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Railtours, Preserved Railway Events, Ferries and Service Trains Gen List
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- Last updated: Fri 03 Oct 2025
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Fiftieth Finale Weekend Saturday 1 - Sunday 2 November 2025 Enjoy unlimited travel all day on every train including those hauled by special visitor s 70000 'Britannia' and D9000 'Royal Scots Grey' Ride all day to explore on four contrasting steam and heritage diesel trains Mainline express steam engine 70000 'Britannia' Very rare heritage line visit for pioneering 'Deltic' D9000 Save money with discounted fares when you book in advance Free Explorer's Trail for all children Park at Holt's delightful country station and take the train to the traditional seaside town of Sheringham and spend the day exploring the Victorian resort OR join the train at Sheringham, ride to Holt and catch a bus into the centre of this charming Georgian town Book Now Renowned steam locomotive 70000 'Britannia' is set to visit the North Norfolk Railway this autumn, helping us to celebrate the close of our Golden Anniversary year! The weekend will also feature D9000 'Royal Scots Grey' one the few surviving 'Deltics' - a powerful type of diesel locomotive built to speed up services from London to Edinburgh in the 1960s. After entry into traffic in January 1951, some of the Britannia's most regular journeys during its early life were to haul 'The Norfolkman' and 'The East Anglian' express services between London and Norwich, making the visit even more special. 'Britannia' is due to arrive by rail via the level crossing at Sheringham - the reinstatement of which is one of the major milestones in the railway's 50-year history. The crossing was officially opened in 2010 by fellow Britannia-class locomotive 'Oliver Cromwell' so it is very appropriate that 70000 should play a key role in this year's celebrations. The Britannia-class of locomotives were the brainchild of R A Riddles and aimed principally to improve the performance of express locomotives. Main focuses were on weight-saving measures, but also on the standardisation of steam locomotive design which was hoped to reduce labour requirements and also maintenance costs. A total of 55 Britannia-class locomotives were built at Crewe Works, of which 70000 'Britannia' was the first. D9000 dates from 1961 and at the time was the World's most powerful diesel locomotive. It was the first of 22 'Deltics' produced as part of the modernisation programme that saw diesels take over duties from their steam predecessors. The mainstay of their duties were initially the Anglo-Scottish expresses on the East Coast Main Line where they regularly worked schedules that took full advantage of their 100mph top speed. Both visiting locomotives are usually based at Crewe and work a very limited number of special charters on the mainline and rarely visit heritage railways, so their appearance at the Fiftieth Finale event will be an unusual opportunity for the public to ride behind them. Throughout the final weekend of our main season, visitors will be able to celebrate our 50th Anniversary with unlimited travel behind special visitors 'Britannia' and 'Royal Scots Grey' alongside a historic steam engine and a heritage diesel from our home fleet! We are grateful to the locomotives' operators, Locomotive Services, and the Royal Scot Locomotive & General Trust (the owners of 'Britannia') for allowing the two iconic locomotives to visit.
Mainline charter to London Saturday 1st November 2025 A classic route for a class 50 to London for a special event at Paddington, with two depot track bashes included. No further details are available at present. Entries marked as 'Save the Date' are provisional and therefore are subject to change/removal at any time.
Heritage Trams in Operation 15 October to 1 November 2025 Featuring 736 'HMS Blackpool' and English Electric Balloon 717.
