Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Ticket Portal

Driver Experiences

Selected dates throughout the year

Live that dream and take the controls on one of our popular Driver Experience courses. We have a range of courses to suit both steam and diesel fans which operate on selected dates throughout the year.

Events

£295.00 Bronze Drive a Diesel Day Bronze Drive a Diesel Day Our most popular diesel driving experience! Take the controls as part of a small group and spend the whole day learning to drive along the valley. You will take the controls of one...

Our most popular diesel driving experience! Take the controls as part of a small group and spend the whole day learning to drive along the valley. You will take the controls of one of our heritage railcars under the guidance of one of our skilled instructors and take it in turns to drive to Duffield and back. Take in the local atmosphere with a freshly prepared lunch in the Station Cafe and then enjoy a tour of Wirksworth site and our facilities. In the afternoon you will feel the power of one of our main line diesel locomotives. Participants may travel on the heritage railcar in the morning and join you for lunch, however they will not be able to ride on the mainline diesel locomotive in the afternoon.

Features:

    Opportunities to drive either diesel railcar then large main line diesel
    Lunch included for participant and one guest
    Dates throughout the year
    Approx. 09:30 until 16:00
    Where possible guests may be able to ride on the train

Participants must be aged 18 or over and must be physically able to climb into the train from ground level at all ages.

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£495.00 Bronze Drive a Steam Locomotive Bronze Drive a Steam Locomotive Selected dates Live that dream with our Bronze Drive a Steam Locomotive footplate experience course. Try your hand at both driving and firing one of our medium-sized steam...

Selected dates

Live that dream with our Bronze Drive a Steam Locomotive footplate experience course. Try your hand at both driving and firing one of our medium-sized steam locomotives for a 10-mile return journey with one-to-one tuition from our experienced crews.

  • Try your hand with the shovel firing the locomotive and master the driving controls during the trip
  • One participant per slot, with one-to-one tuition from our experienced team of drivers and firemen
  • Welcome hot drink and safety brief in The Apollo at Wirksworth
  • The experience lasts approximately 2 hours
  • Certificate of completion at the end of the experience

Points to note

  • The experience is locomotive only without carriages. Guests are welcome to wait in The Apollo at Wirksworth Station whilst you undertake your experience.
  • Participants must be aged 18 or above and have a reasonable level of fitness.
  • Overalls and boots should be warn, gloves will be provided.
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£645.00 Silver Drive a Steam Locomotive Day Silver Drive a Steam Locomotive Day Selected dates Our Silver Drive a Steam Locomotive footplate experience day is every rail enthusiasts dream! This full day experience provides you with the opportunity to drive...

Selected dates

Our Silver Drive a Steam Locomotive footplate experience day is every rail enthusiasts dream! This full day experience provides you with the opportunity to drive and fire a large steam locomotive pulling a train of heritage coaches along the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, with expert tuition from our friendly team.

  • Try your hand with the shovel firing the locomotive and master the driving controls during the trip
  • Share the day with other participants to complete a full return journey of 18 miles. Your time on the footplate will be around 2 hours spread across the day.
  • Welcome hot drink and continental-style breakfast and safety brief in The Apollo at Wirksworth on arrival.
  • One guest is included who will be able to ride in the heritage coaches whilst you are on the footplate and enjoy lunch with the group.
  • You will be on and around the railway for a full day from 08:45 until around 17:00, travelling on the train inbetween your time at the controls
  • You will stop the train in a picturesque location in the middle of the day where we will serve a two-course hot meal on board to all the participants and their guests.
  • Certificate of completion at the end of the experience

Points to note

  • Participants must be aged 18 or above and have a reasonable level of fitness.
  • Overalls and boots should be warn, gloves will be provided.
  • Please provide us with any dietary requirements you may have prior to the day.
Book now
Driver Experiences

Selected dates throughout the year

Live that dream and take the controls on one of our popular Driver Experience courses. We have a range of courses to suit both steam and diesel fans which operate on selected dates throughout the year.

Available Tickets