express passenger locomotive around Horsted Keynes, and a thrilling run to Kingscote and back along with a brake van that your family and friends can book to travel on (see below for additional booking). Along the way, you’ll pass through the impressive 731-yard (668 m) Sharpthorne Tunnel, the longest tunnel on a UK heritage railway—a thrilling highlight for any railway enthusiast! Ideal for anyone seeking an extraordinary day out to drive a real train, this hands-on experience offers a thrilling glimpse back into the 1980’s and 1990’s when you might have gone on holiday or to work on a train this locomotive hauled or been a railway enthusiast keeping an eye out for locomotives like this flying past. Make sure you book now whilst space is available! https://www.bluebell-railway.com/special/class-73-footplate-tasters/

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.

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.

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/

Have your chance of driving Class 73 E6040 'The Bluebell Railway' on a diesel footplate taster experience.

Be among the first to drive Class 73, E6040 'The Bluebell Railway', on this exclusive Electro-Diesel Footplate Experience! Spend approximately 1 1/4 hours operating the 80 ton heavy express passenger locomotive around Horsted Keynes, and a thrilling run to Kingscote and back along with a brake van that your family and friends can book to travel on (see below for additional booking). Along the way, you’ll pass through the impressive 731-yard (668 m) Sharpthorne Tunnel, the longest tunnel on a UK heritage railway—a thrilling highlight for any railway enthusiast! Ideal for anyone seeking an extraordinary day out to drive a real train, this hands-on experience offers a thrilling glimpse back into the 1980’s and 1990’s when you might have gone on holiday or to work on a train this locomotive hauled or been a railway enthusiast keeping an eye out for locomotives like this flying past. Make sure you book now whilst space is available! https://www.bluebell-railway.com/special/class-73-footplate-tasters/

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/

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/

Have your chance of driving Class 73 E6040 'The Bluebell Railway' on a diesel footplate taster experience.

Be among the first to drive Class 73, E6040 'The Bluebell Railway', on this exclusive Electro-Diesel Footplate Experience! Spend approximately 1 1/4 hours operating the 80 ton heavy express passenger locomotive around Horsted Keynes, and a thrilling run to Kingscote and back along with a brake van that your family and friends can book to travel on (see below for additional booking). Along the way, you’ll pass through the impressive 731-yard (668 m) Sharpthorne Tunnel, the longest tunnel on a UK heritage railway—a thrilling highlight for any railway enthusiast! Ideal for anyone seeking an extraordinary day out to drive a real train, this hands-on experience offers a thrilling glimpse back into the 1980’s and 1990’s when you might have gone on holiday or to work on a train this locomotive hauled or been a railway enthusiast keeping an eye out for locomotives like this flying past. Make sure you book now whilst space is available! https://www.bluebell-railway.com/special/class-73-footplate-tasters/

Drive the Sentinel loco 7109 Joyce light engine

Driving experience with Sentinel locomotive 7109 Joyce at Princes Risborough

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/

Have your chance of driving Class 73 E6040 'The Bluebell Railway' on a diesel footplate taster experience.

Be among the first to drive Class 73, E6040 'The Bluebell Railway', on this exclusive Electro-Diesel Footplate Experience! Spend approximately 1 1/4 hours operating the 80 ton heavy express passenger locomotive around Horsted Keynes, and a thrilling run to Kingscote and back along with a brake van that your family and friends can book to travel on (see below for additional booking). Along the way, you’ll pass through the impressive 731-yard (668 m) Sharpthorne Tunnel, the longest tunnel on a UK heritage railway—a thrilling highlight for any railway enthusiast! Ideal for anyone seeking an extraordinary day out to drive a real train, this hands-on experience offers a thrilling glimpse back into the 1980’s and 1990’s when you might have gone on holiday or to work on a train this locomotive hauled or been a railway enthusiast keeping an eye out for locomotives like this flying past. Make sure you book now whilst space is available! https://www.bluebell-railway.com/special/class-73-footplate-tasters/

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.

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.

On Saturdays 31 May, 19 July and 06 September 2025 you can get a feel of a first generation mainline diesel and experience the sheer power as you unleash its engine to 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 Diesel Driver Experience. Your session will begin with a safety briefing, followed by a familiarisation session with the locomotive to show how it works and the operation of its controls. We'll be getting you used to starting and stopping the train safely along the seven-mile round trip of the line. You will actually get two trips in the cab, one as a driver and one as an observer. You can also bring along up to six guests for a free ride in the passenger coaches if arranged in advance – share the fun with family and/or friends! Your party are free to travel on the train on as many trips as you wish (five in all). In addition, you and your guests are welcome to stay for more trips of the line and please do discuss with Chris by email below. The price is £425 for each session. 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. The driver and special requests If you are buying this experience as a gift please let us know the name of the driver in the additional information box on the booking form. Our aim is to ensure all of our visitors to have a wonderful and memorable visit with us. If you have a special request then do let us know (email below) and we’ll see how we can accommodate your wishes. For further information and to book? You can book online below, or if you would like to find out more including diesel locomotive availability please email Chris, Experiences Coordinator, at driverexperience@chinnorrailway.co.uk THE PARTICIPANT MUST: 1. Be aged over 18 years 2. Be reasonably fit and in good health - fit enough to climb on and off the locomotive from ground level unaided 3. Wear old clothing that fully covers the arms and legs 4. Wear sturdy shoes or boots that protect the feet - trainers are not permitted 5. Not travel in the cab under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Please note that the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway reserves the right to reschedule any diesel footplate ride or refuse entry for whatever reason. The ride is for one adult participant aged 18 years or over and no other guests are allowed on the footplate.

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/

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/

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/