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Drive a Train at Sherwood Forest

Nottinghamshire

26 Reviews

What's Included

  • Driving session on a narrow gauge steam engine
  • Health and safety briefing and instruction session to start
  • You will shown how to fire up the steam loco
  • 1:1 instruction on the footplate
  • Drive the Sherwood Forest Railway track for a full return trip along the line
  • Driving time is around 30-40 minutes
  • Allow up to 1 hour on site for this experience

What Can I Expect

When it comes to cuteness, the Sherwood Forest Railway wins hands down! It's a whole world of steam all in miniature, at this delightful family-owned railway that runs along the edge of the former Sherwood Forest farm park area - and this experience will see you getting to drive one of the steam locos.

The SFR (as the Sherwood Forest Railway is know to locals and fans!) is Nottinghamshire's only 15" railway. Rolling on this narrow gauge track are 5/8th scale locomotives, with both diesel and steam powered versions, along with a fine collection of bright and shiny passenger carriages. For this experience you will be driving one of the lovely steam trains.

The family who operates this charming railway originally bought steam locos Smokey Joe and Pet back in 1998, but it wasn't until 2000 that they had found the perfect location on the edge of Sherwood Forest to build their railway track. Each year the line is extended and now stands at one mile, complete with two level crossings, a tunnel and two stations at Loxley and Welldale. There's even another steam loco (Doodlebug) coming onboard to join the original duo.

You might think that these small, yet perfectly formed trains and carriages are for leisure use only, but in fact back in the 19th and early 20th century, narrow gauge set ups were used to help construct railways, roads and waterways. The layout of this Sherwood-based railway is in former flood dykes used to irrigate the fields surrounded by forest and woodland and makes good use of the original cuttings and straight lines!

On your very special Sherwood Forest Railway experience , you will be a VIP guest at this wonderful attraction. After a safety briefing, you will shown how to fire up the steam loco as you head off for a full return trip along the line with you on the footplate doing all the hard work! Brilliant fun and a fantastic atmosphere at this mini-scale steam railway.

When Is It Available

  • 7 days a week from March to November (limited availability on weekend dates)
  • Trains operate from 11.00 to 16:30

Location

  • Sherwood Forest Railway, Nottinghamshire
  • Located between Mansfield and the historic village of Edwinstowe

Suitable For

  • Minimum age 18
  • Maximum weight 18 stone

Spectators

  • 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 £3.00 per person
  • Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome and can ride for free

Anything Else

  • Hot and cold refreshments are available
  • Toilets and kids play areas are onsite
  • Picnic areas are available
Sherwood Forest Railway Train Driving
Drive a Train at Sherwood ForestGet this Experience

Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars

Average Rating: 4.2
Total Reviews: 26

Find out what other customers think of the experience

 

Reviews

  based on 26 reviews

Rating: 5 stars
Helpful staff, will be better when the extension is opened and a longer journey can be achieved. On...
Rating: 5 stars
This was a great experience. All the staff made me feel very welcome upon arrival they showed me ar...
Rating: 5 stars
I purchased this experience for my Dad's 70th Birthday as he is a steam train enthusiast. We had a ...
Rating: 5 stars
Ian Sanderson Drive a Train at Sherwood Forest in Oct 2024
7 Months ago
Thoroughly enjoyed the experience, even though it rained throughout. Lovely steam engine, lovely pe...
Rating: 5 stars
John Hayes Drive a Train at Sherwood Forest in Aug 2024
9 Months ago
I had a great day and the team were good I would recommend this for anyone who loves trains
Rating: 5 stars
Neil Preston Drive a Train at Sherwood Forest in Jun 2024
11 Months ago
We were made very welcome and Steve the instructor was very friendly and interesting.
Rating: 4 stars
A very enjoyable experience. The instructor was very knowledgeable and friendly and put me at ease ...
Rating: 4 stars
Great day. Well managed and very enjoyable. Was fantastic to be able to drive the train while the ...
Rating: 4 stars
A very good experience, even in Covid-restricted times. The staff is very friendly and informative,...
Rating: 4 stars
Very informative staff giving clear instructions and helpful advice
Rating: 4 stars
Great experience. Very friendly & knowlegable instructor gave plenty of instruction in easily under...
Rating: 4 stars
A great experience. My fiancé loved driving the train, and had a fantastic time.
Rating: 4 stars
It was a very enjoyable experience for a life long steam lover. The instructor gave a very comprehe...
Rating: 4 stars
An absolutely fantastic day, really friendly, would galadly do it again!
Rating: 4 stars
Bought for Fathers Day present.Lovely setting and friendly staff. Plenty for kids to do who came to...
Rating: 4 stars
Excellent experience. Warm welcome from staff and all very knowledgable. Venue easy to find and thi...
Rating: 4 stars
Thoroughly enjoyed the experience, David the instructor/owner was very thorough and pleasant throu...
Rating: 4 stars
Friendly, helpful and informative host. Time flew. Most enjoyable. A certificate?
Rating: 4 stars
So long as you're aged between birth and decomposition you can not fail but to have a great time. T...
Rating: 4 stars
Had an excellent time, the venue and experience were great and the hospitality was excellent. The h...
Rating: 4 stars
excellent to see the work put into train track,engine etc.What a hobby!! Our grandchildren also enj...
Rating: 4 stars
Very nice people, no problems at all. Free tea on arrival.
Rating: 4 stars
This was an excellent experience, the staff were very friendly and went through all the pre safety ...
Rating: 4 stars
A friendly welcome, Smokey Joe our engine for the day was demonstrating that you don't just turn a ...
Rating: 4 stars
I had a really great day, however, there was nothing at the end to show my completion. I feel a cer...
Rating: 4 stars
friendly atmosphere and volunteers very sociable however the actual driving was somewhat short when...