Steam driving with a dash of motor sport thrills

Published: 12th May 2014

Severn Valley Railway and Didcot Railway Centre offer the ultimate driving day out.

Bolt on a Morgan 3-wheeler experience

The Severn Valley Railway has launched a new twist on its well-established footplate experiences for 2014 - The Bolt-On Morgan Experience. In conjunction with 3 Wheel Drive Limited, in partnership with Morgan Motors, the package provides guests with a rail and road heritage transport experience.

The steam locomotive footplate experience covers a return trip between Bewdley and Highley with the chance to take the regulator of the locomotive, plus admission to ‘The Engine House’ visitor centre at Highley.

The special twist to the package is the opportunity to also drive a Morgan three-wheeler car - all in one day, either before or after the steam footplate experience.

The car is provided by 3 Wheel Drive Limited, which is working in partnership with Morgan Motors to become the centre of excellence for the development of driving skills for all Morgan owners and enthusiasts. Guests can then take the controls of the car, with its distinctive V-twin engine mounted between the front wheels, for a period of instruction on the road from the SVR’s Highley station for an exhilarating two-hour drive through the Shropshire countryside.

The Bolt-On Morgan Experience package is available on selected dates only. Forthcoming dates are July 25 and August 9, 23 and 29. For more information visit www.svr.co.uk/Footplate_Specials.

Unique day out at Didcot

Didcot may not be able to offer the chance to drive a Formula 1 racing car, but you might be able to sit in one during a visit to the largest private Formula 1 museum in the world, which is rarely opened to the public.

The ‘Speed & Steam’ experience is a unique opportunity, the only date arranged for this year is July 26. Tickets are limited to an absolute maximum of 20 per date and cost £155 per person.

The day starts at 09.15 in front of Didcot Parkway station. Participants will ride on a heritage coach to the Williams F1 Conference Centre near Wantage. The visit includes the museum housing 40 Formula 1 cars, presented chronologically, the technology room and the impressive trophy room. Subject to availability, there is a chance of sitting in an F1 car.

On returning to Didcot a lunch is followed by a full guided tour of the centre - and a ride on a GWR steam locomotive footplate. The day ends, at approximately 16.30, with tea.

For details call Didcot Railway Centre on 01235 817200 or visit www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk .

External Links

• Severn Valley Railway
• Didcot Railway Centre