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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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The Settle & Carlisle Circular Saturday 7 March 2026 Departing from Hereford, Leominster, Ludlow, Craven Arms, Church Stretton, Shrewsbury, Whitchurch Step aboard the celebrated 'Statesman' land cruise train for a very special circular winter tour over England's most spectacular railway - the famous Settle to Carlisle line and the Cumbrian Fells with views of the snow-covered Lakeland mountains. With great limestone peaks and deep valleys, we travel over viaducts and through tunnels on this masterpiece of Victorian engineering - including the famous Ribblehead Viaduct. Our train heads into the Yorkshire Dales for a spectacular journey over the magnificent high Pennines and the sheer scale of the scenery is apparent with views of the three peaks towering over the line. One magnificent sight follows another before we descend into the tranquil Eden Valley and return over the west coast route through Penrith, climbing over Shap summit and along the pretty Lune Gorge affording stunning views of the Cumbrian mountains in their winter glory. Statesman Rail | The Settle & Carlisle Circular - 7 March 2026 APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIMINGS* Boarding Stations The following pick-up and set-down stations are available on this journey STATION DEPARTS RETURNS Hereford 08.20 18.45 Leominster 08.40 18.30 Ludlow 09.00 18.10 Craven Arms 09.10 18.00 Church Stretton 09.20 17.50 Shrewsbury 09.40 17.30 Whitchurch 09.50 17.15 PLEASE NOTE * All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change. This journey does not have a destination, it is a continuous circular tour.
Michael Portillo - A Life of Two Halves G Live, Guildford Sunday 8 March 2026 Talk This show has an interval Secretary of State. Traveller. TV superstar. The inimitable Michael Portillo joins us live on stage to share funny, insightful, and poignant stories from his extraordinarily rich and varied life. The son of a refugee who rose to become one of Britain's leading politicians and best loved broadcasters, Michael Portillo's life has been a game of two halves. As a statesman he served under Margaret Thatcher, ran for the leadership of the Conservative Party, and lost his seat in one of the most famous moments in British political history, only to become one of the nation's favourite broadcasters, sparring with Diane Abbott and Andrew O'Neill and enthralling millions of us with his travels on the world's greatest railways. In this unique stage show, Michael will share his life story, from his late father's experiences of the Spanish Civil War and escape to England, where he and Michael's mother met while looking after refugee children, all the way to his present-day adventures travelling across Spain, the USA, India, and beyond. We'll hear Michael's funny and insightful observations about his old boss Margaret Thatcher and his reflections on the decay of political power. He'll tell us about his break into TV - including the time he became a single mum? And, of course, we'll hear about the great railway journeys he has undertaken and what they can tell us about the history and state of the world today. Whether you are passionate about politics or a fan of Michael's many international adventures, this is an unmissable treat. All aboard!
Michael Portillo - A Life of Two Halves Lyric Theatre, Lowry, Salford Tuesday 10 March 2026 Talk This show has an interval Secretary of State. Traveller. TV superstar. The inimitable Michael Portillo joins us live on stage to share funny, insightful, and poignant stories from his extraordinarily rich and varied life. The son of a refugee who rose to become one of Britain's leading politicians and best loved broadcasters, Michael Portillo's life has been a game of two halves. As a statesman he served under Margaret Thatcher, ran for the leadership of the Conservative Party, and lost his seat in one of the most famous moments in British political history, only to become one of the nation's favourite broadcasters, sparring with Diane Abbott and Andrew O'Neill and enthralling millions of us with his travels on the world's greatest railways. In this unique stage show, Michael will share his life story, from his late father's experiences of the Spanish Civil War and escape to England, where he and Michael's mother met while looking after refugee children, all the way to his present-day adventures travelling across Spain, the USA, India, and beyond. We'll hear Michael's funny and insightful observations about his old boss Margaret Thatcher and his reflections on the decay of political power. He'll tell us about his break into TV - including the time he became a single mum? And, of course, we'll hear about the great railway journeys he has undertaken and what they can tell us about the history and state of the world today. Whether you are passionate about politics or a fan of Michael's many international adventures, this is an unmissable treat. All aboard!
