Epping Ongar Railway
Epping Ongar Railway
4
About
The Epping Ongar Railway is a volunteer run heritage railway which operates steam and diesel hauled trains through 5.5 miles of picturesque rolling countryside and through Epping Forest, along the former London Underground Central Line. We run a variety of special events through the year, including Peppa Pig, 1940's, Halloween Ghost Trains, Santa and Mince Pie Specials. Please check our website for opening times and fares information. over 6 miles of the former London Underground Central Line.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- Dan N3 contributionsA day for all the familyA family day out enjoyed by our two little ones (4 and 6) our 14 year old who getting older now enjoyed herself. Biggest surprise was how much my wife enjoyed the day, she had the biggest grin on her face all day, from getting on the bus expertly driven by Roger and conducted by James. The first ever experience of a steam train that was busy due to the diesel having a fault the crew on board the steam train were very helpful and polite, the staff at the bar even made space in the bar area from our little girls to sit. After enjoying our train rides and picnic we ended our day with a great bus journey through the countryside finishing at Shenfield with the excellent crew of Terry and Wendy. A massive thank you to all at EOR.Visited April 2023Written 8 April 2023
- AppletreeGirlEssex, United Kingdom248 contributionsAbsolutely blooming wonderfulWhat an absolutely wonderful day! We had fish and chips on the Epping Fryer today and it was just brilliant! Ongar and North Weald stations are like stepping back in time, and the volunteers are an just so helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. Taking the steam train through the stunning Essex countywide was a real treat and the fish and chips and ice cream were great! Cannot recommend this enough, we’ve already booked to go back and do it all over again!Visited May 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 27 May 2023
- LC30H11 contributionsBest day ever!I honestly cannot thank the staff here and at north Weald station enough. They went above and beyond for us on our first time visiting today. It was myself and my friend along with 5 children! 4 of them very young and eldest autistic and a HUGE train fan. The staff were all so friendly and kind, helped us to the train, helped us with times for trains and for the buses to make sure we got back to Ongar okay. Let the two boys into the drivers cab which was an unbelievably amazing experience. One of the childrens soft toys fell onto the track as the door opened at the station and they were so kind enough to retrieve it for us. On the trip back we were escorted over the track so we didn’t have to take all the children over the bridge and were taken to a first class coach. It really was an unforgettable day, all of us smiling all day. It could have been really stressful with lots of children but the staff were so welcoming and helpful it was impossible to feel stressed. Unfortunately we didn’t get everyone’s names but definitely would love to do a special shout out to Trevor and Steve! Legends! Thank you so much for making our day so wonderful. We will most definitely be visiting again, and can’t wait!Visited May 2023Travelled with familyWritten 31 May 2023
- DanielleWatford, United Kingdom1 contributionSteve the Hero & Trevor the legend!Today myself & my best friend took our 5 children (2-9yrs) to Ongar-Epping railway station and what an absolute delight it was! From the moment we arrived to the minute we left it was a truly magnificent experience. Thankyou to all the amazing staff/volunteers, but a big special thanks to “Steve” & “Trevor” ( the kindest, most helpful gentlemen!) you really did make our day that extra bit special. Not only will the kids remember this day forever, we will too. Heartwarming. And we will defiantly be back in the summer! 100% recommend. Great day for all!Visited May 2023Travelled with familyWritten 31 May 2023
- Stephen KEssex, United Kingdom11 contributionsBrilliant day outAbsolutely brilliant day spent on the Epping Ongar Railway today. From the moment you arrive at the station it was like stepping back in time. The sight of seeing the Epping Fryer pulling into the station was amazing. All the staff we met were very helpful and I even got to stand in the footplate and spoke with the driver and a photo taken. We had fish and chips on the train as well which was very nice. I will return for another journey back in time soon. Thanks to everyone who work on the EOR for a day I’ll never forget. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Visited June 2023Written 17 June 2023
- Mod FamilyColchester, United Kingdom141 contributionsOkay butLook before I start let’s make one thing clear. Hats off to the volunteers that run the railway.👏👏 But and here’s the big but…….. Epping Fryer fish and chip train, ok firstly does not go to Epping so why call it the “Epping Fryer” your not even moving when the slightly warm meal is served. Only when the train is on the way back to North Weld from Ongar do you get served ice cream. All the staff were ether having a go at each other or as one young lad smartly dressed in his uniform, miserable as sin and hardly smiled. There was no direction or organization between staff and staff and visitors. Please don’t get me wrong it’s worth the day out but not on the so called Epping Fryer. Would we go again…… highly unlikely as there are better steam train rides about.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 19 August 2023
