About
Epping Ongar Railway Festival of Steam - Gala
Saturday 4th, Sunday 5th and Monday 6th May
The second and biggest of three weekends of steam on the Epping Ongar Railway.
Fares
The following fares apply for this weekend.
In advance, Saturday or Sunday: adults £28.50, chidren £7, family £62.50. On the day, Saturday or Sunday: adults £32, children £9, family £66.
In advance Monday: adults £24.50, children £5, family £54. On the day Monday: adults £26, children, £6, family £58
All the tickets offer unlimited travel on all train and vintage London bus services on the day of your visit. Children under 3 are free - no ticket needed. Stations will only be accessible to passengers holding a ticket valid on the train services.
Full details on tickets and booking avaiable at the steam gala website page. Tickets purchase here
About
This Festival of Steam Gala features an intensive steam hauled service in operation.
The home fleet of steam locomotives, along with star visiting locomotives 2999 "Lady of Legend" and 45690 "Leander", undertaking the last steamings of its current boiler certificate, come out to be put through their paces over some of the most challenging gradients in preservation.
Featuring:
STAR GUEST LOCOMOTIVE, London Midland and Scottish Railway, Stanier Jubilee class locomotive 45690 LEANDER making its last steamings of its current boiler certificate, courtesy of the Beet family
Guest locomotive, recreated Great Western Railway Saint class locomotive 2999 LADY OF LEGEND, courtesy of the Great Western Society
Great Western Railway Hall class locomotive 4953 Pitchford Hall
Great Western Railway priarie locomotive, L150 (5521) in London Transport maroon livery
Hawthorn Leslie 0-6-0 saddle tank, number 3437 "Isabel" 2
An intensive service will operate, during which the engines will need to work hard on challenging gradients. Services will additionally run until late evening on Saturday.
On train bars will be also be open, serving a selection of draught beers, as well as a range of wines, lagers and soft drinks.
All trains will be running in conjunction with the railway's fleet of vintage London buses, which will provide connections with Epping Underground and Shenfield National Rail stations.
LNER Cafe at North Weald and the Buffet Stop at Ongar
Our catering outlets will be open all day. Hot snacks and other light refreshments and hot and cold drinks are available at the LNER Cafe 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.
The Penny Salon Gallery at Ongar station
The Penny Salon Gallery at Ongar station will have a topical photographic display from renowned photogrpahers Geoff Silcock and Malcolm Batten. Admission is free.
Getting to the railway
It's easy to get to the station via the London Underground and Elizabeth Line and Greater Anglia services. Inclusive heritage London buses will run from right outside the front of Epping Underground station (Central Line, zone 6) and from Shenfield station (for Elizabeth Line and Greater Anglia services), connecting with the train services at North Weald and Ongar stations. These will connect with the first and last train services, as well as running regularly throughout the day, so you will not miss a minute of the action!
There is only limited car parking for disabled passengers at the stations, which must be booked in advance. Public car parks are available in Ongar (charges may apply), a short walk from the station (use postcode CM5 9AB); Alternatively passengers may park at Epping Station (charges apply) and join the heritage bus service (use postcode CM16 4HW).
Further details can be found here.
Photographers
Epping Ongar Railway encourage you to use your camera and video for personal use on station platforms and designated foot crossings. For your own and our staff's safety, please do not leave the public areas or trespass on the lineside areas.
Book Tickets Online
Facilities
Accessibility
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- Licensed for alcohol
- Toilets
Parking & Transport
- Coach parking
- 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.
- 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
Provider Preferences
- Forest Location
- In countryside
- In town/city centre
- Outdoor Event
Specialist Features
- Cyclists welcome
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.