Michael Portillo - A Life of Two Halves Royal Geographical Society, London Wednesday 11 March 2026 Talk This show has an interval Secretary of State. Traveller. TV superstar. The inimitable Michael Portillo joins us live on stage to share funny, insightful, and poignant stories from his extraordinarily rich and varied life. The son of a refugee who rose to become one of Britain's leading politicians and best loved broadcasters, Michael Portillo's life has been a game of two halves. As a statesman he served under Margaret Thatcher, ran for the leadership of the Conservative Party, and lost his seat in one of the most famous moments in British political history, only to become one of the nation's favourite broadcasters, sparring with Diane Abbott and Andrew O'Neill and enthralling millions of us with his travels on the world's greatest railways. In this unique stage show, Michael will share his life story, from his late father's experiences of the Spanish Civil War and escape to England, where he and Michael's mother met while looking after refugee children, all the way to his present-day adventures travelling across Spain, the USA, India, and beyond. We'll hear Michael's funny and insightful observations about his old boss Margaret Thatcher and his reflections on the decay of political power. He'll tell us about his break into TV - including the time he became a single mum? And, of course, we'll hear about the great railway journeys he has undertaken and what they can tell us about the history and state of the world today. Whether you are passionate about politics or a fan of Michael's many international adventures, this is an unmissable treat. All aboard!
The Settle & Carlisle Circular Saturday 14 March 2026 Departing from Leicester, Narborough, Hinckley, Nuneaton, Tamworth, Lichfield Trent Valley, Rugeley Trent Valley Step aboard the celebrated 'Statesman' land cruise train for a very special circular winter tour over England's most spectacular railway - the famous Settle to Carlisle line and the Cumbrian Fells with views of the snow-covered Lakeland mountains. With great limestone peaks and deep valleys, we travel over viaducts and through tunnels on this masterpiece of Victorian engineering - including the famous Ribblehead Viaduct. Our train heads into the Yorkshire Dales for a spectacular journey over the magnificent high Pennines and the sheer scale of the scenery is apparent with views of the three peaks towering over the line. One magnificent sight follows another before we descend into the tranquil Eden Valley and return over the west coast route through Penrith, climbing over Shap summit and along the pretty Lune Gorge affording stunning views of the Cumbrian mountains in their winter glory. Statesman Rail | The Settle & Carlisle Circular - 14 March 2026 APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIMINGS* Boarding Stations The following pick-up and set-down stations are available on this journey STATION DEPARTS RETURNS Leicester 08.15 18.15 Narborough 08.25 18.05 Hinckley 08.35 17.55 Nuneaton 08.45 17.45 Tamworth 09.00 17.30 Lichfield Trent Valley 09.10 17.20 Rugeley Trent Valley 09.20 17.10 PLEASE NOTE * All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change. This journey does not have a destination, it is a continuous circular tour.
The Buxton Spa Express Saturday 14 March 2026 Join us for a contrasting main line steam run from Preston and the North West to the Peak District and the spa town of Buxton. We will travel via the West Coast Main Line to Wigan, and then wind our way to Manchester, over the iconic Copy Pit line and then through the Peak Forest route to Buxton. Our train leaves Preston diesel hauled. We head south up the West Coast Main Line 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. From here we will be steam hauled by a locomotive from the Carnforth Pool. Our locomotive will be working hard as we leave Manchester as we head to Bolton and through Blackburn and then across the challenging Copy Pit line with its testing gradients. 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. You will have a couple of hours in Buxton, the highest market town in England, with the famous spa waters in the Pump Room, The Crescent and the Pavillion with its extensive gardens. During your stay our steam locomotive is serviced for the return journey. We will return from Buxton via Whaley and Stockport with a stop for our steam locomotive to take on water. From here we return to Manchester Victoria, Bolton, Wigan North Western and finally arrive at Preston after an unforgettable day out. *Standard Class only from Stockport. Available Classes Premier Dining Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat. First Class First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by scone with butter and jam. Standard Class Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four. Fares Fares Adult Junior Family Premier £329 £230 £995 First £225 £160 £690 Standard £115 £85 £358 Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £50 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.? catering icon link to catering page On Board Catering Destinations Route map of the destinations on route Approximate timings shown Station Outward Return Preston 08:00 22:30 Wigan North Western 08:15 22:00 Manchester Victoria 09:00 21:00 Bolton 09:15 21:15 Stockport* 10:00 17:00 Buxton 12:30 15:30
