Update – January 2022. Following a review, we are pleased to advise that we are now able to accept bookings for these experiences once again; this is, of course, subject to constant review of the pandemic situation.
Fancy seeing what the railway looks like from the sharp end? Footplate rides are available as follows:-
• Diesel locomotive – £10.
• Steam locomotive – £20.
The price is for a round trip on the locomotive, and includes the normal train fare.
We can provide footplate rides on most days when the railway is operating – check for diesel dates and steam dates. There will be some days when we cannot provide footplate rides because there just isn’t the space for extra people on some of our smaller locos. Please get in touch to enquire, or if you are interested in a specific locomotive.
Footplate rides don’t need to be booked in advance; just turn up and pay on the day in our shop.
There is a minimum age of 16 for footplate rides.
We also offer three Driver Experience options. All need to be booked in advance. Please see the current leaflet for full details, and how to book.
Morning Steam Footplate Experience – £150
Your day begins at 0830 with meeting your host for the safety brief. You will then be part of the team preparing the locomotive and lighting the fire. You will assist the crew with making the loco ready for service – needs to be ready for the first train at 1130! You will be on the footplate as a passenger for the 1130 and 1200 scheduled trains. In between the scheduled trains, you will be able (with instruction and guidance) to drive the locomotive. Your experience will end at approximately 1300.
Afternoon Steam Footplate Experience – £150
You will meet your host at 1400, and he will give you a safety brief and introduce to the crew on the steam loco. You will travel with them as a footplate passenger on the afternoon trains. After the 1600 train, you will be able (with instruction and guidance) to drive the locomotive. At approximately 1730, the locomotive will be returned to the shed area, where you can assist the crew with the various tasks which have to be carried out on a steam loco at the end of each working day. Your experience will end at approximately 1800.
Industrial Diesel Driver – £100
Your chance to get hands-on with some of the locomotives from our collection! The experience starts at 1300, meeting your host for a safety brief. You will then receive tuition on a number of our historic diesel locos, and when ready, you’ll be in charge! You will have the Apedale Field Railway and some wagons to test your new-found skills. Your experience will end at approximately 1800.
