Drive a Heritage Diesel Train Derbyshire

What Can I Expect

Double diesel train driving in Derbyshire on Ecclesbourne Valley Railway! Spend the day at this lovely heritage railway in the Peaks and drive two different diesel trains from the roster of rolling stock.

If you like trains, you will love this experience at Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. You and the other participants on the day will meet at Wirksworth, the railway's main station. Your hosts will welcome you and you'll have a chat about what to expect on your day with the EVR team.

Over the course of the next six hours or so, you will enjoy a full itinerary. You will be heading out on a vintage diesel railcar (that's a train with the carriage and driver's cabin in one), taking it in turns to be at the controls, as you go on the full journey to Duffield and back.

The second train you will be driving is a big, diesel locomotive (these are the separate engines that get hooked up to carriages). Once again, you'll be doing a return trip to Duffield, with each of you spending time at the controls driving a powerful diesel loco.

As well as the actual driving, you will also be privy to life beyond the tracks at Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, with a guided tour around the sheds, where the painstaking restoration work is lovingly carried out by skilled volunteers. You'll also hear about the history of the line and visit the museum.

What's more, you can invite a guest to ride in the diesel railcar you'll be driving. And they can join for lunch too in the Station Cafe at Wirksworth, which is included for you both.

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway boasts a lovely setting in the heart of Derbyshire, with its 18-mile return journey taking you from the northern terminus at Wirksworth, to Duffield where the line meets the active Midland Mainline operated by East Midlands Railway.

The towns and villages along the EVR line you'll be driving offer lots of places to visit, country pubs, cafes, shops and lovely walking, so why not make a day or even a weekend of your visit to Ecclesbourne Valley Railway? Buy your diesel train driving vouchers online now and book early - the experiences are always very popular.

Availability

• Selected weekdays and weekends throughout the year
• Experiences generally start at 09:30 finishing around 16:00
• Due to popularity it is recommended you book well in advance to avoid disappointment

Suitable For

• Minimum age 18
• Participants must be agile enough to climb up into the locomotive

Spectators

• Guests can travel on the heritage railcar in the morning, however they will not be able to ride on the mainline diesel locomotive in the afternoon
• One spectator may join you for lunch (included)
• Additional guests can purchase lunch on the day if required

Anything Else

• Some days operate with two sessions taking place.  The running order described above may be reversed
• Vouchers are provided via a trusted partner
• Once purchased your voucher will be dispatched within 2 working days
• Vouchers for this experience are valid for 18 months from the date of purchase