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Railtours, Preserved Railway Events, Ferries and Service Trains Gen List
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- Last updated: Sat 26 Sep 2020
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The Optimist' Travel on our new service 'The Optimist' and enjoy the seaside town of Whitby! 'The Optimist' services are pre-booked, steam-hauled, with limited capacity. Services will depart from Pickering and will travel directly to Whitby where you will be able to disembark and enjoy 2.45 hours exploring the Yorkshire Seaside Town before returning back to Pickering. Tickets will be released in two-week blocks, as we closely monitor the situation. 'The Optimist' does not stop at any intermediate stations - Levisham, Goathland & Grosmont. Currently we are unable to offer any other journeys. Passengers can book either a private compartment (max 6) or travel in a standard TSO Carriage (min 1/max 4) with social distancing measures in place. Passengers include children from 1 years old. Service 1: Departs Pickering at 09:20 and returns from Whitby at 14:00, allowing approx 3 hours in Whitby. Service 2: Departs Pickering at 12:00 and returns from Whitby at 16:30, allow approx 2 hours 45 mins in Whitby.
The Optimist' Travel on our new service 'The Optimist' and enjoy the seaside town of Whitby! 'The Optimist' services are pre-booked, steam-hauled, with limited capacity. Services will depart from Pickering and will travel directly to Whitby where you will be able to disembark and enjoy 2.45 hours exploring the Yorkshire Seaside Town before returning back to Pickering. Tickets will be released in two-week blocks, as we closely monitor the situation. 'The Optimist' does not stop at any intermediate stations - Levisham, Goathland & Grosmont. Currently we are unable to offer any other journeys. Passengers can book either a private compartment (max 6) or travel in a standard TSO Carriage (min 1/max 4) with social distancing measures in place. Passengers include children from 1 years old. Service 1: Departs Pickering at 09:20 and returns from Whitby at 14:00, allowing approx 3 hours in Whitby. Service 2: Departs Pickering at 12:00 and returns from Whitby at 16:30, allow approx 2 hours 45 mins in Whitby.
End of Season Twilight Running Day Sunday October 25th The event season ends by turning the clock back with atmospheric twilight bus rides. We are open until 6.00pm. Free bus rides every 30 minutes and miniature train running 12-3.30. Free bus from Birmingham Alex at 11:00. Pre-booking for event and Birminghasm pick-up is essential. Click here to book tickets.
The Tin Bath Sunday 25th October 2020 In honour of this immortal moment in one of the great TV comedies we have named this tour The Tin Bath, after the antics of Compo, Clegg and Foggy rolling down a Yorkshire hillside in a tin bath for the long-running TV series ?Last of the Summer Wine.? Our train takes in the railways of the South Pennines and the Peak District encompassing Derbyshire, Lancashire and South Yorkshire and visiting some routes rarely used by steam trains along the way. Our train leaves Preston steam hauled by a steam locomotive from the Carnforth Pool. We head south up the West Coast Main Line (WCML) to Wigan North Western, where we stop for more passengers. We then travel eastwards to Manchester Victoria and a further stop is made to pick up passengers. Our locomotive will be working hard as we leave Manchester and immediately commence the climb of the testing 1 in 47 gradient of Miles Platting bank. We shall then make our way towards Chinley on another long climb and join the former Midland Railway?s ?Hope Valley? line to Sheffield. We pass through Hathersage, a charming village associated with Robin Hood and the Eyre family of Bronte fame. This route is spectacularly scenic and encompasses a number of long tunnels, including the passage through the 3? mile-long Totley Tunnel, first opened in 1892, before arrival at Sheffield, where there is a brief stop. On leaving Sheffield we head northwards to Wincobank Junction, adjacent to the famous Meadowhall Shopping Centre, where we join the Barnsley Line. It is a long climb from here up to Chapeltown, Wombwell and Barnsley. But it doesn?t end there! From Barnsley we take the single-track line that climbs steeply at gradients of 1 in 50 and 1 in 57 up to Dodworth, where the gradient eases to 1 in 100. Soon afterwards we approach the former junction at Penistone, where after, we pass over the magnificent 29-arch Penistone viaduct. We continue past Denby Dale, famous for its huge meat pies, and the junction for the Kirklees Light Railway. We descend to Huddersfield, crossing many fine bridges and viaducts on the way, including the listed 32-arch Lockwood Viaduct. We continue via Huddersfield to Brighouse where we pause for our steam locomotives to take on water. We then head through the Calder Valley through Hebden Bridge for Hall Royd Junction near Todmorden. Here we leave the main line to Manchester, and take the steeply graded 1 in 65 line to Copy Pit summit (749 feet above sea level), before descending through Burnley to Accrington and Blackburn. We pass through Darwen on the 1 in 71 climb up to Sough Tunnel, drop down to Bolton, and head back to Manchester Victoria. Following a reversal at Manchester Victoria, we now return to Preston via our earlier calling points.
The Optimist' Travel on our new service 'The Optimist' and enjoy the seaside town of Whitby! 'The Optimist' services are pre-booked, steam-hauled, with limited capacity. Services will depart from Pickering and will travel directly to Whitby where you will be able to disembark and enjoy 2.45 hours exploring the Yorkshire Seaside Town before returning back to Pickering. Tickets will be released in two-week blocks, as we closely monitor the situation. 'The Optimist' does not stop at any intermediate stations - Levisham, Goathland & Grosmont. Currently we are unable to offer any other journeys. Passengers can book either a private compartment (max 6) or travel in a standard TSO Carriage (min 1/max 4) with social distancing measures in place. Passengers include children from 1 years old. Service 1: Departs Pickering at 09:20 and returns from Whitby at 14:00, allowing approx 3 hours in Whitby. Service 2: Departs Pickering at 12:00 and returns from Whitby at 16:30, allow approx 2 hours 45 mins in Whitby.
The Optimist' Travel on our new service 'The Optimist' and enjoy the seaside town of Whitby! 'The Optimist' services are pre-booked, steam-hauled, with limited capacity. Services will depart from Pickering and will travel directly to Whitby where you will be able to disembark and enjoy 2.45 hours exploring the Yorkshire Seaside Town before returning back to Pickering. Tickets will be released in two-week blocks, as we closely monitor the situation. 'The Optimist' does not stop at any intermediate stations - Levisham, Goathland & Grosmont. Currently we are unable to offer any other journeys. Passengers can book either a private compartment (max 6) or travel in a standard TSO Carriage (min 1/max 4) with social distancing measures in place. Passengers include children from 1 years old. Service 1: Departs Pickering at 09:20 and returns from Whitby at 14:00, allowing approx 3 hours in Whitby. Service 2: Departs Pickering at 12:00 and returns from Whitby at 16:30, allow approx 2 hours 45 mins in Whitby.
The Optimist' Travel on our new service 'The Optimist' and enjoy the seaside town of Whitby! 'The Optimist' services are pre-booked, steam-hauled, with limited capacity. Services will depart from Pickering and will travel directly to Whitby where you will be able to disembark and enjoy 2.45 hours exploring the Yorkshire Seaside Town before returning back to Pickering. Tickets will be released in two-week blocks, as we closely monitor the situation. 'The Optimist' does not stop at any intermediate stations - Levisham, Goathland & Grosmont. Currently we are unable to offer any other journeys. Passengers can book either a private compartment (max 6) or travel in a standard TSO Carriage (min 1/max 4) with social distancing measures in place. Passengers include children from 1 years old. Service 1: Departs Pickering at 09:20 and returns from Whitby at 14:00, allowing approx 3 hours in Whitby. Service 2: Departs Pickering at 12:00 and returns from Whitby at 16:30, allow approx 2 hours 45 mins in Whitby.
The Pendle Dalesman Wednesday 28 October 2020 Chesterfield to Carlisle Departing: Chesterfield, Sheffield, Swinton, Wakefield Kirkgate, Brighouse, Blackburn Please Note: This trip is part hauled by vintage diesel and part hauled by steam Join us for a nostalgic day to remember, travelling behind our splendid vintage steam engine along England's most famous railway. From our earlier pick up points we head north behind a vintage diesel engine to Hellifield/Carnforth where one of the oldest steam engines in service today will take over, this alone is a sight to behold as the engine builds up sufficient steam for the highlight of your journey on the famous Settle to Carlisle line. The Settle-Carlisle Railway on which we will travel needs no introduction; this breath-taking journey will take you over 20 Viaducts, through 14 tunnels and countless beautiful vistas. The climb over Blea Moor and the crossing of the world renowned Ribblehead Viaduct are arguably the highlights of England?s most scenic Railway. CARLISLE: We anticipate an afternoon arrival time offering a couple of hours or so break. This great border city dominates the borderlands between England and Scotland, sitting within the vale between the Cumbrian Mountains and Scottish Southern Uplands. In Carlisle you?ll find yourself at the centre of a stirring past and a vibrant present. Many of the city?s eateries and licensed premises are just a few minutes? walk from the station entrance and if you visit www.discovercarlisle.co.uk you will find information to help you plan ahead. And for those who would prefer to use their short break to wander around in the beautiful and historic heart of the city you may choose to visit the Castle, cathedral or indeed the Tullie House Museum. After a break of around two hours in Carlisle, we head south across some of the finest countryside Great Britain has to offer, where we head to your home stations via the famous Settle to Carlisle line in the comfort of our beautifully restored MkI or MkII Carriages.
The Optimist' Travel on our new service 'The Optimist' and enjoy the seaside town of Whitby! 'The Optimist' services are pre-booked, steam-hauled, with limited capacity. Services will depart from Pickering and will travel directly to Whitby where you will be able to disembark and enjoy 2.45 hours exploring the Yorkshire Seaside Town before returning back to Pickering. Tickets will be released in two-week blocks, as we closely monitor the situation. 'The Optimist' does not stop at any intermediate stations - Levisham, Goathland & Grosmont. Currently we are unable to offer any other journeys. Passengers can book either a private compartment (max 6) or travel in a standard TSO Carriage (min 1/max 4) with social distancing measures in place. Passengers include children from 1 years old. Service 1: Departs Pickering at 09:20 and returns from Whitby at 14:00, allowing approx 3 hours in Whitby. Service 2: Departs Pickering at 12:00 and returns from Whitby at 16:30, allow approx 2 hours 45 mins in Whitby.
The Optimist' Travel on our new service 'The Optimist' and enjoy the seaside town of Whitby! 'The Optimist' services are pre-booked, steam-hauled, with limited capacity. Services will depart from Pickering and will travel directly to Whitby where you will be able to disembark and enjoy 2.45 hours exploring the Yorkshire Seaside Town before returning back to Pickering. Tickets will be released in two-week blocks, as we closely monitor the situation. 'The Optimist' does not stop at any intermediate stations - Levisham, Goathland & Grosmont. Currently we are unable to offer any other journeys. Passengers can book either a private compartment (max 6) or travel in a standard TSO Carriage (min 1/max 4) with social distancing measures in place. Passengers include children from 1 years old. Service 1: Departs Pickering at 09:20 and returns from Whitby at 14:00, allowing approx 3 hours in Whitby. Service 2: Departs Pickering at 12:00 and returns from Whitby at 16:30, allow approx 2 hours 45 mins in Whitby.
The Optimist' Travel on our new service 'The Optimist' and enjoy the seaside town of Whitby! 'The Optimist' services are pre-booked, steam-hauled, with limited capacity. Services will depart from Pickering and will travel directly to Whitby where you will be able to disembark and enjoy 2.45 hours exploring the Yorkshire Seaside Town before returning back to Pickering. Tickets will be released in two-week blocks, as we closely monitor the situation. 'The Optimist' does not stop at any intermediate stations - Levisham, Goathland & Grosmont. Currently we are unable to offer any other journeys. Passengers can book either a private compartment (max 6) or travel in a standard TSO Carriage (min 1/max 4) with social distancing measures in place. Passengers include children from 1 years old. Service 1: Departs Pickering at 09:20 and returns from Whitby at 14:00, allowing approx 3 hours in Whitby. Service 2: Departs Pickering at 12:00 and returns from Whitby at 16:30, allow approx 2 hours 45 mins in Whitby.
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The Optimist' Travel on our new service 'The Optimist' and enjoy the seaside town of Whitby! 'The Optimist' services are pre-booked, steam-hauled, with limited capacity. Services will depart from Pickering and will travel directly to Whitby where you will be able to disembark and enjoy 2.45 hours exploring the Yorkshire Seaside Town before returning back to Pickering. Tickets will be released in two-week blocks, as we closely monitor the situation. 'The Optimist' does not stop at any intermediate stations - Levisham, Goathland & Grosmont. Currently we are unable to offer any other journeys. Passengers can book either a private compartment (max 6) or travel in a standard TSO Carriage (min 1/max 4) with social distancing measures in place. Passengers include children from 1 years old. Service 1: Departs Pickering at 09:20 and returns from Whitby at 14:00, allowing approx 3 hours in Whitby. Service 2: Departs Pickering at 12:00 and returns from Whitby at 16:30, allow approx 2 hours 45 mins in Whitby.
The Cheshireman Saturday 14th November 2020 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. Our train will be hauled throughout by A1 class steam locomotive No. 60163 Tornado. We leave Bristol Temple Meads at around 07:00 hauled by 60163 Tornado. Our steam locomotive 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 at around 17:00 returning by the same route and stopping at the same stations as on the outward journey, to set down passengers.
The Cheshireman Saturday 21st November 2020 This tour offers an opportunity to travel by a special charter train to the historic city of Chester and visit the Christmas market there. The train will be steam-hauled throughout from London Euston to Chester by an A1 class Pacific No. 60163 Tornado. We will follow the route of the famous expresses such as the Royal Scot along the West Coast Main Line (WCML) to Crewe and then onwards to Chester. We return to London from Chester steam hauled throughout with Tornado. ?The Cheshireman? will leave London Euston at around 07:00 steam hauled behind Tornado. Initially on departure we shall hear our locomotive working hard on the climb up Camden Bank. We continue through Watford Tunnel into rural Hertfordshire. We stop to pick up further passengers at the 1960s ?new town? of Milton Keynes, where passengers from Watford Junction will join by service train. At Hanslope Junction, we leave the West Coast Main Line (WCML) and take the Northampton loop line where we stop again for passengers. We continue northwards and pass the Daventry Railfreight Terminal (DIRFT) before rejoining the WCML at Rugby, a further pick up stop, and the birthplace of rugby football and the jet engine. We then follow the Trent Valley Line to Nuneaton, our final stop to pick up passengers. We pass through Lichfield, notable for its three-spired medieval cathedral, and soon after Rugeley is Shugborough Tunnel. This has ornamental grand entrances, the result of conditions required by the Earl of Lichfield for building the line across his estate. We continue northwards through Stafford to the famous railway junction town of Crewe where we take the North Wales Coast Line to Chester. There will be around four hours 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. Other places of interest include the Castle, the Cathedral, and the picturesque racecourse, which is located between the city walls and the river Dee. Our special train, hauled on the return journey by our steam locomotive Tornado, leaves Chester late afternoon for the journey to London Euston. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers, and this tour promises to be a memorable day out behind Tornado along the West Coast Main Line. *Passengers from Watford Junction will travel by service train to Milton Keynes on the outward journey.
The Gloucester Christmas Market and Cardiff Tuesday 24th November 2020 Join us on this scenic rail tour by steam train through the Thames Valley, the beautiful Cotswold Hills and along the river Severn, hauled by A1 Pacific 60163 Tornado. Our destinations will be the cathedral city of Gloucester, and Cardiff, the vibrant Capital of Wales. We should experience some fast running along the ex-GWR main line and some challenging climbs through the Cotswolds. Choose which destination to alight at to sample the Christmas Markets at this festive time of the year. Our steam hauled train leaves London Victoria in the morning and we make our way via Clapham Junction to Staines, our first call for more passengers. We take the Reading line and make further calls at Ascot and Reading. Following the Thames Valley, we head for Didcot, our final pick up station. Our journey continues through the Vale of White Horse to Swindon, where we take the Golden Valley line through Kemble and Tornado then tackles the steep climb to Sapperton Tunnel. On arrival at Gloucester, passengers have the choice of alighting here to visit the city with its centrepiece the 14th century cathedral. There is also the extensive Gloucester Quays Victorian Christmas Market to explore, alongside the many shops and attractions that the city has to offer. Our steam hauled train will call at Gloucester on the return to pick up passengers who choose to spend the afternoon here. Our journey will continue from Gloucester towards Cardiff along the banks of the river Severn through Lydney and Chepstow as we head for Wales via Newport. The Cardiff Christmas Market is located in the heart of the city along the pedestrianised streets of the main shopping area. Enjoy the atmosphere of the market with its craft staffs, food and drink outlets and fairy lights to add to the festive feel. We will return from Cardiff steam hauled by Tornado, and will pick up at Gloucester before returning via the Golden Valley route once again to Didcot, Reading, Ascot, Staines and terminating in London Victoria, ending what promises to be a varied and enjoyable day out. PLEASE NOTE - The operation of the Christmas Market at Gloucester and Cardiff is outside of our control we understand that the organisers are hopeful they will take place, however it will be dependent on Government advice given at the time.
The Christmas Sussex Belle Thursday 26th November 2020 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 either former LMS Black 5 No. 45305 or 45212. 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 10:30, hauled by steam locomotive No. 45305 or 45212. 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 Wivesfield, and head south-eastwards through Cooksbridge to Lewes. 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. 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. This sheltered position contributes to Eastbourne?s title of the sunniest place in Great Britain. 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 17:20.
The York Yuletide Express Saturday 28th November 2020 Join us for a main line steam run from London?s Ealing Broadway to York and an opportunity to experience the Festive Season?s activities. The city of York is world famous for its variety of visitor attractions and home to the National Railway Museum. We travel north via the Midland Main Line, and our train will be hauled between London and York by A1 class Pacific No. 60163 Tornado, and from York to London on the return by LMS Princess Coronation Class steam locomotive No. 46233 Duchess of Sutherland. Our train leaves London Ealing Broadway at around 06:10 hauled by ?Tornado? and travels around West London to Dudding Hill Junction, where we take the Brent curve and join the Midland Main Line (MML) at Cricklewood. We head north and stop at St. Albans, Luton, Bedford and Kettering, to pick up further passengers. We leave the MML after Kettering and take the former Midland Railway Nottingham direct line. We pass through Corby Station, opened in 2009 to replace the original which was closed in 1966. We climb to the famous Harringworth Viaduct, the longest masonry viaduct in Britain. From the end of the viaduct there is a long, stiff climb up to Wing Tunnel and then it is downhill to Manton Junction, and through Rutland?s county town of Oakham. Our last stop to pick up passengers is at Melton Mowbray. We continue to Syston Junction and take the sharp right curve to join the MML from Leicester. We pass through Loughborough and join the Erewash Valley Line at Trent Junction. After Chesterfield we take the ?old road? via Barrow Hill 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 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. Our train leaves York at around 17:15 and returns to Ealing Broadway hauled by 46233 Duchess of Sutherland. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey, to set down passengers. PLEASE NOTE - The operation of the Christmas Market at York is outside of our control we understand that the organisers are hopeful it will take place, however it will be dependent on Government advice given at the time.
