Steam Train Driving Experiences in Britain: Perfect Days Out for Steam Lovers

Have you spent the whole of your life dreaming you’re on the footplate of a racing steam locomotive? Or have a loved one who would love to relive the good old days on a steam train driving experience?

Thanks to decades of loving care and preservation, Britain’s heritage railways make it possible to experience the thrill and adventure of actually driving a real old fashioned steam train.

Treat yourself or your steam railway loving, loved one to the perfect gift.

And if you have a ‘foodie’ in your family ride and want to ride and dine, check out our steam train dining experiences.

Britain: Steam Train Experience Days

Give your loved one the perfect gift this year with a steam train experience day in Britain. Choose from:

• Luxurious days out with fine dining on the British Pullman or Northern Belle
• The ultimate experience, ride the footplate and fire the engine
• Behind the scenes railways days
• Cream teas while riding a steam train
• Family days out and more!

Steam Train Driving Experience: Perfect Gift for Steam Lovers – Quick Links

• Driving a Steam Engine Experience – Froghall, Staffordshire
• Steam Locomotive Driving Experience – Loughborough, Leicestershire
• Steam Engine Driving Experience – Alresford, Hampshire
• Steam Train Driver Experience – Tenterden, Kent
• Introductory Steam Train Driving Experience – Elsecar, South Yorkshire
• Steam Engine Driving Taster – Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire

Driving a Steam Engine Experience – Froghall, Staffordshire

Real steam train enthusiasts will love this superb locomotive driving experience in the heart of picturesque Staffordshire. The Churnet Valley Railway offers two different options for steamies.

Driving a Steam Engine with Churnet Valley Railway

The perfect premium experience for a true train-loving fanatic. Guided by an expert crew, you’ll learn the skills of driver and fireman on two round trips totalling no less than 22 miles.

Lasting half a day it’s the ideal gift for someone who wants to enjoy the day with family and friends as up to six guests can come along for the ride.

There’s plenty of photo opportunities along the way as you recreate and experience the golden age of steam travel. You’ll also get a certificate and polo shirt as a memento of your day.

Introduction to Steam Engine Driving with Churnet Valley

If you’re looking for a shorter session or are new to steam trains, Churnett Valley’s introduction to steam train driving experience is ideal. You’ll learn how to control the locomotive with expert guidance and one-to-one tuition.

It’s a perfect gift to step up to the footplate and experience the thrill of driving a steam engine for real. After the session, take home a certificate and polo shirt to remember your day.

Steam Locomotive Driving Experience – Loughborough, Leicestershire

The steam train driving experience at Leicestershire’s Great Central Railway is unique as it gives you a thrilling drive along Britain’s only mainline steam railway.

Steam train lovers will be in their element on this full-day, a varied package where along with the footplate driving experience they’ll learn railway signalling, get to tour the locomotive works and more.

You will receive a presentation certificate to show what you’ve achieved.

Steam Engine Driving Experience – Alresford, Hampshire

The Mid-Hants Railway ‘Watercress Line’ is the perfect place for an introduction and extended day steam train driving. With 20 miles of track through Hampshire countryside, you’ll be sure of an authentic experience on a lovingly restored steam train.

Drive a Steam Engine

Enjoy the ultimate full-day out at the controls of a heritage train. After an initial safety briefing, you’ll share the footplate for the whole day with five other participants.

Taking in the thrill of climbing the steeply graded line, you’ll spend 10 miles as driver and ten as firemen. Being part of a small group there will be more time spent on the footplate, and you’ll learn a lot more about driving steam trains.

With a tasty lunch along the way, this is a great day out for steam train-loving enthusiasts.

Introduction to Steam Engine Driving

For a more personal experience, the introduction to steam engine driving is the perfect gift experience. After a thorough safety briefing, you’ll climb aboard and start your footplate steam adventure.

Learn how to control the engine, drive the train and the skills of the fireman. You’ll travel 20 miles on a return journey where you’ll drive the train one way, and fire the engine the other.

It’s a perfect gift experience for someone who wants to drive and fire a steam train and would prefer not to be part of a group.

Steam Train Driving Experience – Tenterden, Kent

Join a small group for this fabulous all-day steam train driving experience. Throughout the day you’ll have a go at firing, driving, guard duties and assisting with level crossings.

You’ll learn the skills required to drive a steam train and get the chance to put them into practice in the idyllic rural setting of the Kent and East Sussex Railway. Lunch and breakfast are included, and you’ll also take home a certificate.

An ideal gift for someone who’s mad on trains and would love to drive a train and see what happens behind the scenes on the railway.

Introductory Steam Train Driving Experience – Elsecar, South Yorkshire

Prepare to get your hands dirty as you shovel coal to get the engine moving. Move onto sheer exhilaration as you get to drive the steam train yourself.

You’ll be invited onto the footplate where you’ll learn the skills to drive and fire a steam engine. Training and guidance will be provided by the experienced and qualified crew of the Elsecar Heritage Railway.

It’s a fun-packed hands-on day where after a bit of expert help you’ll be at the controls, driving the steam engine along the length of the track. There are one and two-hour options to chose from.

Unfortunately, the Elsecar Heritage Railway is currently closed. 

Steam Engine Driving Taster – Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire

Take the helm of a 5/8th scale engine on 15” narrow gauge railway. With all the controls and instruments of a full-scale loco, you’ll love this genuine steam train driving experience.

An expert instructor will start you off on a practice track and show you how to control and move the steam engine. Finally, you will take over the helm and guide it along Edwinstowe’s one-mile track.

The scenic and rural Sherwood Forest setting is ideal for rail enthusiasts seeking an authentic experience.

Steam Engine Experience Days in Britain

Driving a steam train is an experience for dedicated ‘steamies’, but some may savour a salubrious meal with family and friends. Dining and riding a steam train through the countryside is an unforgettable gift and day out for all.

Check our guide to steam train dining experience gifts in Britain for foodie lovers.

Image credits: duncharris, chrisfp (edit), Red Letter Days, dominicsayers (edit), dunchharris, peter-trimming, Train Photos