Steam Train Driving Taster - Nottinghamshire
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About the experience
Product ID: 14219
Steam train enthusiasts in Nottinghamshire can book onto this most fun sized of experiences, driving a miniature steam engine at the Sherwood Forest Railway! This delightful family owned narrow gauge railway is situated on the edge of the former Sherwood Forest farm park in what was once flood dykes to irrigate the surrounding fields, forest and woodland. Work on building the line began in 2000, on which runs a fleet of 5/8th scale steam and diesel engines, and an array of bright coloured passenger coaches. First purchased by their current owners in 1998, Smokey Joe and Pet's line has gradually been extended over the years (it currently stands at 1 mile long), and it includes two level crossings, a tunnel and two stations at Welldale and Loxley, and they have subsequently been joined by another steam loco, Doodlebug. All were part of a collection of narrow gauge steam engines that were utilised throughout the late 19th and early 20th century to assist with constructing railways, roads and waterways. On this special VIP experience, you'll be welcomed and taken through a full safety briefing, where you're shown how to fire up the engine, as you begin a return trip along the line where you'll be doing all the hard work at the footplate, in truly atmospheric surroundings that'll add up to a fun day for all steam enthusiasts!
- Valid for 12 months
- 1 Location in the UK
- Flexibe Booking
- Gift Pack Options
- Free Exchanges
- Instant Delivery
A very enjoyable experience. The instructor was very knowledgeable and friendly and put me at ease straightway. Plenty of opportunity to drive the loco.
Reviewed by: Philip Stiles
Great day. Well managed and very enjoyable. Was fantastic to be able to drive the train while the family travelled on it
Reviewed by: Charles
Overview
- Drive 5/8th Scale Steam Loco in Nottingham
- The Sherwood forest railway - a family Concern
- You will be a VIP for the day driving the train
- The current 15" gauge line is 1 mile long
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- Driving session on a narrow gauge steam engine
- A health and safety briefing and instruction session start
- 1:1 instruction and the chance to drive at the Sherwood Forrest railway track
- Driving time is around 30-40 minutes, but you should allow up to 1 hour for this experience
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- Hot and cold refreshments are available
- Toilets and kids' play areas are on-site
- Picnic areas are available
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- Friends and family are welcome to come along and watch you depart from the platform
- Entry is free when the railway is running
- Train rides are £2.00 per person
- Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome and can ride for free
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- There is a minimum age of 18 years
- Maximum weight of 18 stone
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- Minimum Age: 18 years
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- Trains run 7 days a week from March to November (limited availability on weekend dates)
- Trains operate from 11.00 am to 4:30 pm
Location:
- Sherwood Forest Railway, Nottinghamshire
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1 Location in the UK
- Nottinghamshire
Customer Reviews for the Steam Train Driving Taster - Nottinghamshire
A very enjoyable experience. The instructor was very knowledgeable and friendly and put me at ease straightway. Plenty of opportunity to drive the loco.
Reviewed by: Philip Stiles
Great day. Well managed and very enjoyable. Was fantastic to be able to drive the train while the family travelled on it
Reviewed by: Charles
Helpful staff, will be better when the extension is opened and a longer journey can be achieved. Only allowed to drive in one direction which reduces the experience.
Reviewed by: John Foster
A very good experience, even in Covidrestricted times. The staff is very friendly and informative, with clear instructions about what needs to be done, with opportunities to drive the loco with passengers included. I really enjoyed my time there.
Reviewed by: Jose
Very informative staff giving clear instructions and helpful advice
Reviewed by: Leslie Amos
Great experience. Very friendly knowlegable instructor gave plenty of instruction in easily understood terms. Plenty of time to understand operation of the locomotive enjoy the driving experience. Would highly recomend.
Reviewed by: Denzil Inman
A great experience. My fianc loved driving the train, and had a fantastic time.
