Driver Experience — Make 2026 the Year Your Dream Becomes Reality
Step into the cab and live the ultimate railway adventure — become an engine driver for the day!
Feel the power and excitement as you drive and fire one of our resident steam locomotives along our historic ex-colliery line, winding through the stunning scenery of Chasewater Country Park. Whether you’re fulfilling a lifelong ambition or searching for an unforgettable gift, this hands-on steam locomotive experience is truly one of a kind.
An incredible day. An unforgettable memory. A dream brought to life.
Choose From Three Exclusive Dates - Book Now to Avoid Missing Out
- Saturday 28th March
- Saturday 20th June
- Saturday 26th September
What's Included?
We have designed the days to reflect our industrial heritage. You can help to get the locomotive into steam, laying and lighting the fire, oiling around and building pressure and then have the hands on experience of driving in the yard before driving a full round trip of the line with either our heritage carriages or brake van. There will also be opportunities to participate in shunting the wagons during the day and to get your hands on the shovel. You will get expert guidance from our fully trained driver and fireman who will help to make your day something to remember.
The whole day, including cups of tea/coffee and a hot breakfast sandwich (cooked by you on the fire if you prefer), will be just £495 per person! We send out a gift voucher and letter to the participant to form part of a gift or just as a surprise!
Participant Requirements
We do ask that the person who is having the experience is physically able to climb up and down the locomotive steps, has no illness or injury that may impair their vision and is over 18 years old. We also ask that each person brings with them boots, gloves and overalls/boiler suit as you can get dirty during the day from the coal.
Additional Information
We only book a maximum of 3 people on any driver experience day. This ensures all participants have a good long turn driving during the day with us. There is no upper age limit and we have had many octogenarians and above have a fantastic day!
Our onsite tea room will be open all day where you can purchase hot/cold drinks and hot/cold snacks at your leisure.
Family and friends are welcome, and they will be able to ride in the brake van and/or carriages depending on the train make up on the day and we welcome you taking photographs. A complimentary Certificate of Experience of the day will be presented along with a bag of Chasewater Railway goodies.
Please contact our admin team on 01543 452623 or email admin@chasewaterrailway.co.uk for booking information.