London to Bath at Christmas London Paddington to Bath and Bristol TRAVELLING SAFELY We fully expect to operate this trip in November with our usual level of service. Please rest assured we are committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment on board, whilst adhering to Public Health regulations. We will be in touch with all customers prior to your trip, with further information about what to expect on board and what to bring with you. Locomotive Built for the London & North Eastern Railway, 61306 Mayflower is one of two surviving B1 Class locomotives. Whilst this locomotive is rostered for the trips listed, it cannot be guaranteed.
London Victoria to Bath at Christmas Trip Specific Information We start out, steam-hauled, from London's Victoria station and chug out through the suburbs of Surrey and Hampshire towards Wiltshire and the imposing Cathedral Spire at Salisbury. We follow the beautiful Wylye Valley towards the Westbury White Horse and continue along the stunning Avon Valley to Bath. BATH CHRISTMAS MARKET We are sorry to announce that this year's Bath Christmas Market has been cancelled. The organisers are now working on an exciting programme of events for the festive season, including music and entertainment, street stalls and artisan food, so you can still discover the magic of Bath this Christmas. TRAVELLING SAFELY We fully expect to operate this trip with our usual level of service. Please rest assured we are committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment on board, whilst adhering to Public Health regulations. We will be in touch with all customers prior to your trip, with further information about what to expect on board and what to bring with you. Locomotive Built for the London & North Eastern Railway, 61306 Mayflower is one of two surviving B1 Class locomotives. Whilst this locomotive is rostered for the trips listed, it cannot be guaranteed.
The Worcester Christmas Fayre Thursday 3rd December 2020 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 Worcester at Christmas time? The Worcester Christmas Fayre will be steam hauled from Norwich to Worcester by LMS Princess Coronation Class locomotive No. 6233 Duchess of Sutherland and from Worcester as far as Peterborough on the return. The Fayre will have a Victorian theme and will provide a festive atmosphere on the run up to Christmas. Our day out begins early in the morning when we leave Norwich Station, hauled by 6233 Duchess of Sutherland, and cross the Trowse swing bridge over the river Wensum. We stop to pick up more passengers at Wymondham, a beautifully kept rural Norfolk station, Attleborough, Thetford and Brandon. Approaching Ely we take the avoiding line that 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 now follow the scenic cross country line through Stamford, a town of outstanding architectural and historic interest that is of national importance. The town has over 600 listed buildings, more than half of the total for the County of Lincolnshire. We continue westwards and pass Rutland Water towards Oakham, the small county town of Rutland. Entering Leicestershire, we run through Melton Mowbray, famous for its pork pies, and head for Leicester. We follow the main line to London St Pancras for a while as far as Wigston Junction, where we branch off on the Nuneaton and Birmingham line. Crossing the West Coast main line, we now head towards Birmingham, although we will bypass the city by means of the Grand Junction line from Stetchford Junction to Perry Barr. We will follow the Handsworth Loop line through to Soho East Junction, where we will join the Stour Valley line briefly to Galton Junction. Here we join the ?Jewellery Line? and head through the heart of the Black Country for Stourbridge Junction and Kidderminster, where there are glimpses of the Severn Valley Railway. We soon pass through the spa town of Droitwich as we approach Worcester, where there will be time to visit the Christmas Fayre in the city centre. With over 200 stalls, the Fayre will have a Victorian theme, with traders in period costume. Apart from the locally made produce and craft, there will be the traditional food markets where you can sample home made cooking, along with the many bars and food stalls. Street entertainment will also feature throughout the day, which will complement the historic nature of the city of Worcester, with the Cathedral as its centrepoint. After servicing and turning our steam locomotive, we will make our way back to our earlier calling points to set down passengers. We will be diesel hauled from Peterborough on the return leg back to Norwich.
The Lincoln Christmas Express Saturday 5th December 2020 Join us on this day trip and take the opportunity to see the famous Lincoln Cathedral. Lincoln is also one of the country's top 50 retail destinations and one of the most important shopping centres in the East Midlands. Travel in style, in the comfort of a special train hauled by LMS Princess Coronation class steam locomotive No. 46233 Duchess of Sutherland. What a day you will have! With Christmas only a few weeks away this really is a very special trip, and not to be missed. Our day out begins when we steam out of London King?s Cross station at around 09:00 and head north down the East Coast Main Line (ECML). We stop at Potters Bar, Stevenage and Peterborough to pick up more passengers. Leaving Peterborough and its famous cathedral behind, we take the former Great Northern Railway (GNR) line towards Grimsby at Werrington Junction and head across the fertile flatlands to Spalding. Here we join the Great Northern & Great Eastern Joint Railway line to Sleaford. We continue through a part of rural Lincolnshire famous for its potato farms. Approaching Lincoln, we notice that its spectacular Cathedral dominates the city. As well as the many options for shopping which are available in Lincoln city centre to allow you to buy some festive gifts for loved ones, why not take a wander around the medieval area, or take the medieval walk along the wall or visit the Magna Carta rooms to see the famous document. All too soon it will be time to return to the station for our train back to London. We shall be steam hauled by Duchess of Sutherland and return from Lincoln by way of Newark and the East Coast Main Line. After a stiff climb up through Grantham to Stoke Tunnel we descend Stoke Bank, where ?Mallard? achieved 126 miles per hour that still stands as the world speed record for steam. We stop to set down passengers at the same stations as on the outward journey and arrive in King?s Cross Station at around 21:30.
The York Yuletide Express Saturday 5th December 2020 This exciting seasonal trip by steam train offers an opportunity for passengers from the Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Sheffield areas to visit the popular city of York at Christmas time. The route cuts across the rugged Pennine terrain of the scenic Hope Valley line to York, and will be steam hauled throughout by a lovingly restored steam locomotive. Our train leaves Liverpool Lime Street, hauled by our allocated steam locomotive from the Carnforth based pool. We follow the route of the historic 1830 Liverpool and Manchester Railway across Chat Moss to Manchester Victoria, where we pause to pick up passengers. Leaving Manchester, we climb the formidable 1 in 47 gradient of Miles Platting Bank and make our way towards Denton, where we will pause to water our steam locomotive. We next stop will be at Stockport to pick up passengers before heading towards Chinley and the Hope Valley line to Sheffield. We join the former Midland Railway line across the Peak District and pass through Cowburn Tunnel into the beautiful Vale of Edale. After Hathersage, we pass through the 3?-mile long Totley Tunnel and arrive at Sheffield, our final pick up station for passengers. We then travel northwards through Swinton and Moorthorpe to York, our destination for the afternoon. There will be plenty of time for passengers to enjoy the city and all it has to offer. York has some major tourist attractions including the National Railway Museum, the largest museum of its type in Britain; the Castle; 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 late afternoon departure from York will be steam hauled back to Liverpool Lime Street. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey, to set down passengers. PLEASE NOTE - The operation of the Christmas Market at York is outside of our control we understand that the organisers are hopeful it will take place, however it will be dependent on Government advice given at the time.
Edinburgh - Christmas Special Saturday 5 December 2020 Cleethorpes to Edinburgh Departing: Cleethorpes, Grimsby Town, Habrough, Barnetby, Scunthorpe, Thorne South Please Note: This trip is hauled by vintage diesel aboard our beautifully restored land cruise train 'Spirit of the Lakes' Due to the popularity of our Edinburgh Christmas tours we have decided to offer three different start points for our visits in 2020 of which this will be the first. So why not sit back, relax and travel north of the border to enjoy all the pre-Christmas attractions of Scotlands beautiful capital city aboard our luxurious Pullman train 'The Spirit of the Lakes'. Edinburgh is one of our most popular destinations and there is no wonder. First there is the journey north with the stunning scenery of the East Coast to admire as the train rushes along the cliff tops giving spectacular sea views from the train. Then there are the attractions of Edinburgh which include the famous Castle, numerous museums, galleries and the shops of Princess Street, Holyrood Palace and the Royal Mile. At Christmas time there are also two bustling Christmas markets and an ice rink in the park. Add to all this the lights and decorations that you would expect of a capital city at this time of year and you have the perfect combination for a great day out. Departure from Cleethorpes is expected to be around 0600 with a break in Edinburgh of approximately three to four hours. Arrival back into Cleethorpes will be mid to late evening.
London to York at Christmas Trip Specific Information MOTIVE POWER This trip will be steam hauled on the outward journey and diesel hauled on the return. The carriages and service provided on board is the same in both directions. LONDON PASSENGERS Although this trip will call at Ealing Broadway, West Hampstead and Finsbury Park on the outward journey, on the return journey London Kings Cross will be the only London stop. YORK ST NICHOLAS FAIR York's famous Christmas Festival and Fair is one of the most highly rated in the UK - and probably one of the most picturesque too. Set in the centre of the historic Cathedral City, it sees streets in the centre transformed into a Christmas wonderland. TRAVELLING SAFELY We fully expect to operate this trip with our usual level of service. Please rest assured we are committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment on board, whilst adhering to Public Health regulations. We will be in touch with all customers prior to your trip, with further information about what to expect on board and what to bring with you. Locomotive Built for the London & North Eastern Railway, 61306 Mayflower is one of two surviving B1 Class locomotives. Whilst this locomotive is rostered for the trips listed, it cannot be guaranteed.
The Bath and Bristol Christmas Express Tuesday 8th December 2020 What better way to begin the Christmas season than with a trip by steam train on the ?Bath & Bristol Christmas Express?? There will be ample time to sample the delights of Bath, including the stunning Bath Abbey and the internationally famous Roman Baths, or to visit Bristol for the ?best Christmas shopping in the South West?. Join us as we travel by vintage steam train through some superb countryside en route. We leave London Victoria early in the morning, hauled by steam locomotive No. 6233 Duchess of Sutherland. Running via Clapham Junction, we call at Staines and Woking, before our final pick up is made at Basingstoke. From Basingstoke, we can expect a fast run along the former London & South Western Railway?s route via Andover to the cathedral city of Salisbury. We stop at Salisbury, for the loco to take on water, and then continue along the ?South West? main line to Wilton. Here we turn northwards and cross the edge of Salisbury Plain en route to Warminster. We descend steeply to Westbury, with its famous hillside white horse, and then follow the scenic Avon Valley through Bradford on Avon. We shall soon catch sight of the Georgian city of Bath as we approach the well-kept Bath Spa station, which is close to the city centre. The afternoon is free to explore the city, which has gained a reputation for its quality independents and favourite high street stores. 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 an historic harbour-side, the location of the M Shed, an exciting new innovative museum. The city is a Christmas shopper?s haven with all the major retail outlets in the Broadmead and Cabot Circus shopping centres. Our steam locomotive will be serviced at Bristol before we return to Bath and London Victoria steam hauled. We stop to pick up those parcel-laden passengers who opted to visit Bath! We return by the route of our outward journey, stopping at the same stations for passengers to alight. PLEASE NOTE - The operation of the Christmas Market at Bath has been cancelled by the organiser's due to Government advice regarding Covid-19.
Edinburgh - Christmas Special Wednesday 9 December 2020 Hull to Edinburgh Departing: Hull, Brough, Howden, Selby Please Note: This trip is hauled by vintage diesel aboard our beautifully restored land cruise train 'Spirit of the Lakes' Our second Edinburgh Christmas special will run from Hull and offers a chance for passengers from the East Riding of Yorkshire to enjoy all the pre-Christmas attractions of Scotlands beautiful capital city aboard our luxurious Pullman train 'The Spirit of the Lakes'. Edinburgh has always been one of our most popular destinations and there is no wonder. First there is the journey north with the stunning scenery of the East Coast to admire as the train rushes along the cliff tops giving spectacular sea views from the train. Then there are the attractions of Edinburgh which include the famous Castle, numerous museums, galleries and the shops of Princess Street, Holyrood Palace and the Royal Mile. At Christmas time there are also two bustling Christmas markets and an ice rink in the park. Add to all this the lights and decorations that you would expect of a capital city at this time of year and you have the perfect combination for a great day out. Departure from Hull is expected to be around 0600 with a break in Edinburgh of approximately four hours. Arrival back into Hull will be around 2200.
Southend to Oxford at Christmas Trip Specific Information This trip will start out, steam hauled, from Southend and head along the Thames Estuary towards London, picking up passengers at Upminster and Barking on the way. We skirt the Capital and join the Great Western Main Line, crossing the Thames several times before reaching Didcot. From here we join the Cherwell Valley Line to Oxford. On the return journey, this trip will be be diesel-hauled between West London and Southend East. The carriages stay the same. OXFORD CHRISTMAS MARKET The city of dreaming spires will be filled with festive joy as the Oxford Christmas Market returns to the heart of the city on beautiful and historic Broad Street. With the sound of choirs singing Christmas carols, market traders offering unusual and handmade gifts, colourful decorations brightening wooden stalls and the aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon drifting in the air - a visit to the Oxford Christmas Market is a truly magical Christmas experience. TRAVELLING SAFELY We fully expect to operate this trip with our usual level of service. Please rest assured we are committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment on board, whilst adhering to Public Health regulations. We will be in touch with all customers prior to your trip, with further information about what to expect on board and what to bring with you. Locomotive Black Five locomotive Whilst this locomotive is rostered for the steam hauled sections of the trip listed, it cannot be guaranteed and may be substituted for a different engine.
The Edinburgh Christmas Market Saturday 12th December 2020 This special steam hauled train using an A1 class Pacific No. 60163 Tornado will run at speed both ways from York to Edinburgh and return. There will be time in Edinbugh 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 60163 Tornado 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. Tornado 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 costal 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 Tornado 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 Tornado and follow our outward route. Highlight of the jorney 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. PLEASE NOTE - The operation of the Christmas Market at Edinburgh is outside of our control we understand that the organisers are hopeful it will take place, however it will be dependent on Government advice given at the time.
The Birmingham and Shrewsbury Christmas Express Saturday 12th December 2020 Join us on this scenic rail tour by seasonal steam train through the Thames Valley and the Oxfordshire and Warwickshire countryside to the Christmas markets at Birmingham or Shrewsbury. We follow the former Great Western Railway main line through Reading, Oxford and Leamington Spa where there should be the opportunity to experience some fast running. Choose to alight at either Birmingham or Shrewsbury to visit the markets before returning steam hauled back to London. Our steam train leaves London Paddington early in morning behind 6233 Duchess of Sutherland and heads down the ex-Great Western Railway (GWR) main line. We stop at Slough, Reading and Didcot to pick up more passengers. Our journey continues through Oxford and onwards through pleasant countryside towards Banbury. After Leamington Spa, we will climb the steep 1 in 105 gradient of Hatton Bank before we thread our way through the suburbs and reach Birmingham New Street, where you will have the option of alighting here to visit the extensive Christmas Market. The central shopping area of the city has many chalets selling a vast variety of seasonal goods, crafts, foods and drink. Our train will call at Birmingham in the evening to pick you up for the return journey to London. Continuing our steam hauled journey away from Birmingham, we follow the Stour Valley line through to Wolverhampton, where we will take the line to Shrewsbury. In no time at all, we will pass through Cosford, home to the extensive RAF museum, followed by Telford and Wellington. On arrival at Shrewsbury, you will have ample time to explore this historic town with its many listed buildings, castle, riveside walks and numerous shops. The Christmas Market will be a wonderful sight to explore its seasonal offerings of fresh food, drink and arts and crafts, all centred conveniently around the Square. We will return steam hauled from Shrewsbury by way of our outward route, picking up those passengers who chose to alight at Birmingham earlier in the day. We will call to set down at our pick up points before arriving back in London Paddington after a busy day of sightseeing and an interesting and relaxing train journey. PLEASE NOTE - The operation of the Christmas Market at Birmingham and Shrewsbury is outside of our control we understand that the organisers are hopeful they will take place, however it will be dependent on Government advice given at the time.
The Flying Scotsman Saturday 12 December 2020 Liverpool to Carlisle Departing: Liverpool Lime Street Join us for a great day out to remember aboard our heritage steam hauled train which will take you on a scenic journey along the Settle and Carlisle line and returning on the West Coast Main Line to Carnforth, where we change engines to one of our vintage Diesels for the final part of our journey. This trip is scheduled to be hauled by 60103 The Flying Scotsman. The Flying Scotsman set two world records for steam traction, becoming the first steam locomotive to be officially authenticated at reaching 100 miles per hour (160.9 km/h) on 30 November 1934, and then setting a record for the longest non-stop run by a steam locomotive when it ran 422 miles (679 km) on 8 August 1989 while in Australia. Departing Liverpool around 07:30 we make our way to Hellifield, where the journey really begins. Enjoy the stunning Dales scenery as we make our way through Settle and over the famous Ribblehead Viaduct. Continuing north from Ribblehead we plunge into Blea Moor tunnel, the longest on the line. We then enjoy sweeping views along Dentdale as we pass through the highest station on the line, Dent. The stunning scenery continues as we head north to the more gentle landscape of the Eden Valley, the Eden Gorge and our destination - the border city of Carlisle. First opening to passengers in 1876, the Settle - Carlisle line takes in 20 viaducts, 14 tunnels and countless beautiful vistas along its 72 mile track. This historic line travels across the stunning Pennine hills, showcasing the English countryside at its best. After a break of around two hours in Carlisle, with its pedestrianised shopping centre, Castle and cathedral to enjoy, we return on the West Coast Main Line which takes us over Shap - the highest point on the line - and past The English Lake District, returning on the West Coast Main Line to Carnforth, where we change engines to one of our vintage Diesels for the final part of our journey to your home stations.
Edinburgh - Christmas Special Saturday 12 December 2020 Peterborough to Edinburgh Departing: Peterborough, Grantham, Newark Northgate, Retford, Doncaster Please Note: This trip is hauled by vintage diesel aboard our beautifully restored land cruise train 'Spirit of the Lakes' Our third tour to Edinburgh at Christmas starts from Peterborough and offers passengers along the East Coast Main Line the chance to travel north of the border in style to enjoy all the pre-Christmas attactions of Scotland's beautiful capital city aboard our luxurious Pullman train 'The Spirit of the Lakes'. Edinburgh is one of our most popular destinations and there is no wonder. First there is the journey north with the stunning scenery of the east coast to admire as the train rushes along the cliff tops giving spectacular sea views from the train. Then there are the attractions of Edinburgh which include the famous castle, numerous museums, galleries and the shops of Princess Street, Holyrood Palace and the Royal Mile. At Christmas time there are also two bustling Christmas markets and an ice rink in the park. Add to all this the lights and decorations that you would expect of a capital city at this time of year and you have the perfect combination for a great day out. Departure from Peterborough should be at around 0630 with a break in Edinburgh of around three hours. Arrival back into Peterborough should be approximately 2230
The Christmas White Rose Thursday 17th December 2020 Why not join us for a classic day out by steam train, combining two great steam locomotives, exciting main line running, varied landscape and the special atmosphere of York at Christmas time? We shall be steam hauled from Cambridge to York by LMS Princess Coronation Class steam locomotive No. 6233 ?Duchess of Sutherland? and on the return by A1 class Pacific No. 60163 Tornado. 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 towards Grimsby 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 steam locomotive for the return journey back to Peterborough will be A1 class Pacific No. 60163 Tornado. Our train leaves York at around 16:30 for the return journey via Doncaster and the direct ECML route to Peterborough. We stop to set down passengers at Peterborough, March and Ely before arriving in Cambridge at around 21:05. PLEASE NOTE - The operation of the Christmas Market at York is outside of our control we understand that the organisers are hopeful it will take place, however it will be dependent on Government advice given at the time.
