Welcome to the Epping Ongar Railway – one of the best family days out in Essex

Climb aboard and enjoy a truly memorable journey through time – perfect for family days out in Essex, days out with grandparents, and anyone who loves classic rail travel. Travel through picturesque countryside, ancient woodland, and charming historic towns as you experience the magic of Britain’s railway heritage together.

As the longest heritage railway in Essex and the closest heritage railway to London, we’re incredibly easy to reach – just a short trip on the Central Line. Uniquely, we’re also the only heritage railway to run on a former part of the London Underground network, making this a must-visit for railway enthusiasts in the UK, as well as families looking for something different.

Located on the edge of the beautiful Epping Forest, your adventure starts the moment you arrive. On most operating days, our vintage buses depart from Epping and Shenfield stations, bringing you straight to our beautifully restored heritage stations. From there, step onto our steam and diesel trains for a relaxing and exciting journey that children, parents, and grandparents can all enjoy together – one of the most unique things to do in Essex with kids.

With one great-value ticket, you can enjoy three heritage experiences in one day – bus, steam train, and diesel train – with unlimited travel throughout your visit. Throughout the year, we host a wide range of family events in Essex, seasonal experiences, and enthusiast days – so there’s always something new to discover.

We can’t wait to welcome you and your family aboard!