About
The Gruffalo visits Epping Ongar Railway
Takes place 26th and 27th August
More information HERE
A great day out for all the family - especially the younger ones. Every childs favourite storybook character, The Gruffalo, has found his way to the Epping Ongar Railway. Our train tickets entitle you to unlimted travel on our steam and diesel trains and heritage buses but with the added bonus of additional activities for the Children.
Take a steam train ride into the deep dark wood, meet the owls from the wood, and the Gruffalo himself.
A wide selection of The Gruffalo merchandise will be available at both of our stations.
Appearance Times
The Gruffalo will be appearing at the following times at North Weald Station
10:30 - 11:10
11:30 - 12:10
12:30 - 13:10
13:30 - 14:10
14:45 - 15:15
All Appearances are at North Weald Station. If you are starting your journey from Ongar Station you must catch a train no later than the 13.35 service.
Epping Forest Hawk and Owl Sanctuary will be in attendance and you will be able to get up close and personal with the owls from the wood.
Children's Disco
The well-received Children's Disco will be returning to North Weald - we will have twenty minute sessions of dance, smoke and music aimed specifically at Children.
11:10 - 11:30
12:10 - 12:30
13:10 - 13:30
14:10 - 14:30
15:10 - 15:30
Facepainting
For an additional charge we will have facepainting by Cre8tive Faces from 10.30 to 15.00 at North Weald Station.
Timetable
Our standard timetable will be in operation with steam and diesel trains operating between Ongar, North Weald and the deep dark wood. Details of the timetable, together with connecting buses from Epping Underground and Shenfield stations can be found here.
Fares
The following great value fares apply, giving unlimited travel on trains buses all day long. Discounted advance tickets are available using the options below.
In advance: Adult £15; Child £7; Family (up to 2 adults and 3 children) £38.
On the day: Adult £16; Child £8; Family (up to 2 adults and 3 children) £41.
The event takes place over our Railway and the best place for Londoners to start their journey with us is right outside Epping Underground Station where the vintage London Bus takes you directly to North Weald Station:
North Weald: North Weald Station, Station Road, North Weald, CM16 6BT
Ongar Station: Ongar Station, Station Approach, Ongar, CM5 9BN
Epping Underground Station, Station Road, Epping, CM16 4HW
Book Tickets Online
Facilities
Accessibility
- Disabled Parking - There is very limited parking available at the stations, with priority given to blue badge / disabled customers. Please drive and park with care, avoid blocking access and with consideration of our neighbours.
- Disabled persons toilet - Ladies and Gentlemen's toilets are available at Ongar and North Weald stations. Baby changing equipment is included within the Family Room / Ladies Waiting Room facilities at both stations. Disabled toilets are available in Ongar High Street (400 yards from station). Unfortunately, while we have enabled step-free access to Ongar building, the Grade II listed 1865 station does not accommodate a wheelchair accessible toilet. We have recently installed a new disabled toilet in our outlet building at North Weald.
- Facility for service dogs - Well controlled dogs, guide and assistance dogs are welcome on our railway at no extra charge. However we are unable to accept dogs, other than assistance dogs, on our dining trains. Should your companion feel thirsty, there are usually water bowls on the platforms with fresh water available. If you cannot find these, please don't hesitate to ask.
- Guide Dogs Permitted - Well controlled dogs, guide and assistance dogs are welcome on our railway at no extra charge. However we are unable to accept dogs, other than assistance dogs, on our dining trains. Should your companion feel thirsty, there are usually water bowls on the platforms with fresh water available. If you cannot find these, please don't hesitate to ask.
- Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors - There is very limited parking available at the stations, with priority given to blue badge / disabled customers
- Wheelchair user accessible - We are able to accommodate visitors with disabilities and in wheelchairs. Our Railway Access Statement - Policy for Disabled People is available to view online. Please do not hesitate to seek assistance from our friendly staff, who are here to help you enjoy your visit.
Catering
- Cafe - We have our Anglia café coach at North Weald, which serves a range of hot and cold drinks and light refreshments. We also have the "Buffet Stop" at Ongar, also selling hot and cold drinks, crisps and snacks. We recommend the Picnic and Viewing Area at Ongar to relax and unwind, offering a grandstand view of the station and locomotives. At North Weald we have a number of picnic tables around the site that you are welcome to use. There are a number of local pubs and restaurants in both Ongar and North Weald, all offering hot meals.
