We are currently unable to take bookings due to the COVID 19 pandemic - updates will follow as soon as we can
Our main headquarters is at Wansford Station, Stibbington, Peterborough, PE8 6LR, and is situated on the Old Great North Road, which is under a mile from the A1 (Brown sign). We are an educational charity which aims to introduce to the young, the experience of railway travel of the past, particularly in the days of steam.
Our heritage line, which was built in 1845, was part of the original LNWR railway, which ran between Peterborough and Northampton, with a junction at Yarwell to Rugby. Wansford Station houses some Victorian buildings, and there are four further stations on the 15 mile round trip, which also show further examples of railway history.
Schools may select to have a round trip from Wansford, or travel between stations. Groups can also combine a train journey with a visit to Nene Country Park alighting at Overton Station.
The David Ray Study Centre at the Wansford Station site is our venue for specific learning opportunities. These interactive stories and activities are carefully structured within the framework of the National Curriculum and can be adapted to meet an individual school’s needs.
The above details are for bookings during the summer and early autumn terms, as all school trips use our scheduled Wednesday steam service. Should you be looking for a school visit outside of these dates, then the diesel railcar could be booked (seats 44 people). It might also be possible to charter a steam engine if we can arrange for several schools to visit on the same day. Please email:adminassistant@nvr.org.uk to discuss the possibilities.
CONTACTS:
For further information or to discuss and book a visit, please contact the Education Team, by email - education@nvr.org.uk
FACILITIES:
Coach parking: is available at the Wansford site.
Disabled Visitors: please discuss whether you have wheelchair bound children upon booking.
Gift Shop: Wansford Station - a souvenir pack can be made up in advance of your visit.
Picnic areas: we have a field which could be made available at Wansford Station, and there is also a picnic area beside the river Nene, which is adjacent to the station. Should the weather not be suitable for dining outside, we suggest that lunch is taken during your train journey.
Seating on trains: seating is generally in open plan carriages which are reserved for visiting schools.
Toilets: the main toilets are at Wansford station, but there are toilets available on board all trains (not disabled).
FARES:
Adult: £9.00 (Return): £5.50 (Single)
Children: £5.00 (Return): £4.00 (Single)
Wansford Site Visit Only:
Platform Ticket £4.00 (adult), £2.00 Child
OPENING TIMES:
Schools are asked to arrive from 10am and normally they would leave Wansford Station by 2.30pm, providing up to 4 hours of learning.
Click here for our Risk Assessments
Click here for Railcar Risk Assessment
Click here for Preliminary visit information