Traction Engine Driving in Cumbria
Near Broughton in Furness
Driving a steam traction engine on a 1:1 basis is included with all of the packages we offer for one or two drivers, so you can share this nostalgic driving experience in Cumbria with a friend/partner as the second driver on the footplate. Each steam traction engine course is tailored to the individual, to ensure all drivers have a great day out, whether they are knowledgeable enthusiasts or have never set foot on a steam traction engine before.
The steam traction engine experience day starts at Muncaster Castle – a gorgeous setting for the lucky drivers as well as friends and family. The castle is set in acres of country grounds on the west coast of Cumbria with plenty to keep all ages amused. There’s the wild owl centre, tea shop, beautiful gardens, and playground.
Drivers for the day will be shown around the steam traction engine, with guidance on safety and operation. You will learn all about the history of the engine Western Star, which is a 1912 road locomotive built by John Fowler of Leeds to pull heavy loads over long distances.
Then it’s time to light up the coal powered steam engine and prepare the engine for driving. This initial drive will be a few miles down the road for a very special lunch stop at a local steam railway station. Lunch is included for the drivers and friends/family are welcome to join the meal. The railway centre has a good restaurant and shop – again lots to see and do for all!
After your meal, there’s no time for slacking, as it is back to the traction engine to prepare for the 10 mile drive back to the engine’s base. Once confident, you will be taking control of the beautifully restored steam engine as you trundle along the open roads. The experience ends with you helping to prepare the engine for closing down and garaging.
If you have opted for either of the all inclusive packages, your accommodation is provided at the Farm House Cottages where the steam traction engine lives, along with the owner.
Experience summary: Our packages are very flexible, offering either weekend (Fri pm to Mon am) or midweek packages (Mon pm to Fri am), based around the one day traction engine driving experience. The accommodation is offered on a self catering basis in a variety of cottages/barn conversions on the farm.
The package price for two includes self catering accommodation for two (typically a one bedroom cottage) with bed linen, towels, electricity, gas and supplies of logs/coal. Highchairs and cots are available if needed. One day with the steam traction engine for one or two drivers is included.
The package price for four includes self catering accommodation for four (typically in a two bedroom cottage) with bed linen, towels, electricity, gas and supplies of logs/coal. Highchairs and cots are available if needed. One day with the steam traction engine for one or two drivers is included.
The self catering accommodation offers an ideal base from which to explore the fabulous Lake District - there are lovely walks right from the cottage door, including access to Coniston Fells and Duddon Valley. Watersports are readily available at nearby Coniston and Windermere and mountain bikes can be hired locally. There are some great country houses to explore, as well as picturesque Cumbrian villages. Your hosts will be only too pleased to help with advice and the arranging of leisure activities.
Availability: Traction engine day experiences/short break packages run from the end of March through to the last weekend in October. For non-residential experiences, the course offers a full day with the traction engine for one or two drivers including morning coffee and lunch. For residential packages, one day of traction engine driving is included for one or two drivers with morning coffee and lunch. Visitors will be liable for damages/breakages in the accommodation.
Requirements: The breaks offered are very flexible and suitable for couples, families and groups of friends. No experience is required for driving the traction engine, but you should be 18 or over with a full UK or European driving licence.
Spectators and Facilities: Friends/family are welcome to meet the engine at the start point and the lunch location - both venues offer plenty to see and do for all the family.