White Cliffs Lunchtime Tour What could be more enjoyable than a steam train trip around the beautiful Kent coast? This circular tour offers the leisurely pace of steam travel without the need to get off the train with glorious views of the White Cliffs and English Channel. Trip Specific Information TRAVELLING SAFELY We fully expect to operate this trip with our usual level of service. Please rest assured we are committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment on board, whilst adhering to Public Health regulations. We will be in touch with all customers prior to your trip, with further information about what to expect on board and what to bring with you. Locomotive Black Five locomotive Whilst this locomotive is rostered for the steam hauled sections of the trip listed, it cannot be guaranteed and may be substituted for a different engine.
The Christmas White Rose Saturday 19th December 2020 Why not join us for a classic day out by steam train, combining exciting main line running hauled by two different steam locomotives, varied landscape and the special atmosphere of York? Our train will be hauled from London to York by A1 class Pacific No. 60163 Tornado and from York to London by LMS Princess Coronation class steam locomotive No. 6233 Duchess of Sutherland. We leave London King?s Cross at around 07:05 behind Tornado and follow the route of famous old trains like the Flying Scotsman. We storm up the gradient through Gasworks Tunnel and Finsbury Park and head 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 the Trent Valley and on through Grantham, Newark and Retford. We steam onwards through Doncaster before arriving into York. There will be plenty of time for passengers to enjoy the city and all it has to offer. York has some major tourist attractions including the National Railway Museum, the largest museum of its type in Britain; the Castle; 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. The York Christmas Market will also be in full swing with its vast number of stalls offering local yuletide crafts, along with seasonal food and drink. Our train leaves York at around 16:30, this time hauled by Duchess of Sutherland, along the East Coast Main Line where we should achieve our maximum speed. It stops to set down passengers at the same stations as on the northbound journey, arriving at King?s Cross at around 21:25. PLEASE NOTE - The operation of the Christmas Market at York is outside of our control we understand that the organisers are hopeful it will take place, however it will be dependent on Government advice given at the time.
The Flying Scotsman Saturday 19 December 2020 Manchester to Carlisle Departing: Manchester Victoria, Bolton Join us for a great day out to remember aboard our heritage steam hauled train which will take you on a scenic journey along the Settle and Carlisle line and returning on the West Coast Main Line to Carnforth, where we change engines to one of our vintage Diesels for the final part of our journey. This trip is scheduled to be hauled by 60103 The Flying Scotsman. The Flying Scotsman set two world records for steam traction, becoming the first steam locomotive to be officially authenticated at reaching 100 miles per hour (160.9 km/h) on 30 November 1934, and then setting a record for the longest non-stop run by a steam locomotive when it ran 422 miles (679 km) on 8 August 1989 while in Australia. Departing Manchester around 07:30 we make our way to Bolton then Hellifield, where the journey really begins. Enjoy the stunning Dales scenery as we make our way through Settle and over the famous Ribblehead Viaduct. Continuing north from Ribblehead we plunge into Blea Moor tunnel, the longest on the line. We then enjoy sweeping views along Dentdale as we pass through the highest station on the line, Dent. The stunning scenery continues as we head north to the more gentle landscape of the Eden Valley, the Eden Gorge and our destination - the border city of Carlisle. First opening to passengers in 1876, the Settle - Carlisle line takes in 20 viaducts, 14 tunnels and countless beautiful vistas along its 72 mile track. This historic line travels across the stunning Pennine hills, showcasing the English countryside at its best. After a break of around two hours in Carlisle, with its pedestrianised shopping centre, Castle and cathedral to enjoy, we return on the West Coast Main Line which takes us over Shap - the highest point on the line - and past The English Lake District, returning on the West Coast Main Line to Carnforth, where we change engines to one of our vintage Diesels for the final part of our journey to your home stations.
New Year Steam Gala 1, 2 January 2021 Steam locomotive 4953 Pitchford Hall Steam Locomotive 4953 Pitchford Hall (Photos: Owen Hayward and Andy Duncan) NEW FOR 2021 - OUR NEW YEAR STEAM GALA IS NOW A 2 DAY EVENT! Steam into the Forest this New Year with our steam hauled services. All our services today will be worked by steam locomotives and connecting heritage buses will run between Epping Underground and North Weald stations. Details of locomotives in operation to be announced.
New Year Steam Gala 1, 2 January 2021 Steam locomotive 4953 Pitchford Hall Steam Locomotive 4953 Pitchford Hall (Photos: Owen Hayward and Andy Duncan) NEW FOR 2021 - OUR NEW YEAR STEAM GALA IS NOW A 2 DAY EVENT! Steam into the Forest this New Year with our steam hauled services. All our services today will be worked by steam locomotives and connecting heritage buses will run between Epping Underground and North Weald stations. Details of locomotives in operation to be announced.
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The Blue Boys Merrymixer Saturday 30 January 2021 NEW DATE - Join Pathfinder for this train excursion featuring a variety of DRS locos. Joining Stations: Eastleigh, Basingstoke, Reading West, Didcot Parkway, Banbury, Leamington Spa, Coventry, Birmingham International & Birmingham New Street Event Details NEW DATE - SATURDAY - 30 January 2021 The previous two DRS loco railtours proved popular and requests for another are regularly received. Therefore, for 2020, we present ?The Blue Boys Merrymixer?. The day starts with a powerful class 68 working the mark I carriaged train north from Hampshire to the Birmingham area via the pick-up stations below. Then a brace of class 37s start a ramble of midlands lines ending at Crewe (not Stoke-on-Trent) for an afternoon break. Expect to travel the Burton - Leicester freight route via Coalville and over the North Chord at Nuneaton, (via Lichfield City not available). On leaving Crewe a class 66 heads south through the west midlands to Rugby (not Daventry) via Shrewsbury, Walsall and Nuneaton, with a number of freight loops traversed (Gresty Green Up Loop, Shrewsbury Crewe Bank, Cosford Up Goods Loop, Oxley Up Goods Loop). The next loco will be a class 88 electro-diesel, ?sparking? the train to Birmingham International before class 57s take back over for the homeward set down run to Eastleigh.
The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express Saturday 30th January 2021 Our first main line steam hauled train of 2021 starts the year off with a winter scenic day out from the north-west to the Cumbria Fells. Travelling outwards over the West Coast Main Line via Shap to Carlisle, time will be available to explore this historic border city. In the afternoon, we head southwards again, but via the highly scenic Settle & Carlisle line. This will be even more special if there is snow about to enhance the breathtaking scenery of the Pennines. The train will be hauled by a locomotive from the Carnforth pool. Our special train will depart from Manchester Victoria at about 07:00 stopping to collect passengers at Bolton and Preston. We enjoy a fast run along the West Coast Main Line (WCML) to Carnforth where we stop for our locomotive to take on water. We climb the first severe gradient up to Grayrigg and then travel through the beautiful Lune Gorge, 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 used to assist trains. After crossing the Cumbrian Fells we descend to Penrith, and then head for Carlisle. We stay in the Border City for over two hours, providing ample time to visit the castle, cathedral, museum and shops, or just to relax in one of the many fine coffee shops, restaurants or bars. We leave Carlisle and begin to climb as soon as we join the Settle & Carlisle Line, one of the best known and best loved stretches of railway line in Britain. We stop at Appleby, for our steam locomotive to take on water. The route then climbs through Kirkby Stephen towards the highest railway summit in England at Ais Gill, 1,169 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 to Settle before we stop for our steam locomotive to take on water. We continue through Hellifield and Clitheroe to Blackburn, where we stop to set down passengers. We then head for Bamber Bridge and join the WCML at Farington Junction and make our way towards Bolton, where we stop to set down passengers. Shortly after 19:00, we arrive at our final destination of Manchester Victoria, and the end of a truly marvellous day. * Passengers for Preston travel by service train from Blackburn on the return journey.
The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express Saturday 6th February 2021 The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express provides a wonderful opportunity to get out and about during the winter months, 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 return from Preston to London behind our blue electric locomotive. We leave London Euston at around 07:10 with electric traction, and speed north along the West Coast Main Line (WCML). We stop to pick up passengers at Milton Keynes (where passengers from Watford Junction join by service train), 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 three 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 Watford Junction will travel to Milton Keynes by service train to join our train. **Passengers from Northampton will travel to and from Rugby by service train to join our train.
Valentine?s Bath & Bristol Steam Express?? Saturday 13th February 2021? To commemorate Valentine?s Day in February, why not embark on a romantic day out with a nostalgic steam hauled train to the attractive cities of Bath and Bristol. You can chose to alight at Bath or carry on to Bristol. Our route will follow a mixture of main and secondary lines, including the Salisbury Plain and the attractive Avon Valley to Bath. Our journey commences at the busy terminus station of London Waterloo. We will make our way via Clapham Junction and onwards via Barnes to Twickenham, where we pause to pick up passengers. After Staines, a further stop will be made at Egham to pick up before we continue to Woking. We will pause at Winchfield to water our steam locomotive before continuing westwards to Basingstoke for a further pick up stop. From Basingstoke, we can expect a fast run along the former London & South Western Railway?s route via Andover to the cathedral city of Salisbury. We stop at Salisbury, for the loco to take on water, and then continue along the ?South West? main line to Wilton. Here we turn northwards and cross the edge of Salisbury Plain en route to Warminster. We descend steeply to Westbury, with its famous hillside white horse, and then follow the scenic Avon Valley through Bradford on Avon. We shall soon catch sight of the Georgian city of Bath as we approach the well-kept Bath Spa station, which is close to the city centre. The afternoon is free to explore the city, which is noted for its splendid Georgian buildings, attractive riverside setting and its fine Abbey. Also, take time to explore the Roman Baths and its warm waters in the Pump House buildings. Bath has many shops around its central location to tempt shoppers, along with restaurants catering or all tastes. 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 an historic harbour-side, the location of the M Shed, an exciting new innovative museum. The city is a major haven for shoppers with all the major retail outlets in the Broadmead and Cabot Circus shopping centres. Our steam locomotive will be serviced at Bristol before we return to Bath and London Waterloo steam hauled. We stop to pick up those passengers who opted to visit the city of Bath! We return by the route of our outward journey, stopping at the same stations for passengers to alight. Our arrival back in London?s Waterloo station will signal the conclusion of a varied and interesting day out on the evening of Valentine?s day.
The Cotswold Venturer Saturday 20th February 2021 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 the Golden Valley line through Stroud and Kemble and also return the same way, which will include the steep climb up to Sapperton tunnel. Our steam hauled train leaves London Paddington at around 07:40 hauled by Princess Coronation Class steam locomotive no. 46233 Duchess of Sutherland and heads down the ex-Great Western Railway (GWR) main line. We stop at Slough, Reading and Didcot to pick up more passengers. Our journey continues through the Vale of White Horse to Swindon, where we take the Golden Valley line through Kemble and up the climb to Sapperton Tunnel. We bypass Gloucester and head northwards through Cheltenham to Abbotswood Junction, were we leave the main line to Birmingham and head for Worcester Shrub Hill. There will be more than three hours to explore the fine city of Worcester. 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 the birthplace of the composer Sir Edward Elgar is nearby at Lower Broadheath. Our steam hauled train leaves Worcester Shrub Hill in the late afternoon and returns to London via the Golden Valley line. We follow the former Great Western Railway route from Standish Junction and climb steadily through Stroud before the gradients increase dramatically to 1 in 74 at Chalford. We continue to climb through the Golden Valley at a gradient of 1 in 60 prior to entering Sapperton tunnel at the summit of the climb. On easier gradients, we descend through Kemble and onwards through Wiltshire to the former railway town of Swindon. We will now retrace our earlier route through the Vale of White Horse back to Didcot and Reading. Our final part of the journey calls at Reading and Slough before arriving back in London Paddington in the evening.
The Cotton Mill Express Saturday 27th February 2021 Join us on this interesting and varied tour around the cotton mill towns of Lancashire and Yorkshire. There will be rugged scenery in abundance as we traverse the Pennines, and also some very steep gradients to climb, providing a good workout for our steam locomotive. The Cotton Mill Express picks up in Lancaster, Preston and Wigan before we reach Manchester Victoria, known as Cottonopolis at the heart of the cotton industry. We make our way eastwards, via the steep climb of Miles Platting Bank, towards Stalybridge and take the old London & North Western Trans Pennine line over the Pennines via Standedge Tunnel to Huddersfield. With steep gradients aplenty, and wide Pennine valleys to enhance the ruggedness, our steam locomotive will be working hard all the way. After passing through Huddersfield, we will take the Bradley Wood Curve towards Brighouse, where we will pause for water. We now head westwards through the Calder Valley, with its steep sides all the way to Hall Royd Junction, where we leave the Manchester line and commence the steep climb to Copy Pit Summit. Once over the summit, there are then a long string of mill towns that follow our route through to Accrington before we reach Blackburn. Leaving Blackburn, we run via Bamber Bridge and Chorley to Bolton and then onwards to Manchester Victoria once again. We continue to make another climb up Miles Platting Bank and head for Huddersfield once again for our second circuit of the Pennines to Brighouse. After taking water at Brighouse, we continue along the Calder Valley again but take the Manchester line at Todmorden and run via Rochdale to Manchester Victoria, where we call to set down passengers. Our final leg of the journey will retrace our outward steps back to Lancaster via Wigan and Preston, to conclude what promises to be an unusual tour of the Pennines and its former cotton mill towns.
The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express Saturday 27th February 2021 The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express provides a wonderful opportunity to get out and about during the winter months, 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 return from Preston to London behind our blue electric locomotive. We leave London Euston at around 07:10 with electric traction, and speed north along the West Coast Main Line (WCML). We stop to pick up passengers at Milton Keynes (where passengers from Watford Junction join by service train), 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 three 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 Watford Junction will travel to Milton Keynes by service train to join our train. **Passengers from Northampton will travel to and from Rugby by service train to join our train.
The Yorkshireman Saturday 6th March 2021 Join us for a main line steam run from west London Victoria station to York. The city of York is world famous for its variety of visitor attractions and home to the National Railway Museum. We travel north via the Midland Main Line stopping at stations to pick up further passengers. Our train will be hauled between London and York by A1 class steam locomotive no. 60163 Tornado. Our train leaves London Ealing Broadway at around 06:25 hauled by Tornado and travels around West London through Acton Wells and and Neasden South Junction. At Dudding Hill Junction we take the Brent curve and join the Midland Main Line (MML) near Cricklewood. We head north and stop at St. Albans, Luton, Bedford and Kettering, to pick up further passengers. We leave the MML after Kettering and take the former Midland Railway Nottingham direct line. We pass through Corby Station, opened in 2009 to replace the original which was closed in 1966. We climb to the famous Harringworth Viaduct, the longest masonry viaduct in Britain. From the end of the viaduct there is a long, stiff climb up to Wing Tunnel and then it is downhill to Manton Junction, and through Rutland?s county town of Oakham. We stop to pick up passengers at Melton Mowbray before we continue to Syston Junction and take the sharp right curve to join the MML from Leicester. We pass through Loughborough and join the Erewash Valley Line at Trent Junction. Our final boarding point for passengers is at Alfreton. 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 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. Our train leaves York at around 17:15 and returns to London Ealing Broadway diesel hauled. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey, to set down passengers.
The Cumbrian Coast Express Saturday 13th March 2021 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 at around 07:00 with electric traction, and speed north along the West Coast Main Line (WCML). We stop to pick up passengers at Milton Keynes (where passengers from Watford Junction join by service train), 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 caf? and commence the climb up to Grayrigg. We then travel through the beautiful Lune Gorge to Tebay, before the 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 steam hauled 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 British Nuclear Fuels plant dominates the landscape. At Ravenglass, we meet up with 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. We will avoid Barrow in Furness by taking the ?Park? cut off line to Dalton 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 passengers. * Passengers from Watford Junction will travel to Milton Keynes by service train to join our train. **Passengers from Northampton will travel to and from Rugby by service train to join our train.
The Cheshireman Saturday 20th March 2021 This tour offers a wonderful opportunity to travel by a special charter train to the historic city of Chester. The train will be steam-hauled throughout from London Euston to Chester by Princess Coronation Class locomotive no. 46233 Duchess of Sutherland. We will follow the route of the famous express such as the Royal Scot along the West Coast Main Line (WCML) to Crewe and then onwards to Chester. We can expect some spirited running down the WCML to Crewe. Be sure to book early to join us on this historic occasion. ?The Cheshireman? will leave London Euston at around 07:00 steam hauled behind Duchess of Sutherland. Initially on departure we shall hear our locomotive working hard on the climb up Camden Bank. We continue through Watford Tunnel into rural Hertfordshire. We stop to pick up further passengers at the 1960s ?new town? of Milton Keynes, where passengers from Watford Junction will join by service train. At Hanslope Junction, we leave the West Coast Main Line (WCML) and take the Northampton loop line where we stop again for passengers. We continue northwards and pass the Daventry Railfreight Terminal (DIRFT) before rejoining the WCML at Rugby, a further pick up stop, and the birthplace of rugby football and the jet engine. We then follow the Trent Valley Line to Nuneaton, our final stop to pick up passengers. We pass through Lichfield, notable for its three-spired medieval cathedral, and soon after Rugeley is Shugborough Tunnel. This has ornamental grand entrances, the result of conditions required by the Earl of Lichfield for building the line across his estate. We continue northwards through Stafford to the famous railway junction town of Crewe where we take the North Wales Coast Line to Chester. There will be around four hours 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. Other places of interest include the Castle, the Cathedral, and the picturesque racecourse, which is located between the city walls and the river Dee. Our special train, hauled on the return journey by our steam locomotive Duchess of Sutherland, leaves Chester late afternoon for the return journey to London Euston. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers, and this tour promises to be one of excitement as Tornado is allowed to reach its maximum permitted speed along the WCML. *Passengers from Watford Jct will travel by service train to Milton Keynes on the outward journey.
The Edinburgh Flyer Saturday 20th March 2021 A rare opportunity is on offer with this special steam hauled train using an A1 Class Pacific No. 60163 Tornado running at speed both ways from York to Edinburgh and return. There will be time in Edinbugh to visit the sights 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 60163 Tornado 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 A1 & 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 shimmering 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. Tornado 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 costal 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 many attractions, located near Princes Street Gardens, whilst Tornado 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 Tornado and follow our outward route. Highlight of the jorney 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.
