Steam Train Driving Experiences

Don your Train Drivers cap and get behind the controls of these wonderful vintage locomotives on one of our Steam Train Driving Experiences. Flying through the British Countryside and taking control is any train enthusiast's dream! Whether it's a love of many years or a recent interest, seeing how these huge engines turn is an opportunity that would make anyone excited.

With guidance from experienced and passionate instructors, you will be a Steam Train Driving expert in no time. You might even get to sound the horn as the fluffy white steam bellows over the carriages.

These experiences are perfect presents, whether to celebrate one of life's milestones or as a treat for someone who just loves trains. There is no doubt you will be on the top of the favourites list when they open up their gift.

Britain has a long and proud history of heritage steam railways, many of which are run and maintained by a faithful team of enthusiasts and volunteers, and wherever you're based in the UK, there's sure to be one near you with a wealth of vintage steam to explore.

The Great Central Railway in Leicestershire, which hosts our Bronze Steam Train Driving Day, begins at Loughborough and terminates at Leicester North on a 16 mile round trip, that not only offers spectacular views across the East Midlands countryside, but also has a fleet of carefully preserved steam locomotives and a fully working signal box.

Also offering maximum fun - but on a smaller scale - is the 5/8th scale narrow gauge Sherwood Forest Railway, with miniature but mighty steam and diesel engines run and owned by a family company on a 1 mile long track.

Speaking of diesel engines, if it's the heritage British Rail Class 08 and Class 404 that gets you roaring into life, then the East Kent Railway down in Kent should provide the perfect opportunity to drive such a diesel, on a 2.4 mile long track which also includes the Golgotha tunnel, one of the longest such tunnels on a preservation railway in the UK.

Currently, you can book for a Steam or Diesel Train driving experience here on TrackDays via our open Gift Vouchers. When you can redeem and use the voucher, you'll get in touch with our Customer Service team first to do so.

We'll then contact the supplier at the venue, and they'll then get in touch with you directly to make all the necessary arrangements and confirm the booking with you - so you can look forward to the time when you're shouting “Full Steam Ahead!” from the footplate.

And whether it's a gift for Father's Day, a milestone 50th or 60th Birthday or a special Retirement Gift, giving a Steam Train driving experience should be a special present to mark any occasion and leave the recipient feeling chuffed!

Want to experience the magic of riding on a heritage train but letting the professionals do all the hard work? Visit our Steam Train Trips page to browse and book from available vouchers.

This video isn't related to our train driving experiences but we just love this guy! If you are half as enthusiastic as Francis then these are the experiences for you.