We are delighted to present the latest edition of our UK Day Trips brochure for 2025, showcasing an exciting range of steam-hauled journeys through some of the country’s most scenic landscapes.
This season’s highlights include returning favourites such as The Cumbrian Mountain Express, The Waverley, and The Royal Duchy. We’re also thrilled to introduce new additions like The Varsity Explorer and The Chiltern Explorer, as well as a series of seasonal specials including The Christmas White Rose, The Edinburgh Christmas Market, The Christmas Sussex Belle and The Armistice Steam Express.
The Railway 200 Special will mark the 200th anniversary of the modern railway, commemorating George Stephenson’s pioneering 1825 journey when his steam-powered locomotive carried passengers 26 miles between Shildon, Darlington, and Stockton – an achievement that changed the future of travel forever.
Our day trips offer several ways to travel, whether you choose to indulge in Premier Dining with traditional silver service and meals freshly prepared onboard, opt for First Class with morning and afternoon refreshments, or enjoy the freedom of Standard Class, where you’re welcome to bring a picnic or purchase refreshments from the buffet car. Whichever option you choose, you’ll enjoy a relaxing, nostalgic journey through Britain’s beautiful countryside.
If you require further information or assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact my team and me – we’re here to help.
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to welcoming you aboard soon.
Kelly Osborne Managing Director
The Railway Touring Company.
Dave Collier
UK Steam Rail Day Trips 2025
The Cumbrian Mountain Express
Saturday 2 August 2025
The Cumbrian Mountain Express provides a wonderful opportunity to get out and about with the added bonus of steam haulage over the Northern Fells, including the spectacular Settle & Carlisle Railway. We have a high speed journey down the West Coast Main Line to Carnforth, hauled by a blue class 86 electric locomotive. We then enjoy a circular steam tour outwards via Shap to Carlisle and back via the Settle and Carlisle line.
We leave London Euston in the morning with electric traction, and speed north along the West Coast Main Line (WCML). We stop to pick up passengers at Watford Junction, Milton Keynes, Rugby (where passengers from Northampton join by service train), Nuneaton and Crewe. We continue north along the WCML to Preston, our final stop to pick up passengers.
We continue through Lancaster to Carnforth, where we change motive power to a steam locomotive from the Carnforth pool. Leaving Carnforth, our steam locomotive will be working hard when we climb the first severe gradient up to Grayrigg. We then travel through the beautiful Lune Gorge to Tebay, gaining speed for the ascent to Shap. This well-known section of the WCML has a gradient of 1 in 75 and, in the former days of steam locomotives, banking engines from Tebay were often used to assist trains. After crossing the Cumbrian Fells we descend to Penrith, and then head for Carlisle. There will be around two hours in Carlisle, providing time to explore this ancient ‘Border’ city with its castle, cathedral, Tullie House Museum, and shopping centre.
We leave Carlisle and join the Settle & Carlisle Railway, one of the most well known and best loved stretches of railway line in Britain. We soon begin climbing, and then at Appleby, we stop for our steam locomotive to take on water. The climbing continues through scenic Kirkby Stephen towards the highest railway summit in England at Ais Gill, 1169 feet above sea level. We pass over tall viaducts, including the famous one at Ribblehead, and through tunnels. There are magnificent views across the Fells and to the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. We should have a fast run out of the hills, through Settle, until we stop again for our locomotive to take on water.
Our journey continues through Hellifield and Clitheroe to Preston where we say goodbye to our steam locomotive. We pass though Wigan and Warrington en route to Crewe hauled by our blue class 86 electric locomotive with a fast run to London expected. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers.
* Passengers from Northampton will travel to and from Rugby by service train to join our train.
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £45 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
Bob Green
The Waverley
Sunday 3 August 2025
This summer series of steam hauled trains provides an opportunity for passengers from York, Leeds and the Aire Valley to travel over the spectacular Settle & Carlisle Railway, probably the most famous railway route in Britain. These day trips revive the nostalgic former days of steam when travel by train through magnificent scenery was an experience to savour.
Our steam hauled train leaves York, hauled by a A1 Class 60163 Tornado, in the morning and heads for Church Fenton where we take the direct route to Leeds. We stop to pick up more passengers at Leeds, Keighley, and Skipton. There will be a stop at Hellifield for our steam locomotive to take on water before we join the famous Settle & Carlisle Railway at Settle Junction. Here begins one of the most arduous climbs on Britain’s railway network, a total of 15 miles mainly at a gradient of 1 in 100.
Once through Settle station, there are magnificent views across the Fells to the Pennine Three Peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. We cross the breathtaking Ribblehead Viaduct, high above the valley floor, and enter Blea Moor Tunnel. We pass through Dent Dale and the highest open station in England at Dent, travelling through tunnels and crossing valleys on numerous lofty viaducts, as we make the final ascent to Ais Gill Summit (1,169 feet). We travel high above the valley at Mallerstang and then drop down through Kirkby Stephen and Appleby, to Lazenby where our locomotive takes on water.
We continue to Carlisle and passengers will have about two hours to explore the Border City, possibly visiting the castle, cathedral, Tullie House Museum or the Lanes Shopping Centre.
Our train leaves Carlisle for the return journey late afternoon and climbs almost continuously for just under 50 miles back up to Ais Gill summit. We stop, en route, at Appleby for our steam locomotive to take on water. We continue to stops at Skipton, Keighley, Leeds, and York, to set down passengers.
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £45 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
Shep Woolley
The Kentish Belle
Wednesday 6 August 2025
This day trip by steam train provides an interesting day out to the historic city of Canterbury and the popular north Kent coast resorts. We follow a rambling route across Kent to Canterbury West, where you can opt to visit this famous cathedral city. The Kentish Belle then continues to Ramsgate, Broadstairs, Margate, Herne Bay and terminates at Faversham. You have the option to detrain at any of these attractive destinations.
The Kentish Belle will leave London Victoria station steam hauled in the morning and thread its way across the south London suburban lines through Bromley South, where we will join the Maidstone East line. Cutting across central Kent, we will reach Ashford where we take the line to Canterbury West. Canterbury is a world famous cathedral city. It was a pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages. Ancient walls, originally built by the Romans, encircle its medieval centre with cobbled streets and timber-framed houses. Canterbury Cathedral, founded 597 A.D., is the headquarters of the Church of England.
We continue across Thanet to the coastal resort of Ramsgate, a popular seaside resort. Alternatively, stay aboard and alight a Broadstairs, with its magnificent horseshoe shaped bay which is the main attraction. Margate is a busy seaside resort that has all the trappings to provide entertainment in all weathers, and a wide beach with a sweeping promenade.
You have the option to continue to our destination at Faversham, a town famous for its maritime history. It is the oldest market town in the county and recorded in the Domesday Book, and is located on a winding creek. By 1900, and after 400 years of manufacturing gunpowder for famous battles such as Trafalgar and Waterloo, Faversham had grown to be the centre of the nation’s explosives industry. With an amazing array of independent shops, regular markets, walking and a reputation for fine foods, Faversham is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a short break.
We retrace our earlier route back to Canterbury, picking up at each set down station, before continuing back to Ashford. We join the main line to Tonbridge this time, where you will see the orchards and characteristic oast house of Kent. We return to London Victoria by way of Sevenoaks and Bromley South to conclude a variable-option day in the delightful Kent countryside.
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £45 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
Joseph Martin-Smith
The West Somerset Steam Express
Saturday 9 August 2025
Join us on board the West Somerset Steam Express from London Paddington to Minehead. We will be steam hauled from London Paddington to Minehead and back. This provides a truly fascinating day out travelling through beautiful scenery to the Bristol Channel coast.
We leave London Paddington in the morning, steam hauled, and stop at Slough and Reading to pick up more passengers. At Reading we join the Berks and Hants line which runs through picturesque rural countryside. We pass the celebrated Newbury Racecourse before making our final stop for passengers at Newbury station.
We continue westwards, travelling beside the tranquil Kennet & Avon Canal, and climbing steadily to Savernake Summit. We pass through the Vale of Pewsey, with views of one of the famous Wiltshire White Horses as we approach Westbury and continue through undulating agricultural countryside to Taunton.
Soon after leaving Taunton, we arrive at Norton Fitzwarren, where we transfer to the West Somerset Railway (WSR), the longest Heritage Railway in the country. We continue to Bishops Lydeard, where we continue the remainder of our journey to Minehead. We run along the edge of the Quantock Hills between Bishops Lydeard and Watchet where it meets the coast. The line then turns inland to Washford and returns to the coast at Blue Anchor, passing near to Dunster with its magnificent castle, and terminating at Minehead.
On arrival at Minehead, there will be about two hours to explore this delightful Bristol Channel seaside resort, where the railway station is close to the beach. Our steam locomotive will haul our train from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard, where we join the main line for the return journey to London Paddington. The train will stop at Newbury, Reading and Slough to set down passengers.
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £45 per person (subject to availability).
A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
Bob Green
The Dorset Coast Express
Thursday 14 August 2025
We are offering a number of attractive summer day trips from London to Weymouth by steam train. These trains provide plenty of opportunity to visit the beautiful Dorset coast and relive the ‘golden age’ of steam. Passengers have the option of spending time at the celebrated seaside resorts of either Bournemouth or Weymouth, where both have fine sandy beaches. Each train will be hauled by a steam locomotive that was built for express passenger train work.
Our train leaves London Victoria station in the morning steam hauled and travels westwards, crossing the river Thames at Barnes Bridge, through Kew and Feltham. We stop at Staines and Woking to pick up further passengers. At Winchfield, we pause for our steam locomotive to take on water before continuing to our final pick up point at Basingstoke.
From Basingstoke we continue through Andover, bypassing Salisbury and on through Romsey to Southampton. We reverse direction of travel at Southampton and continue towards Weymouth, diesel hauled, with our steam locomotive on the rear.
We stop at Bournemouth to set down those passengers wishing to visit this coastal resort, a spa town famous for its parks and pine trees. After leaving Bournemouth, there are spectacular views of Poole Harbour. We continue to Wareham and Dorchester travelling through classic Dorset countryside and delightful scenery. We arrive at Weymouth early afternoon and have around three hours there to discover much of what this seaside town has to offer. The railway station is close to the beach and shops.
We return from Weymouth steam hauled late afternoon for the entire return journey. We stop for our locomotive to take on water at Southampton and then continue through Winchester to Basingstoke, where we stop to set down passengers and for our steam locomotive to again take on water. We then continue to Woking and Weybridge, from where Staines passengers will return by service train and on to our final destination at London Waterloo.
* By service train from Weybridge.
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £45 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
The Atlantic Coast Express
Saturday 16 August 2025
Join us on this classic rail journey, following part the route of the old Atlantic Coast Express (ACE) that ran from London to the seaside resorts of Devon and Cornwall in South West England. We will leave London Waterloo steam hauled in the morning and make our way to Exeter where there will be a break to visit the historic city centre. Our return route will be via Bristol, Bath and Salisbury back to London Waterloo.
Departing from London Waterloo, we will thread our way steam hauled by LNER Peppercorn Class A1 No.61063 Tornado through the west London suburbs towards Woking and Basingstoke, where there will be stops to pick up passengers. We continue to follow the London & South Western Railway’s main line to Salisbury and Exeter, following the route of the old ACE expresses.
