On board the Spooky Express!

We visited Epping Ongar Railway Station for Halloween. It was a bit risky for me to take them as the kids are not into steam trains so I didn't know if they will enjoy it. You can buy tickets in advice on their website https://www.eorailway.co.uk , purchase from the bus that takes you there or at the site itself.

It is quite easy to get to even when using public transport. If using public transport, the central line takes you to Epping. You can then wait for a vintage bus (free with your tickets to the Railway Station) that takes you straight there. It comes at specific times so please check the bus timetable on their website. The train goes from Epping Ongar to North Weald or you can board the train from North Weald to Epping Ongar. 

Once we arrived, there was a few things going on. We first checked what times the steam trains were leaving so we could plan our times around it. We were also offered to do a spooky trail which will make us explore both stations. Since we had some time, we went to the tent to watch a funny magic show. We then took part in a spooky silent disco along with some spooky faceprinting. The tent was well decorated with spooky photos which the kids were quite thrilled with as they love all these spooky things.

Then it was time to take the steam train to North Weald. We were handed our train tickets and took a seat in the steam train. The kids were pleasantly surprised by more spooky decorations. The whole train was decorated well to go with the Halloween mood. On the way to North Weald Station, we were able to see lots of fields and some more spooky stuff. We were also on the lookout for answers to our spooky trail. Once we got to North Weald Station, they were scary characters walking around and more spooky decorations. We not only finished the spooky trail but explored the history of the station. There was a cafe and a shop too.

We then got on the train back and  we had some spooky characters visiting us and chatting with the kids. The kids absolutely loved this part!

Once we were back on firm ground, there was an owl 'zoo' where we were also allowed to pet them and hold them which my 10year old was excited about. Before we finished, we collected ur treat from the shop and off we boarded off the vintage bus back to Epping!

It was a hit with the kids... kids who don't like steam trains!

Of note: Epping Ongar also runs Santa Specials Train, Dinosaur Days, Father's Day Special and lots of other special days!