About
Autumn Diesel Gala at the Epping Ongar Railway
25th, 26th and 27 September 2026
The home fleet, including shunting locomotives, along with some interesting visiting locomotives will be put through their paces over some of the most challenging gradients in preservation. The British Railways blue liveried locomotives will be working with the Epping Ongar Railway's blue and grey liveried coaching stock too! Further details to be announced - watch this page!
What to expect
As usual, there will be a 3 train intensive service throughout the weekend with evening Real Ale trains on Saturday - these are included in the fare!
You'll be able to see Epping Ongar Railway's blue locomotives hauling a rake of blue and grey coaching stock, travel on shuttle trains into Epping Forest and hear the locomotives working hard over the challenging gradients which are some of the steepest in preservation!
Vintage London buses will provide connections to Epping Underground station (Central Line, zone 6) with all the train services, with some bus services also operating to Shenfield station (for Greater Anglia and Elizabeth Line services)
On-train bars will be also be open, serving a selection of local draught beers and ciders, as well as a range of wines, lagers and soft drinks.
Catering outlets will be open all day. Hot snacks and other light refreshments and hot and cold drinks are available at the LNER Café at North Weald, including breakfast rolls until 11.30; the Buffet Stop at Ongar will be offering hot and cold drinks and other light refreshments.
Getting to the line
There is limited parking at the stations. Passengers can use the public car parks in Ongar which are a short walk away from the station, or use the vintage London bus service which will provide connections with all the train services and Epping Underground station (Central Line and in zone 6). Some buses will also run to Shenfield station for connections with Elizabeth Line and Greater Anglia services.
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
Nearest Tube: Epping (Central Line) – heritage buses pick up from right outside here.
Phone Number: 01277 365200
Guide Prices
| Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
|---|---|
| EOR Spring Diesel Gala Adult | £16.00 per ticket |
| EOR Spring Diesel Gala Child | £10.00 per ticket |
| EOR Spring Diesel Gala Family (2+3) | £43.00 per ticket |
See website for event details.
Book Tickets Online
Facilities
Catering
- 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.
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.
- 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
- Railway station within 5 miles - Heritage buses pick-up from Epping Central Line station for this event
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.