The Cotswold Lion Saturday 27 March 2021 This springtime tour to the Cotswolds and the medieval City of Worcester, featuring off train options to visit the Gloucester Warwickshire Railway or the Elgar Birthplace Museum is now scheduled to run on Saturday 27 March 2021. The rolling Cotswold hills, thatched medieval villages and churches built of distinctive local yellow limestone make for an unforgettable scenic backdrop from the train window. This tour includes both lines that pass through this delightful part of the country, travelling outward via Oxford and the bucolic Cotswold Line and returning home by way of the ?Golden Valley?, the name for the line through Stroud and Kemble, coined by Queen Alexandra, wife of King Edward VII, while on a train along this picturesque route in 1909. One option is to travel along the third Cotswold rail route also, the preserved Gloucester Warwickshire Railway, now running from Cheltenham to Broadway. At our destination, Worcester, the River Severn flanks the city centre. The fine cathedral dates from the 12th century; much of it is Norman, and the foundations are older still. King John, of evil repute, lies buried in the crypt. Worcester is famed for its porcelain. The Museum of Royal Worcester, standing on the former factory site, contains the finest collection of Worcester Porcelain in the world and has recently undergone a ?1.7 million refurbishment. The city boasts a notable collection of medieval and Tudor buildings centred upon Cornmarket, Friar Street and New Street. Here you will also find a great range of shops, cafes and historic inns, and Saturday is market day too. The walk from Worcester Shrub Hill Station to the city takes about twelve minutes and you have over four hours in which to explore. There is a wide range of joining stations, stretching all the way from Peterborough into the capital. Our train runs via the North London Line, then via the Great Western main line. We pass by the ?dreaming spires? of Oxford before continuing through the peaceful Cotswolds, through Charlbury and Evesham to reach Worcester Shrub Hill late morning. After our sightseeing break our return route is via Cheltenham. We glimpse Gloucester Cathedral then divert south-east through the idyllic Golden Valley, rejoining our outward route at Didcot. OPTION - THE GLOUCESTER WARWICKSHIRE RAILWAY: On this option you leave our train at Evesham for the nine-mile transfer to Toddington, headquarters of the Gloucester Warwickshire Railway. This is a fourteen mile standard gauge preserved steam railway running from Broadway through the Cotswold Hills via Toddington to Cheltenham Racecourse. A ?rover? ticket is included in this option and with three trains in the operating circuit there will be lots of scope for designing your afternoon itinerary. Broadway station is just a ten minute level walk from the picture-postcard village of Broadway. At the end of the afternoon, the bus transfer is from Cheltenham Racecourse station to the main line station at Cheltenham Spa. This option includes bus transfer from Evesham to Toddington and from Cheltenham Racecourse to Cheltenham Spa, plus freedom of all Gloucester Warwickshire Railway train services during the afternoon. OPTION - ELGAR BIRTHPLACE MUSEUM: We are offering an optional visit to Elgar?s birthplace museum, just three miles from Worcester. The collections include manuscripts, scores, programmes and other items connected with Elgar?s music; family photographs; items from his travels and with his hobbies including golf and cycling; personal possessions; awards and honours, and film of his later years. It is a touching testimony to England?s finest composer. The supplement includes coach transfer from Worcester Shrub Hill. A reduced price is available for National Trust members. ALL OFF TRAIN OPTIONS MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE.
The Mancunian Saturday 27th March 2021 This tour offers a unique opportunity to travel by a special charter train to the bustling city of Manchester. The train will be steam-hauled throughout from London Euston to Manchester by LMS Princess Coronation Pacific No.6233 Duchess of Sutherland. We will follow the route of the famous express such as the Royal Scot along the West Coast Main Line (WCML) to Stoke on Trent and then onwards via Stockport to Manchester Piccadilly. We can expect some spirited running as we make our way northwards along the WCML. Be sure to book early to join us on this historic occasion. The ?Mancunian? will leave London Euston at around 07:00 steam hauled behind Duchess of Sutherland. Initially on departure we shall hear our locomotive working hard on the climb up Camden Bank. We stop to pick up more passengers at Watford Junction and then continue through Watford Tunnel into rural Hertfordshire. We stop to pick up further passengers at the 1960s ?new town? of Milton Keynes. At Hanslope Junction, we leave the West Coast Main Line (WCML) and take the Northampton loop line where we will stop for water and pick up further passengers. We continue northwards and pass the Daventry Railfreight Terminal (DIRFT) before rejoining the WCML at Rugby, a further pick up stop, and the birthplace of rugby football and the jet engine. We then follow the Trent Valley Line to Nuneaton, where we will make a stop to pick up passengers. We pass through Lichfield, notable for its three-spired medieval cathedral and, soon after Rugeley, is Colwich Junction, where the line to Stoke on Trent leaves the WCML. We will now follow the former North Staffordshire line through the Trent Valley towards Stoke on Trent. This line has not seen many steam hauled trains in recent years, so this will be a new steam hauled route for many. After passing through the Potteries, we continue our journey northwards through the Harecastle tunnel and take the North Staffs line to Macclesfield at Kidsgrove junction. There is a long climb from Congleton through North Rode towards Macclesfield. Here, we now pick up the former LNWR route through Poynton to Cheadle Hulme, and then onwards to Stockport. At Stockport, we will cross the lofty Mersey Square viaduct and proceed through the suburbs of south Manchester before arriving at Manchester Piccadilly for an afternoon break. With the shops and attractions all nearby there will be something for everybody, including those who wish to shop in the Arndale Centre. There are ample pubs and restaurants for lunch, plus many museums and places of interest within easy walking distance of the city center. After out visit to Manchester, we will return to London steam hauled via our outward route through to Stockport, where we will now take the line via Sandbach towards Crewe. We will pause at Crewe to take on water before continuing southwards along the WCML. Highlight of this journey will be the long climb out of Crewe up to Whitmore summit. After passing through Stafford, we round Queensville Curve and head for Colwich Junction, where we pick up our outward route. We will set down at our earlier calling stations on the way. This tour promises to be a fitting tribute to the former LMS golden years along the WCML and its fine locomotives.
The Wensleydale Railway Saturday 27th March 2021 Our steam hauled journey today commences at Carnforth on the edge of Morecambe Bay. We will journey eastwards across the Bentham Line to Hellifield and onwards through Skipton to Leeds and then York. We then continue along the East Coast Main Line to Northallerton where we will join the 22-mile long Wensleydale Railway for a run through the highly scenic Yorkshire Dales to the line?s present terminus at Redmire. This will be a rare opportunity to visit the Wensleydale line by a through steam-hauled train. Leaving Carnforth first thing in the morning steam hauled by two Carnforh pool locomotives, we will take the Bentham Line and climb through Wennington and Giggleswick to Settle Junction, where we join the former Midland Railway route to Leeds. A pause will be made at Hellifield to top up our steam locomotive?s tender before we continue onwards towards Skipton, where there will be a stop to pick up passengers. We follow the Aire Valley through Keighley towards Leeds, where a further pick up will be made. A fast sprint will follow as we make our way northwards to join up with the East Coast Main Line that will take us onwards to York. At York we will need to reverse to join the Wensleydale line and we expect to run in ?top and tail? mode along the branch through the Vale of Mowbray as far as our first stop at Leyburn, where passengers have the opportunity to alight and visit the nearby attractive market town. The train will continue to the current end of the branch at Redmire, where the nearby 14th century Bolton Castle is visible on the edge of the town. After a short break in Redmire, we return to Leyburn for an afternoon break. Apart from its railway interest in and around the station, the attractive market town of Leyburn is just a short walk away, with its small Market Square offering a number of cafes and pubs, plus quaint tourist shops in its centre. After servicing our steam locomotives, we will return along the Wensleydale line back to Northallerton, were we will rejoin the East Coast Main Line for the run southwards back to York. We then continue steam hauled by the two locomotives, setting down at our earlier pick up points and thus ending a splendid day out travelling over Lancashire and Yorkshire scenic lines.
The Fen and Fells Flyer Re-dated from Spring 2020 due to the lockdown, this train will now run on Saturday 27th March 2021. Especially for our East Anglian customers, the train departs from Cambridge, Ely, March and Peterborough with a diesel locomotive at the head. We also call at Newark before reaching York, where Tornado will be waiting to take over at the front of the train. From York we take a fast run along the East Coast Main Line passing Darlington and Durham, with glorious views over the Norman Castle and the Cathedral. We then head west through Hexham as we follow the route of Hadrian?s Wall to arrive in the Border City of Carlisle. Here we have around two hours to explore the City with its fine museum and Castle, cosy public houses and various shops of interest. Our return journey takes us south via the iconic Settle and Carlisle Railway. Famed for its beauty within the rolling landscape of the Dales and North Pennines, the Settle and Carlisle Railway demonstrates the skill and determination of Victorian civil engineering prowess in challenging and inhospitable terrain. Highlights of the journey include Tornado hard at work to complete the climb to Ais Gill summit, the highest point of the line at 1,169ft, and our train also passes through the superbly restored Dent Station, the highest in England at 1150ft. To accommodate for the rolling landscape, the railway was built along many viaducts and cuts through long tunnels, the longest tunnel at Blea Moor is over two miles long! One of the most iconic sights on the route is the Ribblehead Viaduct; the 24 arches stretch a quarter of a mile over 100ft above the ground and offer spectacular uninterrupted views of the landscape. Much is said of the beauty and scale of this railway, but to fully appreciate it, it must be experienced first-hand. Once we have passed Settle Junction and its historic signalbox we head south through Skipton to skirt Leeds and Wakefield as we continue south to Doncaster where Tornado is detached. Our diesel locomotive will have made its way from York ready for the homeward run along the East Coast Main Line and across the Fens.
The Caledonian Join Tornado for a wonderful day out from the West Midlands to Scotland?s capital city. Steam north to discover Edinburgh?s historic city centre packed with shops, museums and bars. Saturday 10th April Join us from: Birmingham New Street, Tame Bridge Parkway, Wolverhampton, Stafford and Crewe. Book online below, or call our booking office on 01325 Our tour departs from Birmingham New Street behind an electric locomotive and is routed via Wolverhampton, Stafford, Crewe and Preston before arriving into Carnforth where Tornado will be waiting. We leave Carnforth and follow the route of the West Coast Main Line. Whilst away from more familiar A1 territory, it was a regular route for the class when three were allocated to Polmadie shed in Glasgow and worked south. We will tackle the long climb to Shap Summit via the formidable Grayrigg bank, the beautiful Lune Gorge and the steep Shap Bank itself. The scenery unfolds across the Lakes to the west and the Pennine ridge to the east during the climb and the descent to Carlisle. We then cross into Scotland and race through the borders before taking water at Lockerbie. From there we again pick up speed before ascending the long ten mile climb to Beattock Summit, a real test for any locomotive. After cresting the summit we can enjoy the scenery further as we run downhill and across the open spaces toward Carstairs where we take the easterly route on to the Scottish Capital. After a break of around three hours in Edinburgh, whilst Tornado is serviced, we will return via our outward route. Tornado will haul the train as far as Carnforth and our electric locomotive will be on hand to whisk our train south to Birmingham.
The Great Britain XIV Friday 16th April to Saturday 24th April 2021 Our Great Britain tour this year is packed with steam highlights, transporting you in style through the magnificent landscapes of England, Scotland and Wales. ?Delight in a whirlwind first day travelling from Londons Kings Cross on the East Coast Main Line, through York, Newcastle and along the North Sea coast to Edinburgh. ?Experience the spectacular Forth Bridge crossing and Highland Main Line to Inverness via Perth, Pitlochry and over the Drumochter Summit, before heading south to Stirling, where we spend two nights. ?Enjoy the spectacular scenery and a night in the Lake District, before the North Wales coastal line takes you past Chester into Wales. After a comfortable stop in Cardiff you move through Somerset and Devon over some steep gradients to experience the famous sea wall run at Dawlish. ?Penzance is your next stop for a two-night stay in Cornwall before your epic holiday ends steam-hauled as always via Taunton and Westbury to join the ?Berks & Hants? line to Reading, travelling through the Vale of Pewsey to Newbury and back to London.
The Great Britain XIV Friday 16th April to Saturday 24th April 2021 Our Great Britain tour this year is packed with steam highlights, transporting you in style through the magnificent landscapes of England, Scotland and Wales. ?Delight in a whirlwind first day travelling from Londons Kings Cross on the East Coast Main Line, through York, Newcastle and along the North Sea coast to Edinburgh. ?Experience the spectacular Forth Bridge crossing and Highland Main Line to Inverness via Perth, Pitlochry and over the Drumochter Summit, before heading south to Stirling, where we spend two nights. ?Enjoy the spectacular scenery and a night in the Lake District, before the North Wales coastal line takes you past Chester into Wales. After a comfortable stop in Cardiff you move through Somerset and Devon over some steep gradients to experience the famous sea wall run at Dawlish. ?Penzance is your next stop for a two-night stay in Cornwall before your epic holiday ends steam-hauled as always via Taunton and Westbury to join the ?Berks & Hants? line to Reading, travelling through the Vale of Pewsey to Newbury and back to London.
The Great Britain XIV Friday 16th April to Saturday 24th April 2021 Our Great Britain tour this year is packed with steam highlights, transporting you in style through the magnificent landscapes of England, Scotland and Wales. ?Delight in a whirlwind first day travelling from Londons Kings Cross on the East Coast Main Line, through York, Newcastle and along the North Sea coast to Edinburgh. ?Experience the spectacular Forth Bridge crossing and Highland Main Line to Inverness via Perth, Pitlochry and over the Drumochter Summit, before heading south to Stirling, where we spend two nights. ?Enjoy the spectacular scenery and a night in the Lake District, before the North Wales coastal line takes you past Chester into Wales. After a comfortable stop in Cardiff you move through Somerset and Devon over some steep gradients to experience the famous sea wall run at Dawlish. ?Penzance is your next stop for a two-night stay in Cornwall before your epic holiday ends steam-hauled as always via Taunton and Westbury to join the ?Berks & Hants? line to Reading, travelling through the Vale of Pewsey to Newbury and back to London.
The Great Britain XIV Friday 16th April to Saturday 24th April 2021 Our Great Britain tour this year is packed with steam highlights, transporting you in style through the magnificent landscapes of England, Scotland and Wales. ?Delight in a whirlwind first day travelling from Londons Kings Cross on the East Coast Main Line, through York, Newcastle and along the North Sea coast to Edinburgh. ?Experience the spectacular Forth Bridge crossing and Highland Main Line to Inverness via Perth, Pitlochry and over the Drumochter Summit, before heading south to Stirling, where we spend two nights. ?Enjoy the spectacular scenery and a night in the Lake District, before the North Wales coastal line takes you past Chester into Wales. After a comfortable stop in Cardiff you move through Somerset and Devon over some steep gradients to experience the famous sea wall run at Dawlish. ?Penzance is your next stop for a two-night stay in Cornwall before your epic holiday ends steam-hauled as always via Taunton and Westbury to join the ?Berks & Hants? line to Reading, travelling through the Vale of Pewsey to Newbury and back to London.
The Great Britain XIV Friday 16th April to Saturday 24th April 2021 Our Great Britain tour this year is packed with steam highlights, transporting you in style through the magnificent landscapes of England, Scotland and Wales. ?Delight in a whirlwind first day travelling from Londons Kings Cross on the East Coast Main Line, through York, Newcastle and along the North Sea coast to Edinburgh. ?Experience the spectacular Forth Bridge crossing and Highland Main Line to Inverness via Perth, Pitlochry and over the Drumochter Summit, before heading south to Stirling, where we spend two nights. ?Enjoy the spectacular scenery and a night in the Lake District, before the North Wales coastal line takes you past Chester into Wales. After a comfortable stop in Cardiff you move through Somerset and Devon over some steep gradients to experience the famous sea wall run at Dawlish. ?Penzance is your next stop for a two-night stay in Cornwall before your epic holiday ends steam-hauled as always via Taunton and Westbury to join the ?Berks & Hants? line to Reading, travelling through the Vale of Pewsey to Newbury and back to London.
The Great Britain XIV Friday 16th April to Saturday 24th April 2021 Our Great Britain tour this year is packed with steam highlights, transporting you in style through the magnificent landscapes of England, Scotland and Wales. ?Delight in a whirlwind first day travelling from Londons Kings Cross on the East Coast Main Line, through York, Newcastle and along the North Sea coast to Edinburgh. ?Experience the spectacular Forth Bridge crossing and Highland Main Line to Inverness via Perth, Pitlochry and over the Drumochter Summit, before heading south to Stirling, where we spend two nights. ?Enjoy the spectacular scenery and a night in the Lake District, before the North Wales coastal line takes you past Chester into Wales. After a comfortable stop in Cardiff you move through Somerset and Devon over some steep gradients to experience the famous sea wall run at Dawlish. ?Penzance is your next stop for a two-night stay in Cornwall before your epic holiday ends steam-hauled as always via Taunton and Westbury to join the ?Berks & Hants? line to Reading, travelling through the Vale of Pewsey to Newbury and back to London.
The Great Britain XIV Friday 16th April to Saturday 24th April 2021 Our Great Britain tour this year is packed with steam highlights, transporting you in style through the magnificent landscapes of England, Scotland and Wales. ?Delight in a whirlwind first day travelling from Londons Kings Cross on the East Coast Main Line, through York, Newcastle and along the North Sea coast to Edinburgh. ?Experience the spectacular Forth Bridge crossing and Highland Main Line to Inverness via Perth, Pitlochry and over the Drumochter Summit, before heading south to Stirling, where we spend two nights. ?Enjoy the spectacular scenery and a night in the Lake District, before the North Wales coastal line takes you past Chester into Wales. After a comfortable stop in Cardiff you move through Somerset and Devon over some steep gradients to experience the famous sea wall run at Dawlish. ?Penzance is your next stop for a two-night stay in Cornwall before your epic holiday ends steam-hauled as always via Taunton and Westbury to join the ?Berks & Hants? line to Reading, travelling through the Vale of Pewsey to Newbury and back to London.
The Great Britain XIV Friday 16th April to Saturday 24th April 2021 Our Great Britain tour this year is packed with steam highlights, transporting you in style through the magnificent landscapes of England, Scotland and Wales. ?Delight in a whirlwind first day travelling from Londons Kings Cross on the East Coast Main Line, through York, Newcastle and along the North Sea coast to Edinburgh. ?Experience the spectacular Forth Bridge crossing and Highland Main Line to Inverness via Perth, Pitlochry and over the Drumochter Summit, before heading south to Stirling, where we spend two nights. ?Enjoy the spectacular scenery and a night in the Lake District, before the North Wales coastal line takes you past Chester into Wales. After a comfortable stop in Cardiff you move through Somerset and Devon over some steep gradients to experience the famous sea wall run at Dawlish. ?Penzance is your next stop for a two-night stay in Cornwall before your epic holiday ends steam-hauled as always via Taunton and Westbury to join the ?Berks & Hants? line to Reading, travelling through the Vale of Pewsey to Newbury and back to London.
The Non-Mazey Day Cornishman 2021 Saturday 24 may 2021 NEW DATE - Pathfinder's annual outing to Penzance with a class 66 & a pair of class 50s. Joining Stations: Birmingham New Street, Northfield, Bromsgrove, Worcester Parkway, Cheltenham Spa, Gloucester, Cam & Dursley, Bristol Parkway & Bristol Temple Meads. Event Details NEW DATE - SATURDAY, 24 APRIL 2021 Join our classic mark I excursion for the Pathfinder Railtour?s annual visit to Penzance (not on Mazey Day this year), but with other off-train options to choose from as well. We head off to Penzance on an absorbing journey. Fast running west of Bristol, through the counties of Somerset and Devon, takes us to Plymouth and the crossing of the River Tamar into Cornwall across Brunel?s iconic bridge. Choose from: Option A - TRURO (1225/1645): Cornwall?s only Cathedral city with a branchline to Falmouth^ Option B - ST ERTH (1255/1615): for the scenic branchline to picturesque St Ives^ Option C - PENZANCE (1305/1605): to explore the town and its beach, or perhaps a visit to nearby Marazion (for St Michael?s Mount), Mousehole, Newlyn or Land?s End on the local buses. Option D - Visit THE EDEN PROJECT - Alight at Par for road coach transfer (Supplementary Fare - Adult ?20 - Junior ?14). Option E - Visit THE LOST GARDENS OF HELIGAN - Alight at Par for road coach transfer (Supplementary Fare - Adult ?20 - Junior ?14). ^ Pay local rail fare on the day.
