Win a Unique Train Driving Experience at Weardale Railway

Head along to Weardale Railway and drive their Sentinel Locomotive, as seen on the BBC's Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes in January 2024 and RTÉ One’s Neven's North East England Food Tour in February 2026.

The Sentinel came from Daw Mill in 1993 and is powered by a Rolls Royce 8-cylinder supercharged engine; it has 325 brake horsepower and can haul 1500 tonne. If you like power this locomotive ticks the boxes!

The experience – usually priced at £250 (with the option to bring along a friend in a non-driving capacity for an additional £50) – begins at Stanhope Station (DL13 2YS) where you will meet the team, have a safety briefing and learn more about the Sentinel.

You and the driver will then be provided with your movement authority and the driver will take you through the controls and undertake a short test run just to get the feel of the engine. Then you’ll set off down to one of the most scenic views for approximately three miles down the track.

When you're ready to return, you will be given the necessary instruction from the controller and drive back to Stanhope, where there will be time to take some photographs. You will be at the controls (under instruction) for a six-mile round trip. You'll also receive a commemorative certificate as a memento of your experience. On return to Stanhope, the team will provide a hot drink and snack.

This is a must for anyone who ever dreamed of being a train driver!
For your chance to win this special prize for train buffs, simply enter our competition below.

Enter by post

Send your name and contact details on a postcard to Living North, Studio 2, St Nicholas Chare, Newcastle NE1 1RJ. Mark your entries, Weardale Railway.

Enter online

Simply log in and enter using the online form linked to this competition, see below.

All entries to be received by 20th June.