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Train Driver Experiences

Take the controls of a real steam or diesel locomotive – or ride alongside one of our experienced drivers – and discover our historic 15″ gauge railway from the footplate. With changing gradients, tunnels, bridges and beautiful Cornish countryside along the way, it’s an unforgettable experience for any railway enthusiast and a wonderful gift for someone special.

All our packages are designed to offer a very unique experience which will be remembered for years to come.

Our 15″ gauge railway follows the route of the historic Cornwall Minerals Railway, later to become the GWR Newquay to Chacewater Branchline. Enjoy spectacular views as you drive through the Cornish Countryside and under Metha Bridge.

You can find more details below.

Check availability, book online or purchase a voucher for a friend here.

If you’d like to find out more about our experiences, please email info@lappavalley.co.uk or call 01872 510317.

Driver Experience Course

Cost: £185 steam / £165 diesel

Availability: See below. Steam Courses will be on Ellie, Diesel courses on either City of Derby or City of Truro.

Duration: up to 1.5 hours

Your Experience:

  • Meet your qualified driver and get to know the locomotive and its workings.
  • Help to turn the locomotive and prepare it for your driving session, including cleaning and lubrication.
  • Then it’s your turn to take control. Under the guidance of your driver, you’ll drive your own private train for two trips along the line, with up to four guests riding behind you.
  • Unfortunately, operational requirements mean that we cannot guarantee which locomotive will be available on the day.

Your Experience also includes:

  • The opportunity to invite up to four guests to ride aboard the train while you are driving.
  • A complimentary copy of the official Lappa Valley Guidebook, featuring the history of Lappa Valley and information about our locomotives – including the one you’ll be driving.
  • A voucher offering 50% off general admission for up to five people. This may be used on the day of your experience or on another general admission day within 12 months of your purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
  • A certificate of completion to remember your experience.

Important information:

  • Participants must be aged 18 or over.
  • All participants must read and sign our Waiver and Indemnity Form.
  • The driving experience and accompanying guest rides take place at the end of the day. If you or your guests would like to visit Lappa Valley during normal opening hours, separate admission tickets are required (You can choose to use your supplied 50% off voucher).

Check availability and book onlineBuy as a Gift Voucher online

Footplate Ride

Ride in the driver's cab alongside our engine driver for a real taste of life on the rails!

Cost: £20 (plus standard admission)

Availability: Selected days that Ellie/City of Derby/City of Truro are in service. These cannot be pre-booked.

Duration: One round trip.

Join the driver for a ride on the footplate of one of our narrow gauge steam or diesel locomotives, where you are able to get a real unique perspective of the railway, passing under bridges and tunnels up and down the steep gradients on our fifteen inch gauge railway.

Please note that this is designed for people who are planning to spend the day with us and use the other activities, so you will need to purchase standard admission as well.

If you’d like to find out more about our experiences, or check availability please email info@lappavalley.co.uk or call 01872 510317.

The Train Driver Experience Wall of Fame

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is there an age limit?

    All our driving experiences and footplate rides are available to people over 18 only. There is no upper age limit for any of our experience packages.

    Please note that our locomotives can only accommodate two people in the cab, one of which is the instructor.

  • Are people with disabilities able to take part?

    We want as many people as possible to enjoy our experiences, no matter their abilities. Therefore, we will try our best to accommodate participants with disabilities.

    Please give us a ring on 01872 510317 or email info@lappavalley.co.uk to chat further about your requirements.

  • What should I wear?

    You will need to wear sturdy footwear that fully protect your feet, and clothing that fully protects your legs. (man-made fibre clothing is not acceptable).

    As you would expect, there is a chance your clothing may get grubby, dirty and potentially damaged – so please bear this in mind when choosing what to wear.

  • We want to come and use the park for the day - is this included in our experience?

    All our Driver Experiences take place once Lappa Valley has closed, so if you or your guests wish to use the park during the day, you will need to book this in addition to your experience.

    Each Driver Experience Course includes a 50% off admission voucher, which can be used for up-to 5 people for general admission on a standard day. This could be used for either the day of your experience, or another date within 12 months of your purchase.

Meet the Engines

We have a wonderful fleet of steam engines here at Lappa Valley, all with their own story and history behind them.

Opening Times & Prices

All the information you'll need on Lappa Valley opening times, admission prices and train timetables.

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