With our Driver Experience programme you can try your hand at driving a steam or diesel engine. New packages are now available for 2026, but limited in number so early booking is recommended.
Driver Experiences:
The Mid-Suffolk Light Railway offers you the chance to take the controls of a steam or industrial diesel locomotive on our demonstration line.
You will arrive and be given a safety briefing and an introduction to the loco, involving riding on the footplate with our experienced crew. Then take a turn as fireman (or second man on a diesel) and as driver. Included in the cost of the course, you will receive a certificate as a memento of your day and 12 month’s automatic membership of the MSLR.
Your family and friends are welcome to join you for your special day (not on the loco). Your booking includes free entry and light refreshments for you and one friend or family member. You may add further family members to your group (up to a maximum of 6 people in the group) for an additional fee. Should you wish to do this please make this clear on your booking form and you will be contacted with further details.
Booking for this experience must be made in advance, as soon as possible, as there are a limited number of dates.
Morning Sessions commence at 9.30 and finish at 12.30, followed by lunch.
Afternoon Sessions commence with lunch at 12.30 and your Driver Experience follows at 13.30 and finishes at 16.30.
There are two Light Railway Driver Experience participants per session on the Driver Experience and one participant per session on the Diesel Driver Experience on each of the specified dates.
Locomotives used on our driver experiences will be from the Middy pool of engines.
Steam Driver Experience £350.00 (inc. VAT) per person
Industrial Diesel Driver Experience £175.00 (inc.VAT) per person
Currently all dates for 2026 have been sold out. Watch this page for new information and 2027 availability.