What do I actually get on my driving experience?

Your voucher covers the driving experience shown on this page. The number of vehicles driven, experience format, duration or distance, and any included extras will vary depending on the package selected. Full details are shown in the experience description before purchase.

Am I eligible to take part in a driving experience?

Eligibility requirements will vary depending on the experience and venue. Minimum age, driving licence requirements, and height or weight restrictions may apply. Please ensure that you check the experience details carefully before you make your booking.

How do vehicles, venues and booking availability work?

Once purchased, you can activate and redeem your voucher against available dates at the listed venues. Vehicle availability may vary by location, and some dates may be more limited at busier times of the year, so it is recommended that you book as early as possible.

1 to 1 Train Driving Experience at East Kent Railway

£399.99 Product ID: 14022

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Valid for 12 months
Kent
Flexible Booking
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Overview

Every locomotive enthusiast had the dream to get their hands on the controls of a train. This 1:1 Train Driving Experience along the East Kent Railway where you will drive the train on a return trip from Eythorne. Your experience will be 1:1 so you don't have to share your driving time with anyone else and have the experienced and knowledgeable instructor focused fully on you. You will either be in control of a Vanguard Class or Ruston & Hornsby diesel shunters that used to be used by the MoD. You can make the day even more special by inviting up to 4 guests to ride as passengers as you drive, a great way to share your experience with the ones you love. It's the perfect gift for someone who loves all things trains.

Buying as a gift? Frequently Asked Questions

Most customers buy a flexible voucher and book later. Here are the key things to know:

What do I actually get on my driving experience? Your voucher covers the driving experience shown on this page. The number of vehicles driven, experience format, duration or distance, and any included extras will vary depending on the package selected. Full details are shown in the experience description before purchase.
Am I eligible to take part in a driving experience? Eligibility requirements will vary depending on the experience and venue. Minimum age, driving licence requirements, and height or weight restrictions may apply. Please ensure that you check the experience details carefully before you make your booking.
How do vehicles, venues and booking availability work? Once purchased, you can activate and redeem your voucher against available dates at the listed venues. Vehicle availability may vary by location, and some dates may be more limited at busier times of the year, so it is recommended that you book as early as possible.

View all Driving Experience FAQs

View all Gift Voucher FAQs

Overview

Drive a train on the East Kent Railway
Ex MoD shunters available
A return journey to Eythorne as driver
Invite 4 guests to ride in the brake van

What's Included

Exclusive 1:1 train driving experience
Welcome, introduction and safety briefing
Drive a diesel shunting locomotive
Get to grips with the controls on a short practice session
Drive the locomotive for a return trip to Eythorne
Information and facts about the loco from your experienced instructor
Invite up to 4 passengers to ride on the train while you drive
Experiences last around two hours

Suitable For

Minimum age 18
Participants must have a good, general level of fitness and be able to climb up and down onto a locomotive without assistance.

Availability

Wednesdays with selected Fridays and Saturdays between April and October
Due to the popularity of this experience, please book well in advance to avoid disappointment
Morning and afternoon sessions are generally available

Location:

East Kent Railway, Shepherdswell, Dover

Restrictions

Minimum Age: 18 years

This product is not eligible for promotional discount codes.

Anything Else

Locomotives used for the experience are subject to change, and specific locos can not be guaranteed
Suitable outdoor clothing and appropriate safety footwear should be worn
It is advisable to bring gloves
Spectators are welcome at no extra charge
Invite up to 4 passengers to ride on the train while you drive

How the Voucher Works

Purchase the voucher online
Receive your e-voucher or gift pack
Redeem online to select location and date
Enjoy your experience

1 to 1 Train Driving Experience at East Kent Railway Near Me

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Customer Reviews for the 1 to 1 Train Driving Experience at East Kent Railway

Click here to see our customer reviews.

Wayne

A fantastic experience. The staff were great on the day Loved every minute.Cannot recommend enough

JC Heaver

Great value brilliant staff and amazing experience one to one driving for at least three hours Brilliant

Nick

Fantastic experience Loved every minute of it.Man running it was so friendly and informative. Hoping I get another birthday gift of this again

Lewis

Superb day, knowledgable and friendly crew, highly recommended

Nigel B

A fantastic experience, having the railway to yourself for the morning or afternoon. Made to feel like part of the team, as was my wife who accompanied me in the brake van but also got opportunity to be in the cab and get involved.This was bought as a gift for me but great value for money and I was able to get involved in every aspect.

Godfrey Hawkes

The experience of a lifetime. My friendly tutordriver was so good. It was a pleasure learning about the locomotive, track and signalling from him. Will recommend the experience to anyone who shows an interest.

Ron Sturdy

A very pleasant birthday treat from my partner as always wanted to drive a train. Very warm reception from Ron, Georges, Mark, Jill Alfie. Very much hands on experience on a onetoone basis its only you that operates the controls on your experience. Location very easily accessible as next to Shepherds Well main line station if you do not drive there. As a further surprise understand I will receive in due course a dvd of my experience which was not expected but pictures taken by Georges.

Ian Mortimer

Everything about the East Kent Railway was outstanding. The people particularly Danni, James, Calum and Mark, the location, the experience and even the weather. I just cant recommend it highly enough. If you are in the least bit tempted, as they say, just do it.

Bob cherry

Excellent Wonderful people very helpful.Give them a ring first and they can explain the experience.Its a one to one, and you wont regret it

Henry silk

Had a great experience really enjoyed the morning was shown everything to do with driving the train all the staff where great

Daniel Lands

I was met by Clive who took me through all the controls and gauges on the train. He gave me a brief history of the train and after a short lesson we was off. I wont go into much detail on what you do as dont want to spoil the fun but would definitely go again. A must if youre a train fanatic and enjoy the history of the local train line there. The staff were excellent and helped make the day. Cafes good as well

Glynne

A fantastic experience. The team couldnt have been more helpful or enthusiastic. You get to do everything they promised plus more. Brilliant to be able to drive the train with guests in the attached brake wagon with expert tuition. They even give you a guided tour. Thoroughly recommend

David Cross

It was a very enjoyable hands on experience. I actually got to drive the train under strict supervision for a distance of over ten miles including going through a tunnel and observing various speed restrictions and sounding the horn in the appropriate places.I was also shown round a signal box and a coach which carried the late Queen to Kings Lynn.An absolutely fantastic day.

John

I enjoyed this very much well worth it,it was fun and the people were very nice.I would go again for sure.

brendan Logan

A wonderful experience with Clive, he explained everything very well, and allowed me to get on with it, while keeping a close eye on me....

Lynne Hayward

Fantastic experience, Instructor was very friendly and patient. I would thoroughly recommend this, you do not need to be a train expert to enjoy yourself.

Amanda Hunt

11 August 2025

My husband loves trains and particularly diesel trains so this was tailor made for him I think the experience exceeded expectations. The volunteers were all very informative and friendly and my husband absolutely loved driving the train. His daughters and I enjoyed being allowed to open and close the doors too And it was great to have the caf to meet at before the event. It was a really enjoyable day out, even for non train spotters