Michael Portillo - A Life of Two Halves Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh Sun 15 March 2026 Talk This show has an interval Secretary of State. Traveller. TV superstar. The inimitable Michael Portillo joins us live on stage to share funny, insightful, and poignant stories from his extraordinarily rich and varied life. The son of a refugee who rose to become one of Britain's leading politicians and best loved broadcasters, Michael Portillo's life has been a game of two halves. As a statesman he served under Margaret Thatcher, ran for the leadership of the Conservative Party, and lost his seat in one of the most famous moments in British political history, only to become one of the nation's favourite broadcasters, sparring with Diane Abbott and Andrew O'Neill and enthralling millions of us with his travels on the world's greatest railways. In this unique stage show, Michael will share his life story, from his late father's experiences of the Spanish Civil War and escape to England, where he and Michael's mother met while looking after refugee children, all the way to his present-day adventures travelling across Spain, the USA, India, and beyond. We'll hear Michael's funny and insightful observations about his old boss Margaret Thatcher and his reflections on the decay of political power. He'll tell us about his break into TV - including the time he became a single mum? And, of course, we'll hear about the great railway journeys he has undertaken and what they can tell us about the history and state of the world today. Whether you are passionate about politics or a fan of Michael's many international adventures, this is an unmissable treat. All aboard!
Michael Portillo - A Life of Two Halves Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle Monday 16 March 2026 Talk This show has an interval Secretary of State. Traveller. TV superstar. The inimitable Michael Portillo joins us live on stage to share funny, insightful, and poignant stories from his extraordinarily rich and varied life. The son of a refugee who rose to become one of Britain's leading politicians and best loved broadcasters, Michael Portillo's life has been a game of two halves. As a statesman he served under Margaret Thatcher, ran for the leadership of the Conservative Party, and lost his seat in one of the most famous moments in British political history, only to become one of the nation's favourite broadcasters, sparring with Diane Abbott and Andrew O'Neill and enthralling millions of us with his travels on the world's greatest railways. In this unique stage show, Michael will share his life story, from his late father's experiences of the Spanish Civil War and escape to England, where he and Michael's mother met while looking after refugee children, all the way to his present-day adventures travelling across Spain, the USA, India, and beyond. We'll hear Michael's funny and insightful observations about his old boss Margaret Thatcher and his reflections on the decay of political power. He'll tell us about his break into TV - including the time he became a single mum? And, of course, we'll hear about the great railway journeys he has undertaken and what they can tell us about the history and state of the world today. Whether you are passionate about politics or a fan of Michael's many international adventures, this is an unmissable treat. All aboard!
Michael Portillo - A Life of Two Halves Grand Opera House, York Tuesday 17 March 2026 Talk This show has an interval Secretary of State. Traveller. TV superstar. The inimitable Michael Portillo joins us live on stage to share funny, insightful, and poignant stories from his extraordinarily rich and varied life. The son of a refugee who rose to become one of Britain's leading politicians and best loved broadcasters, Michael Portillo's life has been a game of two halves. As a statesman he served under Margaret Thatcher, ran for the leadership of the Conservative Party, and lost his seat in one of the most famous moments in British political history, only to become one of the nation's favourite broadcasters, sparring with Diane Abbott and Andrew O'Neill and enthralling millions of us with his travels on the world's greatest railways. In this unique stage show, Michael will share his life story, from his late father's experiences of the Spanish Civil War and escape to England, where he and Michael's mother met while looking after refugee children, all the way to his present-day adventures travelling across Spain, the USA, India, and beyond. We'll hear Michael's funny and insightful observations about his old boss Margaret Thatcher and his reflections on the decay of political power. He'll tell us about his break into TV - including the time he became a single mum? And, of course, we'll hear about the great railway journeys he has undertaken and what they can tell us about the history and state of the world today. Whether you are passionate about politics or a fan of Michael's many international adventures, this is an unmissable treat. All aboard!