After the Salisbury water stop, we will follow the main line through to Templecombe, which will give our steam locomotive an opportunity to get up to its maximum permitted speed. We will pass the Yeovil Junction steam centre as we continue westwards and take on the challenging 1 in 80 climb up Crewkerne Bank. After Axminster, there is further adverse climbing as we encounter the testing eight miles of mainly 1 in 80 up to Honiton Summit. Descending gradients then lead to Exeter, where we will have an afternoon break to visit this historic city, with its Cathedral at the very centre of the city.
steam locomotive serviced ready for our return journey, we will now follow the Great Western Railway’s Exeter to Bristol route, which includes the long climb up Wellington Bank towards Taunton. A fast run across the Somerset Levels then brings us to Bristol. We pass through Bath and Westbury before reaching Salisbury once again. The ACE will now retrace our earlier steps back to London Waterloo, setting down as outwards, and thus ending a varied and interesting day out over classic railway routes.
Approximate Timings Outward Return
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £45 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
Dave Collier
The Waverley
Sunday 17 August 2025
This summer series of steam hauled trains provides an opportunity for passengers from York, Leeds and the Aire Valley to travel over the spectacular Settle & Carlisle Railway, probably the most famous railway route in Britain. These day trips revive the nostalgic former days of steam when travel by train through magnificent scenery was an experience to savour.
Our steam hauled train leaves York, hauled by a steam locomotive from the Carnforth pool, in the morning and heads for Church Fenton where we take the direct route to Leeds. We stop to pick up more passengers at Leeds, Keighley, and Skipton. There will be a stop at Hellifield for our steam locomotive to take on water before we join the famous Settle & Carlisle Railway at Settle Junction. Here begins one of the most arduous climbs on Britain’s railway network, a total of 15 miles mainly at a gradient of 1 in 100.
Once through Settle station, there are magnificent views across the Fells to the Pennine Three Peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. We cross the breathtaking Ribblehead Viaduct, high above the valley floor, and enter Blea Moor Tunnel. We pass through Dent Dale and the highest open station in England at Dent, travelling through tunnels and crossing valleys on numerous lofty viaducts, as we make the final ascent to Ais Gill Summit (1,169 feet). We travel high above the valley at Mallerstang and then drop down through Kirkby Stephen and Appleby.
We continue to Carlisle and passengers will have about two hours to explore the Border City, possibly visiting the castle, cathedral, Tullie House Museum or the Lanes Shopping Centre.
Our train leaves Carlisle for the return journey late afternoon and climbs almost continuously for just under 50 miles back up to Ais Gill summit. We stop, en route, at Appleby for our steam locomotive to take on water. We continue to stops at Skipton, Keighley, Leeds, and York, to set down passengers.
* Please note this train may not pick up/set down at Leeds due to engineering works. However, a stop/s will be provided at Castleford or Woodlesford as an alternative. Confirmation will be sent to all passengers looking to join/alight in the Leeds area well ahead of this date of this train giving details of the exact arrangements.* Premier dining is not available from Skipton.
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £45 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
The Cotswold Venturer
Saturday 23 August 2025
Join us on this scenic rail tour by steam train through the beautiful Cotswold Hills. Our destination is the cathedral city of Worcester, located on the banks of the river Severn and internationally famous as the home of Worcestershire Sauce. We travel outward via Staines and then from Reading via the Great Western Main Line (GWML) to Didcot and Swindon. We then run via the Golden Valley line through Kemble and Stroud in both directions.
Our steam train leaves London Victoria in the morning hauled by steam locomotive No.35028 Clan Line and heads through the west London suburbs via Hounslow towards Staines, where we pause to pick up passengers. We make our way via Ascot to Reading and via the Great Western Main Line towards Didcot to pick up more passengers.
We follow the GWML through the Vale of White House to Swindon where we branch off to take the Golden Valley route towards Cheltenham. After Kemble, the line starts to climb steeply towards the summit at Sapperton Tunnel. The pleasant Golden Valley scenery, with its steep sided leafy valley walls, runs down the gradient through to Stroud. At Standish Junction we join the Midland Railway’s Bristol to Birmingham line and head for Cheltenham Spa. Here, we will call to set down passengers who may wish to visit this attractive Regency spa town, noted for its Pump Rooms, many museums and the nearby famous racecourse.
The Cotswold Venturer continues northwards through to Worcester Shrub Hill station, where we will spend the afternoon here whilst Clan Line is turned and serviced. There will be plenty of time to explore this fine city. The river Severn runs through the city and is overlooked by the 12th century Worcester Cathedral. The site of the final battle of the Civil War between Oliver Cromwell and King Charles II was here. It is also the home of Royal Worcester Porcelain, and has long associations with the composer Sir Edward Elgar.
Our steam train leaves Worcester Shrub Hill in the late afternoon and returns by the same route to Cheltenham Spa where we will pause to pick up passengers who chose to leave there earlier. We head southwards away from Cheltenham, by-pass Gloucester, and then join the Golden Valley route at Standish Junction. We pass through Stroud and climb up through the picturesque Stroud Valley to Sapperton Tunnel where the gradients increase dramatically to 1 in 74 at Chalford. We continue through Kemble and on to Swindon where we join the ex-Great Western Main Line. We call at Didcot, Reading and Staines to set down passengers, before arriving in London Victoria.
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £45 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
The Cumbrian Coast Express
Saturday 23 August 2025
This is a wonderful opportunity for those from the Crewe and Manchester areas to travel by steam train on a journey combining the scenic grandeur of the Cumbrian Fells with the exposed Cumbrian coastline that skirts the western edge of the Lake District. We travel from Carnforth steam hauled around the very scenic Cumbrian Coastal line.
Our train leaves Crewe, diesel hauled, in the morning and calls at Wilmslow, Stockport and Manchester Piccadilly to pick up passengers. We join the West Coast Main Line (WCML) and travel north to Preston, our final stop to pick up passengers.
We pass through Lancaster and along the edge of Morecambe Bay before we arrive at Carnforth, where a locomotive from the pool will take over hauling our train. Leaving Carnforth steam hauled, we take the scenic coastal route around the Cumbrian Coast. We cross the lengthy Kent Viaduct at Arnside with views across the Morecambe Bay. We continue through Grange-over-Sands and follow the curve along the edge of the bay to the Leven Viaduct before heading through Ulveston to Kirkby-in Furness and Millom.
We continue around the Cumbrian Coast through Ravenglass, where you might catch a glimpse of the narrow gauge Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, to Sellafield, where the British Nuclear Fuels plant dominates the landscape. We continue through St Bees and Whitehaven, running very close to the shoreline at times and with the Isle of Man visible on a clear day across the Irish Sea. There are spectacular cliff edge views as we journey northwards from Whitehaven through to Workington, once a centre for the production of iron and steel. We then continue through Maryport to Carlisle.
There will be time available in Carlisle to explore this ancient city with its cathedral and castle, plus an assortment of shops and cafes.
We depart Carlisle in the afternoon and travel via Penrith crossing the Cumbrian Fells as we head for Shap Summit. After Shap we continue through Tebay and the beautiful Lune Gorge as we return to Carnforth via Grayrigg.
Here, we shall say farewell to our gallant steam locomotive and we continue our journey to Crewe, diesel hauled, stopping at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers.
* Premier Dining is not available from Preston.
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £45 per person (subject to availability).
A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
Bob Green
The Royal Duchy
Sunday 31 August 2025
These ever-popular summer day trips by steam train run from Bristol Temple Meads, Yatton and Taunton to Devon & Cornwall. The route includes travelling along the internationally famous sea wall at Dawlish, crossing Brunel’s famous Saltash Bridge into Cornwall, and some of the most varied and exciting scenery in the country. Passengers can choose to spend time in Plymouth or travel on to Par, where buses are provided for visits to Fowey or Charlestown.
Our train leaves Bristol Temple Meads steam hauled by LNER Peppercorn Class A1 No.61063 Tornado in the morning and stops to pick up further passengers at Yatton and Taunton. Almost immediately on departure from Taunton, our steam locomotive will be working hard as it tackles the climb to Whiteball Summit. We stop at Exeter St. David’s station for our locomotive to take on water and for more passengers to join the train. We leave Exeter and follow the Exe Estuary to the seaside. We then travel along the famous sea wall between Dawlish and Teignmouth, an experience not to be missed.
After Newton Abbot, our steam locomotive will demonstrate her real strength as she powers up some of the steepest main line gradients in the country. First there is the difficult climb to the summit at Dainton Tunnel, followed by a dramatic drop down to Totnes, then an equally difficult climb up Rattery Bank before descending to Plymouth. Passengers have the option to alight at Plymouth or remain on the train to Par. There will be over five hours free time to explore the historic maritime city of Plymouth which includes the Hoe, the ancient Barbican and seafront areas, and the National Marine Aquarium.
We leave Plymouth, steam hauled, and cross the river Tamar on Brunel’s masterpiece, the Royal Albert Bridge, to enter Cornwall. Our train continues through the magnificent Cornish countryside to Par, where there will be a break of more than three hours. Buses will take passengers from Par, at no extra charge, to visit either the picturesque seaside town of Fowey or the harbour village of Charlestown. The latter is a working port and home to the Shipwreck, Rescue & Heritage Centre.
Our locomotive will turn and service at St Blazey’s before we embark on our return journey. We leave Par steam hauled by our locomotive late afternoon and stop at Plymouth to pick up those passengers who chose to alight there. Our train then returns to Bristol, stopping to set down passengers at Exeter, Taunton and Yatton enroute.
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and three course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £45 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
Bob Green
The Stratford Flyer
Saturday 6 September 2025
The Stratford Flyer will give passengers from East Anglia a wonderful opportunity to travel from Norfolk to the internationally recognised destination of Stratfordupon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. The train will be steam hauled from Norwich to Stratford on the outward journey and as far as Leicester on the return.
Our journey commences at Norwich early in the morning as we make our way westwards, steam hauled, picking up at Thetford, March and Peterborough. We then head across the country via Stamford and through Oakham, the county town of Rutland, located in the Vale of Catmose. After Melton Mowbray, we head for Leicester and Nuneaton, where we cross the West Coast main line and take the link line to Coleshill. Heading towards Birmingham, we pass the extensive construction works of HS2 for several miles before we reach Landor Street Junction, where we avoid Birmingham by following the steeply graded Camp Hill line to Bordesley Junction.
Joining the Great Western’s main line out of Birmingham Snow Hill, we pass through Tyseley where the Birmingham Railway Museum is located. Leaving the main line to Paddington at Tyseley, we join the scenic North Warwick line, sometimes referred to as the Shakespeare line, and head through Henley in Arden towards Stratford upon Avon. The North Warwick line has a very Great Western feel about its well preserved stations and infrastructure. Descending the 1 in 75 Wilmcote bank, we now reach the present terminus of the line at Stratford-upon-Avon.
Time will be available here for you to make the short walk to the town centre with its many attractions, including the Shakespeare Birthplace museum, the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, the river Avon with its boat trips and many other historic buildings. There is also a wide range of restaurants and pubs, along with many interesting and varied market town shops.
Our return journey will retrace our outward route back to Norwich. Our steam locomotive will haul us as far as Leicester on the return, with a diesel locomotive hauling us back to Norwich to end our full day out on the Stratford Flyer.
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £45 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
Jack Boskett
The Waverley
Sunday 7 September 2025
This summer series of steam hauled trains provides an opportunity for passengers from York, Leeds and the Aire Valley to travel over the spectacular Settle & Carlisle Railway, probably the most famous railway route in Britain. These day trips revive the nostalgic former days of steam when travel by train through magnificent scenery was an experience to savour.
Our steam hauled train leaves York, hauled by a steam locomotive from the Carnforth pool, in the morning and heads for Church Fenton where we take the direct route to Leeds. We stop to pick up more passengers at Leeds, Keighley, and Skipton. There will be a stop at Hellifield for our steam locomotive to take on water before we join the famous Settle & Carlisle Railway at Settle Junction. Here begins one of the most arduous climbs on Britain’s railway network, a total of 15 miles mainly at a gradient of 1 in 100.
