Experience the thrill of riding on the footplate of one of our historic steam or diesel locomotives.
Here at Middleton Railway, footplate trips are available on selected days through our operating season.
At a cost of only £30, which includes an adult day rover ticket, the holder will be entitled to a full return trip on the appropriate journey.
Limited to 2 passes per day (one morning and one afternoon) these are a great gift for yourself, or a railway fan.
Â
2025 Dates
Diesel footplate dates are: 19th April, 24th May, 28th June, 26th July, 30th August and 20th September.
Steam footplate dates are: 20th April, 25th May, 29th June, 27th July, 31st August, 21st September and 19th October.
In both cases, the morning experience is on the 11:50Â service, and the afternoon experience is on the 14:10 service.
May 24, 2025
Regular Diesel Running Day
May 25, 2025
Regular Steam Running Day
June 28, 2025
Regular Diesel Running Day
June 29, 2025
Regular Steam Running Day
July 26, 2025
Regular Diesel Running Day
July 27, 2025
Regular Steam Running Day
August 30, 2025
Regular Diesel Running Day
August 31, 2025
Regular Steam Running Day
September 20, 2025
Heritage Open Days
September 21, 2025
Heritage Open Days
October 19, 2025
Regular Steam Running Day
Participation Requirements:
Due to the nature of train operations and some inherent dangers, it is necessary to set some minimum requirements of participants.
Any person seeking a footplate pass must ensure that the person for whom the pass is for meets the following minimum standards:
Â
– Be at least 18 years of age (but not older than 76 years of age)
– Be in reasonable health and able-bodied – at least that required to be able to drive a motor vehicle, and also be able to swiftly but safely disembark from the locomotive cab to the ground, which may be uneven in places along the line
– Not be under the influence of drink or drugs
– Wear suitable clothing, including footwear
– Demonstrate an understanding of instructions given in English
– Be in possession of a fully signed footplate pass or equivalent authorisation prior to boarding the locomotive
Â
Note: The Railway reserves the right to refuse a member of public access to the locomotive footplate, particularly if a member of the rostered locomotive crew has reason to believe that one or more of the above criteria are not being complied with.