Present-Day Epping Ongar Railway
The EOR operates a 6-mile route between Epping Forest and Ongar, passing through North Weald Station and beautiful countryside. It features a mix of heritage steam and diesel trains, as well as vintage buses that provide a connection to the nearby Epping Underground Station. The railway hosts popular events, including 1940s weekends, themed train rides, and Santa Specials, and is a favourite filming location for movies and TV shows.
Preservation and Reopening
The line was preserved by enthusiasts, and after changing ownership, the Epping Ongar Railway Volunteer Society took significant steps to restore it. Heritage train services began in 2004, but full operations as a heritage railway started in 2012 following extensive renovations to tracks, stations, and rolling stock.
History of the Epping Ongar Railway
The line originally opened in 1865 as part of the Great Eastern Railway, connecting Loughton to Ongar via Epping. It primarily served rural communities and agricultural industries. The London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) took over in 1923, and the line became part of the London Underground’s Central Line extension in 1949, integrating it into the Tube network. As road transport grew, passenger numbers declined, particularly beyond Epping to Ongar. Services were reduced to shuttle operations. London Underground closed the Epping-Ongar section in 1994, ending its role as part of the Tube system.