Spa Valley Railway » Driver Experience!

DEMU 'Thumper' Driver Experience!

Dates now available to book!

The unique 1317 is available for you to drive!

1317 is a stalwart of the railway, being one of the Class 207 'Thumper' units that provided the service on the line between Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge from the 1960s onwards. 1317 itself operated trains over the line on the final day of operation in 1985 - indeed, it hauled the penultimate passenger service.

Driving 1317 is certainly an experience to remember and you will be making history driving this unit on a line that it was built to operate on!

For just £275 you will be given the opportunity to drive our popular DEMU for a total of 8 miles from Tunbridge Wells West to Birchden Junction and return.

The experience will last approximately 55mins as you drive the unit, affectionately known as a 'Thumper' through the glorious High Weald countryside. 

Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the experience starting!

Includes:

  

Please note the following/terms and conditions applicable to ALL Driver Experiences:

Book tickets

Tue 02 Apr 2024

16:05

Tue 09 Apr 2024

16:05

Tue 28 May 2024

16:05

Tue 30 Jul 2024

16:05

Wed 31 Jul 2024
16:05
Thu 01 Aug 2024
16:05
Tue 06 Aug 2024

16:05

Tue 13 Aug 2024
16:05
Tue 20 Aug 2024

16:05

Tue 27 Aug 2024
16:05
Tue 03 Sep 2024

16:05

Wed 04 Sep 2024
16:05
Thu 05 Sep 2024

16:05

Booking information

You MUST have your e-ticket with you on the day to show the locomotive crew either printed or on a mobile device, you must also adhere to our terms & conditions and wear the correct clothing/boots for the experience. 

Note that a £10 admin fee applies to all booking alterations.

For our full refund, cancellations and alterations please see here.

FULL TERMS AND CONDITIONS CAN BE FOUND VIA THIS LINK