The Merchant of Norfolk Saturday 24 April 2021 A springtime trip along the southern part of the East Coast Main Line from Kings Cross and then over to Norwich sounds appealing enough, but add to that our favourite locomotive, the magnificent Merchant Navy class Pacific 35028 ?Clan Line?, and we have a perfect Main Line Steam tour on our hands! This will be Clan Line?s first ever visit to Norwich, and only its second departure from King?s Cross. Our outward route takes us from Kings Cross to Hitchin, picking up at Potter Bar and Stevenage, then via Cambridge before turning east across rural Norfolk to Norwich, where we expect to arrive around lunchtime for a break of around four and a half hours. Norwich boasts award-winning shopping, lively streets, historic monuments, a gateway to the iconic Broads and is regularly voted as one of the top 10 places to live in England. You may choose to visit Norwich?s magnificent Cathedral, one of the finest complete Romanesque cathedrals in Europe. With the second tallest spire and largest monastic cloisters in England, it houses more than a thousand beautiful medieval roof boss sculptures. Also a popular attraction is one of the city?s most famous landmarks, Norwich Castle. Built by the Normans as a Royal Palace 900 years ago, the castle is now a museum and art gallery and home to some outstanding collections of fine art, archaeology and natural history (entry fee applies). OFF TRAIN OPTION: NORFOLK BROADS CRUISE Upon our arrival at Norwich coaches will be waiting for the short transfer to Broads Tours in Wroxham. Here we will join our well appointed cruise vessel, The Vintage Broadsman. Launched back in 1988, this somewhat bizarre looking boat has a sun deck as well as indoor saloons, along with refreshment facilities and toilets. An informative commentary will ensure that you miss nothing on our three-hour cruise. You will learn much about the fragile balance of nature in this unique corner of England and the vast array of birds and other wildlife to be seen. Upon our return to Wroxham coaches will be waiting to take us back to Norwich where we will rejoin our train for the journey home. Following our afternoon spent exploring Norwich or enjoying Wroxham and the Broads our return route will retrace that of our outward.
The Great Britain XIV Friday 16th April to Saturday 24th April 2021 Our Great Britain tour this year is packed with steam highlights, transporting you in style through the magnificent landscapes of England, Scotland and Wales. ?Delight in a whirlwind first day travelling from Londons Kings Cross on the East Coast Main Line, through York, Newcastle and along the North Sea coast to Edinburgh. ?Experience the spectacular Forth Bridge crossing and Highland Main Line to Inverness via Perth, Pitlochry and over the Drumochter Summit, before heading south to Stirling, where we spend two nights. ?Enjoy the spectacular scenery and a night in the Lake District, before the North Wales coastal line takes you past Chester into Wales. After a comfortable stop in Cardiff you move through Somerset and Devon over some steep gradients to experience the famous sea wall run at Dawlish. ?Penzance is your next stop for a two-night stay in Cornwall before your epic holiday ends steam-hauled as always via Taunton and Westbury to join the ?Berks & Hants? line to Reading, travelling through the Vale of Pewsey to Newbury and back to London.
The Cambridge & Norfolk Explorer Saturday 01 May 2021 NEW DATE - A day out to East Anglia with a pair of class 37s and a choice of off-train options. Joining Stations: Eastleigh, Romsey, Salisbury, Warminster, Westbury, Trowbridge, Chippenham, Swindon & Didcot Parkway. Event Details NEW DATE - SATURDAY, 01 MAY 2021 This is a lovely day excursion to the delights of East Anglia, offering both organised off-train options or time to explore your choice of cathedral city. With everyone aboard our excursion train, formed of classic mark I carriages, we take a rail routing along the Thames Valley, then across London and through Hertfordshire before arrival into Cambridge, followed by Ely then Norwich. The return journey will retrace the outward. Option A - CAMBRIDGE (1120/1740): Explore this renowned university city with its colleges, museums and castle. Perhaps try punting or take a stroll along the River Cam. Option B - SANDRINGHAM HOUSE (Supplementary fare - Adult ?29/Junior ?20): From Ely by coach, with a local guide, transfer to the Sandringham Estate for a three hour visit to this famous royal residence and gardens. Option C - ELY (1140/1720): Visit this cathedral city, the second smallest in England. Known as the ?Ship of the Fens? and home of Oliver Cromwell. Explore this beautiful city with its museums, art galleries and waterside area. Option D - NORFOLK BROADS CRUISE (Supplementary fare - Adult ?20/Junior ?15): Transfer from Norwich by road coach direct to Wroxham for a cruise along the River Bure, with commentary. Option E - BURE VALLEY RAILWAY (Supplementary fare - Adult ?17/Junior ?12): Enjoy a ride from Wroxham to Aylsham along this narrow gauge line. Road coach transfer from, and back to, Norwich is included. Option F - NORWICH (1250/1620): Get to know this historic city on the River Wensum; a modern cultural hub with a variety of museums, art galleries, a castle, cathedral and hidden green space.
The Doctor Syn Saturday 1 May 2021 In response to many requests from our friends in the Midlands, here is an unmissable railtour from Derby and other Midland Main Line stations, travelling around West London for a meander around the railways of Kent. It is named after the mythical Doctor Syn, a notorious Romney Marsh vicar who turned to smuggling to help fund his parish in Dymchurch. After our final joining station of St Albans we take an interesting route through the London suburbs via Brent, Dudding Hill, Acton Canal Wharf, Kew, Clapham, Factory Junction, Nunhead and Lewisham. Heading out of the capital now, and with the Thames Estuary never far away, we pass Dartford and Gravesend to reach Hoo Junction. Here we begin a journey along our first freight-only line, the eleven mile branch through the ?Hundred of Hoo?. The surroundings are remarkably rural for most of the way, passing through peaceful farmland, but with the tall chimneys of the riverside oil refineries clearly visible in the distance. Our train runs to the former passenger station at Grain, closed in 1961. We head back through Dartford to Lee, where we take the sharply curved Lee Spur leading on to the South Eastern Main Line. We then travel via Chislehurst, Swanley, Maidstone East and Ashford, where we can step off the train for twenty minutes or so to stretch our legs. Heading south to Appledore we reach our second freight-only branch, the nine mile Dungeness line. We will be crossing the largest expanse of shingle in the world, of international conservation importance. It is the only English habitat of bombus subterraneus, the short-haired bumblebee. Look out for the derelict remains of Lydd Town station as we head for the end of the line at Dungeness, with its iconic lighthouses dominating the distinctive terrain. We return via Ashford and Tonbridge before retracing our outward route around London then northwards on the Midland Main Line. The train will be formed of the attractive blue and grey liveried InterCity carriages and will be topped and tailed with DB Class 66 locomotives. There will be three classes of accommodation, First Class Dining, First Class Non-Dining and Standard Class. As a special offer on what we hope will be the first of several more Midland starts, we have knocked ?20 off the usual First Class Dining fare!
The Pennine Limited Saturday 8th May 2021 Join us on this varied and interesting tour from East Anglia to the border town of Carlisle. We shall feature steam haulage by a Carnforth pool locomotive from Hellifield to Carlisle and return. This will include the world famous Settle & Carlisle Railway, one of the great railway journeys in Britain. There will be time in Carlisle before returning to Hellifield, steam hauled, with diesel haulage back to Norwich. We leave Norwich early in the morning and make our way across rural Norfolk to York diesel-hauled, calling at Wymondham, Attleborough, Thetford, March and Peterborough to pick up passengers. We shall then make our way northwards towards the Leeds area where we pick up the Aire Valley line through Skipton to Hellifield. Here we will attach our Carnforth pool steam locomotive for the run to Carlisle over the famous 72-mile long Settle to Carlisle line. Passing over Settle Junction, we begin 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 station in England at Dent, travelling through tunnels and crossing valleys on lofty viaducts. There are 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 to Appleby, where our locomotive takes on water. Appleby is a historic market town, which lies in a loop of the picturesque river Eden. Continuing through the meandering Eden Valley to Carlisle will have around 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 at around 16:15 and climbs almost continually 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 ready for the arduous climb to Ais Gill Summit. Once through Garsdale and spectacular Dent Dale, we pass through Blea Moor tunnel and cross Ribblehead Viaduct once again. We shall now retrace our earlier route back to Hellifield, where we shall reluctantly have to say goodbye to our steam locomotive. We now continue our journey back to Norwich with a diesel locomotive, setting down at our earlier calling points.
The Cumbrian Explorer We are delighted to offer a wonderful journey from the home of Tornado in Darlington crossing some of the most scenic railway in England. The train takes us across the dramatic landscape of the Settle and Carlisle Railway, before returning along the stunning Cumbrian Coast. Saturday 8th May Join us from: Darlington, Thirsk, York, Leeds and Skipton. Book online below, or call our booking office on 01325 488215 This journey has been fondly nicknamed ?The S & Sea? as it crosses the often abbreviated Settle and Carlisle Railway, as well as taking in the beautiful scenery of the Cumbrian coast. Image: David Lund We depart from historic Darlington North Road station as well as Darlington?s main Bank Top station, before continuing south to Thirsk, York and Leeds. Here we turn north and head via Shipley and Skipton before traversing the ?Roof of England? and the world famous Settle to Carlisle Railway. With its long climb to the stunning Ribblehead Viaduct, it?s many tunnels and views across the Yorkshire Dales and Eden Valley the Settle and Carlisle is rightly one of the greatest railway journeys in the world. After a break of around two hours in Carlisle we depart south and this time take the Cumbrian Coast route. We exchange the mountainous scenery of the S&C for the longest coastal route in the UK. The railway line twists and turns as it follows the Irish Sea before turning more inland as we pass Barrow and head for Carnforth. Tornado leaves us here and we are diesel hauled for the return to Darlington setting down at outward stations. Not to be missed, early booking is recommended for this incredible tour.
Shrewsbury in Springtime Saturday 15 May 2021 This is an ideal springtime day out, offering you a choice of three top-class destinations, namely Shrewsbury, Attingham Park (NT) or Ironbridge and Blists Hill Museum. If there was ever a tour that could claim to offer something for everyone, surely this is it! Our journey takes us via Peterborough where we veer westward to pass through the ancient county of Rutland and on via Leicester and Nuneaton. We skirt Birmingham via the surprisingly rural Sutton Park Line, and once past Wolverhampton we head through lovely countryside bound for Shropshire. SHREWSBURY Is it pronounced ?Shroozbury? or ?Shrowsbury?? It?s not worth worrying about as even people who live here don?t agree. What can?t be disputed is that it?s a really delightful place, famous for its beautiful gardens, its frontage on the meandering River Severn and of course for its connections with its most famous citizen Charles Darwin. There?s a great range of shops and plenty of welcoming bars and cafes, and the river cruise is especially pleasant. The station is not far from the centre, so it really is an ideal place to while away an afternoon. You will have some four and a half hours at leisure. IRONBRIDGE AND BLISTS HILL MUSEUM Coaches meet our train at Telford Central. Our first stop is in the village of Ironbridge where you can see and walk across the famous bridge that has come to symbolise the Industrial Revolution and its birthplace. You?ll have time to pick up a souvenir or two before rejoining the coaches for a very short journey to Blists Hill Museum, a truly amazing recreated Victorian town. Here you?ll experience what life was like when Britain ruled the world. Meet some (almost) real Victorians in their authentic shops and cottages, buy curious goods from a bygone era and watch tradespeople in action in their atmospheric workshops and factories. You will have well over two hours here. ATTINGHAM PARK Another of our National Trust Specials - visit a lavish 18th Century Mansion shaped by a story of love and neglect Built for the first Lord Berwick in 1785, Attingham was owned by one family for more than 160 years. As fortunes rose and fell they proved themselves to be spenders, savers and saviours, leaving a tantalising story of love and neglect whose mark still shows in Attingham?s fascinating rooms today. Outside, discover the tranquil space of the Walled Garden and bring some produce home with you from our shop. Or walk through the woodlands and deer park to see what wildlife you can spot. At Telford Central coaches will be waiting for the transfer to Attingham Park, taking around twenty five minutes. You will have around four hours to explore this enchanting place. Attingham is now owned by the National Trust and we are pleased to offer an appropriate discount for NT members. ALL OFF TRAIN OPTIONS MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE.
The Jolly Fisherman Saturday 15th May 2021 Join us on this unusual tour to the east coast of England and the popular seaside resort of Skegness. We plan to recreate the Jolly Fisherman experience that was a popular excursion planned by the Great Northern Railway. We will head northwards from London?s King?s Cross station with the world famous Flying Scotsman hauling us along the East Coast main line to Peterborough, Boston and then to Skegness. With contrasting scenery all the way, what better way to spend the day than travelling on a traditional seaside express to the bracing east coast. We leave London King?s Cross in the morning, and head northwards along the ECML, picking up at Potters Bar, Stevenage and Peterborough. Here, we leave the ECML at Werrington Junction and head across rural Lincolnshire along the former Great Northern line towards Spalding, a town noted for its flower growing industry. We continue along the Great Northern & Great Eastern Joint line via Helpringham to the market town of Sleaford, where we will pause to run round our steam locomotive. Following a reversal, we now head eastwards along the former Great Northern line towards Boston, noted for its famous landmark of St Botolph?s church, otherwise known as the Boston Stump. We take the remaining section of the former East Lincolnshire line that once went through to Louth and Grimsby, but now it only runs as far at the junction at Frisby with the Skegness line. The line is very straight and flat for miles and is pleasantly rural in outlook as we head for Frisby, where there is a sharp curve towards Skegness all that is left of the remaining side of a former triangular junction. We will make a stop at Wainfleet should you wish to visit this attractive town with its interesting Batemans Brewery visitors centre. It is then just a short distance to our afternoon destination at Skegness. Time will be available to visit the resorts many attractions, including the promenade, the clock tower and the Jolly Fisherman statue and fountain. There are ample restaurants and many typical seaside shops to visit, or just have a quiet stroll along the sea front. After an afternoon in Skegness, we will retrace our earlier route back to Sleaford, where we will continue to Grantham and join the ECML. After a spirited climb up to Stoke tunnel, we now head for Peterborough, before heading back to London, setting down at our outward calling points. We can expect some fast running from Flying Scotsman as she runs up to her maximum speed along the ECML. Our arrival back in London King?s Cross will reluctantly bring to an end a splendid day out to the seaside on the Jolly Fisherman Express.
The Jorvik Express For the first time, passengers from Liverpool are invited to step aboard our steam train and enjoy a wonderful tour with Tornado. Pausing for passengers in Manchester before crossing the beautiful Pennine landscape, the train heads to the historic city of York. Famed for its historic buildings, museums and many well established bars and eateries, our guests are sure of a superb day out. Saturday 15th May Join us from: Liverpool, Newton-le-Willows and Manchester Victoria. Book online below, or call our booking office on 01325 488215 Our route follows almost all of the famous Liverpool and Manchester Railway designed by George Stephenson and home to the Rainhill trials and Rocket. From Manchester we tackle the steep climb of Miles Platting before traversing the outer suburbs and heading via Romiley for the picturesque Hope Valley line. After passing through the glorious scenery of the Peak District we head north from Sheffield passing Swinton and Church Fenton before arriving into York. Passengers visiting York can take time to explore the city centre with the historic Minster and Shambles, enjoy the many shops or even a river boat trip on the Ouse. For a real rail adventure, The National Railway Museum stands close to York Station and passengers may wish to visit the steam giants of the past. Our return journey takes us via Wakefield before we stop for water at Brighouse. On departure we are routed via the scenic Calder Valley line passing Hebden Bridge and onto Rochdale before arriving at Manchester Victoria. From there our return route is as our outward. As the date of this tour coincides with the bank holiday weekend commemorating the 75th Anniversary of VE day, our train will have a 1940s feel and passengers are encouraged to dress accordingly.
The Cumbrian Freighter Saturday 22 May 2021 NEW DATE - Visiting the Cumbrian Fells and Settle & Carlisle Line, with the added interest of some rather unusual routing along the way. Joining Stations: Banbury, Leamington Spa, Dorridge, Birmingham New Street, Wolverhampton, Stafford, Crewe, Warrington Bank Quay & Wigan North Western Motive power is expected to be a pair of DB Cargo Class 66s in Top?n?Tail mode throughout. Event Details NEW DATE - SATURDAY, 22 MAY 2021 We hope to announce a further three sections of track that will add nicely to this interesting itinerary and negotiations with the private owners are underway. Passengers booked on the train have been contacted about the revised date and we would again like to thank them for their patience and understanding. During regular journeys over these popular routes our trains cruise along at a steady pace whilst passengers appreciate the beautiful scenery, but this time we include traversal of some of the loops and spurs along these routes that do not usually see regular visits from passenger trains. From Wigan we take a northbound route over the Settle & Carlisle Line, with a two hour early afternoon break in Appleby. Then onto the Carlisle area to join the west coast main-line for the run through the Cumbrian Fells and homeward. Routing Highlights: Blackburn King St. Thro? Siding; Up & Down Goods; Hellifield Down Goods; Blea Moor Up Goods Loop; Appleby Down & Thro? Siding; Carlisle Goods Lines London Road Jn to Currock Jn (rev) to Upperby Bridge Jn; Several Up loops out of Plumpton, Eden Valley, Shap, Tebay, Grayrigg, Oxenholme, Ouebeck and Oxheys; Shap Hardendale Rounding Loop (rev) then Harrison?s Down Goods Loop. Several other non-passenger lines may be added to this list.
The Cumbrian Mountain Express Saturday 22nd May 2021 The Cumbrian Mountain Express provides a wonderful opportunity to get out and about during the spring, summer and autumn months, 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 return from Preston to London behind our blue electric locomotive.??? We leave London Euston at around 07:10 with electric traction, and speed north along the West Coast Main Line (WCML). We stop to pick up passengers at Milton Keynes (where passengers from Watford Junction join by service train), 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. Here, we will change over our electric locomotive for today?s steam locomotive, taken from the Carnforth pool. Leaving Carnforth, we pass the Brief Encounter caf? and commence the climb of our 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 time available in Carlisle to explore this ancient city with its cathedral and castle, plus an assortment of shops and cafes.?? 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 high viaducts, including the famous one at Ribblehead, and through many 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, 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 following to London. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers. ??* Passengers from Watford Junction will travel to Milton Keynes by service train to join our train.?? **Passengers from Northampton will travel to and from Rugby by service train to join our train.
The Pennine Explorer Join us on ?The Pennine Explorer?, as we travel from the East Midlands to Carlisle and return including the magnificent Settle and Carlisle Railway. Our tour also includes a fast run with Tornado along the East Coast Main Line from York before taking the stunning Tyne Valley line that crosses Hadrian?s Wall through the beautiful Northumberland scenery. Saturday 22nd May 2021 Join us from: Leicester, East Midlands Parkway, Derby, and Chesterfield. Book online below, or call our booking office on 01325 488215 Our tour begins from Leicester and we travel on through Derbyshire before Tornado joins our train near Chesterfield. From York we rush along the East Coast Main Line passing Darlington and Durham. We then follow the route of Hadrian?s Wall as it criss-crosses the railway en-route to the Border City of Carlisle. Here we have around two hours to explore the city with its fine museum and Castle, cosy public houses and various shops of interest. Our return journey takes us south via the world renowned Settle and Carlisle Railway, following this remote but scenic line through the Dales, traversing soaring viaducts and thundering through tunnels along this masterpiece of Victorian engineering. Once we have passed Settle Junction and its historic signalbox we head south through Skipton to skirt Leeds and Wakefield. We say goodbye to Tornado on the outskirts of Chesterfield before continuing our journey with a diesel locomotive as we return passengers to their outward stations.