Once through Settle station, there are magnificent views across the Fells to the Pennine Three Peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. We cross the breathtaking Ribblehead Viaduct, high above the valley floor, and enter Blea Moor Tunnel. We pass through Dent Dale and the highest open station in England at Dent, travelling through tunnels and crossing valleys on numerous lofty viaducts, as we make the final ascent to Ais Gill Summit (1,169 feet). We travel high above the valley at Mallerstang and then drop down through Kirkby Stephen and Appleby.
We continue to Carlisle and passengers will have about two hours to explore the Border City, possibly visiting the castle, cathedral, Tullie House Museum or the Lanes Shopping Centre.
Our train leaves Carlisle for the return journey late afternoon and climbs almost continuously for just under 50 miles back up to Ais Gill summit. We stop, en route, at Appleby for our steam locomotive to take on water. We continue to stops at Skipton, Keighley, Leeds, and York, to set down passengers.
* Please note this train may not pick up/set down at Leeds due to engineering works. However, a stop/s will be provided at Castleford or Woodlesford as an alternative. Confirmation will be sent to all passengers looking to join/alight in the Leeds area well ahead of this date of this train giving details of the exact arrangements. * Premier dining is not available from Skipton.
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £45 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
The Swanage Belle
Wednesday 10 September 2025
A unique experience awaits those who join this day trip by steam train to Swanage. It uses the re-opened rail link from Wareham to the ‘Heritage’ Swanage Railway, which is available only to specially chartered trains. Swanage is a superb seaside destination where the railway station is situated close to the town centre.
We leave London Victoria station in the morning, hauled by our steam locomotive, and cross the river Thames at Battersea and at Barnes. We pass through Feltham and stop at Staines to pick up more passengers and then re-cross the river Thames. We join the South Western Main Line at Byfleet Junction and stop at Woking to pick up further passengers. At Winchfield, we stop for our steam locomotive to take on water. Our final stop to pick up passengers is at Basingstoke.
We leave the West of England Main Line at Worting Junction and head through Winchester and Southampton to Bournemouth. We pass through Poole, where there are spectacular views of Poole Harbour, and continue to Wareham. We leave the Weymouth Line at Worgret Junction and take the re-opened link to Norden and the Swanage Railway. There are magnificent views of Corfe Castle as we head towards Swanage along this attractive Heritage Railway. There will be around three hours for passengers to explore the pleasant seaside resort of Swanage, with its sandy beach and Victorian pier. Durlston Castle is in Durlston Country Park & Nature Reserve from where there are stupendous views along the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Park contains Anvil Point Lighthouse, the 40-ton stone Great Globe, fascinating artefacts from London, and an amazing diversity of wildlife. The Park is one mile from the town and can be reached by bus from the railway station or by walking via public footpaths.
Our train leaves Swanage for the return journey late afternoon and is diesel hauled to Southampton where our steam locomotive takes over. We then take a different route from the outward journey, via Romsey to the outskirts of Salisbury where we join the West of England Main Line at Laverstock North Junction. We travel up the main line through Andover and then stop at Basingstoke, Woking, and Staines, to set down passengers. The train is due to arrive in London Victoria late evening.
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £45 per person (subject to availability).
A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
Chris Ainscough
The West Somerset Steam Express
Saturday 13 September 2025
Join us on board the West Somerset Steam Express from London Paddington to Minehead. We will be steam hauled from London Paddington to Minehead and back. This provides a truly fascinating day out travelling through beautiful scenery to the Bristol Channel coast.
We leave London Paddington in the morning, steam hauled, and stop at Slough and Reading to pick up more passengers. At Reading we join the Berks and Hants line which runs through picturesque rural countryside. We pass the celebrated Newbury Racecourse before making our final stop for passengers at Newbury station.
We continue westwards, travelling beside the tranquil Kennet & Avon Canal, and climbing steadily to Savernake Summit. We pass through the Vale of Pewsey, with views of one of the famous Wiltshire White Horses as we approach Westbury and continue through undulating agricultural countryside to Taunton.
Soon after leaving Taunton, we arrive at Norton Fitzwarren, where we transfer to the West Somerset Railway (WSR), the longest Heritage Railway in the country. We continue to Bishops Lydeard, where we continue the remainder of our journey to Minehead. We run along the edge of the Quantock Hills between Bishops Lydeard and Watchet where it meets the coast. The line then turns inland to Washford and returns to the coast at Blue Anchor, passing near to Dunster with its magnificent castle, and terminating at Minehead.
On arrival at Minehead, there will be about two hours to explore this delightful Bristol Channel seaside resort, where the railway station is close to the beach. Our steam locomotive will haul our train from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard, where we join the main line for the return journey to London Paddington. The train will stop at Newbury, Reading and Slough to set down passengers.
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £45 per person (subject to availability).
A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
Bob Green
The Cumbrian Coast Express
Saturday 20 September 2025
Our journey will combine the scenic grandeur of the Cumbrian Fells with the exposed Cumbrian coastline that skirts the western edge of the Lake District. We have a high-speed journey down the West Coast Main Line to Carlisle, hauled by a blue Class 86 electric locomotive. We then enjoy a steam tour from Carlisle back to Carnforth via the Cumbria Coast. We return from Carnforth to London behind our blue electric locomotive.
We leave London Euston in the morning with electric traction, and speed north along the West Coast Main Line (WCML). We stop to pick up passengers at Watford Junction, Milton Keynes, Rugby (where passengers from Northampton join by service train), Nuneaton and Crewe. We continue north along the WCML to Preston, our final stop to pick up passengers.
We pass through Lancaster and along the edge of Morecambe Bay before we arrive at Carnforth. Leaving Carnforth, we pass the Brief Encounter café and commence the long climb up to Grayrigg. We then travel through the beautiful Lune Gorge to Tebay, before the notoriously steep ascent to Shap. After crossing the Cumbrian Fells we descend to Penrith, and then head for Carlisle. There will be time available in Carlisle to explore this ancient city with its cathedral and castle, plus an assortment of shops and cafes.
We leave Carlisle steam hauled and our return journey to Carnforth takes the scenic coastal route around the Cumbrian Coast. After Maryport, we run along the shoreline through to the industrialised district of Workington, once a centre for the production of iron and steel. There are spectacular cliff edge views as we journey southwards from Workington through to Whitehaven, with the Isle of Man visible on a clear day across the Irish Sea. We run very close to the shoreline for several miles prior to St Bees, famous for its priory and school. We pass Sellafield, where the Great British Nuclear plan t dominates the landscape. At Ravenglass, we might catch a glimpse of the narrow gauge Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway which is normally steam operated.
At Millom, we head inland and follow the sweeping estuary through Foxfield and Kirkby in Furness. After Ulverston, we cross Leven Viaduct and curve along the edge of the bay through to Grange-over-Sands. There are more views across Morecambe Bay as we cross the lengthy Kent Viaduct at Arnside and approach Carnforth. Here, we shall say farewell to our gallant steam locomotive and our blue Class 86 electric locomotive will take over for a fast run to London Euston. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down our passengers.
* Passengers from Northampton will travel to and from Rugby by service train to join our train.
Timings
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £45 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
Bob Green
The Worcester Steam Express
Saturday 20 September 2025
The Worcester Steam Express provides a rare opportunity for passengers from Liverpool, Runcorn and Crewe to visit Worcester by steam hauled train. The journey will include steam haulage on the West Coast Main Line as well as some interesting lines through the West Midlands to Worcester. We will be hauled by a locomotive from the Carnforth pool.
Our steam hauled train departs from Liverpool Lime Street and travels via Edge Hill and Liverpool South Parkway before crossing the Mersey at Runcorn Gap over the Runcorn Railway Bridge, otherwise known as Ethelfleda Bridge or Britannia Bridge. We stop at Runcorn to pick up further passengers before continuing our journey. We join the West Coast Main Line at Weaver Junction and continue through Winsford to Crewe, where we make our final stop for boarding passengers.
We continue to Stafford before leaving the West Coast Main Line at Rugeley North Junction and head across the steeply graded and scenic Cannock Chase line to Walsall. We now head for Bescot Stadium and turn away from the Birmingham line at Perry Barr North Junction to follow the Handsworth Loop Line to Soho. We then join the Jewellery Line and head through Rowley Regis to Stourbridge Junction. From here we continue, pausing at Kidderminster to allow passengers to disembark here who wish to visit the adjacent Severn Valley Railway. We then continue our journey through Droitwich Spa to Worcester Shrub Hill, our destination for the day.
There will be time available to explore this fine city. The river Severn runs through the city and is overlooked by the historic 12th century Worcester Cathedral. The site of the final battle of the Civil War between Oliver Cromwell and King Charles II was here. It is also the home of Royal Worcester Porcelain, and has long associations with the composer Sir Edward Elgar.
After our steam locomotive has been serviced, we depart Worcester in the afternoon and head for Kidderminster to pick up any passengers who opted to visit the Severn Valley Railway for the afternoon. We then return via the same route as outward to Liverpool Lime Street, setting down passengers as on our outward journey.
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £45 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
Jack Boskett
The Railway 200 Special
Saturday 27 September 2025
As part of the Railway 200 celebrations in 2025, we will mark this historical milestone in the railway history of this country with our special train that will travel over part of the original route from Shildon, and Stockton to Darlington. This 26-mile journey on the S&DR between Shildon and Stockton via Darlington on 27 September 1825 transformed how the world traded, travelled, and communicated.
Our special train commences at Carnforth on Morecambe Bay and we make our way eastwards diesel hauled via Hellifield to Skipton, where we will call to pick up passengers. Further pick up points will be at Keighley and Leeds before we arrive at York. Here, we will attach our steam locomotive for the onward northbound journey along the East Coast Main Line (ECML) to Darlington.
From Darlington, we will branch off the ECML and run along the historic Bishop Auckland ‘Tees Valley’ line, calling at Shildon, the world’s first railway town. Passengers will have the opportunity to visit Locomotion, the sister museum of the National Railway Museum. It houses the largest undercover collection of historic railway vehicles in Europe, including Robert Stephenson’s Locomotion No.1 and Timothy Hackworth’s Sans Pareil.
We continue along the branch line to Bishop Auckland to the present limit of the national network. Here we will take the special link line to join the 18 mile long Weardale Railway at Bishops Auckland West station for a run as far as Stanhope, where we will have a short break to service the locomotive and an opportunity to visit the station. Our return journey along the Weardale line will be diesel hauled back to Bishops Auckland and onwards to Darlington, calling at Shildon to pick up passengers who chose to alight there earlier. At Darlington, we will reverse our direction of travel and run steam hauled once again northwards along the ECML through Durham to Newcastle.
At Newcastle, we will turn the train via the Tyne bridges loop and head southwards once again, passing through Durham before we reach Ferryhill Junction. Here we will leave the ECML and head along the freight line towards Stockton. We will rejoin the route of the historic Stockton & Darlington line as far as Eaglescliffe, where we continue southwards via Yarm to Northallerton. It is then a swift run southwards along the ECML back to York, where our steam locomotive will leave the train.
Our return journey to Leeds and stations to Carnforth will be diesel hauled, concluding our celebratory commemoration of Railway 200.