- Jane TLondon, United Kingdom251 contributionsBluey experience was ok but nothing specialWe found the EO railway website extremely confusing trying to work out where to start our journey, where to park etc. As we were travelling by car and the trains were starting from North Weald (I believe most do) we decided to drive to North Weald station and find somewhere close to park. We understood there was no parking at all at the train station but there seemed to be room for a good few cars. We parked on the road just leading up to the station with no issues on a Sunday morning. We didn't take a buggy for our 18 month old as we had read they need to be left on the platform. Checking in via the ticket office was very slow with a lack of information. I appreciate it is run by volunteers but there should be more staff and information available. We waited on platform 2 until we were told we could cross over to platform 1. Shortly after, Bluey came along the platform on a train. The train works it's way along the platform so you can take photos. The time you have to take photos is very quick and other customers did not follow the queuing system (which also was not enforced by staff) meaning we didn't even get a chance to take a photo without others in the background, this was hugely disappointing. The magician is a nice touch and he provides lots of info. The train journey itself is fine but nothing exciting. The magician show at Ongar station was good for the young kids before we got back on the train to North Weald. Overall, it was ok but I wouldn't return.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 20 August 2023
- Sarah A8 contributionsLovely family experienceSuch lovely staff who run this. My 6 year old is a train enthusiast and my 5 year also enjoyed this. We went on a steam, a diesel and a heritage bus. You can go on as many as you like, but we found three journeys a good number. We went from Ongar to North weald. Then got on a train that goes to Epping forest and back, it doesn't stop there, but you can see the views. Then we took a heritage bus back to Ongar. Such a lovely family day out.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 28 August 2023
- cheryl hColchester, United Kingdom95 contributionsWell worth a visit.What a great day out, wonderful for all the family. We parked at North Weald ( not recommended as no parking), but normally you can park at Epping and get a double decker bus direct to North Weald. We firstly got a diesel locomotive to Ongar and back, then a steam train to Ongar for fish & chips, followed by ice cream, before steaming back to North Weald. The staff, who are all volunteers were absolutely wonderful, couldn’t do enough for us. I’m GF and although I mentioned this when booking didn’t think I would receive a different meal, but had resigned to the fact of picking fish out of the batter. But no!! I received a wonderful steamed fish with chips, which was absolutely delicious. Well done, what a great day.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 September 2023
- Joanne F1 contributionBrilliant loved it.Lovely fun trip for Halloween half term. Well organised, friendly fun filled trip on a steam train. Staff really friendly and the right amount of scary fun. Magician really entertaining too. Highly recommend! Looking forward to booking the Christmas train!Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 26 October 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.0
619 reviews
Excellent
356
Very good
141
Average
44
Poor
39
Terrible
39
Livvy D
15 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
We went using the children travel for £1.00 offer and we had a brilliant time. Even the rain didn't dampen our spirits, my 6 and 3 year old had a brilliant time. The staff were knowledgeable and were keen to engage with my children, it was a really nice day
Written 22 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
C C
1 contribution
Dec 2023 • Family
Ruined our new year. Arrived with family including our disabled son for a new year treat. Only to be told the train we had booked on had been cancelled. No notification received the man even had the gall to say we had missed the last train even though we had arrived in plenty of time for our booking. So beware they will happily take your money and ruin your new yea!! We were not the o my family to be turned away either. VERY disappointed
Written 31 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah Shore
2 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
We did the lights train and it was fantastic. Such good fun and the staff were so lovely, happy and helpful.
Brilliant to see a what could have been derelict station turned into something so magical.
Brilliant to see a what could have been derelict station turned into something so magical.
Written 29 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
micmacmob
london18 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Due to traffic and getting lost I missed the train and my family boarded without me. I got to Ongar and boarded the Santa bus which I was told wasn’t due to leave for about another hour. I explained it didn’t matter as I had missed the train anyway. These wonderful people said no problem and took me to Ongar station, sat me in a waiting room with a blazing fire where two volunteers made me a cup of tea and then filled me in on the history of the steam trains, stations and Ongar history until the train arrived and I could board it to be with my family ( who were very surprised to see me ) When we arrived back in North Weald I missed the Ongar bus but once again I was taken back on the bus to my car even though it was not due to leave for a very long time. The customer service I was given was exceptional and I’m so grateful how kindly I was treated. I believe the gentlemen that helped me are the owners. It’s so nice to know there are such lovely caring people out there. Thank you so much for the train experience and human kindness
Written 23 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jill J
3 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Had an amazing time last Sunday evening. Twelve of us went and everyone raved about it afterwards. Even hard to please 12 year olds! Thoroughly recommend the train to anyone. It was so beautifully decorated..
So many of these things can be ruined by chaotic and disorganised staff who forget what the whole thing is about and get frustrated with customers when things go wrong , but not here! It was well organised and the “guards “ were friendly and well into the spirit of Xmas..
