epping ongar railway

We just missed the steam train at Ongar on 22nd February but a helpful man asked if we would like to visit the signal box (which was warm!) and the system was explained to us by very enthusiastic people. When the diesel arrived we were asked if we would like to sit in the driver's seat and the various controls were explained to us. We had a picnic in the waiting room with a fantastic fire so the long wait for the next steam train whisked by. The staff could not have been more helpful. North Weald was a very interesting station with plenty to see. Could not have had a better day - once the complicated timetable had been worked out.

Our Kids for a Quid offer has been very popular and certainly we are grateful for the support that our passengers are giving to our volunteers. We're pleased that you enjoyed travelling on our buses and trains!However I would like to comment on your specific points that you raised in your review.During the height of the season we provide additional catering and seating at North Weald. However we have been taken a little by surprise by the success of our Kids for a Quid promotion and naturally we're delighted, but this does appear to have led to some queues for the buffet at North Weald given lower level of seating available. That said we will have more covered seating by the time we open for Easter.Also, we have just built some new ladies toilets at North Weald and a new disabled toilet will be open very soon. On busier days we hire in extra toilets. However, like many railways we have not provided toilets on the trains due to concerns about waste being dumped on the line.

I went to the railway with my dad. Had a great time. A lovely old bus picks you up from Epping tube station so it was really easy to get to from London. The train itself was fun and there was plenty of stuff to see at all of the stations along the route, plus a little cafe where you can refuel. I've heard they do special events and beer festivals, so I'll be going along again soon. Well worth a visit. '

I thought the New Year period was going to be a quiet affair until I saw the EOR was running trains on New Years Eve - two diesel locos top and tailing and the 'Thumper' DEMU were in action. Yet another excellent day out, thirteen trips squeezed in between Ongar and Coopersale with a magnificent run on the now-infamous 14.00 from Ongar, with resident Class 37 D6729 at the helm. Special thanks to the drivers of the locos who fully understand what Heritage Railways are all about, they are a real credit to the railway. Nice that both cafes at North Weald and Ongar were open aswell, otherwise I would not have been able to get my ginger beer and cookie fix! There is a marvellous feel-good factor at the EOR and I, for one, cannot wait to return.

So pleased I ignored previous poor reviews and went ahead and booked. We spent a lovely afternoon the kids met Santa had photos with Santa, it was simply a perfect Christmassy afternoon.will be going back next year and also other events during the year

We took the grandchildren between Christmas and New Year, kids loved it after being indoors all over the holiday made a nice break, going to take them all again in the summer.Excellent value for money went on an old London bus to Epping and coaches from the 1960A memorable day with them

My friend and our to boys both aged 2 had a most enjoyable time here, cheap entry (free for under 3's) great train rides in various carriages from different eras, also a fantastic routemaster ride from north weild to epping station and back, the staff are great and really pleasent and talkative, we had a nice time seeing them operate the signal box, Oh and a free mince pie!!! we will most certainly be back,

I am sorry that overall you were disappointed by your Santa experience.The price of £130 was for exclusive use of the compartment on the train in addition to all the other elements of the experience - and for this we charged a premium on the open seating of the train. Certainly we will look at what we should provide for children by way the way of entertainment during the trip and the compartment decoration for 2015.I must however point out the train does not “go into a siding” we do though ensure that Santa visits all children on the trip and sometimes the train slows/stops to allow Santa to visit all children on the trip to Ongar and this would be what you experienced.In relation to the toilets at Ongar we will have to look at that again to see what we can reasonably do in the building - just increasing the number of toilets in the building itself is hard and bringing in portable toilets could mean we need to charge slightly higher faresHowever if the impression this gives is a poor one then we would want to look again.Once again, thanks for your comments which will help us to improve the experience in 2015

Have been to this railway several times, always a good experience. Friendly helpful staff, good selection of rolling stock and engines. There is also a vintage bus service included in the ticket price. Mostly a quite intensive timetable, so plenty going on to look at. I believe the "Thumper" diesel Dmu is quite rare as most of these were electric.Nice bacon rolls and a cup of tea too.

We took our 9 year old grandson on this bus and train trip. This was all organised by volunteers who were really great and the trip on this picturesque railway on restored coaches was very enjoyable. We would thoroughly recommend the trip, perhaps for more senior people the Santa trip is only if you have children with you, who all met Santa and were given good gifts according to their age.Everyone involved is to be commended

HiI am sorry that overall you were disappointed by your Santa experience today.The price of £130 was for exclusive use of the compartment on the train in addition to all the other elements of the experience - and for this we charged a premium on the open seating of the train. Certainly we will look at what we should provide for children by way of complimentary drinks and snacks - we do this as an additional extra and do not mention it in our marketing. However if the impression this gives is a poor one then we would want to look again. In relation to the toilets at Ongar we will have to look at that again to see what we can reasonably do in the building - just increasing the number of toilets in the building itself is hard and bringing in portable toilets could mean we need to charge slightly higher fares. However we do have a layover at Ongar of about 25 minutes meaning that there should be time to stretch your legs, get a cup of tea, get a photo and visit the loo. If it seems that this is not generally possible with our new timetable that we can review that in good time for 2015.Once again, thanks for your comments which will help us to improve the experience in 2015 and reach that 'top notch' which you refer to.Dean WaltonBusiness Development Manager

Thanks for your comments and we are delighted that overall you found the experience very enjoyable.I will look into the quantities of mulled wine that we offer for next - whilst we have to work within a budget it's not our intention to appear thrifty - it's Christmas after all and the fares charged include a premium to cover the additional costs such as mulled wine and mince pies for the adults.We buy our mince pies from Ravens in Ingatestone. Like you, we think that they are delicious and these were selected after tastings. We are also proud to support a local business based in Essex.Thank you,Dean WaltonBusiness Development Manager

Hi,Thanks for your feedback about your experience - we read all the reviews on TripAdvisor.We are sorry that your experience did not match your expectations and certainly this was never our intention. The short visit by Santa is definitely not what we planned. In relation to the gifts, we would have been happy to exchange the gifts on the day - however we would still be pleased to exchange the gifts - but I will need you to write to us directly so that we know which party has the concerns.The offer for all passengers includes a complimentary mulled wine & mince pie for adults, magic show for the kids in our marquee and onboard magic, gift from Santa for the children and return train travel along the length of our line by steam train and bus travel to/from Ongar/Epping if needed.The ticket price of £150 was for up to eight people (adults or children) to have exclusive use of one of our compartments for your family or group. Our compartment passengers are welcomed by a steward in the station building itself which offers a degree of further exclusivity. The compartments were priced at £18.75 a head and therefore a premium of about £3.75 when compared with a typical £15 per head price in the open seating. Thanks once again for bringing your concerns to our attention.Merry ChristmasDean WaltonBusiness Development Manager

Thought we would try something different this year and so glad we did. After a bus from epping in an old bus. We arrive for mulled wine and mince pies a magic show for the kids while we wait for the train. On board we had a compartment to ourselves which was so warm and welcoming. Santa and his elves handed out presents which were really good. Then a ride to ongar were we stopped for a while and we took photos with Santa. Back on board and Magic tricks were being performed to the kids. The kids loved it, the staff were very friendly and helpful. Would definitely recommend to anyone. Well worth every penny

Thank you for taking the time to post your review. This weekend is the first time we have run our Santa Specials in this way. In view of your comments, and what I observed myself over the weekend, we will be changing our catering facilities at Ongar during our Santa Specials which will allow us to serve more people more quickly during the 20-25 minutes that passengers have there.Pleased that other than that you had a great time .Dean WaltonBusiness Development Manager