The Whitby Flyer Wednesday 18 March 2026 This unusual tour by steam train visits the popular east coast seaside town of Whitby. We make our way from London to York hauled by a blue Class 86 electric locomotive, where our steam locomotive for the day is attached. We shall travel through Yorkshire, Teeside and the North Yorkshire Moors to reach Whitby. Our featured steam locomotive for the day will be from the Carnforth pool. There will be time at our destination to visit the attractions that Whitby has to offer. Leaving London King's Cross in the morning, we make our way northwards along the East Coast Main Line, picking up at Stevenage, Huntingdon and Peterborough. Our blue Class 86 electric locomotive will be running at speed to whisk us to York. We commence our steam haulage later that morning from York, a historic city and home of the National Railway Museum. Heading northwards, we speed along the East Coast Main Line through Thirsk and Northallerton, where we take the line to Teeside via Eaglescliffe. We now follow part of the original Stockton & Darlington Railway of 1825, engineered by George Stephenson, towards Thornaby and Middlesbrough. The railway was the first public railway in the world to have permanent steam locomotives hauling trains. The famous Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge dating from 1911 is a prominent landmark of the area. At Guisborough Junction, we leave the line to Redcar and Saltburn and head for Battersby on the edge of the Cleveland Hills. Here we will reverse direction of travel as the line no longer continues southwards from Battersby. We will now follow the attractive Esk Valley line through the northern section of the North Yorkshire Moors. This is very much a rural line that serves isolated communities and farming is the main activity these days, with walking a popular pastime from the stations along the route. We pass through Castleton Moor and Danby before we reach Glaisdale, where there is a passing loop on the single line. After Egton, we cross the Esk a number of times and reach Grosmont. Here the steam operated North Yorkshire Moors Railway has a station that sees steam trains regularly operating over the 24 miles from Whitby and Pickering. We continue along the Esk Valley through Sleights and Ruswarp and run along side the river Esk as we pass beneath the impressive Larpool Viaduct, which formerly carried the Scarborough to Whitby railway over the valley. Boat yards and a view of the ancient abbey herald our arrival at Whitby. There will be time here to explore the many attractions the town has to offer, including the working harbour, quaint shops and restaurants, the 13th century abbey and St Mary's church reached by the 199 steps, the Dracula museum and there is even a kipper smokery where you can buy the produce! After time in Whitby, we retrace our earlier route back to Battersby, Middlesbrough, Northallerton, Thirsk, arriving in York in the early evening after an interesting and varied day on rural branch lines of the north-east. Our blue electric locomotive will be waiting to take us back to London, calling to set down at our earlier pick up stations. *Premier Dining is not available from York. Please note the sections between Battersby and Whitby and Battersby to Stockton will be diesel hauled. Available Classes Premier Dining Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat. First Class First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by scone with butter and jam. Standard Class Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four. Fares Fares Adult Junior Family Premier £349 £249 £1072 First £249 £180 £768 Standard £115 £85 £358 Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £50 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.? catering icon link to catering page On Board Catering Destinations Route map of the destinations on route Approximate timings shown Station Outward Return London King's Cross 06:00 21:45 Stevenage 06:30 21:20 Huntingdon 06:55 20:40 Peterborough 07:20 20:20 York* 09:30 18:30 Whitby 13:00 14:35
The Cumbrian Coast Express Saturday 21 March 2026 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 with electric traction, and speed north along the West Coast Main Line (WCML). We stop to pick up passengers at Milton Keynes, Rugby (where passengers from Northampton join by service train), Nuneaton and Crewe. We continue north along the WCML to Preston, our final stop to pick up passengers. We pass through Lancaster and along the edge of Morecambe Bay before we arrive at Carnforth. Leaving Carnforth, we pass the Brief Encounter cafeand commence the long climb up to Grayrigg. We then travel through the beautiful Lune Gorge to Tebay, before the notoriously steep ascent to Shap. After crossing the Cumbrian Fells we descend to Penrith, and then head for Carlisle. There will be time available in Carlisle to explore this ancient city with its cathedral and castle, plus an assortment of shops and cafes. We leave Carlisle steam