Epping - Ongar Railway
Epping - Ongar Railway
An outing on this heritage railway including lunch on the train
Event details
The Railway
The railway line between Epping and Ongar, passing through North Weald and Blake Hall, has been beautifully restored. Ongar is proud of its grand 1865 Grade ll listed Great Eastern station, while those at Blake Hall and North Weald maintain their 1940s charm.
This visit will include travel on the steam train, a fish-and-chip lunch on the train, and a talk on the history associated with the line and buildings. To finish, the Diesel DMU train will take us through parts of picturesque Epping Forest. In addition, as optional extras there will be places suggested to visit in Ongar, before embarkation, and a ride on the 339 Heritage bus to Epping and back to North Weald, afterwards.
This event is organised in memory of our late Essex Group Chairman, Derek Spring.
Programme
12.30: start of visit at North Weald Station
12.40: Board steam train (reserved carriage) and have complimentary drink from on board bar.
13.00: train departs for Ongar, passing through (closed) Blake Hall Station, formerly the least used on London Underground with only 6 passengers a day.
13.15: Arrive at Ongar Station. Fish and chip lunch served at the tables. Steam locomotive is uncoupled and prepared for journey back to North Weald.
13.35: Depart for return trip
14.00: talk on history of buildings and the line at North Weald Station.
14.55: board the DMU diesel train for picturesque trip through parts of Epping Forest returning to North Weald at 15.15. (there are no platforms at Epping so cannot alight)
Optional alternative to the diesel train return at extra cost
15.30: ride on 339 Heritage bus to Epping Underground Station through parts of the forest, returning to North Weald at 15.57
Further information
Ongar won the National Railway Heritage Volunteers Award following restoration. There is a gift shop and snack bar, and picnic and viewing areas.
North Weald offers beautiful countryside views. Regular heritage trains shuttle into the forest and steam and diesel trains operate to Ongar. There is a gift shop and buffet coach for a range of snacks and drinks.
Blake Hall is identical to North Weald station in size and style. It was built for the grand manor house of the same name, and for local farms. It was closed in 1981
Epping is a busy tube station at the end of the Central Line. Buses run from here through the bustling High Street before heading through the Forest to North Weald.
Price
The cost of the visit is £23, including lunch on the train.
About the Essex Regional Group
The SPAB Essex Regional Group was formed in 2000 and has been active ever since. The types of visits are fun, interesting and educational with an annual social event, normally in an historic building. Our participants vary from interested SPAB members wanting to enhance their knowledge of historic buildings to professionals using the visits as part of their continuing professional development programme.
Accessibility: please contact the Group Organiser before booking to discuss any special access requirements.
