There is everything steam related for older enthusiasts as well the chance to enjoy afternoon teat or take an evening ride and enjoy supper as you do.
This is what is coming up.
September 4: Pacer Driving Experience Take the controls of one of Britain’s most recognisable trains and experience driving a true workhorse of the modern railway — the Class 143 Pacer. Originally built as a temporary solution to a rolling stock shortage, the Pacer became a familiar sight across the country for decades. Now preserved at the Nene Valley Railway, you have the rare opportunity to drive No. 143602 yourself. Your experience begins with a welcome briefing covering basic driving theory before heading out onto the railway for a hands-on driving session. Two participants share the session, taking turns at the controls over a total distance of approximately 12 miles, travelling from Wansford to Peterborough and back.
September 5: Overton Yard Open Day Visit the Goods and Travelling Post Office Yard at Overton Station, it's just a stone's throw away from Ferry Meadows Country Park. From 11am-3pm you will be able to walk among the beautifully restored wagons, learn about the history of transporting freight by rail during the age of steam into the early diesel era in our museum housed in a restored Banana van. There are also many goods vehicles awaiting restoration including a coach involved in the Great Train Robbery in August 1963.
September 6: Senior Steam Day Enjoy a day out at the Nene Valley Railway with up to 15% discount for pensioners (66+) and complete freedom to explore the line at your own pace. Your ticket gives you unlimited travel on the heritage trains for the day — allowing you to hop on and off, visit our stations and attractions, and enjoy a nostalgic railway journey through the Nene Valley.
September 11: Peak Driving Experience Step into the cab of a true heavyweight of the British Railways era and experience driving Class 45 “Peak” No. 45041 Royal Tank Regiment. Two participants share the experience, taking turns at the controls over a total distance of approximately 12 miles during around 1 hour on the footplate.
September 12: Mail by Rail Ride aboard the authentic Travelling Post Office train, watch dramatic mailbag exchanges from the lineside, and try your hand at sorting letters on the move, just like real postal workers once did. Board the Travelling Post Office train at Wansford Station and travel along the line as the onboard team demonstrate how the railway handled mail.
September 12: Night Mail Pie & Postal Express This relaxed two-hour journey through the Nene Valley combines heritage diesel travel, a freshly prepared pie supper from Fryz of Bretton, and an interactive look into how Britain’s Travelling Post Office once worked. Arrive early to explore the TPO carriages and begin sorting the mail before departure — then continue the activity onboard during the journey.
September 13: Nene Valley Afternoon Tea Combine the nostalgia of steam with the elegance of a traditional Afternoon Tea. Settle into one of the Continental Carriages, as seen in ITV’s Murder on the Orient Express, and enjoy a leisurely journey through the Nene Valley. Perfect for friends, couples and celebrations.
September 19: Thomas and the Travelling Post Office A unique day out where you can ride on Thomas’s Mail Train, meet Postie Pete and his cat Ginger, and witness a live mailbag exchange. just like in the golden age of postal railways. The full experience lasts approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
September 26 and 27: Thomas Branch Line Weekend Join Thomas for a delightful journey along his countryside branch line to Yarwell, passing through the famous Wansford Tunnel. With plenty to see and do across the railway, it’s the perfect family day out. •For times, prices and booking, go online to https://nvr.org.uk/
