£319
Spend the day on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway learning about and trying your hand at the operation of heritage diesel trains in a group with one of our friendly drivers.
One of our experienced drivers will introduce you to railway operations in the morning and you will take it in turns to drive the 18 mile return journey between Wirksworth in the Derbyshire Peak District and Duffield just north of Derby, in a 1950s heritage Diesel Railcar.
Guests can ride in the passenger saloon and take in the beautiful views of the countryside whilst you’re driving.
Lunch will then be served in our Pullman Buffet at Wirksworth Station for yourself and one guest and additional guests may purchase off the menu. The afternoon allows you opportunity to get to grips with a large main line heritage diesel locomotive as you do the 18 mile return journey once more taking it in turns with your fellow experience guests.
A Guard's brake van is normally attached so that guests can ride behind the locomotive whilst you're driving, they can stand on the veranda whilst you’re going along in summer or have the wood-burning stove lit to keep warm in winter!
This experience is available on selected weekdays and weekends, throughout the year.
This experience will last for approximately 6 hours.
This experience is for one person, Lunch is included for two people. There will be other people on the day.
You are able to bring spectators on the day.
The minimum age for this experience is 18 years old.
You must be able to climb in and out of the locomotive from ground level.
There are no qualifications required for this experience.
This is for a voucher entitling the holder to any of the activities supplied by Activity Superstore up to the value stated.
On the basket page, you can select from the following delivery options:
MAC1961 - Verified purchaser
Yes I recommend this product.
This was a fabulous day. I was able to drive both a DMU (Diesel Multiple Unit) and a class 33. An unforgettable experience and I look forward to repeating the day.
When did your experience take place? 17 Sep 2025
What was the name of the venue where your experience took place? Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
Martin - Verified purchaser
Yes I recommend this product.
Drove a 1600HP Class-33 diesel loco (under supervision of course) in the morning and a Class-122 DMU in the afternoon, with a delicious lunch inbetween. The experience was shared with 2 or 3 other people and we all took turns. The instructors were very friendly and (of course) completely familiar with the loco and the railcar. A really enjoyable day. I'm 81, a lifelong rail enthusiast, and this had been on my bucket list for several years.
When did your experience take place? 17 Sep 2025
What was the name of the venue where your experience took place? Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
James - Verified purchaser
Yes I recommend this product.
100% recommended to anyone I know
When did your experience take place? 05 Jun 2025
What was the name of the venue where your experience took place? Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
James - Verified purchaser
Yes I recommend this product.
A perfect day that couldn't have been better.
When did your experience take place? 22 May 2025
What was the name of the venue where your experience took place? Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
Al - Verified purchaser
Yes I recommend this product.
This was a first class day. A really enjoyable experience with first class friendly staff. A must for all train enthusiasts.
When did your experience take place? 22 May 2025
What was the name of the venue where your experience took place? Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
Tim - Verified purchaser
Yes I recommend this product.
I really enjoyed this. Friendly staff and great train driver instructors. Lovely buffet lunch. It felt very welcoming and relaxed
When did your experience take place? 04 Apr 2025
What was the name of the venue where your experience took place? Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
Shaun - Verified purchaser
Yes I recommend this product.
I had a great day driving trains on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. The initial booking process was a bit tricky but once I was there on the day I couldn't fault it. All of the hosts and instructors were excellent, knowledgeable, warm and welcoming.
When did your experience take place? 08 Nov 2024
What was the name of the venue where your experience took place? Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
Al - Verified purchaser
Yes I recommend this product.
A really enjoyable day on the railway and a great experience. The staff were knowledgeable and friendly. The yard tour was fascinating too. Unfortunately the gift shop wasn't open though, and it would have been great to be able to buy souvenirs.
When did your experience take place? 18 Oct 2024
What was the name of the venue where your experience took place? Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
Paul - Verified purchaser
Yes I recommend this product.
The folks on Ecclesbourne railway were absolutely superb and there was plenty of driving time. It was pure nostalgia, driving yesterdays engined on heritage railway. A thoroughly recommended activity, go and do it!
When did your experience take place? 04 Oct 2024
What was the name of the venue where your experience took place? Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
Kev - Verified purchaser
Yes I recommend this product.
Bought this for my hubby's 60th. We had a fantastic day, he got to drive 2 trains, a class 47 and dmu he loved every second. Loads of actual driving. Food was excellent staff were fabulous certainly a day to remember
When did your experience take place? 25 Sep 2024
What was the name of the venue where your experience took place? Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
