What you will find on the day at the MPMR
What happens once I have found the railway station ?
The are 2 ways onto the platform, which both involve the use of steps. You may need to fold buggies down and carry. There are benches on the open platform for people to wait. Unfortunately at this time there is no canopy or sheltered areas away from wind and weather. Due to the design of the carriages, people with physical disabilities may not be able to travel, as to take a seat, you will need to climb into the vehicle. Please do ask however.
There is only 1 station, so all trains will return without stopping (unless the driver states otherwise during the journey)
Time to pay..
Most of the time, the driver is the only available volunteer, so all fares are taken when the train is in the station.
The current fares are: £4 per each return trip for all riders (children on laps/under 1yo travel free). If you wish to have more rides, there is a day rider fare of £5. The driver may wish to stamp your hand as proof of a day ticket. If an ink stamp is not appropriate for you, please speak to the driver before tendering payment.
How do I pay ? :
Either cash or card can be accepted by the driver. The driver will use a mobile phone to take card payments. The driver will clearly show the amount to be charged before asking you to place your card in the nfc area of the phone. From there, either tickets or a stamp will be issued to confirm payment.
About the journey...
How often do trains run ?
Trains leave once they are full and everyone has paid. This can be up to every 20 minutes at busy times, so please do come along as soon as you see the train !
During quieter times, the driver may take a break before departure. Do however feel free to chat, and learn more about the railway !
How long is the journey ?
The journey is between 10 & 12 minutes on average. The whole journey is measured at 0.6 miles. With that in mind, the train could be travelling up to 10 miles in a single day...!
What days do train run ?
Unless it is raining, trains will run at weekends, and some weekdays during school holidays.
How long is the operating day ?
Passenger trains generally operate between 11:00 & 16:00, when the park is at it`s busiest. Services can run earlier or later subject to demand and staff availability.
Is the weather a problem ?
Only rain can cause significant problems, unless the overall temperature is very cold. The main problem is rain gets everything wet, including the coach seats and rails that the train travels on, making them slippery. There is also no canopy at the station for people to wait.
The journey itself....
After passing along the single line and past the formal gardens, the line crosses over the river for the first time. We cross with a second line which is done later in the journey. We take the right hand track along the wall of the Church gardens, then round to the left where we have the first visit to the railway depot. We pass the depot to go straight ahead and over the river on a 2nd bridge, and follow the railway round to become the left hand track. We go left then right to travel right through the wooded copse. Take a journey through the seasons to look at the different plants and flowers that will appear. But today, keep a look out for birds. Small garden birds can be heard, and some birds may be seen. We return to the depot, which is now on our left, as we now take our original route back to the station.
How do I know if trains are running or not ?
Information is posted on the Facebook page , but in general when trains are running, there will be signs around the station. Mainly a pricing and safety sign. If you do not see any signs around the station, or railway activity, the guys are at home.
About this website page
The page has been provided using spare space on the GAST platform by it`s web master. The MPMR or GAST may support each others aims, but are not affiliated at this time.