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £45 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
The Royal Duchy
Sunday 28 September 2025
These ever-popular summer day trips by steam train run from Bristol Temple Meads, Yatton and Taunton to Devon & Cornwall. The route includes travelling along the internationally famous sea wall at Dawlish, crossing Brunel’s famous Saltash Bridge into Cornwall, and some of the most varied and exciting scenery in the country. Passengers can choose to spend time in Plymouth or travel on to Par, where buses are provided for visits to Fowey or Charlestown.
Our train leaves Bristol Temple Meads steam hauled in the morning and stops to pick up further passengers at Yatton and Taunton. Almost immediately on departure from Taunton, our steam locomotive will be working hard as it tackles the climb to Whiteball Summit. We stop at Exeter St. David’s station for our locomotive to take on water and for more passengers to join the train. We leave Exeter and follow the Exe Estuary to the seaside. We then travel along the famous sea wall between Dawlish and Teignmouth, an experience not to be missed.
After Newton Abbot, our steam locomotive will demonstrate her real strength as she powers up some of the steepest main line gradients in the country. First there is the difficult climb to the summit at Dainton Tunnel, followed by a dramatic drop down to Totnes, then an equally difficult climb up Rattery Bank before descending to Plymouth. Passengers have the option to alight at Plymouth or remain on the train to Par. There will be over five hours free time to explore the historic maritime city of Plymouth w ich includes the Hoe, the ancient Barbican and seafront areas, and the National Marine Aquarium.
We leave Plymouth, steam hauled, and cross the river Tamar on Brunel’s masterpiece, the Royal Albert Bridge, to enter Cornwall. Our train continues through the magnificent Cornish countryside to Par, where there will be a break of more than three hours. Buses will take passengers from Par, at no extra charge, to visit either the picturesque seaside town of Fowey or the harbour village of Charlestown. The latter is a working port and home to the Shipwreck, Rescue & Heritage Centre.
Our locomotive will turn and service at St Blazey’s before we embark on our return journey. We leave Par steam hauled by our locomotive late afternoon and stop at Plymouth to pick up those passengers who chose to alight there. Our train then returns to Bristol, stopping to set down passengers at Exeter, Taunton and Yatton enroute.
Approximate Timings Outward Return
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and three course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £45 per person (subject to availability).
A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
Bob Green
The Railway 200 Special
Saturday 4 October 2025
As part of the Railway 200 celebrations in 2025, we will mark this historical milestone in the railway history of this country with our special train that will travel over part of the original route from Shildon, and Stockton to Darlington. This 26-mile journey on the S&DR between Shildon and Stockton via Darlington on 27 September 1825 transformed how the world traded, travelled, and communicated.
Our special train commences at London King’s Cross in the morning and we make our way northwards along the East Coast Main Line (ECML) towards York, picking up passengers at Potters Bar, Stevenage and Peterborough. We will be electrically hauled by the celebrity blue liveried Class 86 locomotive ‘Les Ross’ from London to York. Here, we will attach our steam locomotive for the onward northbound journey along the East Coast Main Line to Darlington.
From Darlington, we will branch off the ECML and run along the historic Bishop Auckland ‘Tees Valley’ line, calling at Shildon, the world’s first railway town. Passengers will have the opportunity to visit Locomotion, the sister museum of the National Railway Museum. It houses the largest undercover collection of historic railway vehicles in Europe, including Robert Stephenson’s Locomotion No.1 and Timothy Hackworth’s Sans Pareil.
We continue along the branch line to Bishop Auckland to the present limit of the national network. Here we will take the special link line to join the 18 mile long Weardale Railway at Bishops Auckland West station for a run as far as Stanhope, where we will have a short break to service the locomotive and an opportunity to visit the station. Our return journey along the Weardale line will be diesel hauled back to Bishops Auckland and onwards to Darlington, calling at Shildon to pick up passengers who chose to alight there earlier. At Darlington, we will reverse our direction of travel and run steam hauled once again northwards along the ECML through Durham to Newcastle.
At Newcastle, we will turn the train via the Tyne bridges loop and head southwards once again, passing through Durham before we reach Ferryhill Junction. Here we will leave the ECML and head along the freight line towards Stockton. We will rejoin the route of the historic Stockton & Darlington line as far as Eaglescliffe, where we continue southwards via Yarm to Northallerton. It is then a swift run southwards along the ECML back to York, where our steam locomotive will leave the train.
Our return journey back to London will be with our blue electric once again, setting down at our earlier calling points, concluding our special commemoration of Railway 200.
Timings Outward Return
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £45 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
Bob Green
The Cumbrian Mountain Express
Saturday 11 October 2025
The Cumbrian Mountain Express provides a wonderful opportunity to get out and about with the added bonus of steam haulage over the Northern Fells, including the spectacular Settle & Carlisle Railway. We have a high speed journey down the West Coast Main Line to Carnforth, hauled by a blue class 86 electric locomotive. We then enjoy a circular steam tour outwards via Shap to Carlisle and back via the Settle and Carlisle line.
We leave London Euston in the morning with electric traction, and speed north along the West Coast Main Line (WCML). We stop to pick up passengers at Watford Junction, Milton Keynes, Rugby (where passengers from Northampton join by service train), Nuneaton and Crewe. We continue north along the WCML to Preston, our final stop to pick up passengers.
We continue through Lancaster to Carnforth, where we change motive power to a steam locomotive from the Carnforth pool. Leaving Carnforth, our steam locomotive will be working hard when we climb the first severe gradient up to Grayrigg. We then travel through the beautiful Lune Gorge to Tebay, gaining speed for the ascent to Shap. This well-known section of the WCML has a gradient of 1 in 75 and, in the former days of steam locomotives, banking engines from Tebay were often used to assist trains. After crossing the Cumbrian Fells we descend to Penrith, and then head for Carlisle. There will be around two hours in Carlisle, providing time to explore this ancient ‘Border’ city with its castle, cathedral, Tullie House Museum, and shopping centre.
We leave Carlisle and join the Settle & Carlisle Railway, one of the most well known and best loved stretches of railway line in Britain. We soon begin climbing, and then at Appleby, we stop for our steam locomotive to take on water. The climbing continues through scenic Kirkby Stephen towards the highest railway summit in England at Ais Gill, 1169 feet above sea level. We pass over tall viaducts, including the famous one at Ribblehead, and through tunnels. There are magnificent views across the Fells and to the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. We should have a fast run out of the hills, through Settle, until we stop again for our locomotive to take on water.
Our journey continues through Hellifield and Clitheroe to Preston where we say goodbye to our steam locomotive. We pass though Wigan and Warrington en route to Crewe hauled by our blue class 86 electric locomotive with a fast run to London expected. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers.
* Passengers from Northampton will travel to and from Rugby by service train to join our train.
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £45 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
Bob Green
The Peak Forester
Sunday 19 October 2025
Join us on this very special train from London to Matlock in the beautiful Peak District of Derbyshire. There we shall travel over ‘Peak Rail’ the Heritage Railway line between Matlock and Rowsley. There is also an option to alight at Duffield to travel on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. Our train will be steam hauled throughout. The journey includes fast running stretches of high profile main lines as well as highly scenic secondary routes.
We leave London King’s Cross at around 09:00 and we can expect some fast running as we head north along the East Coast Main Line. We stop at Potters Bar, Stevenage and Peterborough for further passengers and then take the former Syston and Peterborough Railway line that links the ECML to the Midland Main Line. We pass through Stamford and Oakham, the county town of Rutland. When this line was built, between Oakham and Melton Mowbray, it had to make a significant detour because of opposition from the then owner of nearby Stapleford Park.
We join the Midland Main Line at Syston Junction and head northwards through Loughborough and Trent Junction to Derby. The train will make a brief stop at Duffield, where passengers can alight for optional travel on the nearby Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. We then take the Derwent Valley Line to Ambergate Junction and along the Matlock Branch. This was formerly the Midland Main Line to Manchester Central which closed as a through route in 1968. We are now in the Peak District and we travel up the picturesque valley of the River Derwent, passing through Cromford and Matlock Bath to Matlock.
At Matlock passengers have the option of alighting from the train or continuing with our train along the Heritage Railway ‘Peak Rail’ through Darley Dale to Rowsley.
Our train leaves Rowsley late in the afternoon and stops at Matlock to pick up those passengers who have been visiting the town and Duffield for passengers who went on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. We return via Derby, Trent Junction and Melton Mowbray to Peterborough, Stevenage and Potters Bar where we stop to set down passengers. Our journey ends at London King’s Cross after an interesting and enjoyable day out.
There are three classes available: Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £45 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
Bob Green
The Varsity Explorer
Saturday 25 October 2025
Join us on this unusual tour from Slough to Chester featuring the newly reopened section of The East-West line from Bicester to Bletchley. The added attraction is for the journey to be steam hauled by a restored main line approved steam locomotive that will see a steam train return to this section of line for the first time since 1967.
Our journey starts at Slough on the Great Western Railway main line which has good connections from London Paddington. We will make our way along Brunel’s historic London to Bristol route through the Thames Valley, crossing the Thames at Maidenhead on the famous arched bridge. We will call at Reading to pick up passengers before continuing through Pangbourne towards Didcot, where we leave the main line to Bristol and head northwards via Radley towards Oxford. It is at Oxford North Junction where we leave the Banbury line and join the reinstated Oxford to Bicester line, pausing at Oxford Parkway to pick up further passengers.
We now follow the ‘Varsity Line’, originally opened as a through route to serve the University cities of Oxford and Cambridge but was closed in 1967 to passenger services. The aim is to reopen the entire route from Oxford to Cambridge in stages as the East West Rail project. The section from Bedford to Bletchley will also see a major upgrade, with Cambridge the ultimate goal some years ahead. The section to Bicester reopened in 2016 and a new station was built at Bicester Village, where we will call today to pick up passengers for our steam hauled journey to Chester. We will now traverse the newly opened section from Bicester to Bletchley and pass through its new station midway at Winslow. At Bletchley, our train will use the impressive reconstructed box section Bletchley Flyover that crosses over the West Coast Main Line to gain access to a new station at Bletchley High Level.
Our day is not over yet as we now make a fast run down the WCML towards Milton Keynes, where we will call to pick up passengers. A final stop to pick up passengers is made at Rugby before we continue our fast running along the Trent Valley towards Stafford and Crewe. Water will be taken at Crewe before we head westwards towards Chester, our destination for today. There will be time to explore the Roman city of Chester, one of the most visited places in the UK. Chester lies on the river Dee, close to the border with Wales, and is one of the best preserved walled cities in Britain. The city contains a number of medieval buildings and is famous for its 14th Century ‘Rows’, the first-floor level galleried walkways connecting shops and cafes. Our special train, leaves Chester diesel hauled late afternoon for the return journey via the new Bletchley to Bicester line to Slough. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers.
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £45 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
Jack Boskett
The Chiltern Explorer
Saturday 1 November 2025
Join us on this unusual tour from Manchester to Oxford and Reading, featuring the newly reopened section of The East-West line from Bletchley to Bicester. The added attraction is for the journey to be steam hauled by a restored main line approved steam locomotive that will see a steam train return to this section of line for the first time since 1967.
Combine a picturesque route with steam haulage by an historic main line restored locomotive, along with the opportunity to travel over a newly reopened railway, all from the comfort of your privately operated nostalgic charter train.
Leaving Manchester around 07:25 we make our way towards Crewe, picking up further passengers at Stockport and Wilmslow en route. After the Crewe pick up, we will head at speed along the West Coast Main Line to Nuneaton, where we pause to pick up passengers. We pick up again at Rugby and Milton Keynes before we leave the WCML at Bletchley and cross the main line on the newly reconstructed Bletchley Flyover, a major engineering feat that utilises a box section flyover. We now join the newly reopened East-West Rail line section to Bicester Village.
