Driver Experiences

Pecorama Experiences

Take the Controls of a Miniature Locomotive

Step into the cab and experience the railway from the driver's perspective. Our Steam Locomotive Driver Experiences offer the opportunity to learn about locomotive operation under the guidance of experienced staff at the Beer Heights Light Railway.

Take the controls of a steam locomotive and discover a different side of railway operation in a memorable, hands-on experience.

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Your Steam Driving Adventure

STEAM TRAIN (HALF DAY)

Experience the thrill of driving a steam locomotive on this half-day Driver Experience. Under the direct supervision of an experienced instructor, you'll have the opportunity to take the controls of one of our steam locomotives and help put the locomotive away at the end of the session.

Steam Train (Half Day)

Half-day experience · £195

Experience the thrill of driving a steam locomotive during this half-day Driver Experience at Pecorama. Under the direct supervision of an experienced instructor, you'll have the opportunity to take the controls of one of our steam locomotives.

You'll also get involved in the practical side of railway operations, with the opportunity to help put the locomotive away at the end of the session.

What to expect

Your instructor will guide you through the experience, helping you discover what it takes to operate a steam locomotive safely. You'll gain an insight into locomotive operation and enjoy the railway from the driver's perspective.

Booking information

For most bookings, please arrive at 1.30pm at PECO Reception, located in the lower car park, to sign in. Your instructor will meet you there and guide you through the experience. Once signed in, please make yourself known to the Model Shop next door.

Friday bookings: If you've booked a Friday experience, please arrive at 10am to sign in.

Important information

  • Price: £195 per person.
  • Duration: Half day.
  • Age requirement: Participants must be aged 18 or over.
  • Clothing: Overalls are preferred, and steel-toe-cap footwear is essential for your safety.
  • Safety: Participants must be medically and physically competent to take part safely. You must follow all instructions and directions given by your instructor and Pecorama representatives, and comply with all relevant health and safety requirements.
  • Fitness to participate: You must not be under the influence of alcohol or medication that could impair your ability to participate safely. You must inform the team of any medical or other needs that could affect your ability to take part.

By booking this experience, you confirm that you understand and agree to these requirements and will participate at your own risk.

Please ensure you are suitably dressed for the experience and follow all safety instructions provided by your instructor.

For any questions before your visit, please contact the Pecorama team.
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A Full Day at the Controls

Steam Train (Full Day)

Our most popular Driver Experience gives you the chance to take the footplate of a steam locomotive, with expert tuition and supervision from our experienced staff. Learn how to prepare and operate the locomotive before taking the controls and driving it along the Beer Heights Light Railway.

STEAM TRAIN (FULL DAY)

Full-day experience · £290

Our most popular Steam Driver Experience offers you the chance to have the footplate all to yourself, with expert tuition and supervision from our highly experienced staff.

You'll learn how to prepare and operate one of our steam locomotives before getting the opportunity to drive it along the Beer Heights Light Railway.

What to expect

Under the guidance of your instructor, you'll discover what goes into preparing and operating a steam locomotive and experience the railway from the driver's perspective.

Your experience includes a full day of instruction and the opportunity to take the controls of a steam locomotive under supervision.

Booking information

Please arrive at 10am at PECO Reception, located in the lower car park, to sign in. Your instructor will meet you there and guide you through the day. Once signed in, please make yourself known to the Model Shop next door.

If your experience includes lunch, please let us know about any allergies or dietary requirements in advance so that the necessary arrangements can be made.

Important information

  • Price: £290 per person.
  • Duration: Full day.
  • Age requirement: Participants must be aged 18 or over.
  • Clothing: Overalls are preferred, and steel-toe-cap footwear is essential for your safety.
  • Safety: Participants must be medically and physically competent to take part safely. You must follow all instructions and directions given by your instructor and Pecorama representatives, and comply with all relevant health and safety requirements.
  • Fitness to participate: You must not be under the influence of alcohol or medication that could impair your ability to participate safely. You must inform the team of any medical or other needs that could affect your ability to take part.

