About
“Oh help! Oh no!” Every child’s favourite picture book character, the Gruffalo, has found his way to the Epping Ongar Railway.
Sunday 11th September
The Gruffalo will be making appearances throughout the day at the times shown below, so fans have the chance to see him. Be sure to come and say hello and don’t forget your camera!
Capacity on each train will be limited and advance booking is essential.
Appearances take place at North Weald station. There is no parking available at the station, except for blue badge holders. We recommend travelling to us via the Central Line (journey time to Epping is just 30 minutes from Stratford) or parking at Epping Underground station (parking charges payable) or in public car parks in Ongar and using our free connecting heritage bus service. You can find the bus timetable here.
Times
You can see the Gruffalo on the platform at the following times, before taking a ride on a heritage steam train through the Essex countryside to Ongar and return.
10:00
11:40
13:20
15:00
The experience lasts approximately 90 minutes.
Our resident magician, John, will be on board the train with lots of tricks to keep you entertained during the journey, and there will be other on-board activities too.
At North Weald
See the Gruffalo. He will pass by you on their own performance train whilst you stand on the platform. Interaction between the Gruffalo and children therefore is limited but there will always be a great chance to see him and take a wonderful picture.
Our gift shop will be open with a wide selection of souvenirs for sale, as well as a selection of the Gruffalo merchandise.
The LNER Café will be open offering a range of hot and cold drinks and light refreshments to take away.
At Ongar Station
During the journey, there will be a short break at the historic Ongar station where you can follow the clues and find the large eggs around the station.
Also at Ongar, join our storyteller, Mrs Rainbow, who will be reading a short story.
Our gift shop will be open and light refreshments will be available. For an additional charge a balloon modeller will be creating balloon animals for you to take away.
Fares
Why not enjoy an exclusive compartment for your family or group of up to 6 people? Strictly limited number available on each train.
Standard tickets:
Adult: £18; Child £10
Exclusive compartment for up to 6 people: £85
Children under 3 years old are free – no ticket needed - though they are not allocated a seat.
All fares include the connecting heritage bus service from Epping Underground station or Ongar.
The event takes place at North Weald Station and the best place for Londoners to start their journey with us is right outside Epping Underground Station where the vintage London Bus takes you directly to North Weald Station:
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
Nearest Tube : Epping (Central Line) – heritage buses pick up from right outside here.
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.