We now follow the ‘Varsity Line’, originally opened as a through route to serve the University cities of Oxford and Cambridge, but was closed in 1967 to passenger services. The section from Oxford to Bicester reopened in 2016 and a new station was built at Bicester Village. The aim is to reopen the entire route from Oxford to Cambridge in stages as the East West Rail project. The section from Bedford to Bletchley will also see a major upgrade, with Cambridge the ultimate goal for completion some years ahead. Continuing westwards from Bletchley steam hauled, we will pass through the newly constructed station at Winslow before reaching Bicester Village. We continue along the Varsity route towards Oxford Parkway, whereafter we join the main line from Banbury and head southwards for Oxford. We will call at Oxford to set down passengers wishing to spend the day in the historic and cultural City of Dreaming Spires.
Our steam hauled train continues towards Didcot where we then follow the Thames Valley through to Reading. Here you can visit the Reading Museum which houses the world famous full size Bayeux Tapestry, the Musuem of English Rural Life or Reading Abbey and park.
Our return journey, diesel hauled, will retrace our outward steps back to Bletchley over the Varsity Line and northwards to Manchester, setting down at our earlier calling points.
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £45 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
Jack Boskett
The Armistice Steam Express
Tuesday 11 November 2025
Can you imagine a more fitting way to commemorate Armistice Day than aboard a special steam hauled train travelling through the “Garden of England” between London and Sheerness-on-Sea. Sit back, relax and watch the Kent countryside go past your window as our steam locomotive is put through its paces hauling our train. We also remember the start of the armistice for the end of fighting at the 11th hour on the 11th November 1918.
Our steam hauled train leaves London Victoria mid-morning and travels via Bromley South where we pause to pick up passengers. We will then continue via the South Eastern & Chatham main line through Sevenoaks to Tonbridge. We follow the Ashford line eastwards as far as Paddock Wood, where we will leave the main line and join the Medway Valley line to Maidstone West and Strood. This attractive line follows the river Medway all the way to Maidstone and onwards to Rochester and Strood. It is also a route that does not see steam hauled trains all that frequently.
At Strood, we will reverse our direction of travel and run diesel hauled past Rochester Castle and Cathedral as we follow the North Kent line through Chatham, famed for its historic dockyards. On the approach to Sittingbourne, we will leave the main line at Western Junction and join the Sheerness Branch. We cross the river Swale and run across the Isle of Sheppey to the end of the line at Sheerness-on-Sea, where we take a short break. Apart from the town’s seaside connections, it was an important Royal Navy dockyard until its closure in 1960. The Port of Sheerness is still a significant importer of cars, plus fruit and vegetables.
We return to the mainline junction at Sittingbourne steam hauled now and make our way to Faversham where we will join the Canterbury East line. From Canterbury East, it is a long climb to Shepherds Well summit before we descend steeply towards Dover, a very busy cross channel ferry port.
We pass beneath the White Cliffs of Dover, and Shakespeare Cliff marks the point where Great Britain is closest to continental Europe. Deep below the line is the route of the Channel Tunnel, 50km in length and opened in 1994. Dover was also the scene of the arriving troops in 1940 during Operation Dynamo, when 338,226 were evacuated from Dunkirk. After Folkestone, where the surrounding area is dominated by the Channel Tunnel Shuttle Terminal, we head inland to Ashford, where we will follow the line to Maidstone East, passing over our earlier route taken through Maidstone West. After Swanley we retrace our previous route back through Bromley South to Victoria, after a very poignant but enjoyable and memorable day.
Approximate Timings Outward Return
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £45 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
Bob Green
The Christmas White Rose
Saturday 15 November 2025
Join us for an exhilarating main line steam run from London’s King’s Cross to the historic city of York. The Christmas Market will be open, with plenty to see and experience. York is world famous for its variety of visitor attractions and home to the National Railway Museum.
We leave London King’s Cross in the morning hauled by our steam locomotive and follow the East Coast Main Line route of famous express trains like the Flying Scotsman. We storm up the gradient through Gasworks Tunnel and Finsbury Park, and northwards, calling at Stevenage, Huntingdon and Peterborough to pick up more passengers.
Our steam locomotive then tackles the 15-mile climb up the famous Stoke Bank. Here on 3rd July 1938, “Mallard”, an A4 class ‘Pacific’, achieved a world record speed of 126 mph when travelling in the opposite direction. Once over the summit we should have a good, fast run down the 20-mile descent to Trent Valley and on through Grantham, Newark and Retford. We steam through Doncaster and continue northwards to our mid-day stop in York.
There will be plenty of time for passengers to enjoy the city and all it has to offer on the run up to Christmas, with the festive market being the focal point. York has some major tourist attractions including the National Railway Museum, the largest museum of its type in Britain; the Shambles; the splendid Gothic York Minster, one of the largest of its kind in northern Europe; and the city walls. There are a number of other interesting museums, quaint alleyways, and a good variety of shops.
Our train leaves York late in the afternoon, and we will retrace our outward steps along the East Coast Main Line steam hauled. We say goodbye to our steam locomotive at Peterborough and continue diesel hauled, stopping to set down passengers at the same stations as on the northbound journey, arriving at King’s Cross in the evening.
Look out for Father Christmas and his Elves who will be visiting the train during the day and handing out presents to all the children on board. If you have children with you on the trip, please let us know your child’s name and age when booking.
Approximate Timings Outward Return London King’s Cross 07:20
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £45 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
Bob Green
The Christmas Sussex Belle
Wednesday 19 November 2025
Join us on a special train to celebrate the Festive Season in style. Our train travels from London Victoria to the Sussex coast, crossing the North and South Downs and passing through the beautiful countryside of the Weald. It will be steam hauled by Merchant Navy Class No.35028 Clan Line. This is a wonderful way to enjoy a leisurely lunch whilst appreciating the scenic views from your carriage window.
Our day out begins when our train leaves London Victoria station at around 10:50, hauled by our steam locomotive. We journey south along the main line towards Brighton passing through East Croydon, Redhill, Gatwick Airport, Three Bridges and Haywards Heath. The route crosses the Weald, an ancient area of woodland scattered with farms and villages. We leave the Brighton line at Keymer Junction, just after Wivelsfield, and head south-eastwards through Cooksbridge to Lewes, the county town of East Sussex with its Norman castle set on the hill. Here we join the East Coastway Line that runs from Brighton to Eastbourne, Hastings and Ashford. We pass through the South Downs, an area characterised by rolling chalk downland and recognised as one of the most important chalk landscapes in England.
We head to Eastbourne where our steam locomotive will be serviced and there will be time to visit this popular South Coast seaside town on the lead up to Christmas. The seafront consists almost entirely of Victorian hotels, which along with its pier and bandstand, give it a timeless appeal. The town is situated immediately east of Beachy Head, the highest chalk sea cliff in Great Britain and an area of outstanding natural beauty.
We leave Eastbourne, diesel-hauled and head along the Sussex Coast through Normans Bay, Cooden Beach, and Bexhill to Hastings. Hastings can claim fame through its connection with the Norman Conquest of England, and also because it became one of the medieval Cinque Ports. The town is sometimes referred to as the birthplace of television since the pioneer of television, John Logie Baird, lived there.
Our train reverses direction of travel at Hastings and leaves with the steam locomotive in charge. We continue our journey heading north through Crowhurst and Battle, and then passing through Mountfield Tunnel. Robertsbridge station was formerly a junction station with the Colonel Stephens’ famous old Kent and East Sussex Light Railway. We pass through Royal Tunbridge Wells, a spa town situated on the northern edge of the High Weald. At Sevenoaks, we take the line through Bat and Ball station, which was named after a local inn that no longer exists. We join the line from Ashford at Otford, and the Chatham Main Line at Swanley. Our tour ends when we arrive back at London Victoria at around 17:40.
Timings Outward Return
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes Buck’s Fizz, morning tea or coffee and Danish pastries and a four course lunch silver served at your seat.
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £45 per person (subject to availability).
A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
Paul Blowfield
The Edinburgh Christmas Market
Saturday 22 November 2025
This special steam hauled train using a Carnforth pool locomotive will run at speed both ways from York to Edinburgh and return. There will be time in Edinburgh to visit the sights, including the extensive Christmas Market located in Princes Street Gardens, before we return south.
Our steam hauled journey will commence at the historic city of York, with its long association with railways, including the location of the National Railway Museum. Heading north away from York, we will travel down the East Coast main line through to Northallerton, where our steam locomotive will build up speed to its maximum on the straight alignment of the tracks. We will pause at Durham momentarily to pick up further passengers, before heading towards Tyneside and over the river Tyne to Newcastle, our final pick up point.
Leaving Newcastle, we head northwards and pass through Morpeth, with our speed running at the maximum along this former LNER racetrack, the preserve of the A4 Pacifics up to their withdrawal in the mid-1960s. With coastal views and quaint villages along the way, we make our way through Northumberland, with views of Bamburgh Castle and Lindisfarne Island simmering in the distance. Continuing towards Berwick on Tweed, we cross the spectacular 28-arch Royal Border Bridge, designed by Robert Stephenson. Just after Berwick, we cross the border and enter Scotland. Our locomotive will now be getting steam up ready for the long climb up to Grantshouse, a stiff climb at gradients of 1 in 190/200 and a test of the stamina of locomotives heading towards Edinburgh.
We pass through the Scottish Borders, with more coastal views along the way before we reach Edinburgh, the Capital of Scotland. Time will be available here for passengers to visit the city and its Christmas market, located in Princes Street Gardens, whilst our locomotive is serviced for the return journey back to York. Apart from its many shops and restaurants along Princes Street, there are many sights to see and visit, including the Palace of Holyrood, the Castle on the Royal Mile, Galleries and Museums and Princes Street Gardens.
We will return south with our steam locomotive and follow our outward route. Highlight of the journey back to Newcastle will be the southbound climb to Grantshouse, graded at 1 in 96 for over four miles. In no time at all, we will be back at Newcastle to set down passengers, followed by Durham and finally York.
Look out for Father Christmas and his Elves who will be visiting the train during the day and handing out presents to all children on board. If you have children with you on the trip, please let us know your child’s name and age when booking.
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £45 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
Dave Collier
The Christmas Cheshireman
Saturday 22 November 2025
Join us on this interesting trip by vintage steam train to the historic city of Chester, an unusual destination from Bristol.
We travel via the Severn Tunnel, the South Wales Main Line, the scenic Welsh Marches route and the Shrewsbury to Chester line. There will be over three hours to explore Chester.
We leave Bristol Temple Meads steam hauled by our locomotive, which will be working hard as we climb to Filton Abbey Wood, where we stop to pick up more passengers. We then head westwards along the South Wales Main Line, passing through the Severn Tunnel into Wales, and continuing to the outskirts of Newport. Here we turn northwards, crossing the river Usk, and join the Welsh Marches route.
We stop at Cwmbran and Abergavenny for more passengers to join the train before we begin the challenging climb of the Llanvihangel bank. Our steam locomotive will be in full cry all the way to the summit! We pass many sites where there were once railway stations along this route and the longest section without a station today is between Abergavenny and Hereford, where we stop for our steam locomotive to take on water. There is some truly beautiful scenery as we travel through Herefordshire and into Shropshire, passing towns such as Leominster, Ludlow, Craven Arms and Church Stretton.
We continue to Shrewsbury, where the ‘listed’ Severn Bridge Junction Signal Box is the largest remaining mechanical signal box in the world. We take the Chester Line from Shrewsbury and stop at Chirk for our steam locomotive to take on water.
