Epping Ongar Railway

“The day out gets five stars - but - to get the most of the visit I’d recommend using both the trains and the buses. The ticket covers both and the 339 bus is a great ride. On the day we visited trains were not serving Epping Forest meaning a long wait at North Weald, but the 339 filled this in perfectly. The train journey was great, very relaxing and the vast Essex countryside gives weight to this - incredible to think that this was part of the tube many years ago! There is so much history on display, from representing the Great Eastern Railway, to the LNER, right up to British Rail and of course London Transport. This railway is unique to capture so many different genres in its time and it all works so well, the mainline steam/diesel across to London Transport buses. A winning combination. Great day out and top marks, cheers!”

“Lovely time to sing along and be merry. Bring your own drinks and food or buy from the burger stall (which got really busy so be prepared to wait) make sure you use the toilet before the train departs as no toilets on the train. You get a light up wrist band that is controlled on the train and changed colour/flashes in time with the music. The host (pre recorded) is great. Good hour out of the house well spent.”

“Went on the railway for the first time today for the Halloween event and was so impressed with the whole experience. All the staff were absolutely amazing and the train and old London buses were brilliant. Will be back for a general ride and also the Christmas event. Thank you to everyone who helped make our day so enjoyable”

“A lovely little steam railway. Lots of helpful, friendly volunteers, all smartly suited and booted. We joined at Ongar but soon found out about parking difficulties eventually finding a place in the library public car park a few minutes down the road. A quick jog back to catch our steam-pulled train through a couple of miles of Essex countryside, just a few minutes stop at North Weald before returning on the same train this time pulled by a diesel loco. We liked the Thomas-lookalike engine, the good signage, helpful volunteers and the pretty countryside over our short ride. Quite expensive but we expect it costs a lot to run a railway. Recommended.”