Fiftieth Finale Weekend Saturday 1 - Sunday 2 November 2025 Enjoy unlimited travel all day on every train including those hauled by special visitor s 70000 'Britannia' and D9000 'Royal Scots Grey' Ride all day to explore on four contrasting steam and heritage diesel trains Mainline express steam engine 70000 'Britannia' Very rare heritage line visit for pioneering 'Deltic' D9000 Save money with discounted fares when you book in advance Free Explorer's Trail for all children Park at Holt's delightful country station and take the train to the traditional seaside town of Sheringham and spend the day exploring the Victorian resort OR join the train at Sheringham, ride to Holt and catch a bus into the centre of this charming Georgian town Book Now Renowned steam locomotive 70000 'Britannia' is set to visit the North Norfolk Railway this autumn, helping us to celebrate the close of our Golden Anniversary year! The weekend will also feature D9000 'Royal Scots Grey' one the few surviving 'Deltics' - a powerful type of diesel locomotive built to speed up services from London to Edinburgh in the 1960s. After entry into traffic in January 1951, some of the Britannia's most regular journeys during its early life were to haul 'The Norfolkman' and 'The East Anglian' express services between London and Norwich, making the visit even more special. 'Britannia' is due to arrive by rail via the level crossing at Sheringham - the reinstatement of which is one of the major milestones in the railway's 50-year history. The crossing was officially opened in 2010 by fellow Britannia-class locomotive 'Oliver Cromwell' so it is very appropriate that 70000 should play a key role in this year's celebrations. The Britannia-class of locomotives were the brainchild of R A Riddles and aimed principally to improve the performance of express locomotives. Main focuses were on weight-saving measures, but also on the standardisation of steam locomotive design which was hoped to reduce labour requirements and also maintenance costs. A total of 55 Britannia-class locomotives were built at Crewe Works, of which 70000 'Britannia' was the first. D9000 dates from 1961 and at the time was the World's most powerful diesel locomotive. It was the first of 22 'Deltics' produced as part of the modernisation programme that saw diesels take over duties from their steam predecessors. The mainstay of their duties were initially the Anglo-Scottish expresses on the East Coast Main Line where they regularly worked schedules that took full advantage of their 100mph top speed. Both visiting locomotives are usually based at Crewe and work a very limited number of special charters on the mainline and rarely visit heritage railways, so their appearance at the Fiftieth Finale event will be an unusual opportunity for the public to ride behind them. Throughout the final weekend of our main season, visitors will be able to celebrate our 50th Anniversary with unlimited travel behind special visitors 'Britannia' and 'Royal Scots Grey' alongside a historic steam engine and a heritage diesel from our home fleet! We are grateful to the locomotives' operators, Locomotive Services, and the Royal Scot Locomotive & General Trust (the owners of 'Britannia') for allowing the two iconic locomotives to visit.
The Exe-Parrett - With 34028 'Eddystone' Saturday 8 November 2025 Enjoy a lovely day to the West Country, hauled by steam, featuring a number of climbs along the way to really test our locomotive. Joining Stations: Dorridge, Birmingham New Street, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire Parkway, Cheltenham Spa, Stonehouse, Stroud, Kemble, Swindon Event Details Saturday 8 November 2025 Enjoy a lovely day to the West Country, hauled by steam, featuring a number of climbs along the way to really test our locomotive. This tour name may strike a definite chord with Monty Python fans (by pure coincidence of course!), but in fact reflects two important rivers in Somerset and Devon that are crossed along our route. We start our day diesel hauled at Dorridge, with joining stations through the West Midlands and Gloucestershire to our final pick up at Swindon, where we also swap to our steam locomotive for the West to historic Exeter. With the steam locomotive at the helm, we travel out via Westbury and Honiton, with a break at the Yeovil Railway Centre along the way, before arrival into Exeter itself, with the choice of alighting at Central or St. David's stations. Here you will be able to enjoy an afternoon break of approximately 2 hours in this old cathedral city, with many interesting buildings at its heart. The return journey from Exeter St. Davids takes a fast route back via Taunton and Bristol to Swindon, where we say goodbye to our steam locomotive and the diesel locomotive takes over to complete the day by returning everyone to their joining stations. STEAM LOCOMOTIVE We have been advised by West Coast Railways (this excursions operator) that they expect to provide ex-Southern Railways Bulleid Pacific No. 34028 'Eddystone' as the steam locomotive*, having recently returned to mainline duties. It is normally based at the Swanage Railway by its owners Southern Locomotives Ltd. *Subject to availability. ????????- Our new caterers Gravy Train Catering will be providing the Silver Service on board this train in both Premier Dining and First Class. ????????- ON BOARD FEATURES INCLUDE: - Reserved seats aligned with the carriage windows - A printed excursion and journey guide for everyone - A travelling licensed buffet with refreshments, including alcoholic and soft drinks - The Premier Dining service includes The Great British Breakfast, Elevenses and four course Evening Dinner - Cheerful, friendly and helpful Pathfinder Stewards! ????????- ESTIMATED TIMINGS Joining Stations Depart Return Dorridge 0545 2305 Birmingham New Street 0610 2240 Bromsgrove 0645 2205 Worcestershire Parkway 0705 2145 Cheltenham Spa 0730 2120 Stonehouse 0750 2055 Stroud 0800 2045 Kemble 0820 2025 Swindon 0910 1945 Search Search Fares Adult Junior Party x4 Availability Premier Dining £325 £305 £1260 Book Now First Class £230 £210 £880 Book Now Standard Class £135 £99 £536 Book Now Book tickets Table for Two seats are available at a supplement of £60 per person in First Class and Premier Dining.
