About
Epping Ongar Railway Real Ale & Cider Festival
Friday 21st, Saturday 22nd, Sunday 23rd July
Over 70 Real Ales and 15 Real Ciders
Heritage connecting bus service from Epping station and Shenfield on all days
Steam and Diesel train services in operation all three days and running until late evening Friday and Saturday
On board Real Ale bars
Our 10th Real Ale Festival returns to North Weald Station from 21 to 23 July. It's the 10th anniversary of our first one!
The event has grown over the years and we expect this trend to continue - expect more beers, lots of trains and more fun in 2023!
What will be on offer?
North Weald station will host the main marquee of real ale, which will open from 1200 each day.
Ongar station will host two new bars. A Chalet of Cask, with up to 12 real ales available from 1200 each day and The Keg Shed will be serving up some interesting craft beers.
The bars on the trains will be open from the first departure at 1010 from North Weald.
You’ll be able to find refreshing cider at both Ongar and North Weald as well as on both trains.
Steam and Diesel trains will be in operation and your ticket is valid for unlimited travel on our trains and buses.
Fares & Package Deals
Our standard fares apply to this event, with CAMRA members entitled to a concessionary fare when a valid CAMRA card is shown.
For anyone looking to drop in after work or for a shorter session, a £10 fare will apply after 1700 hours. In addition, we have a package fare available which includes your glass and first set of beer tokens.
All day tickets (valid on all trains and buses on the date of your visit)
Adult £18
Concession £17
Child £1
Evening fares (valid on all trains and buses after 17.00)
Adult £10
Packages (available in advance only)
All Day Travel ticket, glass and £9 worth of beer tokens £30
(CAMRA members will receive an extra £1 of beer tokens on production of their membership card)
Evening travel ticket, glass and £7 of beer tokens £20
(Valid from 17.00 only)
Keep an eye on this page for further details of this popular event as our plans develop.
Tickets will be on sale shortly!
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.
Addtional Buses. As well as our regular 339 bus service, additional bus services will operate as follows:
08.45 Epping - North Weald (Arrive 08.57) Sat and Sun
16.48 Epping - North Weald (Arrive 17.00) Saturday only
17.35 North Weald - Epping (Arrive 17.47) Sat and Sun
17.50 Epping - North Weald (Arrive 18.00) Saturday only
18.35 North Weald - Epping (Arrive 18.47) Saturday only
18.50 Epping - North Weald (Arrive 19.02) Saturday only
20.05 North Weald - Epping (Arrive 20.17) Saturday only
21.35 North Weald - Epping (Arrive 21.47) Saturday only
09.00 Shenfield - Ongar (Arrive 09.25) Sat and Sun
16.47 Shenfield - Ongar (Arrive 17.12) Saturday only
18.15 Ongar - Shenfield (Arrive 18.40) Saturday only
19.45 Ongar - Shenfield (Arrive 20.10) Saturday only