Steam Footplate

Drive a steam train at the Severn Valley Railway! Join the driver and fireman on the footplate of one our historic steam locomotives and take control. Our experienced volunteers will welcome you on board and ‘show you the ropes’, before letting you experience the wonders of driving a steam locomotive along the Severn Valley Railway.

Taking place on selected dates throughout the year, you can experience the challenge of driving and firing a steam locomotive hauling a heavy train of carriages. Travelling the whole length of the line, you will steam through Bewdley Tunnel, glide across Victoria Bridge and storm up Eardington Bank, so make sure you keep the pressure up!

Our fleet of historic locomotives that are used on Footplate Experiences include: GWR 4930 Hagley Hall, GWR 4150, LMS 13268, BR 75069.

2027 Footplate Experiences will go on sale shortly.

Our Footplate Experiences include:

• Participant safety briefing before the session commences.
• Detailed instruction on how to drive and fire a locomotive.
• Hot drinks and breakfast/lunch – (depending on package booked)
• Travelling a total journey of at least 32 miles; going through Bewdley Tunnel, over Victoria Bridge and up Eardington Bank.
• Opportunities for photographs.
• A presentation folder with a certificate and memento of your experience.

Bronze, £450 per participant: half day, 8 miles driving and firing, 8 participants per experience (driving and firing in pairs). Welcome hot drink and breakfast included for morning sessions and lunch included for afternoon sessions.

Silver, £750 per participant: half day, 16 miles driving and firing, 4 participants per experience (driving and firing in pairs). Welcome hot drink and breakfast included for morning sessions and lunch included for afternoon sessions.

Gold, £1350 per participant: full day, 32 miles driving and firing, 4 participants per experience (driving and firing in two pairs). Welcome hot drink and bacon bap for breakfast and hot lunch included.

You are welcome to bring along 6 guests who can travel in the carriages behind the locomotives at a cost of £20.00 per person (including welcome hot drink and lunch or breakfast depending on package booked).

If you would to know when 2027 steam footplate experiences go on sale please email: [email protected]. 

Realise your lifelong ambition at the Severn Valley Railway…