Spa Valley Railway » Driver Experience!
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Drive a steam engine at the Spa Valley Railway!We're delighted to bring you the opportunity of driving a real life steam locomotive during the evenings at the Spa Valley Railway and have two exciting packages for you to consider as the perfect gift for someone or the opportunity to have a go at it yourself, everyone loves a steam locomotive after all!
Steam Train Driver Experience:This experience takes place on Sunday mornings in February and March from Tunbridge Wells West where you'll get the chance to drive a train from Tunbridge Wells West to Groombridge and return, with a little 'light engine' trip to Birchden Junction too.
What's involved?Arrive at Tunbridge Wells West for 11:00 and meet the Driver and Fireman who will welcome you onto the footplate of one of these magnificant machines, either Bulleid Pacific 34053 '303 Squadron' or Caledonian Railway No. 828. You are welcome to bring up to four guests with you on this experience, one of which can also ride on the footplate during the experience too! You'll set off from Tunbridge Wells West at 11:15 sharp heading for Groombridge with a rake of carriages in tow, at Groombridge the fireman will uncouple the locomotive from the carriages and you'll set off 'light engine' to Birchden Junction.
Upon arrival at Birchden Junction you'll change direction and return to Groombridge to pick up the carriages and with the locomotive coupled back up, the brake test completed with the Guard you'll set off for Tunbridge Wells West again, this time climbing the hill back to the famous Spa town. Upon arrival you'll alight from the footplate having driven one of these mighty machines through the glorious High Weald and completed a life long dream of driving a steam locomotive.
What's included:
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Steam Locomotive Driver Experience:This experience takes place on Sunday mornings in January, or Sunday afternoons through January February and March, from Tunbridge Wells West where you'll get the chance to drive a steam locomotive 'light engine' (on its own, without carriages) to Birchden Junction and return.
What's involved?Arrive at Tunbridge Wells West for 11:00 (for Sunday morning trips in January) or 15:00 (for Sunday afternoon trips between January and March) and meet the Driver and Fireman who will welcome you onto the footplate of one of our beautiful steam locomotives, either Bulleid Pacific 34053 '303 Squadron' or Caledonian Railway No. 828. You are welcome to bring one guest with you on this experience who can ride on the footplate with you too! You'll set off from Tunbridge Wells West 15 minutes later heading for Birchden Junction with just the locomotive on its own.
You'll drift gently down the line seeing parts of the stunning High Weald that are not visible from any road, but what better way to see them, than from the footplate of a steam locomotive? Deer and birds of prey are often seen around the countryside and the Weald hides many of its secrets until late afternoon so who knows what you'll get to see as you journey down the line.
Upon arrival at Birchden Junction under the gaze of Harrison's Rocks you'll change direction and return to Tunbridge Wells West this time plodding back up the hill back to the famous Spa town, the fireman gently keeping the fire alive as upon arrival back at our orignal steam depot you can observe disposal begin at the end of the day if you wish or head on your way home after living the dream, from the footplate.
Please note the following/terms and conditions applicable to ALL Driver Experiences for the participants and any guests riding on the footplate:
11:15 Sold Out
15:15 Sold Out