By booking this experience, you confirm that you understand and agree to these requirements and will participate at your own risk.

Please ensure you are suitably dressed for the experience and follow all safety instructions provided by your instructor.

For any questions before your visit, please contact the Pecorama team.
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Take Your Driving Experience Further

Advanced Course

Build on your experience with our Advanced Steam Driver Experience, available to those who have successfully completed the one-day Driver Experience course. Take charge of a freight service, operating a variety of locomotives and shunting freight wagons at different sidings and stations along the Beer Heights Light Railway.

ADVANCED COURSE

Full-day session · £330.00

Take your railway driving skills further with the Advanced Steam Driver Experience at Pecorama. Designed for those who have successfully completed the one-day Steam Driver Experience course, this full-day session offers the opportunity to operate a freight train and shunt at various sidings, delivering goods along the Beer Heights Light Railway.

Under the guidance of an experienced instructor, you will have the opportunity to operate a freight service using a variety of motive power, shunting freight wagons at different sidings and stations.

Course Information

Duration: Full day
Arrival time: 10:00am
Meeting point: PECO Reception, in the lower car park

On arrival, your instructor will meet you at Reception. Please then make yourself known to the Model Shop next door.

Important Information

  • Eligibility: You must have successfully completed the one-day Steam Driver Experience course.
  • Age requirement: Participants must be aged 18 or over.
  • Clothing: Overalls are recommended to protect your clothing, and steel toe-cap footwear is essential.
  • Health and safety: Participants must be medically and physically capable of taking part safely. You must follow all instructions given by your instructor and Pecorama representatives and comply with all health and safety guidance.
  • Fitness to participate: You must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs that could impair your ability to participate safely. Any medical conditions or other needs that may affect your capabilities should be considered before booking.
  • Dietary requirements: If lunch is included with your experience, please advise of any food allergies or dietary requirements in advance.

This advanced experience is an opportunity to build on your existing driving experience and discover more about the practical operation of a working miniature railway.
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Locomotive Driver Experience

Driver experience will be available between April and October. Please enquire by email.

driverexperiences@peco.co

A Unique Railway Adventure

Whether you're a railway enthusiast or looking for a memorable gift, our Driver Experiences offer a closer look at locomotive operation, combining practical experience with guidance from our knowledgeable team.

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Frequently asked questions
What should I wear?

Cotton overalls, or a jacket and over-trousers, are essential to protect your clothing. Stout boots are required, with safety boots preferable. Trainers are not suitable. A waterproof jacket is also recommended in case of poor weather. Suitable gloves will be provided on the day.
Can I bring guests?

Yes. For the full-day Steam Driver Experience, you are welcome to bring up to two guests who can enjoy the site during your session and join you as passengers when you take control of the locomotive. For the Diesel Driver Experience, you are welcome to bring a friend to act as shunter alongside your instructor.
Can I book on behalf of someone else?

Absolutely! A Driver Experience makes an excellent gift. You can purchase a PECO Experiences Gift Card for your chosen amount and let the recipient arrange their experience, subject to availability and the gift card terms and conditions.
How physically demanding is the experience?

Participants need a reasonable degree of physical and mental agility and must be able to follow both verbal and visual instructions. The locomotive has a sit-in cab, which requires some flexibility to enter and exit. If you have any concerns or specific requirements, please get in touch before booking and we will be happy to discuss them with you.
What is included in the price?

The full-day Steam Driver Experience includes refreshments throughout the day, entry for up to two guests and a personalised certificate to commemorate your day as a driver. The Diesel Driver Experience includes refreshments throughout the day and a personalised certificate.
What if I can't find a suitable date?

If none of the available dates are suitable, please get in touch at driverexperiences@peco.co or call 01297 306057. We'll do our best to help.