As Lappa Valley marks its 50th Anniversary this year, the railway has announced that it is looking for a full-time train driver.
This job is far more unique from the majority of many other train driver roles, there are 3 narrow gauge railways at Lappa Valley all different gauges and the new driver will have to familiarise themselves with all the routes and work in a variety of train cabs of differing sizes.
In addition to this, vast knowledge and expertise is required to work across a range of motive power, as steam, diesel and battery electric trains all operate around 2.5 miles of track.
The Lappa Valleys’ railways run along small sections of the long closed former standard gauge route that used to run between Chasewater and Newquay via Perranporth.
The family activity park has featured many times in Cornwall‘s top tourist attractions list and has won first place back to back across two successive years when it was named the top tourist attraction in Cornwall.
![Ellie, one of Lappa Valley's Steam Trains at Benny Halt - Lappa Valley](https://www.railadvent.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Ellie-one-of-Lappa-Valleys-Steam-Trains-at-Benny-Halt-750x500.jpg)
The railway is very popular with family’s and extremely popular with children, as the trains take you to play areas both indoor and outdoor and include a great range of activities to partake in, including boating lakes, adventure golf, music trails and woodland walks, there is something for everyone to do in all weathers at Lappa Valley.
With a huge level of investment over the last few years Lappa Valley continues to thrive and grow with new trains and attractions, which has included the new “City of Truro” locomotive, the upgrading of railway infrastructure, the opening of a new indoor soft play area and café plus, the soon to open frisbee golf course.
![Lappa Valley driver Lee driving Ruby, one of the attractions 13 locomotives - Lappa Valley](https://www.railadvent.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Lappa-Valley-driver-Lee-driving-Ruby-one-of-the-attractions-13-locomotives-750x563.jpg)
Jobs like this genuinely don’t come around very often. As well as driving regular services throughout the year, the successful applicant will also help maintain our fleet of 13 locomotives, 23 passenger carriages, various wagons and over 2.5 miles of railway. We’re a small and passionate team, and very lucky to be working with a variety of different locomotives. Although we are looking for someone with experience, we will be providing in-house training, too.”
Ben Harding, Operations Manager
Many children dream of becoming train drivers and this is the perfect opportunity to make a childhood dream a reality. Train drivers at Lappa Valley play a part in making family’s days memorable and enjoyable as you transport them to the many fantastic activities across the 35 acre site.
The role is currently open to view and for applications on the Lappa Valley website at Lappavalley.co.uk/work
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