The Dockyard Railway

22/05/2026

🚂💨 Ever wanted to take the controls of a real steam crane?

This is your chance! Our Steam Crane Experience at The Historic Dockyard Chatham puts YOU in the driver's seat of a heritage Grafton steam crane — and it's unlike anything else you'll do this year.

Under the guidance of our expert volunteer engineers, you'll learn how to manage 100 psi of live steam, swing a 30ft jib, and put your precision to the test with the hoist. Think you've got what it takes to hook-a-duck? 🦆

🔧 It's not a tour — it's a proper hands-on engineering adventure.

✅ 45 minutes including safety briefing
✅ Includes full Dockyard access on the day
✅ Bring a spectator for just £20 extra

🎟️ From £50 per person | Ages 18+

📅 Next date: 25 May (Bank Holiday Monday) — plus dates in July and October.

Spots are limited and they go fast — tag someone who'd absolutely love this! 👇

👉 Book now: https://thedockyard.co.uk/events/steam-crane-experience/

18/05/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DxQsGiLs5/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Steam crane experiences available this bank holiday Monday , it’s an amazing piece of engineering that you get to the controls of , she’s 83 years old
Built the same year as HMS cavalier

✨ Learn to Drive an original Dockyard Steam Crane ✨

This May Bank Holiday, get hands-on experience operating one of our historic steam cranes. Under the expert guidance of our volunteer engineers, you will learn the delicate art of controlling an original Locomotive Yard crane.

Pre booking is essential.

Over 18s, T&C's apply. See website link below for details.

👉 https://thedockyard.co.uk/events/steam-crane-experience/

03/05/2026

Looking for something to do this bank holiday weekend?

✨ Learn to Drive an original Dockyard Steam Crane ✨
This May Bank Holiday, get hands-on experience operating one of our historic steam cranes. Under the expert guidance of our volunteer engineers, you will learn the delicate art of controlling an original Locomotive Yard crane.

Pre booking is essential.

Over 18s, T&C's apply. See website link below for details.
👉 https://thedockyard.co.uk/events/steam-crane-experience/

01/05/2026

This Weekend the railway engines are out in the sunshine.

Come on down and see our historic locomotives moving around the breathtaking scenery around the Dockyard.

28/04/2026

✨ Learn to Drive an original Dockyard Steam Crane ✨

This May Bank Holiday, get hands-on experience operating one of our historic steam cranes. Under the expert guidance of our volunteer engineers, you will learn the delicate art of controlling an original Locomotive Yard crane.

Pre booking is essential.

Over 18s, T&C's apply. See website link below for details.

👉 https://thedockyard.co.uk/events/steam-crane-experience/

28/03/2026

Less than a week to go until the start of our operating season for 2026.

The team can't wait to welcome you.

Keep an eye out on the website for future running and special dates in 2026!

26/03/2026

Ever wondered what it's like operating a 1940s steam crane?

Played Hook-A-Duck at the fairground as a child? 🦆

What about both at the same time?

ALL NEW experiences available now on selected dates throughout the year. Under the guidance of our expert crews you will learn to operate one of our steam cranes, and try your new skills at hooking one of our wooden ducks!

Spaces and dates are limited, so book now before they all go!

https://thedockyard.co.uk/events/steam-crane-experience/

18+, suitable clothing and footwear required. T's and C's apply

15/09/2025

*BRAND NEW*

Alongside our ever popular Driver Experience, we've managed to build a new experience for our visitors.

At this weekend's Salute to the 40s Finale event, we will be for the first time offering crane operator experience sessions. Not only can the kids try hooking a duck with the naval signal flags, but the adults can try their hand at hooking a duck from the footplate!

This one of a kind experience is open to 18+ participants, with a full safety brief and 30 min session on the footplate of one of our 1940s Grafton Steam Cranes, being instructed by our highly experienced crews. For only £50.

Come and find us behind the matador stage, and see if you have what it takes to hook your first duck!

19/07/2025

Marcia is out in steam this weekend supporting the Chatham & District Model Railway Clubs Chatham Show.

Marcia is spending the next 2 days entertaining crowds of people at the Model railway show in the spectacular Chatham Dockyard.
Oh, and you can drive her too! All proceeds are going to the upkeep of the lovely Chatham Dockyard Railway, so pop down and learn how to drive a steam loco.