Easter fun returns to the Epping Ongar Railway this April

Families are invited to join an Easter egg hunt like no other.

Along the railway line from Ongar to Coopersale, Bertie the Easter Bunny has hidden eggs the entire length of the route – a distance equivalent to an incredible 131,579 eggs placed end to end.

From the moment of arrival the adventure begins. Children will be handed a clue sheet and challenged to track down as many of Bertie’s mischievously hidden numbered eggs as they can.

With eggs tucked around stations and along the track, everyone will need to keep their eyes peeled from the train windows as the train chuffs along and be ready to hop on and off the heritage steam and diesel trains to find them all.

Once the hunt is complete, the clue sheet can be returned to the gift shop at Ongar or North Weald, where every child will receive a special Easter treat.

Keep an eye out for Bertie the Easter Bunny who will be making appearances throughout the day, popping up around the stations and even on board some of the trains.

Visitors can also stop by the Penny Salon Gallery at Ongar Station, which will be open with its latest exhibition, London Town.

Admission is free, offering a perfect addition to the day out.

Adding to the magic, resident magician John Clayton will be performing on selected trains, amazing passengers with tricks that leave everyone wondering how he does them.

There is more excitement on the way.

Modified Hall No 6989 Wightwick Hall has been confirmed for the Steam Gala on April 17-19.

This impressive locomotive recently took on the role of the iconic engine for the Hogwarts Express in the new Harry Potter television series, offering visitors a rare chance to ride behind a true star of the steam world.

Further updates on gala locomotives will be available on the railway’s website at: eorailway.co.uk.

The Epping Ongar Railway is also renewing its volunteer recruitment drive and is encouraging local people to get involved. Volunteering offers the chance to learn new skills, make new friends and play a part in preserving this rare and special heritage operation.

Details can be found on the website under the Support tab or by emailing: volunteering@eorailway.co.uk.

The full 2026 programme will be published online once confirmed. Until then, the Railway is asking the community to lend its support and help protect an important piece of local heritage.

• Robert Good is editor of Mixed Traffic at Epping Ongar Railway.