About
Epping Ongar Light Fantastic
LIGHT UP THE LINESIDE WITH THE WINTER EXPERIENCE THAT YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS!
Selected dates - 18th November to 15th January All the dates and avaiablity plus booking HERE
A train with a twist - adorned with hundreds of colourful lights
Specially illuminated lineside displays
On board narration and music
The winter experience you will not want to miss!
The magical Epping Ongar Light Fantastic returns this winter with updated displays and light show!
A truly wonderful experience of lights and music is coming to the Epping Ongar Railway this year, featuring a specially designed show to highlight our stations, rural setting and woodlands, that you can experience from the comfort of a train carriage. It's the winter experience that you will not want to miss!
The magic begins as soon as you arrive at Ongar. As the train makes a grand arrival, marvel at the brightly lit carriages, and once on board the train, let the magic unfold as the music plays and the story begins. As you experience the fantastic illuminations, keep your eyes peeled for amazing displays that can only be seen from the comfort of your seat, and, if you believe in magic, look out for the mystical Tomte hiding along the way.
Our Epping Ongar Light Fantastic services start on 18 November.
Please note that Santa will not be appearing for these trains as he, and the elves, will be busy wrapping presents. If you wish to see Santa at the Epping Ongar Railway, follow the link for details of our series of Santa Special Trains.
Tickets
Tickets are just £20 per person inclusive of train travel.
We can also offer exclusive use of a compartment, at £120 for up to 6 people, or £160 for up to 8 people.
Additional information, and terms and conditions of booking, including our refund policy, can be found here.
Getting to Ongar station
This year, the Epping Ongar Light Fantastic service runs to and from Ongar station. You will not be able to join the Epping Ongar Light Fantastic service at North Weald as the train will not stop there. There is no parking at Ongar station/ There are a number of car parks a 5 minute walk from the station. Please navigate to CM5 9AB. You can find details more details about parking at Ongar by following this link.
Our heritage bus service will not be running in conjunction with this event.
Dates and Train Times
The Epping Ongar Light Fantastic is planned to be hauled by a steam locomotive for part of the journey. There is a choice of departures on the dates shown. You must travel on the date and time of train chosen when booking. The experience lasts for approximately 1 hour.
CAUTION: This event includes some flashing lights so may be unsuitable for people suffering from epilepsy.
Please note that the Epping Ongar Railway endeavours to operate these services with a steam locomotive. The Railway reserves the right to substitute the steam locomotive for a diesel should circumstances dictate.
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.
- 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
- Family Fun
- 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.
