Drive A Steam Train Experience

A steam train driving experience on the East Lancashire Railway is exactly that. Your chance to drive a real, historic steam train. You’ll learn all about the engineering and controls, spend time practising with our current drivers, firemen and firewomen, and then become a part of the crew yourself.

During this hands-on, intensive, full day experience, we’ll take you behind the scenes on the ELR, showing you places that the general public never gets to see.

You’ll enjoy a hot lunch and then we’ll put you behind the controls of one of our heritage steam engines to fire, guard and drive the train yourself.

Book this once in a lifetime steam train driving experience – an extra special treat for yourself or an unforgettable gift for a loved one.

What’s included

Drive a steam train on the ELR and you’ll:

• Get a full safety briefing with the crew
• Drive and fire a steam train for 16 miles
• Guard and travel for 16 miles on a steam train
• Enjoy a hot lunch*
• Join a half-day guided tour behind the scenes of the East Lancashire Railway
• Have plenty of wonderful photo opportunities
• Take home a commemorative certificate and complimentary ELRPS membership
• You are more than welcome to add a guest to join you to travel onboard the carriage, join you at lunch and attend the guided tour.

*One guest allowed per participant. Extra charge of £25.00 per lunch and guided tour.

Important Information

Participants must be aged 18 years or over.

Our steam train footplate experiences last all day, starting at 8.00am at Bury Bolton Street Station and finishing back there at approximately 5.00pm.

If you’re considering our Drive a Steam Train experience, please make sure you Read Our Terms and Condtions. A footplate experience can be a labour intensive experience and we want you to enjoy every part of it.