150th Anniversary Gala and Festive Ales Weekend 29 November, 2025 - 30 November, 2025 150th Anniversary Gala and Festive Ales Weekend Join us for our 150th Anniversary Gala and Festive Ales Weekend on the 29th and 30th of November. In partnership with South Western Railway Islandline, we're celebrating the 150th anniversary of our line, the Ryde and Newport Railway, with historic trains to the present day. With a joint ticket you can ride on current generation 484 electric units, behind our steam locomotives Adams 02 'Calbourne' and Terrier 'Freshwater' , enjoy brake van rides behind diesels D2554 Nuclear Fred and, for the first time, our new arrival 03 179, resplendent in Network SouthEast livery. At Havenstreet our Real Ale bar will be hosting our inaugural 'Festival Ales Weekend' featuring a range of Christmas brews. In partnership with Island Line there will be a joint £20 day travel ticket valid for travel on Island Line and the Steam Railway. Allowing unlimited travel for the day between Ryde Pier Head, Smallbrook, Shanklin and Wootton stations as well as the Isle of Wight Steam Railway trains. Please note locomotives may be subject to change. Entry to Havenstreet station site for the Gala and Ale Festival is free. Train tickets are available in advance on the Buy tickets button and on the day at the Havenstreet booking office. Opening times for the Gala will be Havenstreet Station 9.30am to 6.00pm Real Ale Bar 11.00am to 6.00pm Train Story Discovery Centre 10.30am to 5.00pm (Last admission 4.30pm) The Barn Café 9.30am to 6.00pm Restaurant 11.00am to 4.00pm The Railway Shop 10.00am to 5.00pm
The South Wales Industrial Explorer Saturday 29th November 2025 UK Railtours is delighted to present the return of First Class Dining on a special train which we believe has something for everyone! Today's tour visits the industrial landscape of South Wales providing an extremely rare opportunity to visit some unusual locations. Our First Class Dining customers will be served the Great British Breakfast on the outward journey, a delicious light lunch and a sumptuous four course dinner on the return journey home. This charter really is the full package; it provides mile after mile of heritage diesel locomotive haulage on some classic routes for a Class 50, including tackling the famously formidable Lickey Incline on the return journey! Through the window we will enjoy a myriad of views from the stunning scenery of the Severn Estuary via beautiful Chepstow to the fascinating industrial landscape of Port Talbot. Fans of rare track will certainly not be disappointed by what this charter should achieve in the Margam and Landore areas and haulage enthusiasts are offered the chance to perhaps score a DB Cargo Class 66 freight locomotive. Finally, to complete the package, we will all enjoy an off-train break in the exciting university city of Swansea. By popular request, our adventure starts and finishes in Derby, and initially heads south, with pick up opportunities at East Midlands Parkway and Leicester, before heading west with further stops at Nuneaton and Coleshill Parkway to then arrive at Birmingham New Street. From here our train calls at Worcestershire Parkway, Gloucester and finally Cardiff. And so, to our expected route: So with the magnificent Hanson & Hall owned 50008 'Thunderer' at the helm, we thunder south-westwards to our final pick-up point in the Welsh capital city of Cardiff before pushing on to the proud industrial centre of South Wales. Now it will be time for those with interest in rare track to reach for their atlas as we enter Margam Knuckle Yard where Road No.9 or No.10 has been requested. As well as striving to score rare track, we will also attach the DB Cargo Class 66 to the train here. We briefly retrace our steps east in order to gain access to the Ogmore Vale Extension Line and then progress west once again, through Port Talbot, and onto the Swansea District Line. Goods Line Authority will then be required to enable us to access the Llanelli Up Goods Loop for our reversal, thus