We pass through Ruabon and Wrexham before arriving at our destination, the beautiful Roman City of Chester. There will be over three hours to explore the walled city that contains a number of medieval buildings and is famous for its 14th Century ‘Rows’, the first floor level galleried walkways connecting shops and cafes. Other places of interest include the Castle, the Cathedral, and the picturesque racecourse, located between the city walls and the river Dee.
Whilst we have been exploring the city, our steam locomotive will have been serviced and turned at Chester ready for the return journey. Our train leaves Chester late afternoon returning by the same route and stopping at the same stations as on the outward journey, to set down passengers.
Look out for Father Christmas and his Elves who will be visiting the train during the day and handing out presents to all children on board. If you have children with you on the trip, please let us know your child’s name and age when booking.
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £45 per person (subject to availability).
A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
Bob Green
The York Yuletide Express
Thursday 27 November 2025
Why not join us for a classic day out by steam train that combines exciting main line running, varied landscape, and the special atmosphere of York at Christmas time. The York Yuletide Express will be steam hauled from Norwich to York by a locomotive from the Carnforth pool. York is the second most visited city in England with varied attractions to suit all tastes. It is well known for its Roman origins, Minster, Castle and Railway Museum.
Our day out begins at around 07:00 when we leave Norwich Station, steam hauled by our locomotive, and cross the Trowse swing bridge over the River Wensum. We stop to pick up more passengers at Thetford. Approaching Ely we take the avoiding line which curves very sharply round onto the Peterborough line. We stop at March for further passengers, before continuing to Peterborough, our final pick up point.
We head northwards on the East Coast Main Line from Peterborough and commence the climb to Stoke Summit. This was the location of the famous record breaking run by “Mallard”, an A4 class ‘Pacific’, when it achieved a staggering 126 mph on the 3rd July 1938 when travelling in the opposite direction. We pass through Grantham, Newark and Retford with our steam locomotive cruising along at speeds just a little less than “Mallard’s”!
We stop at Babworth Loop for our steam locomotive to take on water and then make a fast run along the ECML to York.
Passengers will have plenty of time in York to enjoy the city and all it has to offer on the lead up to Christmas. It has a number of major tourist attractions including the National Railway Museum, claimed to be one of the largest railway museums in the world. It also boasts many shops, quaint alleyways, a Castle, and the splendid Gothic cathedral York Minster, one of the largest of its kind in Northern Europe.
We leave York at around 16:35 for the return journey steam hauled, stopping at Peterborough, where a diesel locomotive will take over as we continue on to March, Thetford and Norwich to set down passengers.
The York Yuletide Express promises to provide a memorable day out behind classic traction over a classic and popular route.
Approximate Timings Outward Return
York 12:50 16:35
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £45 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
Bob Green
The Bath and Bristol Christmas Express
Saturday 29 November 2025
Join us on this seasonal train that will leave London Paddington early on Saturday morning for the scenic journey to Bath and Bristol. There will be over four hours to explore Bath and visit the famous Christmas Market or travel on to Bristol. The Christmas lights will be on, the market will be in full swing, the city will be alive with the sound of Christmas music, and in a truly festive mood.
We depart from London Paddington steam hauled and make our way out of the Capital along the Great Western Railway main line. We pick up at Slough and then make our way to Reading where we pick up further passengers.
Following the Berks & Hants line, we follow the valley of the river Kennet through to Newbury, our final pick up station, where we pass the Racecourse. At Hungerford, we leave the Kennet behind and follow the Kennet & Avon canal through the Savernake Forest. The gradient steepens for the long climb to Savernake Summit before we enter the attractive Vale of Pewsey and head for Westbury.
Taking the Avon Valley, we encounter pretty Cotswold stone villages as we pass through Trowbridge and Bradford on Avon. The Dundas Canal Aqueduct spans the Kennet and Avon canal as we head for the city of Bath.
The afternoon is free to explore the Georgian city and visit the distinctively ‘British’ Bath Christmas Market which has over 170 traditional wooden chalets selling seasonal products and gifts. The Abbey, Roman Baths, and Pump Room with its restaurant, all surround the Market site and are central to the main shopping area. However, don’t miss Milsom Street, voted ‘Britain’s Best Fashion Street’, and if you wish to see the sights at leisure, hop on a ‘City Sightseeing Tours’ bus.
Meanwhile our train continues to Bristol, another fascinating destination for those who wish to explore this fine city instead. It has several world class attractions including Britain’s most acclaimed historic ship, the S.S. ‘Great Britain’, Brunel’s iconic Clifton suspension bridge and historic harbour-side. The city is a Christmas shopper’s haven.
Late afternoon your steam hauled train will depart Bristol before stopping at Bath to collect passengers who opted to spend the day there. We return to London Paddington and will call at our earlier pick up station to set down, concluding what promises to be a most memorable day.
Look out for Father Christmas and his Elves who will be visiting the train during the day and handing out presents to all the children on board. If you have children with you on the trip, please let us know your child’s name and age when booking.
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £45 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
Bob Green
The Capital Christmas Express
Saturday 29 November 2025
Can you imagine a better way to travel from Newcastle to London. This charter train takes you to the capital where you can enjoy the myriad of attractions on offer – and do some Christmas shopping too! The train will be hauled by a steam locomotive from the Carnforth pool.
Our day out begins with a departure from Newcastle at around 07:25. Travelling south steam hauled from Newcastle we first cross the King Edward VII bridge over the River Tyne. We continue on the East Coast Main Line, where we will see unforgettable views of Durham on your left-hand side, a World Heritage Site with an ancient castle and Norman cathedral, offering magical views from the railway viaduct spanning the city.
We then continue our journey to York, where we pick up more passengers from York, which is home to the National Railway Museum, ancient Roman city walls, the Shambles, and the gorgeous pure white Minster dating back to 1220.
Upon leaving York we head through the beautiful countryside of Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire as we pass through the towns of Peterborough and Stevenage, before heading to London King’s Cross, our final destination.
There will be over five hours in London and, with just a few weeks to go before Christmas, the capital will be in true festive mood. High on the list of places to visit may be Trafalgar Square, to see the highly decorated Christmas tree; or perhaps Hamley’s famous toy shop; Madame Tussauds; the Tower of London; Covent Garden; the London Eye; or the Oxford Street stores for Christmas shopping. There will be something of interest for everyone that will make the ‘Capital Christmas Express’ visit a very enjoyable experience and a memorable occasion.
Our train leaves King’s Cross Station at around 17:45 after an enjoyable day in Britain’s capital city and some early festive spirit. For our return journey we will be hauled by a blue Class 86 electric locomotive, for a high speed return journey to Newcastle. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey, to set down passengers.
Look out for Father Christmas and his Elves who will be visiting the train during the day and handing out presents to all children on board. If you have children with you on the trip, please let us know your child’s name and age when booking.
Approximate Timings
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £45 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
Bob Green
The Sherborne Christmas Carol
Wednesday 3 December 2025
We return for our annual visit to either the picturesque market town of Sherborne in Dorset at Christmas time, or the Yeovil Railway Centre. This special train will be steam hauled by Merchant Navy Class Clan Line No.35028 It starts from London Victoria Station and picks up more passengers at Staines, Woking and Basingstoke. Take a break prior to Christmas and treat yourself to a memorable day out with a difference.
Our train leaves London Victoria Station at around 08:45 behind our splendidly restored steam locomotive. We pass through Clapham Junction, cross the Thames at Barnes Bridge, and continue to a stop at Staines to pick up more passengers. We join the South Western Main Line (SWML) at Byfleet Junction, and then stop for further passengers at Woking and Basingstoke. We leave the SWML at Worting Junction and take the West of England Main Line to Andover and Salisbury. At Wilton Junction the line becomes single track. We cross the edge of Salisbury Plain and pass through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty at Tisbury and Gillingham in Dorset. We cross Gillingham Viaduct and pass through Buckhorn Weston Tunnel before Templecombe, where once the iconic Somerset & Dorset Railway passed beneath our line.
The main destination for our train is Sherborne, one of the most beautiful towns in England. The historic market town, where King Alfred was educated, will be decorated for Christmas. It has much to offer visitors with its abundance of medieval buildings, superb Abbey, picturesque Alms house, the ruins of a 12th-century fortified palace, and the 16th-century mansion known as Sherborne Castle.
It has a delightful shopping centre with a large choice of handcrafted goods and elegant fashions and has become an important town in the region for Art and Antique Dealers. Whilst at Sherborne, why not join in the traditional Christmas Carol Service specially arranged for our tour and held in the splendid surroundings of its ancient Abbey.
Passengers have the choice of alighting at Sherborne or continuing with the train to Yeovil Junction where the steam locomotive will be turned and serviced at Yeovil Railway Centre. Here there is excellent viewing of these operations, which use one of the few remaining turntables in the country. There is also a variety of rolling stock and an exhibition of railway artefacts and pictures in the Engine Shed. A shop on the platform provides a large range of railway related goods and souvenirs.
Our train leaves Yeovil Junction, hauled by our steam locomotive, and stops at Sherborne to pick up those passengers who chose to alight there. It stops at the same stations as on the outward journey, to set down passengers.
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £45 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
Bob Green
The Edinburgh Christmas Market
Saturday 6 December 2025
This special steam hauled train using a Carnforth pool locomotive will run at speed both ways from York to Edinburgh and return. There will be time in Edinburgh to visit the sights, including the extensive Christmas Market located in Princes Street Gardens, before we return south.
Our steam hauled journey will commence at the historic city of York, with its long association with railways, including the location of the National Railway Museum. Heading north away from York, we will travel down the East Coast main line through to Northallerton, where our steam locomotive will build up speed to its maximum on the straight alignment of the tracks. We will pause at Durham momentarily to pick up further passengers, before heading towards Tyneside and over the river Tyne to Newcastle, our final pick up point.
Leaving Newcastle, we head northwards and pass through Morpeth, with our speed running at the maximum along this former LNER racetrack, the preserve of the A4 Pacifics up to their withdrawal in the mid-1960s. With coastal views and quaint villages along the way, we make our way through Northumberland, with views of Bamburgh Castle and Lindisfarne Island simmering in the distance. Continuing towards Berwick on Tweed, we cross the spectacular 28-arch Royal Border Bridge, designed by Robert Stephenson. Just after Berwick, we cross the border and enter Scotland. Our locomotive will now be getting steam up ready for the long climb up to Grantshouse, a stiff climb at gradients of 1 in 190/200 and a test of the stamina of locomotives heading towards Edinburgh.
We pass through the Scottish Borders, with more coastal views along the way before we reach Edinburgh, the Capital of Scotland. Time will be available here for passengers to visit the city and its Christmas market, located in Princes Street Gardens, whilst our locomotive is serviced for the return journey back to York. Apart from its many shops and restaurants along Princes Street, there are many sights to see and visit, including the Palace of Holyrood, the Castle on the Royal Mile, Galleries and Museums and Princes Street Gardens.
We will return south with our steam locomotive and follow our outward route. Highlight of the journey back to Newcastle will be the southbound climb to Grantshouse, graded at 1 in 96 for over four miles. In no time at all, we will be back at Newcastle to set down passengers, followed by Durham and finally York.
Look out for Father Christmas and his Elves who will be visiting the train during the day and handing out presents to all children on board. If you have children with you on the trip, please let us know your child’s name and age when booking.
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £45 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
Dave Collier
Rochester Dickensian Christmas Express
Saturday 6 December 2025
This day trip by steam train provides an opportunity to visit the town of Rochester at Christmas time. The train will be steam hauled starting from Newbury Station in Berkshire and picks up more passengers at Reading, Maidenhead, Slough, and West Brompton.
