About
Spring Diesel Gala at the Epping Ongar Railway
22nd and 23rd April
We kick off our events for enthusiasts with our ever-popular Spring Diesel Gala in April, where the home fleet (along with some interesting visiting locomotives) come out to be put through their paces.
Already confirmed to join them this year is the prototype locomotive for the Class 20 design, D8001. Some may remember that this locomotive was previously announced as part of our Autumn Diesel Gala in September 2016, but a braking system fault saw it withdrawn from the line-up. The Class 20 Locomotive Society, to whom the locomotive belongs, have carried out a full overhaul in the last few years, and we look forward to seeing D8001 gliding along our line very soon.
Additional guest engines will be announced once confirmed, with as many members of the home fleet as possible will be operating alongside them.
Class 45 Peak 45132 will be on display and, although not yet operational, the owning group hope to have the loco available for cab and engine room visits.
All trains will be running in conjunction with our fleet of Heritage buses, which will be operating between Ongar, North Weald, Epping Underground and Shenfield National Rail stations.
Our on train bars will be also be open, serving a selection of local draught beers and ciders, as well as a range of wines, lagers and soft drinks.
Cab Rides Available and for those who would like to see the line from the unique vantage point of a loco cab, then we will be offering our popular cab rides for £5; subject to availability, we may even be able to offer driver-for-a-fiver courses. These can't be pre-booked, so just approach the driver (or drivers) accordingly.
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.
Phone Number: 01277 365200
Prices : Special fares apply to most of our special events. See event descriptions for details.
We reserve the right to alter or suspend events with little or no advance notice. Any such action will be made clear through our website and social media pages. Advertised attractions are subject to availability.
Ticket Requirements: Pre-booking is encouraged and a small discount is available for those who do. Tickets on sale summer 2017.
Guide Prices
| Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
|---|---|
| EOR Spring Diesel Gala Adult | £16.00 per ticket |
| EOR Spring Diesel Gala Child | £10.00 per ticket |
| EOR Spring Diesel Gala Family (2+3) | £43.00 per ticket |
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.