concluding our passage west. But the fun is far from over! We now head back east to traverse the Swansea Avoiding Line. Reversing at Landore Junction we allow 'Thunderer' the honour of delivering us into the vibrant coastal city of Swansea for our break of around 90 minutes, recreating scenes of some four decades ago when Class 50s had booked passenger work here. With everyone back onboard and fully refreshed, and with grateful thanks to our friends Chrysalis Rail, it is time for some extremely rare track as we become perhaps the first passenger charter train to access the Landore Depot complex. Rare track complete, sadly now it's time for home as we begin our journey east at sunset. Once again we pause at Knuckle Yard as we say farewell to our Class 66 in favour of a Class 67 locomotive that now takes charge of the train. A four course dinner will be served in the dining cars during our journey home which has the added interest of being routed via the Severn Tunnel and Bristol Parkway before reversing at Gloucester, from where 50008 once again takes charge for the journey back to Derby. Surely the fun must be over by now? Or perhaps you have remembered that those staying onboard back to the Midlands have that little matter of the Lickey Incline with over 2 miles at a gradient of 1 in 37 still to come, which will test the capabilities of 50008. We are very grateful to Hanson & Hall Rail, DB Cargo, Chrysalis Rail and Network Rail for their kind assistance in facilitating this tour. First Class Dining will be provided by The Railway Diners (formerly Creative Rail Dining) and includes the Great British Breakfast, a light lunch and a four course dinner. Our comfortable MK3 carriages provided by Eastern Rail Services feature a well stocked buffet car serving a range of hot and cold food and drinks. Please note that First Class Dining is not available from or back to Worcestershire Parkway, Gloucester or Cardiff Central. Class Fare Availability Standard Adult £159 Good Standard Junior £139 Good First Class Non Dining £229 Good First Class Dining £329 Good First Class Dining Party of Four £1296 Good All timings are provisional and intended only as a guide. Station Depart Arrive Derby 06.30 22.55 East Midlands Parkway 06.47 22.37 Leicester 07.05 22.20 Nuneaton 07.27 21.59 Coleshill Parkway 07.46 21.39 Birmingham New Street 08.05 21.10 Worcestershire Parkway 08.40 20.32 Gloucester 09.10 19.54 Cardiff Central 10.10 18.45
150th Anniversary Gala and Festive Ales Weekend 29 November, 2025 - 30 November, 2025 150th Anniversary Gala and Festive Ales Weekend Join us for our 150th Anniversary Gala and Festive Ales Weekend on the 29th and 30th of November. In partnership with South Western Railway Islandline, we're celebrating the 150th anniversary of our line, the Ryde and Newport Railway, with historic trains to the present day. With a joint ticket you can ride on current generation 484 electric units, behind our steam locomotives Adams 02 'Calbourne' and Terrier 'Freshwater' , enjoy brake van rides behind diesels D2554 Nuclear Fred and, for the first time, our new arrival 03 179, resplendent in Network SouthEast livery. At Havenstreet our Real Ale bar will be hosting our inaugural 'Festival Ales Weekend' featuring a range of Christmas brews. In partnership with Island Line there will be a joint £20 day travel ticket valid for travel on Island Line and the Steam Railway. Allowing unlimited travel for the day between Ryde Pier Head, Smallbrook, Shanklin and Wootton stations as well as the Isle of Wight Steam Railway trains. Please note locomotives may be subject to change. Entry to Havenstreet station site for the Gala and Ale Festival is free. Train tickets are available in advance on the Buy tickets button and on the day at the Havenstreet booking office. Opening times for the Gala will be Havenstreet Station 9.30am to 6.00pm Real Ale Bar 11.00am to 6.00pm Train Story Discovery Centre 10.30am to 5.00pm (Last admission 4.30pm) The Barn Café 9.30am to 6.00pm Restaurant 11.00am to 4.00pm The Railway Shop 10.00am to 5.00pm