The Tinsley Tugger Saturday 29 May 2021 We are delighted to offer our customers this classic Forgotten Tracks trip to industrial South Yorkshire. With the long daylight hours afforded by early summer, we have taken the opportunity to cover a myriad of non-passenger lines in the area. We start the day by racing along the East Coast Main Line behind a diesel locomotive designed for 125mph running. In the sizeable marshalling yards south of Doncaster our exploration of the non-passenger network begins in earnest but first we must swap our traction and so powerful freight locomotives, designed for strength rather than speed, will take over the reins. Avoiding Doncaster station by using the freight only curve we will then head towards Sheffield and the once extremely impressive Tinsley Yard. We will cover both the North and South access curves here and we hope to run over one piece of very rare track if time and the operational conditions on the day allow it. After Tinsley we make our way over the border into Derbyshire and on to Chesterfield, of twisted spire fame, for a late lunch time leg-stretch break of around an hour. Once back on-board we return to South Yorkshire and complete what we believe is the first passenger train visit to Rotherham Steel Terminal. Following a very detailed and sure to be fascinating exploration of numerous non-passenger lines, we head south passing through the huge Toton Yard complex before commencing a lovely early summer?s evening run through rural Lincolnshire before arriving back in the Doncaster area. Here our freight locomotives will hand the reins back to an express passenger example, ready to return us home at high speed under fading light. Our route is expected to be: Finsbury Park p/u - Stevenage p/u - Peterborough p/u - Newark North Gate p/u - Doncaster Decoy Down side - Bridge Street Curve - Hexthorpe Goods - Mexborough - Roundwood Chord - Rotherham Central - Tinsley Yard (rev) - Woodburn Junction (rev) - Beighton Junction - Chesterfield (break) - Beighton Junction - Rotherham Steel Terminal (rev) - Beighton Junction - Chesterfield - Toton Yard - Nottingham - Newark Castle - Lincoln - Doncaster Decoy Up side (rev) - Newark North Gate s/d - Peterborough s/d - Stevenage s/d - Finsbury Park s/d A number of Goods Loops are expected to be covered during the day. The traction for this special charter train is also of interest because we expect to use all three of the different classes of diesel locomotive in the DB Cargo fleet: A Class 67 on the high speed ECML sections, a Class 60 as the main tour locomotive and a Class 66 to aid with the reversals.
The South Devon Explorer Saturday 29th May 2021 The South Devon Explorer offers an exceptional day out travelling by train from stations in Berkshire to Plymouth in South Devon. We travel along the famous ?sea wall? from Dawlish to Teignmouth and over the South Devon banks through Totnes. The special train will be hauled from Bristol to Plymouth and back by steam locomotive No. 6233 Duchess of Sutherland. Our train starts from Woking in Surrey and will be diesel hauled from there to Bristol. En route, we stop at Guildford, Reading and Newbury to pick up more passengers. The route follows the river Kennet through attractive countryside and then runs beside the Kennet and Avon Canal for some distance before we make our final stop for passengers at Westbury. We change motive power at Bristol where steam locomotive No. 6233 Duchess of Sutherland will take over the train. We shall soon be speeding along through the Somerset countryside and across the Somerset Levels to Taunton, where we make a brief stop for our steam locomotive to take on water. Our steam locomotive will be working hard as we climb to Whiteball Summit on the Somerset and Devon border before descending through the Culm Valley to Exeter. We then follow the Exe Estuary, passing the picturesque Cockwood Harbour, and run along the famous sea wall from Dawlish to Teignmouth. This is one of the most famous and scenic stretches of railway line in Britain, which gained international prominence when part of it was washed away in the 2014 storms. After Newton Abbot, we follow the South Devon line to Plymouth. Immediately we start to climb the very steep gradient of Dainton Bank. The climb twists and turns all the way to the summit at Dainton Tunnel. A short reprieve for our fireman follows as we descend the gradient to Totnes, which will allow time to get the boiler pressure up for the next climb of Rattery Bank. Gradients as steep as 1 in 47 run for four miles to Rattery before they ease off for the remainder of the climb to the summit at Wrangaton. Running along the southern edge of Dartmoor, we descend towards Plymouth, our destination for the afternoon. There will be time here to visit this modern city, with its many attractions, including the Hoe with Smeaton?s Tower, the old Barbican area with the Mayflower Steps, and the many shops in the city centre. Our return journey as far as Taunton will be steam hauled by Duchess of Sutherland. The first real challenge faced will be the ascent of the 1 in 42 gradient of Hemerdon Bank just outside Plymouth. There is also the climb to Dainton Tunnel from Totnes, followed by the return run along the Dawlish sea wall to Exeter. From Taunton, the train will be diesel hauled back to Woking. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey, to set down passengers.
The Galloway Fifties Saturday 05 June 2021 NEW DATE - Travel behind English Electric Class 50s to Stranraer. Joining Stations: Tame Bridge Parkway, Birmingham New Street, Stafford, Crewe, Warrington Bank Quay, Wigan North Western, Preston & Carlisle Event Details NEW DATE - SATURDAY, 05 JUNE 2021 It is with much pleasure that Pathfinder presents this full day railcruise to the south west of Scotland, featuring a scenic route that is often ignored due to its extremity. We also return English Electric Type 4s to an erstwhile destination from some 50 years ago - Stranraer here we come! A range of West Coast Main Line (WCML) pick ups will allow our locos to reel off the miles to Carlisle, including over Shap. Beyond Carlisle we take ex- G & S.W.R. metals north via Dumfries and Kilmarnock, then turn 180 degrees to journey to the coast, Troon and onto Ayr. Then its towards Galloway, and over the undulating and twisting line that threads through the high hills before arrival at the end of the line, into the old Irish packet port of Stranraer. We cannot dwell here too long due to line capacity issues so, after photos, we re-trace this interesting route north back to Ayr / Newton-on-Ayr for a short afternoon break, before running over the Annbank freight line to Mauchline and south via Dumfries to Carlisle. It then remains for a fast setting down return along the WCML to the Birmingham area to conclude this unusual day out.
The Aln Valley Venturer Saturday 5 June 2021 We journey today to the Ancient Kingdom of Northumbria. On our way from London we glimpse such landmarks as York Minster, Durham Castle and Cathedral and Sir Antony Gormley?s striking ?Angel of the North? sculpture. Crossing the Tyne at Newcastle we soon arrive at Morpeth and then, after a few more minutes, Alnmouth. Cragside Set amidst a truly beautiful Northumbria landscape, enter the extraordinary world of Lord Armstrong, a Victorian inventor and innovator but also something of a landscaping genius. Discover the very first house in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity, still full of ingenious gadgets. The gardens are incredible too. One of the largest rock gardens in the world leads down to the Iron Bridge and this in turn leads to a formal garden. Quite a lot of walking is involved here, not all of it level. Coaches will meet the train at Morpeth for the 25-minute journey to Cragside where you will have around three hours to look around this most unusual property which includes a refreshment room and gift shop. There is a discount for National Trust members. The Aln Valley Railway The Aln Valley Railway Trust and its supporting Society were established to re-open the branch line from Alnmouth to Alnwick, primarily as a heritage railway tourist attraction. Situated around a mile from the centre of Alnwick, the railway in its current state runs from there to Greenrigg Halt (about half way to Alnmouth), and work on its extension is ongoing. Coaches will meet our train at Alnmouth for the transfer to Alnwick. From here a vintage bus will provide a shuttle service to and from the Aln Valley Railway?s Lionheart Station. You will also have time to explore Alnwick should you wish. Alnwick at Leisure According to Country Life ?Alnwick is the most picturesque market town in Northumberland, and the best place to live in Britain?. The town dates back to about AD 600 and retains much of its original character. Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited castle in England, after Windsor. It is popular with film-makers; Blackadder, Robin Hood Prince of Thieves and Harry Potter are among films shot here. The Alnwick Garden is a complex of formal gardens adjacent to the castle. They have a long history under the Dukes of Northumberland but fell into disrepair until revived at the turn of the 21st century. The Garden now features various themed plantings designed around a central water cascade. It is the most ambitious new garden created in the UK post-war. The former railway station is now home to Barter Books, one of England?s largest and most famous second hand bookshops. Some visitors spend all day here! There will be a transfer coach from Alnmouth station to Alnwick town centre. You will have around four hours to explore. Free time in Alnmouth or Newcastle If you decide not to go for one of the aforementioned options then you could choose to spend the day in either picturesque Alnmouth or vibrant Newcastle.
The Buxton Spa Express Saturday 5th June 2021 Join us for a contrasting main line steam run from Ealing Broadway to the Peak Distict of Derbyshire and the spa town of Buxton. We will travel via the Midland Main Line to Kettering, and through Melton Mowbray, to Chesterfield, before heading westwards through the scenic Hope Valley and Peak Forest routes to Buxton. Our locomotive for the day will be A1 Class Pacific No. 60163 Tornado, which will be visiting unusual terrritory from its normal lines. Tornado will be attached at Leicester and will be detached at Barrow Hill on the return. Leaving Ealing Broadway early in the morning, diesel hauled, we join the Midland main line and pick up at St Albans, Luton, Bedford and Kettering. Heading northwards away from Kettering, we now head for Leicester. At Leicester Humberstone Road sidings, Tornado will be waiting to take us on our journey to Buxton. We pass through Loughborough and join the Erewash Valley Line at Trent Junction. After Chesterfield with its crooked spire we take the Hope Valley line at Dore. We pass through the heart of the Peak District before leaving the main line at Chinley East Junction and take the Peak Forest line past the huge stone quarry at Tunstead. We now run through Ashwood Dale towards Buxton, our destination for the afternoon. Buxton is famous as a market town and also for its spa waters and Georgian architecture. An interesting town to explore during your stay Tornado is serviced for the return journey. You will have ample time in Buxton, the highest market town in England, during the afternoon break for you to explore this attractive market town, famous for its spa waters in the Pump Room, The Crescent, and the Pavillion with its extensive gardens. We will return from Buxton via the former London & North Western route through Whaley Bridge to Stockport. After Denton, we head for Guide Bridge and Romiley before rejoining the Hope Valley line again to travel through the Peak District. Running through Sheffield, we leave the main line at Nunnery Main Line Junction and pass through Woodhouse, were we join the Barrow Hill line at Beighton Junction. Our steam locomotive Tornado will be detached at Barrow Hill and we will now return to Ealing Broadway diesel hauled, setting down at our earlier calling points.
The Scarborough Flyer Saturday 5th June 2021 This exciting trip by steam train offers an opportunity for passengers from the Greater Manchester and Sheffield areas to visit the seaside town of Scarborough. The circular route cuts across the rugged Pennine terrain to York, and then on to the popular east coast seaside resort of Scarborough. Our train will be hauled by a locomotive from the Carnforth Pool. Our train leaves Manchester Victoria, hauled by our lovingly restored steam locomotive, and heads for Romiley, where we stop to pick up more passengers. We join the former Midland Railway line across the Peak District and pass through Cowburn Tunnel into the beautiful Vale of Edale. We stop again at Hathersage, for more passengers, before passing through the 3?-mile long Totley Tunnel and arrive at Sheffield, our final stop for passengers. We then travel northwards through Swinton and Moorthorpe to York, where passengers will have the option of alighting here to visit the city or the National Railway Museum. Leaving York, we follow the River Derwent through pleasant Yorkshire scenery to Scarborough via Malton. The station at Scarborough features the longest station seat in the world! Scarborough is a Victorian spa town and the largest holiday resort on the East Yorkshire coast. It provides all the facilities that you would expect at an established seaside resort. It has two beautiful bays providing safe sandy beaches, and a busy harbour with an active fish quay. Our train leaves Scarborough late afternoon, hauled by our steam locomotive, for the return journey to Manchester. We travel westwards through Malton and Castle Howard to York. At Milford Loop we say farewell to our steam locomotive and continue our journey home diesel hauled. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey, to set down passengers.
The Tynesider Saturday 12th June 2021 This excursion provides a rare opportunity to travel by special train from the North Lincolnshire area to Tyneside. The route is via the East Coast Main Line through York. Passengers have the option of spending time in Newcastle-upon-Tyne or staying on the train to travel over the Blyth & Tyne Railway line to Morpeth, a route no longer used by passenger services. Our train will be steam hauled from Cleethorpes to Newcastle and Morpeth and then back to York. Our train leaves Cleethorpes at around 07:30 hauled by a steam locomotive from the Carnforth pool. It stops at Grimsby, Barnetby and Scunthorpe, to pick up more passengers. At Stainforth Junction we take the direct Wakefield line avoiding Doncaster, normally used only by freight trains, to Applehurst Junction. Here our train branches off to the right to join the East Coast Main Line (ECML) at Joan Croft Junction. Soon we shall arrive in York where more passengers can join the train. There will be a half hour break for our steam locomotive to take on water. We continue steam-hauled northwards from York across the Plain of York where we can expect some fast running, especially through Thirsk and Northallerton. We pass through Darlington and Durham, famous for its Norman Cathedral, en route to Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Here passengers may choose to alight and spend time visiting the city. It is famous for a series of dramatic bridges over the river Tyne and its quayside along the banks of the river. Other well known attractions include the Tyne & Wear Metro, Eldon Square Shopping Centre, Cathedral, Castle, Grainger Market, and the largest indoor shopping centre in Europe, the Metro Centre, located nearby in Gateshead. Our train continues, steam hauled, travelling north from Newcastle Central to Benton Junction. Here we leave the ECML and take the Blyth and Tyne Railway route which was chiefly constructed to link collieries in the area to the river Tyne. This is now a ?freight only? railway line, which parallels the Tyne & Wear Metro route to Northumberland Park and then runs northwards through Newsham to Bedlington. At Bedlington North Junction we branch left and head for Morpeth where we stop for our steam locomotive to take on water. We return to Newcastle-upon-Tyne via the ECML. We stop at Newcastle Central station, to pick up those passengers who chose to visit the city, before setting off across the river Tyne on the King Edward VII Bridge. We return south, steam hauled, up the ECML to York. Here a diesel locomotive takes over the train for the remainder of the journey back to Cleethorpes. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers.
The Cotswold Venturer Saturday 12th June 2021 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 the Golden Valley line through Stroud and Kemble and also return the same way, which will include the steep climb up to Sapperton tunnel. ??? Our steam hauled train leaves London Paddington at around 07:40 hauled by steam locomotive No.60103 Flying Scotsman and heads down the ex-Great Western Railway (GWR) main line. We stop at Slough, Reading and Didcot to pick up more passengers. Our journey continues through the Vale of White Horse to Swindon, where we take the Golden Valley line through Kemble and up the climb to Sapperton Tunnel. We bypass Gloucester and head northwards through Cheltenham to Abbotswood Junction, were we leave the main line to Birmingham and head for Worcester Shrub Hill. There will be more than three hours to explore the fine city of Worcester. 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 the birthplace of the composer Sir Edward Elgar is nearby at Lower Broadheath. Our steam hauled train leaves Worcester Shrub Hill in the late afternoon and returns to London via the Golden Valley line. We follow the former Great Western Railway route from Standish Junction and climb steadily through Stroud before the gradients increase dramatically to 1 in 74 at Chalford. We continue to climb through the Golden Valley at a gradient of 1 in 60 prior to entering Sapperton tunnel at the summit of the climb. On easier gradients, we descend through Kemble and onwards through Wiltshire to the former railway town of Swindon. We will now retrace our earlier route through the Vale of White Horse back to Didcot and Reading. Our final part of the journey calls at Reading and Slough before arriving back in London Paddington in the evening.
The Cambrian Coast Express 2021 Friday 18 June 2021 NEW DATE - A day out along the Cambrian Coast with stunning scenery. Joining Stations: Bristol Temple Meads, Bristol Parkway, Cam & Dursley, Cheltenham Spa, Worcester Parkway, Bromsgrove, Birmingham New Street, Wolverhampton, Telford Central, Shrewsbury. Event Details NEW DATE - FRIDAY, 18 JUNE 2021 For lovers of stunning scenery, the single track railway that wends across mid-Wales and then follows the Cambrian Coast, to Pwllheli is hard to beat. On leaving Shrewsbury enjoy the undulating views as our special train joins the Cambrian line heading west through the pleasant Borders countryside. Once into Wales the line climbs through narrowing valleys to a summit at Talerddig before a winding descent to Machynlleth. We soon cross and follow the Dovey Estuary to Aberdovey, before the climb to the Friog rock shelter is followed by descent to the famous wooden bridge across the sandy Mawddach Estuary into Barmouth. Our train then continues north through Harlech, with set downs at Minffordd and Porthmadog before reaching lines end at Pwllheli. The return retraces the outward route, giving you another opportunity to appreciate the fabulous scenery. We offer the following destinations for you to choose from: Option A - BARMOUTH (1300/1750): A compact resort and start of a circular trip, featuring a river ferry and a walk over Barmouth Bridge.. Option B - MINFFORDD & PORTMEIRION (1340/1705): Why not walk a mile (each way) and visit the Italianate village of Portmeirion, made famous by the Prisoner TV series of the 1960s (Pay admission charge on the day). Option C - PORTHMADOG (1350/1655): A very pleasant port and town, home to several narrow gauge railways. Option D - PWLLHELI (1430/1630): Market town of the Lleyn Peninsula with marina. And lines end of course!
The White Rose Saturday 19th June 2021 Join us for an exhilarating main line steam run from London?s King?s Cross to the historic city of York. York is world famous for its variety of visitor attractions and home to the National Railway Museum. Our train will be hauled from London to York by steam locomotive No.60103 Flying Scotsman and will be diesel hauled for the return journey back to London. ??? We leave London King?s Cross in the morning behind Flying Scotsman and follow the East Coast Main Line route of famous express trains of the past. 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 the 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. York has some major tourist attractions including the National Railway Museum, the largest museum of its type in Britain; the Castle; 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 afternoon, and we will retrace our outward steps along the East Coast Main Line hauled by a diesel locomotive. We stop to set down passengers at the same stations as on the northbound journey, arriving at King?s Cross in the evening.
The Cumbrian Mountain Express Saturday 26th June 2021 The Cumbrian Mountain Express provides a wonderful opportunity to get out and about during the spring, summer and autumn months, 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 return from Preston to London behind our blue electric locomotive.?? We leave London Euston at around 07:10 with electric traction, and speed north along the West Coast Main Line (WCML). We stop to pick up passengers at Milton Keynes (where passengers from Watford Junction join by service train), 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. Here, we will change over our electric locomotive for today?s steam locomotive, taken from the Carnforth pool. Leaving Carnforth, we pass the Brief Encounter caf? and commence the climb of our 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 time available in Carlisle to explore this ancient city with its cathedral and castle, plus an assortment of shops and cafes.?? ?? 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 high viaducts, including the famous one at Ribblehead, and through many 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, 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 following to London. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers. ?? * Passengers from Watford Junction will travel to Milton Keynes by service train to join our train.?? **Passengers from Northampton will travel to and from Rugby by service train to join our train.