hauled and our return journey to Carnforth takes the scenic coastal route around the Cumbrian Coast. After Maryport, we run along the shoreline through to the industrialised port town 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 Nuclear Decommissioning Authority plant dominates the landscape. At Ravenglass, we might catch a glimpse of the narrow gauge Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway which is normally steam operated. At Millom, we head inland and follow the sweeping estuary through Foxfield and Kirkby in Furness. After Ulverston, we cross Leven Viaduct and curve along the edge of the bay through to Grange-over-Sands. There are more views across Morecambe Bay as we cross the lengthy Kent Viaduct at Arnside and approach Carnforth. Here, we shall say farewell to our gallant steam locomotive and our blue Class 86 electric locomotive will take over for a fast run to London Euston. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers. *Passengers from Northampton will travel to and from Rugby by service train to join our train.? Available Classes Premier Dining Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat. First Class First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by scone with butter and jam. Standard Class Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four. Fares Fares Adult Junior Family Premier £329 £230 £995 First £225 £160 £690 Standard £115 £85 £358 Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £50 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.? catering icon link to catering page On Board Catering Destinations Route map of the destinations on route Approximate timings shown Station Outward Return London Euston 06:45 22:10 Milton Keynes 07:30 21:10 Northampton* 07:10 21:40 Rugby 08:00 20:45 Nuneaton 08:20 20:25 Crewe 09:20 19:15 Preston 10:15 18:25 Carlisle 11:40 13:15
The Cumbrian Mountain Express Saturday 28 March 2026 The Cumbrian Mountain Express provides a wonderful, 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 with electric traction, and speed north along the West Coast Main Line (WCML). We stop to pick up passengers at Watford Junction, Milton Keynes, Rugby (where passengers from Northampton join by service train), Nuneaton and Crewe. We continue north along the WCML to Preston, our final stop to pick up passengers. We continue through Lancaster to Carnforth, where we change motive power to a steam locomotive from the Carnforth pool. Leaving Carnforth, our steam locomotive will be working hard when we climb the first severe gradient up to Grayrigg. We then travel through the beautiful Lune Gorge to Tebay, gaining speed for the ascent to Shap. This well-known section of the WCML has a gradient of 1 in 75 and, in the former days of steam locomotives, banking engines from Tebay were often used to assist trains. After crossing the Cumbrian Fells we descend to Penrith, and then head for Carlisle. There will be around two hours in Carlisle, providing time to explore this ancient 'Border' city with its castle, cathedral, Tullie House Museum, and shopping centre. We leave Carlisle and join the Settle & Carlisle Railway, one of the most well known and best loved stretches of railway line in Britain. We soon begin climbing, and then at Appleby, we stop for our steam locomotive to take on water. The climbing continues through scenic Kirkby Stephen towards the highest railway summit in England at Ais Gill, 1169 feet above sea level. We pass over tall viaducts, including the famous one at Ribblehead, and through tunnels. There are magnificent views across the Fells and to the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. We should have a fast run out of the hills, through Settle, until we stop again for our locomotive to take on water. Our journey continues through Hellifield and Clitheroe to Preston where we say goodbye to our steam locomotive. We pass though Wigan and Warrington en route to Crewe hauled by our blue class 86 electric locomotive with a fast run to London expected. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers. *Passengers from Northampton will travel to and from Rugby by service train to join our train. Available Classes Premier Dining Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat. First Class First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by scone with butter and jam. Standard Class Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four. Fares Fares Adult Junior Family Premier £329 £230 £995 First £225 £160 £690 Standard £115 £85 £358 Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £50 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.? catering icon link to catering page On Board Catering Destinations Route map of the destinations on route Approximate timings shown Station Outward Return London Euston 06:35 22:25 Watford Junction 07:05 21:55 Milton Keynes 07:30 21:25 Northampton* 07:10 21:35 Rugby 08:00 20:45 Nuneaton 08:20 20:25 Crewe 09:20 19:30 Preston 10:15 18:00 Carlisle 12:40 14:20