Steam Locomotive Footplate Rides

In 2026 we're again offering you the chance to go on the footplate and join the crew as they take you on a full round trip of the line.On the footplate ride, you'll get to watch what's involved in operating one of our steam locomotives as it hauls the day's passenger service.In this special opportunity to access our footplate, you'll be able to see first hand how the volunteer crew get our engines moving, and experience a ride on our line like never before!Please note, whilst you'll need to be physically fit, able to climb up into the cab and be able to stand for the duration of the journey, this is not a full Driver Experience and you won't be driving the train.Important InformationFootplate Rides are not a full Driver Experience and you will not be driving the train.You must be aged 18 years or over, able to stand for up to one hour, be physically fit and be capable of climbing on/off the locomotive to the ground floor level unaided.

This maybe up to a 3 metre (10 feet) vertical climb in the event of an emergency evacuation.You must be able to hear and understand verbal instructions in noisy surroundings, and be able to cope with discomfort, variable temperatures, noise and vibration inherent on a locomotive footplate.The experience is limited to one person per time slot.Due to the historic nature of our locomotives, wheelchairs are not able to gain access to the footplate.On booking you will receive a booking confirmation.

Please show this at the booking office on the day to exchange for your train tickets.

We advise you arrive 15/20 minutes prior to departure.