I would love to have seen this train travelling through Epping from a bridge or garden. It must have been such a lovely sight
So many of these things can be ruined by chaotic and disorganised staff who forget what the whole thing is about and get frustrated with customers when things go wrong , but not here! It was well organised and the “guards “ were friendly and well into the spirit of Xmas..
I would love to have seen this train travelling through Epping from a bridge or garden. It must have been such a lovely sight
Written 22 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tob2411
London, UK6 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Firstly the positives, it was very well organised - the heritage buses were waiting and left on time from Epping Station. Refreshments were available. A brass band played - though as it was raining everyone ran for the cafe. Train itself is beautiful and the staff friendly. Beautiful views from the window of a wintery Epping forest.
During the 1hr 15min journey a magician popped in with a magic trick, and Scrooge (who was wonderfully in character!) popped in and gave the children a Brussel sprout (choc version).
But all this is meaningless as the main event was so disappointing. We were the penultimate compartment of the last carriage - and I don't know whether Santa ran out of time by the time he got to us, of if all children had the same experience, but his visit lasted 40 seconds.
The dialogue was
'Hello Children, I have a present for Zak, and a present for Charlotte, and lastly a present for Alice (as his assistant quickly handed the gifts to him). Now would you like to get in close for Mummy to take a photo. Good. Merry Christmas and I will be seeing you soon. Bye.
Its not that he was a bad Santa, just it was so rushed.
We didn't even get to hear what the children would like for Christmas.
We wish we hadn't given them quite as much build up for this. We wanted to create a special memory but this failed miserably. (£190 for 6 person compartment - 3 adults & 3 children). I feel there are better choices out there. Ally Pally Santa grotto last year was amazing compared to this.
During the 1hr 15min journey a magician popped in with a magic trick, and Scrooge (who was wonderfully in character!) popped in and gave the children a Brussel sprout (choc version).
But all this is meaningless as the main event was so disappointing. We were the penultimate compartment of the last carriage - and I don't know whether Santa ran out of time by the time he got to us, of if all children had the same experience, but his visit lasted 40 seconds.
The dialogue was
'Hello Children, I have a present for Zak, and a present for Charlotte, and lastly a present for Alice (as his assistant quickly handed the gifts to him). Now would you like to get in close for Mummy to take a photo. Good. Merry Christmas and I will be seeing you soon. Bye.
Its not that he was a bad Santa, just it was so rushed.
We didn't even get to hear what the children would like for Christmas.
We wish we hadn't given them quite as much build up for this. We wanted to create a special memory but this failed miserably. (£190 for 6 person compartment - 3 adults & 3 children). I feel there are better choices out there. Ally Pally Santa grotto last year was amazing compared to this.
Written 10 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew Niznik
United Kingdom72 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
We went on the Epping Ongar Railway for the Christmas event today.It was such a fantastic experience all round.The decorations were just incredible,the station platform had loads of colour changing lights which were cool.The train was just amazing,it was so magical covered in Christmas lights and looked beautiful!The carriages were decorated really beautifully which was lovely and you could opt to have a private carriage which was the best thing about the experience.Was in first class dasher carriage,it was an extremely comfortable experience and seating was exceptionally comfy.I loved the music too and the jokes and audience participation,it made it a really lovely atmosphere.You could see a few old trains too which was pretty cool.The views were lovely out of the train and the train ride was so much fun.They also had their own branded wristbands that glow in time to the music which was so fun and you can keep it which is even better as you can have it as a little souvenir.Make sure to keep the tag so that you only use it when necessary.Would highly recommend,you must do this!!!!!They also have catering and toilets too,taps in the portaloo were a bit strange as you could only wash one hand at a time.Station was lovely and I even loved the Christmas decs at Ongar and New Weald station.
Written 9 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wesley F
1 contribution
Dec 2023 • Family
An incredibly marvellous experience! Santa, accompanied by various characters, provided my family and I with a delightfully heart warming experience throughout our journey. Scrooge was particularly impressive, embodying different interpretations seen in films. My granddaughter, initially reserved and uninvolved with the characters, underwent a delightful change of attitude in the presence of Buddy the elf. Her face lit up, and she was laughing for the first time on the train ride, making it a truly special moment.
Despite the chilly and damp weather, the interior of the train remained sufficiently heated and workers around the platform were very helpful and not at all condescending when we asked for help. I would certainly recommend this experience and look forward to returning next year.
Despite the chilly and damp weather, the interior of the train remained sufficiently heated and workers around the platform were very helpful and not at all condescending when we asked for help. I would certainly recommend this experience and look forward to returning next year.
Written 3 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Glynis C
Harlow, UK384 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
We went on The Lights Express. What a wonderful experience. It was so well decorated, inside and out, which made it so festive.
The commentary, and DJ were excellent, and with the music and wristbands, that flashed along with the train lights, it was amazing.
