In tandem with our 2025 Steam Gala, which is taking place on the 31st October and 1st and 2nd November 2025, we are arranging special steam driver experiences with guest steam locomotive 4079 Pendennis Castle.
On Saturday 8th November and Sunday 9th November, you will have the opportunity to have a Steam Driver Experience at the controls of Pendennis Castle.
Trips will involve a round trip between Chinnor and Princes Risborough, including the 1 in 100 between Thame Junction and Risborough and the 1 in 68 of Chinnor bank. Exciting stuff!
All this will be under the friendly guidance of one of our experienced driving instructors. We are confident you will have a great time! Your session will begin with a safety briefing, followed by a familiarisation session with the locomotive to show how it works and the operation of the controls. We'll be getting you used to starting and stopping the train safely along the seven-mile round trip of the line. You will actually get two trips in the cab, one as driver and the other as observer.
You can also bring along up to six guests for a free ride in the passenger coaches if arranged in advance – share the fun with family and/or friends! Your party are free to travel on the train on as many trips as you wish (five in all).
In addition, you and your guests are welcome to stay for more trips of the line and please do discuss with Chris by email below.
The price is £550 for each session, except for the last session which will be £525 due to only getting one trip of the line.
Catering
Your Driving Experience course price includes sausage and bacon baps, homemade cakes, biscuits and crisps plus hot and cold drinks for the driver and one guest.
We will be delighted to provide refreshments for additional guests at our regular prices.
The driver and special requests
If you are buying this experience as a gift, please let us know the name of the driver in the additional information box on the booking form. Our aim is to ensure that all of our visitors have a memorable visit to the Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway. If you have a special request, then do let us know (email below) and we’ll see how we can accommodate your wishes.
For further information and to book?
You can book online below, or if you would like to find out more including steam locomotive availability please email Chris, Experiences Coordinator, at driverexperience@chinnorrailway.co.uk
THE PARTICIPANT MUST:
1. Be aged 18 years or over
2. Be reasonably fit and in good health - fit enough to climb on and off the locomotive from ground level unaided
3. Wear old clothing that fully covers the arms and legs
4. Wear sturdy shoes or boots that protect the feet - trainers are not permitted
5. Not travel in the cab under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Please note that the Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway reserves the right to reschedule any steam footplate ride or refuse entry for whatever reason. The ride is for one adult participant aged 18 years or over and no other guests are allowed on the footplate.