The Bournemouth Express Saturday 3rd July 2021 This not to be missed tour commences at London?s Waterloo terminus from where we will be steam hauled throughout down to Bournemouth, following the route of the old Bournemouth Belle. Our locomotive will be Ex Southern Region ?Merchant Navy? Class Pacific locomotive No. 35018 British India Line, for our journey to the popular seaside resort. Our journey to Bournemouth commences from the former London & South Western Railway?s terminus at London Waterloo. We thread our way through Clapham Junction and head along the L&SWR main line towards Weybridge and Woking. We will pause for water at Winchfield before heading through Basingstoke to Worting Junction, were we will take the main line to Southampton and Bournemouth. The long straight sections of line will allow our locomotive to run at its maximum speed through Winchester and Eastleigh, recreating the days of the fast expresses to the south coast resorts. We pass through Southampton and run through the New Forest at Brokenhurst and reach the south coast at Christchurch. Our arrival in Bournemouth will now provide passengers with an afternoon break in this popular Dorset seaside resort, made fasionable by the Victorians and the arrival of the railway in 1870. The town has a number of attractions to entertain visitors, including its extensive seafront with its Chimes, pier, parks and the pavillion, oceanarium, museums and galleries, plus many shops and restuarants to cater for all tastes. Our steam locomotive will be serviced whilst we have free time in Bournemouth before we return to London Waterloo by way of our outward route. We can expect some fast running as we head towards the Capital with the Bournemouth Express, thus ending a memorable day out from a former era with our special train over classic Southern Railway routes.
The End of Southern Steam Friday 9th July 2021 This day trip by steam train provides a unique opportunity to visit the Yeovil Railway Centre and the popular seaside resort of Weymouth for the afternoon. This special train to mark the anniversary of the end of Southern steam will be hauled by a powerful ex-Southern Railway Pacific type steam locomotive from Waterloo to Yeovil. We continue to Weymouth diesel hauled before our steam locomotive hauls us back to London via Bournemouth. Our train leaves London Waterloo station at around 08:45 behind our splendid steam locomotive, 6201 Princess Elizabeth. We pass through Clapham Junction, and continue along the South Western Main Line (SWML) with fast running expected from our steam locomotive, and then stop for further passengers at Woking and Basingstoke. At Worting Junction we 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. Travelling westwards through north west Dorset we pass through Sherborne, one of the most beautiful towns in England, before continuing with the train to Yeovil Junction where the steam locomotive will be serviced at Yeovil Railway Centre. Our train leaves Yeovil Junction, hauled by a diesel locomotive, and runs southwards through Maiden Newton towards Dorchester and the large seaside resort of Weymouth. There will be a break here to visit the town, with its many attractions and restaurants, before we return to London Waterloo steam hauled. Our return route will be via Bournemouth, Southampton and Eastleigh back to Basingstoke and Woking to set down passengers, followed by journey?s end at London Waterloo.
The Waverley Sunday 11th July 2021?? This steam hauled train 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. There is also the option of visiting the Cumbrian market town of Appleby or the border city of Carlisle. 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 No. 60103 Flying Scotsman at 09:30 and heads for Church Fenton where we take the direct route to Leeds. We stop to pick up more passengers at Leeds, Shipley, Keighley and Skipton. There will be a stop 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. We cross the breathtaking Ribblehead Viaduct, high above the valley floor, and enter Blea Moor Tunnel. We pass through the highest station open in England at Dent, travelling through tunnels and crossing valleys on numerous viaducts. There are magnificent views across the Fells to the Pennine Three Peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough 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 to Appleby, where our locomotive takes on water. Passengers who choose to alight at Appleby will have around four hours to visit this historic market town that lies in a loop of the picturesque river Eden. Passengers choosing to continue to Carlisle will have over one and a half 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 at around 16:15 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 and to pick up those passengers who spent the afternoon there. We continue our journey back to York, stopping at Skipton, Keighley, Shipley, Leeds, and York, to set down passengers.
The Cheshireman Saturday 17th July 2021 This tour offers a wonderful opportunity to travel by a special charter train to the historic city of Chester. The train will be steam-hauled throughout from London Euston to Chester by A1 Class locomotive no. 60163 Tornado. We will follow the route of the famous express such as the Royal Scot along the West Coast Main Line (WCML) to Crewe and then onwards to Chester. We can expect some spirited running down the WCML to Crewe. Be sure to book early to join us on this historic occasion. ?The Cheshireman? will leave London Euston at around 07:00 steam hauled behind Tornado. Initially on departure we shall hear our locomotive working hard on the climb up Camden Bank. We continue through Watford Tunnel into rural Hertfordshire. We stop to pick up further passengers at the 1960s ?new town? of Milton Keynes, where passengers from Watford Junction will join by service train. At Hanslope Junction, we leave the West Coast Main Line (WCML) and take the Northampton loop line where we stop again for passengers. We continue northwards and pass the Daventry Railfreight Terminal (DIRFT) before rejoining the WCML at Rugby, a further pick up stop, and the birthplace of rugby football and the jet engine. We then follow the Trent Valley Line to Nuneaton, our final stop to pick up passengers. We pass through Lichfield, notable for its three-spired medieval cathedral, and soon after Rugeley is Shugborough Tunnel. This has ornamental grand entrances, the result of conditions required by the Earl of Lichfield for building the line across his estate. We continue northwards through Stafford to the famous railway junction town of Crewe where we take the North Wales Coast Line to Chester. There will be around four hours 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. Other places of interest include the Castle, the Cathedral, and the picturesque racecourse, which is located between the city walls and the river Dee. Our special train, hauled on the return journey by our steam locomotive Tornado, leaves Chester late afternoon for the return journey to London Euston. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers, and this tour promises to be one of excitement as Tornado is allowed to reach its maximum permitted speed along the WCML. *Passengers from Watford Jct will travel by service train to Milton Keynes on the outward journey.
The Cumbrian Mountain Express? Saturday 17th July 2021 This is a wonderful opportunity for passengers from Merseyside and Lancashire to travel by steam train over two of England?s most scenic railway routes. Our train travels north to Carlisle by the spectacular Settle & Carlisle Railway line and returns via the West Coast Main Line over Shap. We have a magnificent steam locomotive to haul these trains, which recall the glorious days of steam train travel. It promises to provide a memorable day out.?? Our train will be diesel hauled from Crewe to Liverpool via Runcorn, where we stop to pick up further passengers. We leave Liverpool Lime Street, steam hauled by a locomotive from the Carnforth pool, just after 07:00 and stop to pick up passengers at Broad Green and St. Helens Central. We join the West Coast Main Line (WCML) before stopping for more passengers at Wigan. We head north, leaving the WCML at Farington Junction, and call at Blackburn, where passengers who have travelled by service train from Preston join our train.? ? We continue to Clitheroe and then stop at Hellifield for our steam locomotive to take on water. We join the Settle & Carlisle Railway at Settle Junction and then begin one of Britain?s most arduous climbs, a total of 15 miles mainly at a gradient of 1 in 100. This will be a tough test for our locomotive, which we shall see - and hear - working very hard!? ? There are magnificent views of the Pennine ?Three Peaks? of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. We cross the spectacular Ribblehead Viaduct, high above the valley floor, and enter Blea Moor Tunnel. We pass the highest railway station in England at Dent, crossing over viaducts and passing through tunnels amongst the Yorkshire Dales as we make the final climb to Ais Gill Summit, 1169 feet above sea level. We travel above the valley at Mallerstang and descend to Kirkby Stephen and Appleby, where we stop for our locomotive to take on water. We pass through the Eden Valley and arrive in the Border City of Carlisle shortly before 13:00. There will be more than three hours in Carlisle, providing ample time to explore this ancient city. ? ? Our train returns to Liverpool, steam hauled, via the steeply graded route over Shap summit on the WCML. We stop to set down passengers at Preston, Wigan, St. Helens Central, Broad Green and Liverpool Lime Street where we arrive around 20:00. Our train continues to Runcorn and Crewe diesel hauled. *Passengers from Preston travel by service train to Blackburn on the outward journey. **Passengers for Blackburn travel by service train from Preston on the return journey.
The North Wales Coast Express? Sunday 18th July 2021?? The North Wales Coast Express is a special steam hauled summer train that runs from Liverpool and Chester to Holyhead. It provides an excellent opportunity for passengers from Merseyside and Cheshire to experience the excitement of travelling by steam train along the picturesque North Wales Coast railway line. Passengers have a choice of three destinations: the seaside town of Llandudno, the historic city of Bangor, or the port of Holyhead. Our train leaves Liverpool Lime Street Sunday morning, hauled by a magnificent steam locomotive from the Carnforth pool, and then makes its way through Edge Hill cutting to Broad Green, where we will make a stop to pick up. Next we pick up at Warrington Bank Quay. Running via Frodsham, we reach Chester, where we pick up further passengers. On leaving Chester, we pass through the ancient city walls and cross the River Dee into Wales. We steam alongside the Dee Estuary, with views across to the Wirral Peninsula. We pass through the coastal resorts of Prestatyn, Rhyl, and Colwyn Bay along the delightful Irish Sea coastline, which is well known for its fine beaches. We stop at Llandudno Junction where passengers for Llandudno can take the service train to spend time at this popular seaside resort. From Llandudno Junction, we continue westwards along the North Wales Coast Line, crossing the Conwy estuary on Robert Stephenson?s Tubular railway bridge, with Edward 1?s castle overlooking the town and bridge. The railway line runs very close to the Irish Sea as we pass through Penmaenmawr and Llanfairfechan, with magnificent sea views across to the Island of Anglesey. We stop at Bangor station to set down those passengers who may wish to spend time visiting this historic city, with its cathedral and restored pier. Our train crosses the Menai Strait on the Britannia Bridge and enters the Isle of Anglesey. We now run across the Island through Valley to enter the sea port of Holyhead, where there will be time to visit the town or marina whilst our steam locomotive is turned and serviced for the return journey. Our train leaves Holyhead, steam hauled late afternoon, and stops at Bangor and then Llandudno Junction, to pick up passengers who opted for a visit to Llandudno. It continues via Chester and Warrington Bank Quay to Liverpool Lime Street, stopping at the same stations as on the outward journey, to set down passengers. *By service train from Llandudno Junction.
The Welsh Mountaineer Tuesday 20th July 2021 This day trip provides a rare opportunity for passengers from Lancashire and Cheshire to travel by steam train to Blaenau Ffestiniog, in the heart of the spectacular Snowdonia National Park. The route is via Chester, providing connections from other parts of the country, and along the scenic North Wales Coast Line. From Llandudno Junction, our steam train heads up the beautiful Conwy Valley to the mountains at Blaenau Ffestiniog. This is a journey that you will remember for a long time! Our train is steam hauled by a locomotive from the Carnforth pool and leaves Preston at around 06:50 and heads up the West Coast Main Line to Warrington Bank Quay, where we stop to pick up more passengers. We continue to Frodsham, where further passengers may join the train and our steam locomotive takes on water. Chester is our final pick up point for passengers and, as we leave, we pass through the ancient city walls and cross the river Dee into Wales. We continue westwards beside the Dee Estuary and then travel along the delightful Irish Sea coastline, which is well known for its beaches. We pass through the coastal resorts of Prestatyn and Rhyl. Approaching Colwyn Bay, we enjoy wonderful views of the Little Great Orme. At Llandudno Junction station, we change direction of travel as our steam locomotive needs to ?run round? our train for the run up the Conwy Valley. We set off for Blaenau Ffestiniog behind our steam locomotive, following the pretty Conwy Valley through to Llanrwst. We enter the Snowdonia National Park before Betws-y-Coed. The next part of our journey is extra special; we enter the very heart of the Welsh mountains as our train climbs up the very steep gradients to Blaenau Ffestiniog Tunnel. At over two miles long, this impressive piece of engineering is the longest single-track tunnel in the country. We pass through the substantial waste heaps of an old slate quarry before arriving at Blaenau Ffestiniog. Blaenau Ffestiniog Railway station is the terminus of the Conwy Valley Line and also the adjacent narrow gauge Ffestiniog Railway. We stay for almost three hours in Blaenau Ffestiniog, a town known as the Victorian slate capital of the world. The industry declined so that only the Llechwedd Slate Caverns, a former slate mine, remain today as a popular tourist attraction open to visitors. Our train leaves Blaenau Ffestiniog, steam hauled, at around 16:00 and returns to Llandudno Junction. After changing direction of travel we continue eastwards, still steam hauled, stopping at Chester, Frodsham, and Warrington Bank Quay to set down passengers. Our final calling point is Preston and so ends a memorable day out to Snowdonia.
The Dorset Coast Express Thursday 22nd July 2021 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 at around 08:45 steam hauled by either steam locomotive No. 46233 Duchess of Sutherland, or a Black V, 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. We leave the South Western Main Line at Worting Junction and take the Bournemouth Line, heading south through Winchester and Southampton. 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 around 13:45 and have almost 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 hauled by U Class steam locomotive No. 31806 at around 16:35 as far as Southampton* with our main steam locomotive banking on the rear, from here the main steam locomotive will take over for the remainder of the return journey. We continue through Andover to Basingstoke, where we stop to set down passengers and for our steam locomotive to take on water. We then continue to Woking and Staines, where we stop to set down passengers, and on to our final destination at London Victoria. *In the event of a high fire risk the section from Weymouth to Southampton on the return leg would be diesel hauled.
The West Somerset Steam Express Saturday 24th July 2021 This series of trains from London Paddington to Minehead features haulage by two steam locomotives in one day. An express steam locomotive will haul our train from London Paddington to the West Somerset Railway at Bishops Lydeard. The Heritage Railway will then provide a steam locomotive to haul our train to Minehead and back. This provides a truly fascinating day out travelling through beautiful scenery to the Bristol Channel coast. We leave London Paddington at around 08:05, steam hauled by Princess Coronation class steam locomotive No.46233 Duchess of Sutherland 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 a WSR steam locomotive will take over our train for the remainder of the journey to Minehead. The WSR runs 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 more than two hours to explore this delightful Bristol Channel seaside resort, where the railway station is close to the beach. A WSR steam locomotive will haul our train from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard, where our main line steam locomotive will take over for the return journey to London Paddington. The train will stop at Newbury, Reading and Slough to set down passengers.
The Hadrian Saturday 24th July 2021? Breathtaking landscape and nostalgic steam locomotive haulage combine in one of our most exciting and varied tours by special train. Our train will be hauled from Doncaster to Carlisle and from Carlisle to Darlington by steam locomotive No. 60103 Flying Scotsman. Passengers will experience the magnificent and world famous Settle to Carlisle Railway, travel on the 183-year old Tyne Valley Line, and speed along the East Coast Main Line. ??? Our train leaves Derby, diesel hauled, early in the morning and stops to pick up more passengers at Long Eaton, Beeston, Ilkeston, Alfreton and Chesterfield. We continue through to Doncaster, where we change locomotives, with steam locomotive No. 60103 Flying Scotsman replacing the diesel locomotive on our train for the onward journey, via Leeds, over the spectacular Settle to Carlisle Railway. ?? ?? Between Hellifield and Carlisle there is scarcely a level mile but our powerful steam locomotive will negotiate the 78 miles of rising and falling gradients in truly classic style. Settle Junction marks the beginning of one of Britain?s most arduous climbs, a total of 15 miles, mainly at a gradient of 1 in 100. This will be a tough test for our locomotive, which we will see - and hear - working very hard! We cross the breathtaking Ribblehead Viaduct, high above the valley floor, and enter Blea Moor Tunnel.?? The route runs high above valleys, and over numerous viaducts to Dent, the highest main line station open in England. We make the final climb to Ais Gill Summit, all 1,169 feet of it, the dramatic peak of our journey! We descend through the valley at Mallerstang and then drop down through Kirkby Stephen to Appleby, where our steam locomotive pauses to take on water. ?? ?? We can expect a fast run downhill from Appleby along the Eden Valley to Carlisle, where we arrive at around 14:00. There will be time to explore the ?Border? city with its many attractions that include the castle, cathedral, Tullie House Museum, the pedestrianised English Street and the Lanes Shopping Centre. ?? ? We leave Carlisle at around 16:00 and take the scenic Tyne Valley Line towards Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The Newcastle & Carlisle Railway opened this line in June 1838 and it runs eastwards, following the river Tyne just a few miles south of Hadrian?s Wall. We pass through Wylam, the birthplace of railway engineer George Stephenson, before we join the East Coast Main Line at Low Fell. We can expect some fast running as we head south through Durham to Darlington, where reluctantly, we shall have to say farewell to Flying Scotsman. Our diesel locomotive will now continue to York, home to the National Railway Museum, and back to our outward stations before arriving in Derby late evening. ??
The Kentish Belle?? Thursday 5th August 2021 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, Margate, Broadstairs, Margare and terminates at Faversham. You have the option to detain at any of these attractive destinations. We then return to Canterbury from Faversham, continuing forward from Ashford via Tonbridge and Sevenoaks back to London Victoria. ??? 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 and a busy ferry terminal for ferries to Ostende and Boulogne. Alternatively, stay aboard and alight a Broadstairs, with its magnificent horse shoe 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 Victiria by way of Severnoaks and Bromley South to conclude a variable-option day in the delightful Kent countryside.
The Cumbrian Mountain Express Saturday 7th August 2021 The Cumbrian Mountain Express provides a wonderful opportunity to get out and about during the spring, summer and autumn months, 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 return from Preston to London behind our blue electric locomotive.??? We leave London Euston at around 07:10 with electric traction, and speed north along the West Coast Main Line (WCML). We stop to pick up passengers at Milton Keynes (where passengers from Watford Junction join by service train), 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. Here, we will change over our electric locomotive for today?s steam locomotive, taken from the Carnforth pool. Leaving Carnforth, we pass the Brief Encounter caf? and commence the climb of our 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 time available in Carlisle to explore this ancient city with its cathedral and castle, plus an assortment of shops and cafes.?? 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 high viaducts, including the famous one at Ribblehead, and through many 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, 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 following to London. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers. * Passengers from Watford Junction will travel to Milton Keynes by service train to join our train.?? **Passengers from Northampton will travel to and from Rugby by service train to join our train.
The Waverley Sunday 8th August 2021??? 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. There is also the option of visiting the Cumbrian market town of Appleby or the border city of Carlisle. 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, at 09:30 and heads for Church Fenton where we take the direct route to Leeds. We stop to pick up more passengers at Leeds, Shipley, 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 to Appleby, where our locomotive takes on water. Passengers who choose to alight at Appleby will have around four hours to visit this historic market town, which lies in a loop of the picturesque river Eden. Passengers choosing to continue to Carlisle will have over one and a half 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 at around 16:15 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 and to pick up those passengers who spent the afternoon there. We continue to stops at Skipton, Keighley, Shipley, Leeds, and York, to set down passengers.
The West Somerset Steam Express Saturday 14th August 2021 This series of trains from London Paddington to Minehead features haulage by two steam locomotives in one day. An express steam locomotive will haul our train from London Paddington to the West Somerset Railway at Bishops Lydeard. The Heritage Railway will then provide a steam locomotive to haul our train to Minehead and back. This provides a truly fascinating day out travelling through beautiful scenery to the Bristol Channel coast. We leave London Paddington at around 08:05, steam hauled by Princess Coronation class steam locomotive No.46233 Duchess of Sutherland 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 a WSR steam locomotive will take over our train for the remainder of the journey to Minehead. The WSR runs 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 more than two hours to explore this delightful Bristol Channel seaside resort, where the railway station is close to the beach. A WSR steam locomotive will haul our train from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard, where our main line steam locomotive will take over for the return journey to London Paddington. The train will stop at Newbury, Reading and Slough to set down passengers.