Certainly worth going on
The commentary, and DJ were excellent, and with the music and wristbands, that flashed along with the train lights, it was amazing.
Certainly worth going on
Written 18 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve B
Townsville, Australia3 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
I went this past Friday and they had their Halloween Ghost Train experience. As a child trapped in an adults body, I had so much fun. Not just the ride on the steam train, but the volunteers dressed up, the music and the wonderful scenery. Highly recommend this even on a normal non themed day.
Written 29 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, i would like to know if you can being a well behaved dog' on train journey with you can you take dogs on the trains🦮🚂 thank you 😊
Pat
369 contributions
Im not sure, you woukd need to contact them via their website or by caling them.
Wander37114
Harlow, Essex, UK1 contribution
Can anyone tell me whether this is suitable for someone in a wheelchair? Particularly do they have ramps to get a wheelchair on and off the train? I have read the information on the website but it seems to contradict itself regarding whether or not ramps are available.
Have any previous travellers gone in a wheelchair?
ask
3 contributions
Why was i treated badly by the voluteers at the railway this was not an isolated episode and i made a complaint back in march still have not heard anything from the general manager
Colin Martin
5 contributions
I have booked an evening fryer trip from North Weald, but now find that there is no parking at the station. Does anyone know if there is anywhere to park in the area?
mikyboy
9 contributions
there is normaly parking on the grass to the right of the road down to the station.
Are you running trips tomorrow
John P
London, UK121 contributions
Best to check their website.
gregoryclive
Romford, UK118 contributions
Im planning on starting at Shenfield how does that work bus or train???
pottsstephen52
Lake Louise, Canada83 contributions
Refer to their web site for the date you require. It then details the buses that are running.
It currently looks like only the Epping Bus is running.
From Shenfield.
Train to Stratford then Central Line to Epping. The use the bus yo North Weald. Timetable is on the web site.
Jaime Clemens
London, UK1 contribution
Was considering getting a private compartment (6 or 8 seater)for the Santa Special 2018 at the Epping Ongar Railway, if I have a 4 year old and a 2 year old, do they get counted or not?
Many thanks
PaulHarness
Leeds, UK245 contributions
I suggest contacting the railway direct
Priors10
Hertfordshire, UK218 contributions
Can anyone tell me if you eat your meal ON the train for the dining options (specifically the Fish & Chip one) or if you get off to have your meal?
Michael H
London, UK2,030 contributions
Yes, on the train. And there's drinks available from the bar in the brake van. Proper tables in proper carriages as well. None of your airline seat flap table nonsense.
The carriages aren't heated mind so if your day coincides with a cold snap, wrap up warm, at least until your beer coat fits snugly.
Eric D
Colchester, UK
I've heard that the pollution from these old engines that produce deadly black smoke from the steam trains and possibly worse fumes from the diesel stock. Should I take breathing filters to avoid problems in later life?
Alex B
London, UK
Hi Eric, I must say that I too am concerned about the pollution that visitors are being exposed to. I too have noted that very young children are being drenched with pollution from these old engines during my visit and I did not hang around to explore whether their parents new of the hazards to health. I would probably recommend that you keep your visit to a minimum to avoid issues in later life. These particles are indeed hazardous and may prove an issue in later life. It is quite possible that pollution levels of this scale, even for a short duration can cause lasting damage.
Han
Chelmsford, UK234 contributions
Would you recommend to start the day from Epping, North Weald or Ongar stations to maximise the experience for the day?
We live in Chelmsford but going with my parents from Newbury Park so flexible on start point. We are booked on the London transport weekend and had planned to start/end from Ongar so that we could eat at the Kings Head pub (hidden gem of a pub) but from reading the reviews, most people seem to travel via Epping to do the bus journey. Thanks!
Chasman418
Chelmsford, UK3 contributions
I live in Chelmsford and have gone to Ongar on the 32 bus. Also have driven there, but be warned. Not much parking in the road at Ongar, unless you go early.
Please check this, but last time I looked there is free parking at the w/e in the library car park and free parking opposite in the car park next to Budworth hall on a SUNDAY ONLY, both in the high st.
North Weald is advertised as no parking at all (council will not let them use their own field for one!) but if one of you has a blue badge you can ring EOR and reserve a space at North Weald or Ongar. So if disabled I would start at North Weald, otherwise start at Ongar.
LT will not let EOR into their station, so the Epping stop is in the middle of the forest with no acces. To start from Epping you need to use the central line and wait for one of the EOR heritage buses to take you to NW.
Another way to get there is to use BR to Shenfield and take a heritage bus to Ongar (or NW).
All unlimited bus fares and train rides are included in your all day ticket (slight reduction for seniors). Hope this helps!
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Claim your listingEPPING ONGAR RAILWAY: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Epping Ongar Railway
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