About
Real Ale Festival at the Epping Ongar Railway
Friday 19th, Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st July
North Weald Station
Cask Ales
Cider
Live music on and off the trains
Trains and buses run into the evening on Friday and Saturday
This event has grown over the years and we expect this trend to continue - expect more beers, lots of trains and more fun in 2019!
We will be featuring over 75 different beers, over 20 ciders and the popular real ale trains where the on-board bars allow passengers to buy a beer on the move.
The festival has built its success on buying from small independent brewers across London and Essex. Expect the same again this year, perhaps with a few far flung guests too!
Real Ale on trains
As well as the main marquee we plan to have bars with at least 10 real ales onboard the trains which will continue to run until closing time.
Steam and Diesel trains will be in operation and your ticket is valid for unlimited travel.
Real Ale Festival Bumper Package Ticket - NEW for 2019!
This ticket allows you to pay up front for your travel fare, festival glass and first set of beer tokens, to the value of £9. Should you require further beer tokens, these can be purchased from the token sales chalet, shop or on either train bar. The festival bumper ticket package can only be pre-booked using the options at the bottom of the page.
Leave the car behind!
It's easy to get to us, connecting heritage buses will link North Weald station with Epping Underground (Central Line) and Shenfield (National Rail) stations. Last bus to Epping will be at 2200 hours (but we won't leave anyone behind!!)
More details will be added to this page as our plans develop.
Fares
The following great value fares apply, with discounts for card carrying CAMRA members, giving unlimited travel on trains and buses all day long. Book your tickets online, below.
In advance: Adult £14; CAMRA Member £13; Concessions £13; Child £7; Family (up to 2 adults and 3 children) £36. Bumper ticket package (see above) £25
On the day: Adult £15; CAMRA Member £14; Concessions £14; Child £8; Family (up to 2 adults and 3 children) £39
Buy your tickets now - Buy here (booking at foot of page).
Guide Prices
See website for event details.
Book Tickets Online
Facilities
Accessibility
- Disabled 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.
- 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
- Cafe - 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.
- 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.
- Outdoor eating area - 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.
- Picnic area - 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.
- 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.
- Refreshments Available - 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. There are a number of local pubs and restaurants in both Ongar and North Weald, all offering hot meals.
Children & Infants
- Baby changing
- Family Friendly, Children Welcome
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
- Toilets on Site - 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.
Parking & Transport
- Coach parking
- Free 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.
- 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.
- On site parking close by - There is pay and display public parking in Ongar and at Epping Station where Heritage buses will be picking up.
- 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
- Railway station within walking distance
Provider Preferences
- Countryside Setting
- Forest Location
- In countryside
- In town/city centre
- Outdoor Event
Specialist Features
- Cyclists welcome
- Family Fun
- Marketed Towards Children
- 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.
