Nene Valley Railway

The Nene Valley Railway is a standard gauge railway, which runs for seven and a half miles between Yarwell Junction and Peterborough. Its headquarters are based at Wansford beside the A1, the old Great North Road, and are easily accessible from a large part of the country.

You can go for a ride on the steam trains or simply have a look at the trains in the station and talk to the staff, if available, and find out more about the world of steam.   Although the Nene Valley Railway has bigger and more impressive steam engines, to most visitors especially children, the Railway is the home of 'Thomas'. Certainly 'Thomas' is the NVR's most famous engine and one of its biggest attractions.

Most of the people working at the Railway are volunteers - from the engine driver to the person serving in the shop. Some jobs may require a period of training, others will not.  Membership of the Railway entitles you to discounts on travel and one thing is for certain, you will enjoy your time with us, including making some great new friends.

The Railway run an extensive programme of specialevents througout the year with Spring Diesel Weekends, Thomas Adventures, 1960's Weekends and many others.

The Nene Valley Driver Experience offers budding footplate men and women the chance to enjoy the unique sensation of driving a full sized steam locomotive. Accompanied by one of the NVR's experienced drivers, participants are given an insight into how a locomotive works, how it is driven, a visit to the yard and signalbox and, of course, their own opportunity to take the controls. Everyone who takes part receives a personalised certificate, souvenirs of their visit and vouchers for a meal in the cafe and for membership of the railway.  They offer both a starter and advance course.

Thomas, the children's favourite engine, will be celebrating the school half-term holidays by pulling trains between Wansford and Yarwell. Trains will operate on the following days in October.  Departures from Wansford will be at 1100, 1245 and 1430 each day and family ticket prices (2 adults and up to 3 children) start from £26 midweek or £32 weekend. Shorter journey fares also available.  Come along and see Thomas in his last steaming before Christmas!

At Christmas why not go on the Santa Special where the whole family will enjoy themselves on this Christmas outing.  Your Santa experience starts with a welcome from our station staff and our badge team - entertainment is provided at busy weekends. This is followed by an enjoyable visit to Santa's log cabin where each child receives a special present from the man himself.   At weekends THOMAS will be in steam around Wansford during your visit.

Following a short wait families then join the decorated train for a 55 minute ride to Peterborough and return. During the journey our train staff serve the children with a Thomas drink and some chocolate or sweets. Parents and other adults are not forgotten with a serving of a mince pie with either an alcoholic miniature, wine or a hot drink. Santa walks through the train to see the children and to wish everyone the compliments of the season.