❌❌PLEASE DO NOT TRESPASS ANYWHERE ON THE RAILWAY. ❌❌ Please note. Rushcliffe Halt Station, which is adjacent to the East Leake British Gypsum works, has been specially adapted for this event for safe viewing, and fantastic photographic opportunities. There is free car parking available at the British Gypsum works and Rushcliffe golf club. Refreshments are available also toilets, including disabled facilities. Entry is only £3 per person. Please come along and view the Flying Scotsman in safety.
Driving a steam locomotive on the Great Central Railway
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Ultimate Steam Experience

Drive a Steam Locomotive

Take the controls of a real working steam engine on the Great Central Railway — a bucket-list experience you'll never forget

Take the Controls
Expert Tuition Throughout
Real Working Locomotive
Certificate Included
nthcevents@gmail.com
The Experience

You're in the Driver's Seat

This is the experience that railway dreams are made of. Under the expert guidance of our experienced volunteer crew, you'll take the controls of a real, working heritage steam locomotive on the Great Central Railway (Nottingham) — opening the regulator, managing the brake, and feeling the awesome power of steam responding to your hand.

This isn't a simulator. This isn't a static display. This is the real thing — a genuine heritage steam locomotive, hauling a real train, on a real railway through the beautiful Nottinghamshire countryside. From the moment you climb up onto the footplate to the moment you bring the locomotive to a stand, you'll be living one of the most exhilarating experiences that heritage railway can offer.

Our experienced crew will be with you every step of the way — guiding you, teaching you, and ensuring you get the most out of every moment. No previous experience is necessary. Just a sense of adventure and a love of steam.

Open the regulator, feel the power, and drive a real steam locomotive through the Nottinghamshire countryside. There is nothing quite like it in the world.

Pre-Drive Briefing

Before you touch a control, our expert crew will walk you through the locomotive — explaining how it works, what everything does, and what to expect when you take the regulator.

Meet Your Locomotive

Spend time on the footplate as the locomotive is prepared for your drive — understanding the fire, the steam pressure, the water levels and the fundamentals of steam power.

Take the Controls

Under close supervision, open the regulator and drive a real steam locomotive along the preserved Great Central Railway. An experience like no other — expertly guided, entirely genuine.

Certificate & Memories

Take home a certificate to mark your achievement, along with memories that will last a lifetime. The perfect souvenir of the day you drove a steam engine.

Drive a locomotive experience
Steam in action

The Gift That Will Genuinely Take Their Breath Away

Driving a steam locomotive is one of those rare bucket-list experiences that most people never imagine they could actually do. If you know someone who loves railways, history, engineering — or simply loves an adventure — this is the gift that will leave them speechless.

Landmark birthdays & milestone celebrations
Father's Day, Christmas & anniversary gifts
Lifelong railway & steam enthusiasts
Engineering & mechanics enthusiasts
Bucket-list experiences for the adventurous
Shared drives for couples or close friends

What to Expect on the Day

Your experience begins with a full introduction to your locomotive — learning how it works, how it's prepared, and what you'll be doing as driver. You'll spend time on the footplate before the train departs, building confidence with our crew at your side.

When it's time to drive, you'll take the regulator under expert supervision and haul a real train along the preserved Great Central Railway. The crew are with you throughout, guiding every move.

  • Full locomotive introduction & briefing
  • Footplate preparation time before departure
  • Drive a real steam locomotive on the line
  • Expert crew supervision throughout
  • Drive certificate to take home

Good to Know

No previous experience is needed whatsoever — our crew have taught complete beginners and seasoned enthusiasts alike. The experience is designed to be accessible, safe and genuinely thrilling for anyone with a sense of adventure.

Drive a Locomotive experiences are offered on selected dates throughout the operating season and places are strictly limited. Get in touch to check availability and we'll take care of everything from there.

  • No experience necessary
  • Suitable for adults & older teens
  • Limited places per session
  • Available on selected operating days
  • Enquire by email for availability & details

Ready to Take the Controls?

Get in touch with our events team to check availability, find out everything you need to know, and take the first step towards driving a real steam locomotive on the Great Central Railway (Nottingham).

We aim to respond to all enquiries within two working days. Places are strictly limited — early enquiry is recommended.

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Footplate Experience

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Inspector's Saloon

Private hire of our luxury heritage saloon — exclusively yours, hauled by steam.

Upcoming Events

Steam galas, special running days and seasonal events throughout the year.