Wartime and Rationing Weekend13, 14 June 2026
Come and step back in time with us, immerse yourself in a flavour of what a rural British steam railway could have appeared in the height of summer, as 'forties-dressed civilians and British and Allies military personnel, Home Guard, ARP Wardens, American GIs and other re-enactors mingle with passengers, and period road vehicles to and fro.
Ride on our beautifully preserved fleet of vintage buses, included in your fare! Stations and passenger trains will be specially adorned and decorated. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be immersed in the sights, sounds, and spirit of wartime Britain, with music, entertainment, and re-enactments bringing the era to life.
Passengers are encouraged to come dressed in 1940s style civilian clothing.
Heritage steam and diesel trains will be in operation between North Weald, Ongar and Epping Forest, together with connecting vintage London buses from Epping Underground station and Shenfield stations. These, and all the other attractions, are included in our great value fares!
Key Attractions
- Vintage aircraft flypast (up to 6 aircraft) at approximately 13.00
- Period displays and re-enactors
- Musical entertainment throughout both days with 1940s singers and musicians
- Period displays and re-enactors
- Vintage tea room in the marquee at Ongar station
Getting to us
It's easy to get to us via the London Underground and Elizabeth Line and Greater Anglia services. Our inclusive vintage London buses will run from right outside the front of Epping Underground station (Central Line, zone 6) and from Shenfield station (for Elizabeth Line and Greater Anglia services), connecting with our train services at North Weald and Ongar stations.
There is only limited car parking for disabled passengers at our stations, which must be booked in advance. Public car parks are available in Ongar (charges may apply), a short walk from the station (use postcode CM5 9AB); Alternatively passengers may park at Epping Station (charges apply) and join our vintage London bus service (use postcode CM16 4HW).
The bus services are included in your great value fare.
More details about how to get to us
The Penny Salon Gallery at Ongar station
The Penny Salon Gallery at Ongar station will be open with the exhibition Travels in Essex 1940's - 1970's.
This features the black & white country photos of Reg Batten (1914-2014) whose work regularly featured in the Essex Countryside and East Anglian magazines of the 1950s-60s, as well as in town guides, calendars, seed catalogues etc. Many buildings will still be familiar today, several being listed buildings, but some have gone and others such as certain pubs have found new uses. Windmills and watermills once derelict have been restored. We also include 'Lost Essex' - those parts nearest to London that became London Boroughs in 1965.
Heritage steam and diesel train and connecting vintage bus times
You can view the times of the heritage steam hauled train services between Epping Forest, North Weald and Ongar, and the connecting vintage London buses from Epping Underground and Shenfield stations, by selecting the date of your visit on the link below.
View the heritage train and vintage London bus timetables
Refreshments
The LNER Cafe at North Weald will be serving a selection of hot and cold snacks, together with hot and cold drinks.
The Buffer Stop cafe at Ongar offers tea and coffee and confectionary.
Our on train bar will be open serving a selection of local real ale and cider, together with bottled beer and wine.
Fares
the following great value fares apply fo rthis event. All fares include unlimited travel on our train and vintage London bus services on the date of your visit allowing you to hop and off as you please soaking up the atmosphere throughout the day.
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In Advance Adult: £22.50 |
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On the day Adult: £25 |
Children under 3 are free - no ticket needed!