Sample the atmosphere and take a ride on an award winning period country railway. A pretty line, relocated station buildings, signal boxes and bridges all lovingly restored and rebuilt. A large and varied collection of operational vintage steam and diesel engines, carriages and wagons that represent much of our Railway Heritage is available to explore around.

Steam with Santa - Prices reduced for 2011

Join our Special train as it gently steams along our one mile of line (1 round trip) whilst Santa delivers a present to every child on the train.



December 4th,10th,11th, 17th, 18th, and 21st Only

Trains are expected to operate at 10.45, 11.30, 12.15,13.15,14.00,14.45 and 15.30 each day.



Each trip last approximatley 30 minutes.(1 round trip)



Driving Experience Courses

Actual "hands on" driving of a Steam Train. These Driving Experience Courses make an ideal Birthday or Anniversary present.

Attractive Personalised Gift Vouchers which can include your own special message.

Actual "hands on" driving and shunting trucks, firing and raising the steam, also a session on how the locomotive works and signalling.

Under the guidance of our qualified footplate crew, you will experience the art of ensuring there is sufficient pressure of steam available by combining the efficient use of coal to keep the fire at a constant temperature and at the same time, maintaining the right level of water in the boiler. A very challenging period of trying to "tame" the elements

Appreciate the skill required to start and stop the loco, weighing in excess of 50 tons. Observe the route through observation of the signals. Attempt to make the most economic use of steam to create the maximum power required.

Day out with Thomas

Entertainment includes:

• Ride in Reserved Seats 'The Express Coaches' behind 'Thomas'.


• Ride in another Friend of 'Thomas' character.


• Other friends of 'Thomas' characters likely to attend include, 'Daisy', Percy, 'Mavis', 'Toad', 'Diesel', 'Terence', 'Mail Coach', 'Traction Engines Trevor and George' and 'The Troublesome Trucks'.


• 'Sir Topham Hatt, The Fat Controller' will be in charge of 'Thomas' and his Friends.


• Many free under cover games.


• Garden and Miniature Railways.


• Well stocked souvenir shops with a large range of 'Thomas' gifts and souvenirs.


• Large grassland picnic area at station.


• Free Face Painting.


• Exhibition Centre and Signal Box open.


• Real life 'Thomas' story enactment.

Dining Services - "Sidings" Buffet Carriage

The "Sidings" Buffet carriage is open every day the trains are running. A typical menu includes all day breakfasts, light lunches, cream teas, freshly made sandwiches, scrumptious home made cakes and refreshments. Parties are catered for with menus to suit the occasion.

Contract Services

Filming

The Railway forms an ideal period setting for filming and photographic sets, using steam trains and staff in period costumes. With some of our more modern rolling stock the site can look equally good as a modern railway environment without the hassle of trying to film on the national network.

Some of our recent work includes:

National press advert for The National Autistic Society

Charles Dickens and the Invention of... for BBC1.