Driver Experience Days
Ever wondered what its like to drive a miniature locomotive? Challenge yourself to maintain steam pressure, water levels, etc. while running between our timetabled service trains. (Don't worry, your instructor will help keep you in full steam!)
Enjoy a day driving one of the railway's 7¼" narrow gauge steam locomotives and during the afternoon take your family/friends group for a trip around our 1 mile circuit.
We offer a range of different experiences
Steam - Full Day - Over 16yrs
Electric - Adult (Full Day), Junior (Half Day)
Below is an example of what will be covered, you will learn how to:
- Prepare a loco, oiling up and raising steam
- Identify all the controls and how/when to use them
- Understand basic signalling procedures
- Drive under close supervision throughout the day
- Progress through our half-mile circuit with station stops, to the full mile circuit
- Learn how to maintain preesure/water while on the move, and try a non-stop run
- Haul your friends/family group on a full 1 mile circuit
Your package includes all necessary equipment, training and supervision to ensure you have a safe and memorable hands-on experience and even includes a commemorative certificate.
Battery Electric experiences which can still provide its own unique challenges. Drive one of our diesels with one of our experienced drivers taking a small group of your family/friends with you.
For the younger enthusiasts, we have junior driver experiences. Dependant on age (minimum preferred age 16) and skill level, we tailor the experience to the visitor. Our calm, relaxed instructors will guide the visitor through the controls, and allow them to take charge of the train around our full mile circuit, while parents/gaurdians accompany them on the train. For older children, we have offered half day junior steam experiences, similar to the full experience but tailored to the visitor. Again parents/guardians will be invited to accompany them throughout.
**The 2024 season has closed, application can be made to be added to the 2025 list. We will contact you in Janary 2025 to arrange suitable dates****
Steam Locomotive Driving Experience Days cost just £200
Half-day battery electric experiences at just £100
Junior driving experiences from just £65
For further information please contact:
driverexperience@bentleyrailway.co.uk
Please complete the below form to place your booking now!