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Lincolnshire’s only standard-gauge heritage steam railway

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Steam Running Day – Pirates of Ludborough

Sun 20 September 2026

Ahoy me hearties! A treasure hunt, a platform dance and on-board entertainment for our Pirates of Ludborough day. Best fancy dress, please.

Ahoy me hearties!

Come and join us on an adventure into the world of pirates — all hands ahoy!

Lads and lassies can take part in our treasure hunt: find the booty and the pieces of eight, aye! (That’s treasure to me and you.)

Get those costumes ready — children and adults alike, we want you all in your best themed fancy dress… or it’s over the side you go! “Ye’ll walk the plank!” Aaaarrrrggghh!

Entertainment on board

Join in with the fun on board as we get you dancing and singing in your seats. Shiver me timbers — we’re going to have a whale of a time!

Choose to join in with the fun in our entertainment coach, or enjoy a quiet, relaxing journey in our quiet coaches. Marc will get you all dancing around in your seats.

The entertainment runs for a full return journey. When we get to North Thoresby, time and weather permitting, hop off and join in with our platform dance while the train rests for ten minutes, then hop back on for your return journey with more fun entertainment.

Please note: seats in the entertainment coach may fill up depending on demand and are subject to availability. We use loud music during the entertainment, so please keep the aisles clear.

There is no entertainment on the last train of the day.

Train times

Trains run hourly between Ludborough and North Thoresby.

Running day timetable
Ludborough — depart 10.4511.4512.4513.4514.4515.45
North Thoresby — arrive 11.0012.0013.0014.0015.0016.00
North Thoresby — depart 11.1012.1013.1014.1015.1016.10
Ludborough — arrive 11.2512.2513.2514.2515.2516.25
  • The train rests for about ten minutes at North Thoresby — time to photograph the locomotive.
  • Your all-day rover ticket covers every train, so hop on and off as often as you like.
Planning your day

What to expect on a running day

Park for free and enjoy a journey by steam at the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway. Buy your tickets on arrival from the ticket office, hop aboard, and enjoy a nostalgic trip back in time with your unlimited all-day travel ticket. A Steam Running Day is worked by a steam locomotive — a diesel is only used in unforeseen circumstances.

  • Free parking

    Park for free at Ludborough Station and stay as long as you like.

  • Buy on arrival

    Tickets are sold at the ticket office on the day — no advance booking needed.

  • Behind the scenes

    On selected dates, and subject to volunteer availability, take a guided tour of the carriage and engine sheds — included in your ticket.

  • Dog friendly

    Water and treats provided, with dogs welcome in our dog-friendly carriages and in the dog-friendly area of the buffet.

A volunteer serving cake behind the counter of the Steaming Kettle Buffet

Steaming Kettle Buffet

A cuppa and a slice of cake, or a bacon butty, served by our volunteers from a static coach along the platform.

The gift shop at Ludborough Station, stocked with souvenirs and railway books

Gift Shop

Souvenirs to take home — postcards, fridge magnets, pens, pin badges and toys.

‘The Railways of Louth’, an exhibition by the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway Society

Museum

A small museum beside the gift shop: cast-iron notices, lamps, tickets and advertising signs from the East Lincolnshire route.

Bring a picnic, or pick up refreshments from the buffet, and spend the day riding the train. More about our facilities