Epping Ongar Railway
In 1856 The Eastern Counties Railway (ECR), which later became part of the Great Eastern Railway (GER) opened a double track railway between Stratford and Loughton. A single-track extension between Loughton and Ongar was added in 1865. Increased usage on the line led to the building of double track between Loughton and Epping. At this point 50 trains operated between London and Loughton each day, with a further 22 continuing to Epping and 14 more to Ongar.
Shortly after 1994 a private company 'Pilot Developments' purchased the Epping to Ongar section of the line. Despite assurances that they would run a passenger service within five years of the purchase, no trains ran. In the early part of the new millennium The Epping Ongar Railway Volunteer Society (EORVS) was formed. On 10th October 2004, almost ten years to the day since the line closed, the first EORVS train service left Ongar at 11am. EORVS operated five train services every Sunday until December 2008.
VISITORS INFORMATION:
Parking Limited free parking is available at both Ongar and North Weald. There is also a public car park 200 yards towards the town in Ongar (next to Sainsbury's). This is free on Sundays.
Ladies and Gentlemen toilets are available at Ongar. Baby change can be accommodated in the Ladies. Unisex toilet facility at North Weald.
Visitors with disabilities We are able to accommodate visitors in wheelchairs. Please make yourself known to a member of staff if you require further assistance.
Prams & pushchairs These can be stored in the Guards carriage when travelling. Please speak to a member of staff to make appropriate arrangements.
Dogs Well controlled dogs are welcome on our railway. No extra charge.
Food and drink The Buffer Stop (Ongar) and The Passing Loop (North Weald) sell hot and cold drinks and snacks. In the summer months you may like to picnic on the lawn at Ongar. There are a number of pubs and restaurants in Ongar and North Weald, and a pub at Coopersale - although passengers cannot alight here, you may wish to travel by car.
Photography and videography. We encourage you to use your camera and video for personal use. We also accommodate requests for commercial filming. Please ask a member of staff for further information.
Lost property Any items left at the railway will be stored for a limited time. Please contact 01277 365 200 if you have lost something.
Cash machines Cash machines are located in Ongar High Street and superstores (approx 400 yards) and at. Please note that at present we do not have facilities to accept credit and debit card payments.
Reaching Epping Ongar Railway:
The 501 bus runs a two hourly service between Harlow and Romford, passing through Epping, North Weald and Ongar.
By Road
Ongar (CM5 9BN)
The base for the Epping Ongar Railway Volunteer Society is situated in Station Road, off Ongar High Street.
Directions From M11
M11, Junction 7
Take A414 towards Chelmsford and North Weald.
Follow for approximately 5 miles - You will go straight ahead at two roundabouts.
At the third roundabout (BP garage on left) take the third exit towards Ongar.
Epping Ongar Railway is located approximately 400 yards on the right hand side.
Directions From A12
A12, Junction 15
Take A414 towards Harlow.
You will head into Chelmsford but then take first exit at roundabout to remain on the A414 towards Harlow.
Follow for approximately 9 miles You will go straight ahead at two more roundabouts.
At the third roundabout (BP garage on right) take the first exit towards Ongar.
Epping Ongar Railway is located approximately 400 yards on the right hand side.
Address:
Epping Ongar Railway,
Station House,
High Street,
Ongar,
Essex CM5 9BN