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/

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.

Take the controls of a real steam locomotive and experience the power and thrill of driving it along Britain's only double-track main line heritage railway. An unforgettable hands-on day for anyone with a love of steam.

This is your chance to step into the boots of a steam locomotive driver and live the dream. Under expert guidance, you will take the controls for an eight-mile journey along the Great Central Railway, then ride the footplate for a further eight miles. The day begins with a welcome briefing and film introduction, followed by a shared driving session with one other participant. You will also enjoy a guided tour of the locomotive works and signal box, and lunch is included for both you and your guest. The experience includes a runabout ticket for passenger services for the rest of the day, a commemorative certificate, and 12 months membership of the Friends of the Great Central Mainline. With a full day immersed in railway heritage, this makes an ideal gift or personal milestone. No previous experience is needed - just a sense of adventure and a love of steam.

Take your footplate adventure further with an extended driving experience at the controls of a steam train with carriages. Twice the distance of the Bronze, this is the ultimate day for any railway enthusiast.

The Silver Edition of our Steam Locomotive Driver Experience offers an even deeper dive into the world of steam. You will drive a steam locomotive hauling coaches for a full 16-mile journey along the Great Central Railway and ride the footplate for another 16 miles, sharing the day with one other participant. It is a rare opportunity to take charge of a working train on Britain’s only double-track main line heritage railway. Your day begins with a welcome briefing and introductory film, followed by the main footplate experience. Lunch is included for you and two guests, and you will enjoy a guided tour of the locomotive works and a visit to the Loughborough signal box. A presentation certificate and 12-month membership of the Friends of the Great Central Mainline are included, along with runabout tickets for the rest of the day. Whether for yourself or as an unforgettable gift, this is a real taste of the steam age brought to life.

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/

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.

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.

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.

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/

Drive the Sentinel loco 7109 Joyce light engine

Driving experience with Sentinel locomotive 7109 Joyce at Princes Risborough

Drive the Sentinel loco 7109 Joyce light engine

Driving experience with Sentinel locomotive 7109 Joyce at Princes Risborough

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.

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.

Drive the Sentinel loco 7109 Joyce light engine

Driving experience with Sentinel locomotive 7109 Joyce at Princes Risborough

Drive the Sentinel loco 7109 Joyce light engine

Driving experience with Sentinel locomotive 7109 Joyce at Princes Risborough

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.

Drive the Sentinel loco 7109 Joyce light engine

Driving experience with Sentinel locomotive 7109 Joyce at Princes Risborough

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