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Train Driving Experiences at The East Kent Railway

East Kent Railway, Dover
REF: EKRTD1
Rated Based On 11 Reviews

  • Drive a train on the East Kent Railway
  • Class 8s & ex-MoD shunters available
  • A return journey to Eythorne as driver
  • Invite 4 guests to ride in the brake van
 
Easter Promo
 


What's Included

  • Exclusive 1:1 train driving experience
  • Welcome, introduction and safety briefing
  • 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 2 hours
  • Complimentary premium gift packaging from Into The Blue

1:1 Train Driving Experience

  • Drive a Vanguard Class or Ruston & Hornsby (both ex MoD) diesel shunter  - loco type not guaranteed 

1:1 Class 8 Train Driving Experience

  • Drive a Class 08 locomotive

What Can I Expect

The next departure from platform one on the East Kent railway is the train driver day! These experiences are totally hands-on. You will be driving one of the restored locomotives from the fleet based at Shepherdswell near Dover. 

The East Kent Railway Trust has worked hard over the years to create a fabulous railway. And before they set up their preservation society in 1985, there hadn't been a passenger service since late 1948. Goods trains as far as the colliery ceased to run in the 80s.

A lot of blood, sweat and tears from a team of skilled enthusiasts over many years has put the East Kent Railway back on the map. The line goes from Sheperdswell to Eythorne. Offering train driving for a full return journey on this East Kent line is a great way for fans to get properly involved as a team member for a couple of hours.

We are offering two different vouchers for you. One voucher will see you driving a Thomas Hill Vanguard Class or a Ruston & Hornby No427. Both diesel shunters and both ex MoD. The other voucher option is to drive a British Rail English Electric Class 8 locomotive in original stripey EWS freight livery.

On your journey you'll experience the highlight of the East Kent Railway; the Golgotha Tunnel, one of the longest in the south east, would you believe. The proverbial light at the end of the tunnel is the Kentish countryside as you gently head out of the valley.

There's then a quick pause at the junction for the former Guildford Colliery to check the points (you'll be putting in a proper shift as an East Kent Railway worker!), before entering Eythorne station, the terminus of the trainline.

These East Kent Railway experiences give you a fabulous insight into the working life of a preserved Light Railway. You'll be fully involved for the duration and it's one-to-one tuition in the driver's cab. What's more, you can invite up to four friends and family to ride in the brake van that your loco is coupled to!

Always hugely popular, don't delay, buy your East Kent Railway loco driving voucher today!

Availability

  • Tuesday to Friday and some occasional Saturdays between April - 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

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

Spectators

  • Spectators are welcome at no extra charge
  • Invite up to 4 passengers to ride on the train while you drive

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

Reviews

5 out of 5 stars

Average Rating: 5
Total Reviews: 11

Find out what other customers think of the experience

Reviews

  based on 10 reviews

Rating: 5 stars
Henry silk
5 Months ago
Had a great experience really enjoyed the morning was shown everything to do with driving the train...
Rating: 5 stars
Wayne
A fantastic experience. The staff were great on the day Loved every minute. Cannot recommend eno...
Rating: 5 stars
JC Heaver
Great value brilliant staff and amazing experience one to one driving for at least three hours Bril...
Rating: 5 stars
Nick
Fantastic experience!! Loved every minute of it. Man running it was so friendly and informative. ...
Rating: 5 stars
Lewis
Superb day, knowledgable and friendly crew, highly recommended
Rating: 5 stars
Nigel B
A fantastic experience, having the railway to yourself for the morning or afternoon. Made to feel l...
Rating: 5 stars
Godfrey Hawkes
The experience of a lifetime. My friendly tutor-driver was so good. It was a pleasure learning ab...
Rating: 5 stars
Ron Sturdy
A very pleasant birthday treat from my partner as always wanted to drive a train. Very warm recepti...
Rating: 5 stars
Ian Mortimer
Everything about the East Kent Railway was outstanding. The people (particularly Danni, James, Calu...
Rating: 5 stars
Bob cherry
Excellent Wonderful people very helpful. Give them a ring first and they can explain the experie...