Bring your childhood dreams to life at the Spa Valley Railway as you step onto the footplate of a full-sized, fully operational steam locomotive Bulleid Pacific 34072 ‘257 Squadron’ and take control of this magnificent engine.

A driving and firing experience on the Spa Valley Railway is exactly that, a chance to drive and fire a real life steam locomotive!

Participants will learn all about the locomotive and controls, spend time on the regulator with our Driver, the shovel with the Fireman and even have a go on the green flag with the Guard as part of the crew. This is a full day experience which includes joining the locomotive crew from 07:00 (or 09:00 if you prefer) preparing Battle of Britain 34072 ‘257 Squadron’ for service, enjoying shared opportunities to drive and fire the locomotive throughout the day plus Guard and ride on the train being pulled

The following dates are available to take part in this once in a lifetime experience: 25th & 26th February and 4th, 5th, 11th & 12th March 2023.

Participants must be aged 18 or over and in good health at the time of the experience, persons under 18 cannot take part in this experience but can ride on the train.

Up to four guests are permitted to ride on the train, these trains will operate from lunchtime (timings will be emailed to all participants) and the guests must not arrive at the same time as the participant.