- On-Site cafe/restaurant - We have our Anglia café coach at North Weald, which serves a range of hot and cold drinks and light refreshments. We also have the "Buffet Stop" at Ongar, also selling hot and cold drinks, crisps and snacks. We recommend the Picnic and Viewing Area at Ongar to relax and unwind, offering a grandstand view of the station and locomotives. At North Weald we have a number of picnic tables around the site that you are welcome to use. There are a number of local pubs and restaurants in both Ongar and North Weald, all offering hot meals.
- Outdoor eating area - We recommend the Picnic and Viewing Area at Ongar to relax and unwind, offering a grandstand view of the station and locomotives. At North Weald we have a number of picnic tables around the site that you are welcome to use.
- Picnic area - We recommend the Picnic and Viewing Area at Ongar to relax and unwind, offering a grandstand view of the station and locomotives. At North Weald we have a number of picnic tables around the site that you are welcome to use.
- Picnic Site - We recommend the Picnic and Viewing Area at Ongar to relax and unwind, offering a grandstand view of the station and locomotives. At North Weald we have a number of picnic tables around the site that you are welcome to use.
- Refreshments Available - We have our Anglia café coach at North Weald, which serves a range of hot and cold drinks and light refreshments. We also have the "Buffet Stop" at Ongar, also selling hot and cold drinks, crisps and snacks. There are a number of local pubs and restaurants in both Ongar and North Weald, all offering hot meals.
Children & Infants
- Baby changing
- Family Friendly, Children Welcome
Establishment Features
- Dogs admitted on a lead - Well controlled dogs, guide and assistance dogs are welcome on our railway at no extra charge. However we are unable to accept dogs, other than assistance dogs, on our dining trains. Should your companion feel thirsty, there are usually water bowls on the platforms with fresh water available. If you cannot find these, please don't hesitate to ask.
- Dogs welcome - Well controlled dogs, guide and assistance dogs are welcome on our railway at no extra charge. However we are unable to accept dogs, other than assistance dogs, on our dining trains. Should your companion feel thirsty, there are usually water bowls on the platforms with fresh water available. If you cannot find these, please don't hesitate to ask.
- Toilets
- Toilets on Site - Ladies and Gentlemen's toilets are available at Ongar and North Weald stations. Baby changing equipment is included within the Family Room / Ladies Waiting Room facilities at both stations. Disabled toilets are available in Ongar High Street (400 yards from station). Unfortunately, while we have enabled step-free access to Ongar building, the Grade II listed 1865 station does not accommodate a wheelchair accessible toilet. We have recently installed a new disabled toilet in our outlet building at North Weald.
Parking & Transport
- Coach parking
- Free parking - There is very limited parking available at the stations, with priority given to blue badge / disabled customers. Please drive and park with care, avoid blocking access and with consideration of our neighbours.
- On site parking - There is very limited parking available at the stations, with priority given to blue badge / disabled customers. Please drive and park with care, avoid blocking access and with consideration of our neighbours.
- On site parking close by - There is pay and display public parking in Ongar and at Epping Station where Heritage buses will be picking up.
- Park and Ride - Park at Epping Station car park (pay and display) and pick up the EOR Heritage bus to North Weald Station.
- Railway station within 5 miles - Heritage buses pick-up from Epping Central Line station for this event
- Railway station within walking distance
Provider Preferences
- Countryside Setting
- Forest Location
- In countryside
- In town/city centre
- Outdoor Event
Specialist Features
- Cyclists welcome
- Family Fun
- Marketed Towards Children
- Marketed Towards Families
Map & Directions
Road Directions
North Weald: North Weald Station, Station Road, North Weald, CM16 6BT
Ongar Station: Ongar Station, Station Approach, Ongar, CM5 9BN
Epping Underground Station, Station Road, Epping, CM16 4HW
Heritage buses collect from Epping Station and heritage trains run between North Weald and Ongar.
Public Transport Directions
Central Line to Epping Station where Epping Ongar Railway heritage buses will pick up and take you to North Weald and Ongar with heritage trains running on the line.
