Footplate Experience

Engine Driver for a Day

Due the current ongoing situation with COVID-19, Footplate Experiences are suspended until normality is resumed, but we do not anticipate experiences will return until well into 2021, when social distancing rules are lifted. Watch out on this website and social media.

What can you expect when Footplate Experiences return?

You can now drive and fire a steam locomotive right here on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. These courses are proving hugely popular, with customers praising our friendly and informal approach.

The line passes through Haworth – famous for its connection with the literary Brontë family – and Oakworth – famous for its role in the film “The Railway Children” – on its way to Keighley where the Railway makes its connection with the mainline.

What you need to know

To be able to take part, you must be between 18 and 75 years of age and in good health. If you are older than 75, we are prepared to accept you, provided you can provide us with a letter from your GP.

You’ll need to wear stout footwear, boots (preferably steel toe cap) or walking shoes – not trainers – on the engine, but we shall provide you with overalls and gloves.

If you wish, you may bring up to four friends or family free of charge with you on the day. Your guests will be given a printout of details of the line to read at leisure during their journey along the line whilst the participant is doing all the hard work at the front.

The Experience

What Does It Involve?

You will be one of three participants on the day. On your arrival at Oxenhope for 9.00 a.m., you will be met by your host who will provide you with overalls. Over a cup of tea or coffee, you will be given you a briefing covering essential safety aspects of your day and an outline of how our railway works. It is important that you arrive in time for this briefing, as it helps ensure you get maximum enjoyment out of your day, safely!

Under the supervision of our experienced and trained staff, each participant will have the opportunity to drive one complete round trip, fire another, and sample life at the back of the train as the guard.

On most trips, the train will stop at Haworth. As guests, if your family and friends wish to explore the attractions of the village, they are more than welcome to alight here and be picked up at a later time.

Once the second trip arrives back at Oxenhope, a buffet lunch will be provided for you and your guests. A short opportunity to relax then presents itself before we set off again for the afternoon’s final trip, arriving back at Oxenhope about 4.00 p.m. Here, you will be presented with a photo certificate and other “goodies” by way of reminder of what, we hope, will have been a very enjoyable day.

How Much Did it Cost in 2020?

£650 (inc VAT) per person, which includes:

A full day’s activities as driver, fireman and guard.
A full year’s membership of the KWVRPS, benefits of which include the Society’s quarterly magazine, “Push and Pull”
3 free days travel and the opportunity to take part as an active member in the workings of the Railway.
Buffet lunch for you and up to 4 guests.
Souvenir certificate