We leave Newbury, and travel through picturesque rural countryside as we make our way along the Thames Valley to Reading and Maidenhead to pick up passengers. The countryside gives way to the edge of London as we travel along the Great Western Main Line. At Acton in West London, we leave the main line to Paddington and climb Acton Bank, which will test our steam locomotives power, to get on to the West London Line. West Brompton is our final pick up stop as we wind our way across London and its suburban before we head east wards towards Kent.
The Kent countryside, with its many orchards, is travelled through as we make our way towards our destination for the day in Rochester. Rochester stands on the banks of the Medway and the town forms a conurbation with neighbouring towns Chatham, Rainham, Strood and Gillingham. The historic centre contains its fine Cathedral that was founded in 604 and Rochester Castle, with a 12th century Keep.
With around four hours in Rochester, this will provide ample time for you to explore the town and all it has to offer. The Victorian festivities in Rochester around Christmas, take the form of a Dickensian Christmas, where you can experience street entertainment, readings, song and dance. You’ll be captivated by Dickens’ characters as you explore the literary journey that was the great writer’s life. Enjoy the festive feel laid on for this special weekend and soak up the Christmas spirit with plenty to see and experience.
Our train leaves Rochester station in the late afternoon after an enjoyable day, hauled by our steam locomotive, for the return journey to the same stations as on the outward journey, to set down passengers.
Look out for Father Christmas and his Elves who will be visiting the train during the day and handing out presents to all children on board. If you have children with you on the trip, please let us know your child’s name and age when booking.
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £45 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
Bob Green
The Canterbury Christmas Express
Wednesday 10 December 2025
Can you imagine a more lovely way to enjoy a festive day out, than aboard a special steam hauled train travelling through Southern England? Sit back, relax and watch the countryside go past your window as our steam locomotive is put through its paces hauling our train. Combine this with visiting Canterbury at Christmas when the city’s historic charm is accentuated by festive decorations and seasonal events.
Our train will leave London Victoria station at 10:00 steam hauled in the morning and thread its way across the south London suburban lines through Bromley South, where after we will join the Maidstone line at Swanley. Cutting across central Kent, we will pass through Maidstone East and head for Ashford. Here, we will follow the line to Canterbury West. Canterbury is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, centred on its famous cathedral, founded in 597 A.D. At Christmas, the cathedral hosts special services and concerts, creating a spiritual and celebratory atmosphere.
During the festive season, the city comes alive with the Christmas market, where locals and visitors can revel in a traditional holiday experience. You will have several hours to enjoy a bit of Christmas shopping and experience some festivities and seasonal food and drink.
Canterbury was a pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages. Ancient walls, originally built by the Romans, encircle its medieval centre with cobbled streets and timber-framed houses. It has many sights to offer visitors, including the famous cathedral or the medieval gatehouse at Westgate Tower. Alternatively stay closer to Canterbury West station and have a browse through the Goods Shed, a farmers market selling all kinds of local produce.
Our onward route takes us eastwards from Canterbury West Station towards Minster, where we then travel southwards to Dover and then follow the English Channel coastline under the White Cliffs to Folkestone. From Ashford, our route takes us due west to Paddock Wood, where we will pause to take on water, before heading through Tonbridge in the direction of Orpington and Bromley to set down passengers and arrive at London Victoria at 17:40.
Approximate Timings Outward Return
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes Buck’s Fizz, morning tea or coffee and Danish pastries and a four course lunch silver served at your seat.
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £45 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
Bob Green
The Bath and Bristol Christmas Express
Saturday 13 December 2025
Our special Christmas excursion by steam train from the South Coast to the magnificent city of Bath follows a particularly scenic route through attractive countryside. There will be over four hours to explore the city and visit the famous Bath Christmas Market, or you can choose to travel on to Bristol. The Christmas lights will be on, the market will be in full swing, the city will be alive with the sound of Christmas music, and in a truly festive mood.
Our train leaves Three Bridges, steam hauled by an immaculately restored steam locomotive, and head south along the Brighton Main Line. It stops at Haywards Heath to pick up more passengers before continuing to Preston Park, where passengers from the Brighton area can join the train. We stop to pick up further passengers at Hove and Worthing. We will travel along the West Coastway Line from Brighton to Southampton.
The South Downs are not too far away as we continue westwards towards Havant, the junction station for the Portsmouth Direct line which meets us here. The Farlington triangle appears as we bypass Portsea Island, served by the Portsmouth branch, and head for Cosham and Porchester. At Fareham, we take the Southampton line and cross the river Hamble near Burslesdon.
After passing through Redbridge station, we will take the Salisbury, via Romsey, line, passing through Salisbury and continuing via Westbury and the Avon valley to Bath Spa station, conveniently situated close to the city centre.
The afternoon is free to explore the Georgian city and visit the distinctively ‘British’ Bath Christmas Market which has over 170 traditional wooden chalets selling seasonal products and gifts. The Abbey, Roman Baths, and Pump Room with its restaurant, all surround the Market site and are central to the main shopping area. However, don’t miss Milsom Street, voted ‘Britain’s Best Fashion Street’, and if you wish to see the sights at leisure, hop on a ‘City Sightseeing Tours’ bus.
Meanwhile our train continues to Bristol, another fascinating destination for those who wish to explore this fine city instead. It has several world class attractions including Britain’s most acclaimed historic ship, the S.S. ‘Great Britain’, Brunel’s iconic Clifton suspension bridge, the world’s fifth oldest zoo and a historic harbour-side. The city is a Christmas shopper’s haven. We leave Bristol steam hauled for our return run to Three Bridges and will stop to pick up those parcel-laden passengers who opted to visit the Christmas Market in Bath. We return by way of Salisbury, Romsey and Eastleigh, with stops at the same outward stations for passengers to alight.
Look out for Father Christmas and his Elves who will be visiting the train during the day and handing out presents to all children on board. If you have children with you, please let us know your child’s age when booking.
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £45 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
Bob
The Worcester Christmas Express
Saturday 13 December 2025
This trip provides an opportunity for passengers from Manchester and Stockport to visit the Christmas Market and festivities at Worcester by steam hauled train. The journey will include steam haulage on the West Coast Main Line as well as some interesting lines through the West Midlands to Worcester. We will be hauled by a locomotive from the Carnforth pool.
Our steam hauled train departs from Manchester Victoria and navigates its way around Britain’s third most populated metropolitan area. Approaching Stockport, our final stop to pick up passengers, we pass above the town on Stockport Viaduct, a substantial brick-built landmark of the area providing good views over the surrounds. The 27-arch viaduct is 600yds long and 111ft above the river Mersey. From Stockport, we pass through a brick-lined cutting, and leave the Crewe line at Cheadle Hulme. Passing through the former silk manufacturing town of Macclesfield, the conurbation leads to the Cheshire countryside briefly as we pass Mow Cop and head for Kidsgrove.
The Potteries and former industrial parts of Stoke-on-Trent are on either side of the railway as our train passes Longport and the now closed steel work locations of Etruria and Shelton, both closing in 2005 and demolished shortly afterwards.
We continue to Stafford before leaving the West Coast Main Line at Rugeley North Junction and head across the steeply graded and scenic Cannock Chase line to Walsall. We now head for Bescot Stadium and turn away from the Birmingham line at Perry Barr North Junction to follow the Handsworth Loop Line to Soho. We then join the Jewellery Line and head through Rowley Regis to Stourbridge Junction. From here we continue south westwards, passing Kidderminster then journey through Droitwich Spa to Worcester Shrub Hill, our destination for the day.
There will be time available to explore this fine city especially at Christmas time with its vibrant and bustling festive market, with lots to see, try and experience. The river Severn runs through the city and is overlooked by the historic 12th century Worcester Cathedral. The site of the final battle of the Civil War between Oliver Cromwell and King Charles II was here. It is also the home of Royal Worcester Porcelain, and has long associations with the composer Sir Edward Elgar.
After our steam locomotive has been serviced, we depart Worcester in the afternoon and then return via the same route as outward to Stockport and the journey ends back in Manchester Victoria.
Look out for Father Christmas and his Elves who will be visiting the train during the day and handing out presents to all children on board. Please let us know your child’s name and age when booking.
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £45 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
Alistair Moulstone
The Christmas White Rose
Why not join us for a classic day out by steam train, combining a historic steam locomotive, exciting main line running, varied landscape and the special atmosphere of York at Christmas time. Wednesday 17 December 2025
Approximate Timings Outward Return
Our day out begins at around 07:40 when we leave Cambridge station and head northwards, stopping at Ely, March and Peterborough to pick up more passengers. Leaving Peterborough and its famous cathedral behind, we take the former Great Northern Railway line at Werrington Junction and head across the fertile flatlands to Spalding, famous for its flower production. Here we join the Great Northern & Great Eastern Joint Railway line to Sleaford, where we will use the avoiding line. We continue through a part of rural Lincolnshire, famous for its potato farms, and reach Lincoln. Approaching Lincoln we notice that its spectacular Cathedral, that can be seen for miles around the area, dominates the city.
After Lincoln, we head for Gainsborough and cross the Trent en route to Doncaster, where we meet up with the ECML once again. The Great Northern Railway opened its railway workshops in Doncaster in 1853 and Sir Nigel Gresley, who designed the A4 class ‘Pacific’ steam locomotives, was the Chief Mechanical Engineer to the LNER between 1923-41. From Doncaster, it will be a fast run northwards along the ECML to York, our destination for the afternoon.
York is well known for its Minster, Castle and city walls. The snickelways, famous medieval alleys and narrow streets, and The Shambles, are well worth exploring. The National Railway Museum, the many shops and museums, ensure that there is something on offer for everybody. The York Christmas market will be in full swing adding to the seasonal atmosphere of this historic city.
Our train leaves York late afternoon for the return journey as we retrace our route via Lincoln, Spalding and back to Peterborough. We stop to set down passengers at Peterborough, March and Ely before arriving at our journeys end in Cambridge.
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £45 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
Bob Green
The Edinburgh Christmas Market
Saturday 20 December 2025
This special steam hauled train using a Carnforth pool locomotive will run at speed both ways from York to Edinburgh and return. There will be time in Edinburgh to visit the sights, including the extensive Christmas Market located in Princes Street Gardens, before we return south.
Our steam hauled journey will commence at the historic city of York, with its long association with railways, including the location of the National Railway Museum. Heading north away from York, we will travel down the East Coast main line through to Northallerton, where our steam locomotive will build up speed to its maximum on the straight alignment of the tracks. We will pause at Durham momentarily to pick up further passengers, before heading towards Tyneside and over the river Tyne to Newcastle, our final pick up point.
Leaving Newcastle, we head northwards and pass through Morpeth, with our speed running at the maximum along this former LNER racetrack, the preserve of the A4 Pacifics up to their withdrawal in the mid-1960s. With coastal views and quaint villages along the way, we make our way through Northumberland, with views of Bamburgh Castle and Lindisfarne Island simmering in the distance. Continuing towards Berwick on Tweed, we cross the spectacular 28-arch Royal Border Bridge, designed by Robert Stephenson. Just after Berwick, we cross the border and enter Scotland. Our locomotive will now be getting steam up ready for the long climb up to Grantshouse, a stiff climb at gradients of 1 in 190/200 and a test of the stamina of locomotives heading towards Edinburgh.
We pass through the Scottish Borders, with more coastal views along the way before we reach Edinburgh, the Capital of Scotland. Time will be available here for passengers to visit the city and its Christmas market, located in Princes Street Gardens, whilst our locomotive is serviced for the return journey back to York. Apart from its many shops and restaurants along Princes Street, there are many sights to see and visit, including the Palace of Holyrood, the Castle on the Royal Mile, Galleries and Museums and Princes Street Gardens.
