DRIVER EXPERIENCE & FOOTPLATE DAYS

DMU Driver Experience Day

Step into the driver’s seat and take control of a heritage Diesel Multiple Unit at Midland Railway – Butterley.

Your day begins with a welcome and safety briefing, followed by a hands-on introduction to the train from an experienced driver. You’ll learn how the unit operates before heading out onto the line for a series of full-length journeys.

Throughout the day, you’ll take turns both driving and guarding the train, building up real mileage and experience under expert guidance. There will also be opportunities for photo stops, so don’t forget your camera.

At lunchtime, enjoy a break at Swanwick Junction with a buffet lunch included for you and a guest. The afternoon continues with further runs, before finishing the day by assisting with putting the train away and experiencing the signal box.

This is a full, immersive railway experience with a minimum of six return trips across the day.

Key details:

• £300 per person (two participants per day)
• Option to share a place
• Exclusive full-day experience available (£600)
• One guest may accompany each participant
• Limited availability

Featured units include:

• Class 141 (the only operational example in working order)
• Class 142 in restored Provincial livery

GVLR Footplate Experience Day

Experience the magic of steam from the footplate of a working locomotive on the Golden Valley Light Railway.

This hands-on day gives you the chance to take part in the full process of preparing and operating a narrow gauge steam engine. After a safety briefing, you’ll light the fire, raise steam, and bring the locomotive to life.

Once up to pressure, you’ll take the engine onto the line for light engine runs to get a feel for handling the locomotive. As your confidence builds, you’ll couple up to the coaches and take on the challenge of working a train in service.

Set in the Derbyshire countryside, this is a unique opportunity to experience a heritage railway from a completely different perspective.

2026 dates (Wednesdays):
15 April
13 & 20 May
10 June
16, 23 & 30 September