Reviewed by: Chris Thomas
It was a very enjoyable experience for a life long steam lover. The instructor gave a very comprehensive briefing of the locomotive and how to drive it. After an introduction run control was handed over and starting with a short run a longer run was undertaken and finally a full length run back to the start point was undertaken.The only criticism was that only one full length run was undertaken. It would have been nice if another full out and back run could have been made.I will certainly look at the possibility of undertaking another visit and experience in the future particularly if the additional runs could be made.The staff, mostly volunteers, were friendly and committed to the success of the railway.Brilliant day
Reviewed by: Roger Guy
An absolutely fantastic day, really friendly, would galadly do it again
Reviewed by: Sam Waller
This was a great experience. All the staff made me feel very welcome upon arrival they showed me around the engine and answered all the questions I had about it, it was a great day out. I enjoyed driving the engine the instructor was very patient and explained things in simple terms I was even given an engine drivers hat to wear for the journey. It was worth every penny .
Reviewed by: David Pattison
Bought for Fathers Day present.Lovely setting and friendly staff. Plenty for kids to do who came to watch.
Reviewed by: Jon White
Excellent experience. Warm welcome from staff and all very knowledgable.Venue easy to find and things there to entertain the children too. e
Reviewed by: Andrea Elsbury
Thoroughly enjoyed the experience, David the instructorowner was very thorough and pleasant throughout, he didnt just show me how to drive the engine, he patiently explained the processes involved in the working of the steam locomotive. Just a couple of small things, it was a shame my 10 year old boy wasnt allowed to come along and act as photographer and there are no photo opportunities along the route.
Reviewed by: David Terry
Friendly, helpful and informative host. Time flew. Most enjoyable. A certificate
Reviewed by: Michael Shaw
I had a really great day, however, there was nothing at the end to show my completion. I feel a certificate or something similar would have been a good idea. On the whole, an enjoyable experience.
Reviewed by: Howard Whatmough
So long as youre aged between birth and decomposition you can not fail but to have a great time.The train driving was superb, but the experience was all around you and was there to be enjoyed from the moment you walked in from the car park.
Reviewed by: Jeremy Clapham
Had an excellent time, the venue and experience were great and the hospitality was excellent. The host was very patient and informative and really put me at ease.
Reviewed by: Emily Reynolds
excellent to see the work put into train track,engine etc.What a hobbyOur grandchildren also enjoyed the free play area .If you want to drive a small engine in a safe environment this could be an ideal present.It was for me. Frank Milward
Reviewed by: frank Milward
Very nice people, no problems at all. Free tea on arrival.
Reviewed by: Jules
friendly atmosphere and volunteers very sociable however the actual driving was somewhat short when compared to others and at 59 i considered overpriced
Reviewed by: ian fell
This was an excellent experience, the staff were very friendly and went through all the pre safety checks at the correct level. The train driving was very good with the right level of instruction. The best bit was the hands on driving, adjusting for the inclines, by operating the regulator, called for a delicate touch you just can not put the brakes on like in a car. My wife was the passenger and photographer and we were both made welcome.
Reviewed by: Peter Gallagher
A friendly welcome, Smokey Joe our engine for the day was demonstrating that you dont just turn a steam engine on by taking his time, but it was free teas and coffee whilst the formalities and then down to business. Safety briefing delivered in a professional but friendly manner then off down the line. It was great that it was one to one and my wife got to be the photographer, some short runs back and forth to show that Id taken it in and then the full length of the line back to the station. A great treat, lovely people, loads of fun.
Reviewed by: John Williams
I purchased this experience for my Dads 70th Birthday as he is a steam train enthusiast. We had a lovely afternoon, I was allowed to be a passenger as the photographer. We were made to feel very welcome and David ensured my Dad had a great time. We then had a picnic next to the play area, all in all an excellent afternoon.
Reviewed by: Dawn
We were made very welcome and Steve the instructor was very friendly and interesting.
Reviewed by: Neil Preston 11 June 2024
I had a great day and the team were goodI would recommend this for anyone who loves trains
Reviewed by: John Hayes 06 August 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed the experience, even though it rained throughout. Lovely steam engine, lovely people so the weather didnt matter. Time flies though, its over so quickly it seems. Probably shows how much you are enjoying yourself.
Reviewed by: Ian Sanderson 01 October 2024
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