Steam Train Driving Experience
There is nothing quite like the sound, smell and power of a steam locomotive in full cry!
Thanks to our steeply graded line, 1 in 60 at its steepest, you can drive a steam train in the manner it was designed for.
This really is the ultimate footplate experience! Starting at 9.30am at Alresford Station, you will be in control of one of our larger steam locomotives hauling a train of carriages along our steeply graded line. You will have the opportunity to feed the firebox and keep the boiler pressure ‘on the mark’ and to experience what it is like to release the brakes, open the regulator and feel the engine surge forward with a rhythmic exhaust beat, under your control.
Under the expert instruction of our highly experienced crew, you will be paired with another participant to take turns as both driver and fireman during the day.
There is no need for any previous experience – first-timers are welcome!
If not driving or firing, participants will be required to ride in the carriages with the Guard and their guests. A lunch is provided for the participant in the West Country Buffet at Alresford station. Guests are welcome to join participants where they will be able to ride behind the loco in a carriage. Lunch for any guests can be purchased on the day from the West Country Buffet.
Guests accompanying participants on this experience are subject to insurance indemnity requirements and for safety reasons all children must be over 2 years of age and will remain the responsibility of an accompanying adult at all times.
Guests will be required to sign an indemnity form accepting any risk to themselves should an incident occur whilst the train is being driven by a ‘learner driver’. Any children will need to be included on the form signed by an accompanying adult.
This is a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity and there will be plenty of time to take photos to remember the day.
Locomotives will be used from the current fleet available and cannot be specified in advance.
Please note, The Watercress Line reserves the right to reschedule a driving experience if the minimum number of 6 participants booked on a specific day is not reached, or for any other reason.
There are 6 places on each day so you will be required to share the day with others.
Overalls can be provided to protect clothing, unless you want to bring your own (they must be cotton).
Experience will be from 9.30am until 5pm.
Outline of the experience
• Meet the driver and crew at Alresford Station
• Enjoy the journey up and down the line between Alresford Station and Alton Station
• Experience the thrill of driving the magnicent train through the Hampshire countryside, overlooking the South Downs National Park
• Learn what it takes to fire the impressive loco to provide enough steam to climb our steeply graded line
What's included:
• Coffee and pastry on arrival
• Lunch in the West Country Buffet at Alresford Station
• Bring up to 4 guests with you to enjoy the train journey in the passenger coaches (lunch can be purchased at a charge for travelling passengers)
• Commemorative certificate
Participants must:
– Be 18 years old or over
– Complete a medical questionnaire once you have booked this experience
– Be physically fit and be able to ascend and descend a ladder
– Must not be under the influence or consume alcohol or drugs prior or during the experience
– Wear appropriate and sturdy footwear (no trainers)
– Will be required to wear overalls
– If participants are taking any medication, please check the advice for driving while taking them
– This activity may not be suitable for those with some disabilities, particularly where mobility is affected
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Take a look at what to expect in the video below:
Tickets
Adults
Over 18 years
Advanced Booking: £785 per person
Please note:
Once this experience has been booked, it cannot be cancelled or transferred to another date.
Pets are not permitted to accompany participants on their experience.
Parking
Alresford Station: Pay & display car park, operated by Winchester City Council.
Disabled parking and electric charge points available. Cash or RingGo app location 42519.
The company does not guarantee that the trains will arrive or depart at the times stated and reserves the right to cancel, alter or suspend any train without notice, or to substitute a different train should this be necessary for whatever reason.
