Essex Steam Trips
The Wallis & Steevens is undergoing some major work at the moment, so there won't be any more steam trips available before at least 2023. To pre-book your trip just email us or call
John Giles on 07793 745776
Do you fancy a day with a real steam roller?
Dave and Peter did - here is how they got on
Dave with John M
Travelling
Stoke up
Little Totham
The Swan
Peter with John G
Dave
A day's steam trip makes an ideal choice for a birthday present. It's one of those gifts for men that have tried everything, and ideal birthday present for grown-up children to get for their fathers.
It's a full day, as we start at around 8.30 am. After kitting our guests with protective gear they get the quick 'safety first' discussion. Their next introduction was to Mr FlueBrush and Mrs AshPan to get the engine ready for firing. We then get the water level checked and the fire started before retiring for a leisurely breakfast. After breakfast the guys are shown round the lubrication routine before we set off. Within a few minutes Dave was steering down the road as we headed for the pub around 3 miles away. We met up with the ladies at the pub, and all seemed to enjoy ourselves. After lunch we set off for home with Peter at the wheel. Approaching home we got the footplate photos taken. Standard shutdown routine was started and we had a cup of tea while the engine cooled down and the photos and certificates presented. All in all, a splendid day's steaming! Dave later sent us this lovely note:
"Hi John and John, I would like to thank you both for a really great day on Monday. You both made it a day to remember. The weather, food and the roller were perfect and combined with your enthusiasm and helpful guidance made a really fab. day. Well done!!! I am really looking forward to seeing the photos that you so kindly offered to send on to Peter. Thanks once again, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend you both to anyone interested. Dave.
Peter wrote to us a few days later, saying "Thank you very much for a very good day on the steam roller, but what made it great was your enthusiasm knowledge and humour. With the good food and easy going pace the day could not have been any better."
Our steam trips and steaming days are a great experience if you're into
STEAM. You can take your choice of activity.
1. Spectators view
You can watch and relax as we fire up in the morning then take a gentle tour
of the local countryside, stopping at a local pub for lunch before returning
home in time for a cuppa. You can ride on the footplate, or sit on the comfortable
seat on the trailer. Morning tea, lunch and afternoon cuppa are all included.
A very relaxing and uncomplicated day. From £490 for 1 or 2 of you
2. Steering day
You would like to have a go? Our steering day gives you the opportunity for
a full 'hands-on' experience. You will learn basic safety, lighting-up, flue
cleaning and lubrication - and that's before breakfast. You can enjoy a full
english breakfast with us before we set out for the local tour. You can help
stoke and steer (as much or as little as you fancy). We'll stop for lunch
at The Beckenham Bell in Tolleshunt Major,
then return to base, where we will shut down the fire and do the evening maintenance
routine (after a nice cup of tea of course) From £490 for 1 or 2 together.
3. To suit you
You can stay the night before and/or after your steaming day. There are several
local bed & breakfast establishments around.
We can also build purpose made steaming holidays for you, including operation
and maintenance techniques, and even full training to driving test level.