We will return south with our steam locomotive and follow our outward route. Highlight of the journey back to Newcastle will be the southbound climb to Grantshouse, graded at 1 in 96 for over four miles. In no time at all, we will be back at Newcastle to set down passengers, followed by Durham and finally York.
Look out for Father Christmas and his Elves who will be visiting the train during the day and handing out presents to all children on board. If you have children with you on the trip, please let us know your child’s name and age when booking.
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £45 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
Dave Collier
The York Yuletide Express
Saturday 20 December 2025
Why not join us for a classic day out by steam train that combines exciting main line running, varied landscapes, and the special atmosphere of York at Christmas time. The York Yuletide Express will be steam hauled from London Victoria to York and return by our steam locomotive. York is the second most visited city in England with varied attractions to suit all tastes. It is well known for its Roman origins, Gothic Minster and home of the National Railway Museum.
‘The York Yuletide Express’ will leave London Victoria steam hauled by our locomotive. Initially we travel west through Clapham Junction and head through the west London suburbs via Kew. We then travel around London to join the Midland Main Line at Dudding Hill. The locomotive will be working hard as we head north with stops at St Albans, Luton and Bedford. We continue to Kettering and then our final stop at Leicester where we stop for further passengers. We pass through Loughborough and join the Erewash Valley Line at Trent Junction. After Chesterfield we take the ‘old road’ to Rotherham and continue through Conisbrough to Doncaster. Here we join the East Coast Main Line and can expect a fast run to York, where we arrive in the early afternoon.
York’s Christmas Market is one of the most visited in the UK, with a range of Christmas treats to see, experience and enjoy. York is also well known for its Minster, Castle and city walls. The Snickelways, famous medieval alleys and narrow streets, and The Shambles, are well worth exploring. The National Railway Museum, the many shops and museums, ensure that there is something on offer for everybody.
The York Yuletide Express promises to provide a memorable festive day out behind classic traction over a classic and popular route.
Our return journey back to London will be diesel hauled. Our train leaves York late afternoon for the return journey as we retrace our route We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey, to set down passengers.
Look out for Father Christmas and his Elves who will be visiting the train during the day and handing out presents to all the children on board. If you have children with you on the trip, please let us know your child’s name and age when booking.
Approximate Timings Outward Return
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and three course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £45 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
Bob Green
UK Day Trip Information
Travelling by Steam Train
Our Day Trips and Tours almost exclusively make use of specially chartered trains hauled by steam locomotives. The trains offer a choice of types of seating to suit your particular requirements. Each passenger is allocated their own reserved seat ensuring that travel on these special trains is a relaxing experience providing the perfect escape from all the hustle and bustle of modern day life. All of the seats on our trains line up with the carriage windows, unlike many modern trains, and thus provide the maximum viewing area to add to the enjoyment of your journey.
In addition to our UK Day Trips and Tours, the Railway Touring Company has a programme of tours using steam hauled charter trains in many other countries of the world. These tours can be for a few days duration or last for up to two weeks, with overnight accommodation provided in good quality hotels. Please visit our website www.railwaytouring.net for further details and to request an overseas brochure; or contact us by telephone if you prefer.
Premier Dining Class
Premier Dining Class on our trains is a silver served dining experience providing you with a full meals service at your table, whilst you relax in spacious comfortable seating. The coaches used are British Rail Heritage First Open coaches*. The Premier Dining service usually includes a traditional full English breakfast soon after you board the train, and a four course meal on the return journey. Onboard chefs prepare fresh food for all of the meals. We are able to offer vegetarian options but cannot meet other dietary requests. A fully licensed bar service is always available, we kindly ask passengers not to bring their own alcoholic drinks. A corkage fee of £10 per person will apply for alcohol not purchased on board. The dress code is smart casual, as we like our passengers to be relaxed and travel in comfort. Tables are available for four or two in Premier Dining Class. Our tables for two are the ideal choice for an unusual and memorable celebration, for a special occasion like a wedding anniversary or birthday. Tables for two, where both passengers have window seats, can be guaranteed for an additional charge of £45.00†per person, subject to availability. Premier Dining Class is available up to and including any pick up station before 10:30. *Coaches used will be British Rail Heritage coaches, on some occasions a Pullman coach may be used.
†Prices shown as per individual day trip page.
First Class
First Class seats accommodation on our trains is provided in British Rail Heritage First Open coaches* and offers tables for four or for two in spacious comfortable seating. Tables for two, where both passengers have window seats, can be guaranteed for an additional charge of £45.00†per person, subject to availability. First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a Danish pastry and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by scone with butter and jam. We are able to offer vegetarian options but cannot meet other dietary requests. A fully licensed bar service is always available, we kindly ask passengers to not consume their own alcoholic drinks. A corkage fee of £10 per person will apply for alcohol not purchased on board. *Coaches used will be British Rail Heritage coaches, on some occasions a Pullman coach may be used.
†Prices shown as per individual day trip page.
Standard Class
Standard Class seats are accommodated in a mid 1960’s tourist standard open coach. These are usually arranged in groups of four around a table. In some cases you may be seated in second corridor coach which is a compartment coach seating six passengers per compartment without a table. All seats are reserved. Passengers in First and Standard Classes regularly bring hampers and picnics.
All the catering on board our trains is provided by a third party supplier.
Booking Arrangements
Passengers can book their tickets online by visiting our website www.railwaytouring. net or by downloading a booking form, which can be printed and sent by post to:- The Railway Touring Company, The Old Stables, Estuary Road, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 2HL. Passengers can also book by telephone during office hours on 01553 661 500. Office hours are Monday to Friday: 09:00 to 17:00. We accept most major credit and debit cards. There are no charges for paying with a credit card. When posting a booking form please enclose the full payment by cheque or postal order made payable to The Railway Touring Company, and, quoting your name, address, telephone number, choice of train, the number of seats you require, class and joining station. We regret that seats cannot be reserved unless full payment is received.
Organisers arranging group travel for ten or more persons on a UK Day Trip are invited to contact the office, details above, regarding discounts where a single booking is to be made. Any amendments that you wish to make to your booking, will incur a £10 admin fee.
Acknowledgements and Tickets
Bookings made by telephone will be verbally acknowledged at the time of booking and a written confirmation sent within 7 days. Tickets and travel information will usually be dispatched at least 5 days before the date of travel. However, this information and the tickets cannot be sent until the departure times are confirmed by the train operator which may be at shorter notice. Please pay particular attention to the departure and arrival
times sent with your tickets as these may vary from the approximate timings given in this brochure.
Gift Vouchers
We are pleased to offer gift vouchers which can be used against any future trip with us. Please contact the office to purchase these.
Junior Tickets
Junior children includes ages 15 and under (children 3yrs and under may travel on your lap but if they do require a seat then a junior ticket price applies).
Family Tickets
2 adults and 2 Juniors (aged 15 and under).
Standard Conditions of Booking and Travel
Every effort will be made to ensure that the locomotive, rolling stock, route and timings which are hired in from third parties, will run as advertised. However, the organisers reserve the right to alter these details at any time and shall not incur any liability to any person who has bought, or contracted to buy a ticket or tickets, as a result of any such changes. There may be occasional re-scheduling or re-routing of a train. Please note, whilst every effort will be made to ensure the use of the advertised steam locomotive the organisers reserve the right to substitute a different steam or in exceptional circumstances, a diesel locomotive on occasions should it be required, for operational reasons, which would have to be accepted, no refunds will be offered for changes to advertised locomotives.
All reasonable efforts, within the control of the organisers, will be made to ensure that on the day of the trip, the train runs as planned. However, we cannot accept any responsibility for delays, mishaps, alterations or curtailment of the tour from situations outside of our control. Please note, all timings shown in the brochure are approximate and subject to change.
All planned routes are subject to gauging clearance, on occasion we might be required to revise the route.
In extreme weather conditions, such as heat waves, we may be restricted or forced to substitute steam haulage for diesel due to the high risks involved, in addition we may be permitted to operate with diesel assistance to reduce the risk of line side fires. In adverse conditions the train operating company, West Coast Railways, may feel the need to run with a diesel locomotive attached to the rear as a precaution.
The nature of steam trains is that breakdowns, delays and substitutions have to be accepted. Every genuine effort will be made to ensure that the tour runs as planned and advertised, or as close to it as possible. In the event of a failure/non-availability of the scheduled steam locomotive prior to departure of the trip, every best effort will be made to find a suitable steam locomotive as a replacement. However, if this is not possible and if there is insufficient time available to cancel or postpone the trip, then a diesel may be used as substitute. In such circumstances, outside of our control, acceptance of these terms signifies your acceptance of such a change and no refund will be due.
The organisers cannot accept responsibility for the options under the control of third parties and are only responsible for returning passengers to their joining stations.
Your booking is taken as constituting acceptance of these conditions. No refund or substitutions are available, other than due to cancellation by the organisers, which can happen on occasions. We will not be liable for any consequential loss you may suffer or pay any compensation to you. Any amendments that you wish to make to your booking, will incur a £10 admin fee.
Due to the age and construction of our trains it is not possible to board whilst seated in a wheelchair, however we will be pleased to convey passengers of limited mobility whenever possible, provided they can step onto the train from the platform and move to their reserved seats with the help of an able-bodied carer, the wheelchair then being folded by you and stored at the end of the carriage. We are unable to convey mobility scooters or non-folding wheelchairs due to the age and design of the trains used. Due to timing restraints at joining stations all mobility issues which require the use of walking aids or impact a passenger’s ability to board or disembark with ease must be confirmed and discussed prior to travel.
We are limited to only being able to provide a vegetarian dietary alternative, all other dietary requests are not available.
We recommend that during the winter months you travel wearing suitable layered clothing as the carriages on occasion can be cold. Although they are heated, unforeseen complications along with the nature of travelling by steam in vintage carriages can result in cooler conditions for passengers than modern trains. On warmer days, as we use vintage carriages for this service, we recommend for your comfort that you carry sufficient water for your own personal consumption.
All images shown on the website and within our brochure are for illustration purposes only and do not signify the exact routing of the train or locomotive to be used.
N.B. – All timings shown are approximate and subject to change unless otherwise shown.
UK Day Trip Booking Form
Day Trip: Date:
Joining Station:
Name:
Address:
Phone No:
Dining Adult
Dining Junior
Dining Family
Table for two supplement*
Standard Class Junior
Standard Class Family
per person
*Table for two supplement is available in Premier Dining and First Class (subject to availability).
■ I enclose a cheque for the full balance (made payable to THE RAILWAY TOURING COMPANY)
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Signed: Date:
Meet the Team
Our friendly team is available to answer any questions and to help you make a booking –please feel free to contact us on 01553 661 500, Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, or by email at enquiries@railwaytouring.co.uk
Online Shopping
Visit our online shop to purchase themed Railway Touring Company merchandise. Currently Bookmarks, Greeting Cards and Postcards. We will be adding to our range as new products become available.
www.railwaytouring.net/shop/
Julia Barrett Office Assistant
David Zemaiciunas Operations Assistant
Jade Mott Operations Assistant
Ellie Copping Office Assistant
Kelly Osborne Managing Director
Hollie Kimber Senior Assistant Manager
Annabelle Benjamin Operations Assistant
Jack Amos Office Assistant
Online Brochures
Please visit our website www.railwaytouring.co.uk to view and download our latest UK Day Trips, UK and Worldwide Rail Holiday Brochures for 2025.