The Waverley Sunday 15th August 2021?? 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. There is also the option of visiting the Cumbrian market town of Appleby or the border city of Carlisle. 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, at 09:30 and heads for Church Fenton where we take the direct route to Leeds. We stop to pick up more passengers at Leeds, Shipley, 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 to Appleby, where our locomotive takes on water. Passengers who choose to alight at Appleby will have around four hours to visit this historic market town, which lies in a loop of the picturesque river Eden. Passengers choosing to continue to Carlisle will have over one and a half 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 at around 16:15 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 and to pick up those passengers who spent the afternoon there. We continue to stops at Skipton, Keighley, Shipley, Leeds, and York, to set down passengers.
The Dorset Coast Express Thursday 19th August 2021 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 at around 08:45 steam hauled by either steam locomotive No. 46233 Duchess of Sutherland, or a Black V, 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. We leave the South Western Main Line at Worting Junction and take the Bournemouth Line, heading south through Winchester and Southampton. 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 around 13:45 and have almost 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 hauled by U Class steam locomotive No. 31806 at around 16:35 as far as Southampton* with our main steam locomotive banking on the rear, from here the main steam locomotive will take over for the remainder of the return journey. We continue through Andover to Basingstoke, where we stop to set down passengers and for our steam locomotive to take on water. We then continue to Woking and Staines, where we stop to set down passengers, and on to our final destination at London Victoria. *In the event of a high fire risk the section from Weymouth to Southampton on the return leg would be diesel hauled.
The Cotswold Venturer?? Saturday 21st August 2021 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 the Golden Valley line through Stroud and Kemble and also return the same way, which will include the steep climb up to Sapperton tunnel. ??? Our steam hauled train leaves London Paddington at around 07:40 hauled by Princess Coronation Class steam locomotive no. 46233 Duchess of Sutherland and heads down the ex-Great Western Railway (GWR) main line. We stop at Slough, Reading and Didcot to pick up more passengers. Our journey continues through the Vale of White Horse to Swindon, where we take the Golden Valley line through Kemble and up the climb to Sapperton Tunnel. We bypass Gloucester and head northwards through Cheltenham to Abbotswood Junction, were we leave the main line to Birmingham and head for Worcester Shrub Hill. There will be more than three hours to explore the fine city of Worcester. 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 the birthplace of the composer Sir Edward Elgar is nearby at Lower Broadheath. Our steam hauled train leaves Worcester Shrub Hill in the late afternoon and returns to London via the Golden Valley line. We follow the former Great Western Railway route from Standish Junction and climb steadily through Stroud before the gradients increase dramatically to 1 in 74 at Chalford. We continue to climb through the Golden Valley at a gradient of 1 in 60 prior to entering Sapperton tunnel at the summit of the climb. On easier gradients, we descend through Kemble and onwards through Wiltshire to the former railway town of Swindon. We will now retrace our earlier route through the Vale of White Horse back to Didcot and Reading. Our final part of the journey calls at Reading and Slough before arriving back in London Paddington in the evening.
The Waverley Sunday 22nd August 2021?? This steam hauled train 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. There is also the option of visiting the Cumbrian market town of Appleby or the border city of Carlisle. 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 No. 60103 Flying Scotsman at 09:30 and heads for Church Fenton where we take the direct route to Leeds. We stop to pick up more passengers at Leeds, Shipley, Keighley and Skipton. There will be a stop 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. We cross the breathtaking Ribblehead Viaduct, high above the valley floor, and enter Blea Moor Tunnel. We pass through the highest station open in England at Dent, travelling through tunnels and crossing valleys on numerous viaducts. There are magnificent views across the Fells to the Pennine Three Peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough 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 to Appleby, where our locomotive takes on water. Passengers who choose to alight at Appleby will have around four hours to visit this historic market town that lies in a loop of the picturesque river Eden. Passengers choosing to continue to Carlisle will have over one and a half 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 at around 16:15 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 and to pick up those passengers who spent the afternoon there. We continue our journey back to York, stopping at Skipton, Keighley, Shipley, Leeds, and York, to set down passengers.
The Cumbrian Mountain Express Saturday 28th August 2021 This is a wonderful opportunity for those from the Crewe and Manchester areas to travel by steam train over two of England?s most scenic railway routes. We travel north to Carlisle by the West Coast Main Line over Shap and return via the famous Settle & Carlisle Railway Line. Both routes pass through spectacular mountain scenery. A magnificent steam locomotive will haul these trains, which recall the glorious days of steam travel. ??? Our train, which is hauled by a steam locomotive from the Carnforth pool, leaves Crewe at around 06:00 and calls at Wilmslow, Stockport, Manchester Victoria and Bolton 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 continue through Lancaster and Carnforth, where beyond 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 three hours in Carlisle, providing time to explore this ancient ?Border? city with its castle, cathedral, Tullie House Museum, and shopping centre. Our return train, hauled by our steam locomotive, leaves Carlisle and joins 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, 1,169 feet above sea level. We pass over high viaducts, including the famous one at Ribblehead, and through numerous 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 at Hellifield for our locomotive to take on water. Our journey continues from Hellifield to Clitheroe and Blackburn, where passengers for Preston leave the train. We join the WCML at Farington Junction and, shortly afterwards, take the Manchester line, stopping at Bolton and Manchester Victoria to set down passengers. We continue our journey to Crewe stopping at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers. *Passengers for Preston travel by service train from Blackburn on the return journey.
The Dorset Coast Express Thursday 2nd September 2021 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 at around 08:45 steam hauled by either steam locomotive No. 46233 Duchess of Sutherland, or a Black V, 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. We leave the South Western Main Line at Worting Junction and take the Bournemouth Line, heading south through Winchester and Southampton. 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 around 13:45 and have almost 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 hauled by U Class steam locomotive No. 31806 at around 16:35 as far as Southampton* with our main steam locomotive banking on the rear, from here the main steam locomotive will take over for the remainder of the return journey. We continue through Andover to Basingstoke, where we stop to set down passengers and for our steam locomotive to take on water. We then continue to Woking and Staines, where we stop to set down passengers, and on to our final destination at London Victoria. *In the event of a high fire risk the section from Weymouth to Southampton on the return leg would be diesel hauled.
The Cheshireman?? Saturday 4th September 2021? Join us on this tour that provides an excellent opportunity to travel across the country from east to west, visiting the historic city of Chester. Apart from its cultural attractions, including the Cathedral, Castle and the Medieval Rows, Chester is a well-established shopping mecca. Our steam hauled train will be pulled by 46233 Duchess of Sutherland from Norwich to Chester and as far at Peterborough on the return. Our journey commences at Norwich around 07:00 where we take the line to Ely, calling at Wymondham, Attleborough and across the Fens to the market town of Thetford. We then make a further pick up at Brandon before we bypass Ely to call at March and Peterborough. We now follow the cross country line through Stamford, a town of outstanding architectural and historic interest that is of national importance. The town has over 600 listed buildings, more than half of the total for the County of Lincolnshire We continue westwards and pass Rutland Water towards Oakham, in the small county of Rutland. Entering Leicestershire, we run through Melton Mowbray, famous for its pork pies, and head for Leicester, our final pick up station. We follow the main line to London St Pancras for a while as far as Wigston Junction, where we branch off on the Nuneaton and Birmingham line. Our route now takes us westwards through Hinkley to Nuneaton, where we join the West Coast main line. Heading northwards, our steam locomotive can now get up to top speed as we head for Tamworth and Lichfield. Lines split at Colwich Junction and here we follow the WCML through Shugborough Park to round Queensville Curve at Stafford. The four tracks continue northwards through rural Staffordshire, with our steam locomotive working hard as it tackles the long climb to Whitmore Summit. After a few more miles, we slow down and approach the major railway junction of Crewe. Our final part of the journey takes us across the Cheshire Plain through Beeston Castle, with its lofty 13th Century castle overlooking the railway and the Shropshire Union Canal. In no time at all, we arrive at Chester, where there will be a break of around four hours for passengers to visit the city with all its attractions. We then return from Chester at around 17:20 for the steam hauled run back as far as Peterborough, where our steam locomotive leaves the train and from where we return to Norwich, diesel hauled, retracing our outward route.
The Waverley Sunday 5th September 2021??? 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. There is also the option of visiting the Cumbrian market town of Appleby or the border city of Carlisle. 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, at 09:30 and heads for Church Fenton where we take the direct route to Leeds. We stop to pick up more passengers at Leeds, Shipley, 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 to Appleby, where our locomotive takes on water. Passengers who choose to alight at Appleby will have around four hours to visit this historic market town, which lies in a loop of the picturesque river Eden. Passengers choosing to continue to Carlisle will have over one and a half 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 at around 16:15 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 and to pick up those passengers who spent the afternoon there. We continue to stops at Skipton, Keighley, Shipley, Leeds, and York, to set down passengers.
The Swanage Belle Thursday 9th September 2021? 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. The train will be hauled by Princess Coronation Class steam locomotive No.46233 Duchess of Sutherland. ?? We leave London Victoria station at around 08:45, 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 more than 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 at around 16:55 and is diesel hauled to Southampton where steam locomotive No. 46233 Duchess of Sutherland 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 soon after 23:00.
The Coast to Coast Express Saturday 11th September 2021 The ?Coast to Coast Express? is a day trip by special train travelling from Liverpool to Scarborough and back, thus linking the Irish Sea with the North Sea. The journey includes some spectacular scenery crossing the Pennines and the option of visiting either York or Scarborough. Tthe train will be hauled by a steam locomotive from the Carnforth pool. ??? At around 06:15 the ?Coast to Coast Express? will leave Liverpool Lime Street, hauled by a powerful steam locomotive. We travel via Edge Hill and Rainhill. Heading eastwards, we run via Chat Moss to Manchester Victoria, where we stop to pick up further passengers. From Manchester we now run via Guide Bridge and Woodley, where we will pause to take on water. Running via New Mills, we now head for Chinley and join the former Midland Railway?s ?Hope Valley? line to Sheffield, our final pick up station. We pass through Hathersage, a charming village associated with Robin Hood and the Eyre family of Bronte fame. This route is spectacularly scenic and encompasses a number of long tunnels, including the passage through the 3? mile-long Totley Tunnel, first opened in 1892, before arrival at Sheffield. On leaving Sheffield we head northwards through Meadowhall, adjacent to the famous Meadowhall Shopping Centre, and onwards, avoiding Rotherham, towards Swinton. We make our way northwards through Church Fenton and follow the East Coast Main Line towards York. Passengers may leave the train at York or continue to Scarborough. York is a fascinating city to visit at any time of the year, with a huge variety of interesting places to see. It has some of the best preserved historical buildings in Europe, the city walls, Minster, Shambles, Jorvik Centre and the superb National Railway Museum. Open-topped buses leave from York Railway Station for tours around the city. For those passengers who choose to travel to Scarborough, we leave York and take the Scarborough line, immediately crossing the River Ouse, with views of the Minster. We should have a fast run through the Vale of York before slowing for the curves that follow the River Derwent past Kirkham Abbey. We pass through Malton and Seamer before arriving in Scarborough. Scarborough is a Victorian spa town and the largest holiday resort on the Yorkshire coast. It has been named as the most enterprising town in Britain and provides all the facilities you would expect at an established seaside resort. It has two beautiful bays, the North Bay and South Bay, providing safe sandy beaches, and a busy harbour with an active fish quay. Our train leaves Scarborough, steam hauled, at around 16:00 and stops at York to pick up those passengers who chose to visit the city. We change motive power at Milford Loop and return to Liverpool, diesel hauled, stopping at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers.
The Pennine Blackpool Express Saturday 18th September 2021 Join us on this special train to the Fylde Coast and the vibrant seaside resort of Blackpool. We have a high-speed journey down the West Coast Main Line to Preston, where we take the branch to Blackpool North. Our return journey will be steam hauled to Preston and then via the Ribble Valley through Clitheroe to Hellifield and onwards to Carnforth. Our electric locomotive will then return the train back to London. ??? We leave London Euston at around 07:10 with electric traction, and speed north along the West Coast Main Line (WCML).? We stop to pick up passengers at Milton Keynes (where passengers from Watford Junction join by service train), 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. At Preston, our steam locomotive allocated from the Carnforth Pool will be attached at the rear of the train and will be hauled by our Class 86 electric to Blackpool North. The recently electrified line serves local trains and also allows through trains to and from London. We will head westwards across The Fylde and pass through Kirkham, the junction for the Blackpool South branch. We will take the Blackpool North line and pass through Poulton-le-Fylde station where there should be by now views of the famous 518ft tall tower at Blackpool. Around three hours should be available to visit the town and some of its attractions, including the Tower, the Winter Gardens, Madame Tussauds, the three piers or perhaps take a vintage tram ride along the sea front. Shops are also nearby along with many restaurants and pubs to cater for all tastes. Returning to Preston, now steam hauled, we will detach the Class 86 electric locomotive, which will then go to Carnforth to await our return later in the day. Steam haulage will now continue via Bamber Bridge and the long climb of Hoghton Bank to Blackburn. We will join the Hellifield line at Daisyfield Junction and tackle the steep climb up to Whilpshire Tunnel. A long descent follows towards the impressive 48-arch viaduct over the river Calder at Whalley. After Clitheroe, we continue to follow the scenic Ribble Valley towards Hellifield where there will be a water stop. T?he last section of our journey to Carnforth will include the steep climb at 1 in 100 from Settle Junction up Giggleswick Bank. We follow the Bentham Line via Wennington and reach Carnforth where we say goodbye to our steam locomotive. The class 86 electric locomotive will be waiting to take our train back to Preston and calling stations to London Euston. * Passengers from Watford Junction will travel to Milton Keynes by service train to join our train **Passengers from Northampton will travel to and from Rugby by service train to join our train. *** Passengers boarding at Preston will return to Preston by service train from Blackburn.
The Cumbrian Coast Express Saturday 25th September 2021 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 at around 07:00 with electric traction, and speed north along the West Coast Main Line (WCML). We stop to pick up passengers at Milton Keynes (where passengers from Watford Junction join by service train), 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 caf? and commence the climb up to Grayrigg. We then travel through the beautiful Lune Gorge to Tebay, before the 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 steam hauled 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 British Nuclear Fuels plant dominates the landscape. At Ravenglass, we meet up with 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. We will avoid Barrow in Furness by taking the ?Park? cut off line to Dalton 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 passengers. * Passengers from Watford Junction will travel to Milton Keynes by service train to join our train. **Passengers from Northampton will travel to and from Rugby by service train to join our train.
The Easterling?? Saturday 2nd October 2021 Join us on a journey by steam train to rural Norfolk and Suffolk, a scenic area of undulating farmland, market towns, picturesque villages and waterways. The Easterling recalls the days of an express train that ran from London to Yarmouth and Lowestoft, taking Londoners to the Norfolk Broads and the famous East Anglian seaside resorts. The train will be hauled by A1 Class Pacific 60163 Tornado. ??? Our steam train will depart from London King?s Cross station at around 08:00 and immediately begins climbing through tunnels and cuttings as it makes its way up the East Coast Main Line (ECML). There are stops at Potters Bar and Stevenage for more passengers to join the train. At Hitchin, we leave the ECML and head for Cambridge, our final stop for passengers. We continue north to Ely and then take the Breckland Line through Thetford to Norwich. The Breckland area is of considerable interest for its unusual flora and fauna, and is characterised by gorse-covered sandy heath land and Scots Pine trees. We arrive at Norwich around mid-day and our steam locomotive ?runs round? our train as we change direction of travel here. We continue our steam hauled journey taking one of the ?Wherry Lines? from Norwich to Lowestoft. The Norfolk Wherry is a type of boat that was widely used in the area. Lowestoft is the most easterly town in the UK and terminus for the East Suffolk Line (ESL). Our train stops here for well over an hour giving passengers time to explore the town and harbour, once a bustling fishing port. Our return journey is along the 49 mile-long scenic ESL through Beccles, Saxmundham and Woodbridge, famous for having the only working Tide Mill in the UK, dating from 1793. Westerfield Junction is where the branch line from Felixstowe joins the ESL; the branch is heavily used by freight trains to and from Felixstowe Docks. Approaching Ipswich, we take the newly built ?Bacon Factory Chord? to join the Great Eastern Main Line (GEML) going northwards from London Liverpool Street to Norwich. We continue northwards to Stowmarket and leave the GEML at Haughley Junction. We pass through Bury St. Edmunds station, with its distinctive pair of towers. At Snailwell Junction we take the line for Newmarket and Cambridge, where we stop to set down passengers. We make further stops to set down passengers at Stevenage and Potters Bar before journeys end at London King?s Cross.
The Cumbrian Mountain Express Saturday 9th October 2021 The Cumbrian Mountain Express provides a wonderful opportunity to get out and about during the spring, summer and autumn months, 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 return from Preston to London behind our blue electric locomotive.??? We leave London Euston at around 07:10 with electric traction, and speed north along the West Coast Main Line (WCML). We stop to pick up passengers at Milton Keynes (where passengers from Watford Junction join by service train), 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. Here, we will change over our electric locomotive for today?s steam locomotive, taken from the Carnforth pool. Leaving Carnforth, we pass the Brief Encounter caf? and commence the climb of our 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 time available in Carlisle to explore this ancient city with its cathedral and castle, plus an assortment of shops and cafes.?? 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 high viaducts, including the famous one at Ribblehead, and through many 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, 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 following to London. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers. * Passengers from Watford Junction will travel to Milton Keynes by service train to join our train.?? **Passengers from Northampton will travel to and from Rugby by service train to join our train.
The Yorkshireman Saturday 16th October 2021 Join us for a main line steam run from west London Ealing Broadway station to York. The city of York is world famous for its variety of visitor attractions and home to the National Railway Museum. We travel north via the Midland Main Line stopping at stations to pick up further passengers. Our train will be hauled between London and York by Princess Coronation class steam locomotive No.46233 Duchess of Sutherland. Our train leaves London Ealing Broadway at around 06:25 hauled by Duchess of Sutherland and travels around West London through Acton Wells and and Neasden South Junction. At Dudding Hill Junction we take the Brent curve and join the Midland Main Line (MML) near Cricklewood. We head north and stop at St. Albans, Luton, Bedford and Kettering, to pick up further passengers. We leave the MML after Kettering and take the former Midland Railway Nottingham direct line. We pass through Corby Station, opened in 2009 to replace the original which was closed in 1966. We climb to the famous Harringworth Viaduct, the longest masonry viaduct in Britain. From the end of the viaduct there is a long, stiff climb up to Wing Tunnel and then it is downhill to Manton Junction, and through Rutland?s county town of Oakham. We stop to pick up passengers at Melton Mowbray before we continue to Syston Junction and take the sharp right curve to join the MML from Leicester. We pass through Loughborough and join the Erewash Valley Line at Trent Junction. Our final boarding point for passengers is at Alfreton. 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 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. Our train leaves York at around 17:15 and returns to London Ealing Broadway diesel hauled. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey, to set down passengers.