Drive a Train

Ever wanted to take the controls of a train? Have a budding friend/family member who’s an avid train fanatic? The Plym Valley Railway is the place to be! The railway offers a range of experiences as outlined below:

Driver Taster 

Driver Taster- £20.00 

Driver Taster & Driver Mug- £25.00

Ever wanted to take the controls of a train? Have a budding friend/family member who’s an avid train fanatic? The Plym Valley Railway is the place to be! We are running short 15 minute train driving experiences throughout the day. 

Pre-booking is available. Participants will learn the controls of the diesel locomotive and will drive the train for one return trip over half of our railway all from just £20.00. 

Age Limits

- Those aged 18+ can participate unsupervised

- Those aged 16-18 can participate if supervised by an adult. 

- Those aged 16 and under can travel with an adult who is undertaking the experience and can assist if appropriate. 



Drive a Pacer Taster 

Drive a Pacer  Taster- £20.00 

Ever wanted to take the controls of a train? Have a budding friend/family member who’s an avid train fanatic? The Plym Valley Railway is the place to be! We are running short 15 minute train driving experiences throughout the day on one of our 'Pacer' Diesel multiple Units. 

Pre-booking is available.   Participants will learn the controls of the diesel locomotive and will drive the train for one return trip over half of our railway all from just £20.00. - 

Age Limits

-Those aged 18+ can participate unsupervised

-Those aged 16-18 can participate if supervised by an adult. 

-Those aged 16 and under can travel with an adult who is undertaking the experience and can assist if appropriate. 


Industrial Diesel Driver Experience 

£80.00 

Want a more detailed hands on experience? Want to give a special birthday gift? A Driver Experience is perfect! 

Learn the preparation and driving on an industrial diesel engine, drive with the locomotive alone, operate points and crossing gates. The Driver Experience is a great gift or activity for anyone who wants to see what it’s like to be a driver on a heritage railway. It’s also a great expansion from the ‘Driver a Train mentioned above. 

The experience will include: 

  • An introduction and safety talk. 
  • Partake in starting of the industrial diesel locomotive. 
  • Start the locomotive and learn the controls 
  • Drive the locomotive over half of the line and then over the entire length of the line to Plym Bridge 
  • Operate junction levels and crossing gates. 
  • Disposal of the locomotive.
  • Certificate of Achievement

Age Limits

- Those aged 18+ can participate unsupervised

- Those aged 16-18 can participate if supervised by an adult. 

Class 142 Driver & Guard Experience

£80.00

The Plym Valley Railway's Class 142 is now ready for public Driver Experiences! Take to the controls of the Class 142 for one trip from Marsh Mills to Plym Bridge and then act as Guard for a second trip, both under the watchful eyes of our competent staff. 

The experience will include:

  • A safety briefing to all participants.
  • One return trip as Driver
  • One return trip as Guard
  • Up to four people can travel in the train per participant
  • Certificate
  • Souvenir photo

Age Limits

- Those aged 18+ can participate unsupervised

- Those aged 16-18 can participate if supervised by an adult.