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 throughout the year, you can experience the challenge of driving and firing a steam locomotive hauling a heavy train of carriages in which your 10 guests can travel free of charge. Running over 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: 813, 1450, 4930 Hagley Hall, 7714, 13268, 75069.
Our Footplate Experiences include:
- Safety briefing before the session commences.
- Detailed instruction on how to drive and fire a locomotive.
- Travelling a total journey of at least 32 miles; going through Bewdley Tunnel, over Victoria Bridge and up Eardington Bank.
- Bring along up to 10 guests who can travel in the carriages behind the locomotive free of charge.
- Opportunities for photographs.
- A presentation folder with a certificate and memento of your experience.
There are three levels of Footplate Experience in 2026, tickets are on sale now.
Bronze, £430 per participant: half day, 8 miles driving and firing, 8 participants per experience (driving and firing in pairs):
No further dates for 2026.
Silver, £730 per participant: half day, 16 miles driving and firing, 4 participants per experience (driving and firing in pairs):
9 October (sold out).
Gold, £1330 per participant: full day, 32 miles driving and firing, 4 participants per experience (driving and firing in two pairs):
16 October (sold out).
Realise your lifelong ambition at the Severn Valley Railway…
