Jonathan's Gen
Railtours, Preserved Railway Events, Ferries and Service Trains Gen List
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- Last updated: Sat 08 Aug 2026
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The Journey Shrinker Saturday 3 October 2026 It seems incredible that rail operation at 125 mph has been happening on the railways of Great Britain for fifty years. It was on the 4th October 1976 that the first public trains operated at this speed, opening a complete new chapter in the operations of our railways. It was a massive step change over what had gone before and it was all thanks to the iconic High Speed Train. To celebrate the fiftieth anniversary, 125 Group - as custodian of one of the few remaining operational HSTs in England - is planning to operate a celebratory tour on Saturday the 3rd October 2026, retracing the routes of the initial day of operation. Using our beautifully restored coaches and power cars, we will travel from London Paddington via Box Tunnel to Bristol Temple Meads. After a short break, we will venture through the Severn Tunnel into Wales to reach Swansea where we will take a longer break, before returning to Paddington via the Chipping Sodbury route - all lines that saw HST operation on that first week in October fifty years ago. We will be offering travel in either First or Standard accommodation and our 125 Group buffet will be available for hot and cold drinks and snacks. Every participant will receive a Commemorative Brochure celebrating the initial day and the events over the fifty years since. You can join us for the whole day, or for various individual single legs which will all be available to book shortly through our new on-line booking site. It will be a day to remember - and a great opportunity for another trip over the famous GWR High Speed routes in a beautifully presented InterCity 125.
The Rio Revival Sunday 4 October 2026 Not satisfied with this exciting event, we will need to get our set back to Bury on Sunday 4th October - so what better way to do it than by recreating an operation from twenty-three years ago with 'The Rio Revival'. Hoping to start from St Pancras at a friendly time, we will run up the Midland Mainline, calling at Leicester, Chesterfield, Stockport and Manchester Piccadilly. Single fares only, as there is no return offering but what better way to travel north after the previous day's tour? Might even be a discount for booking both tours!!
The Bournemouth Belle Saturday 17 October 2026 Join us for a memorable steam-hauled journey from London's Waterloo station to the Dorset coast behind 34028 Eddystone, one of Oliver Bulleid's iconic West Country Class Pacifics. Inspired by the spirit of the famous Bournemouth Belle, this special train follows the former London & South Western Railway main line to Bournemouth before continuing to the charming seaside town of Swanage. The original Bournemouth Belle was introduced by the Southern Railway in 1931 as its prestigious non-stop express between London and Bournemouth. Renowned for its speed and elegance, it remained one of the Southern Region's best-loved named trains until its withdrawal in 1967. Leaving Waterloo, we pass through Clapham Junction before following the historic main line via Woking, Basingstoke, Winchester and Southampton. Crossing the beautiful New Forest through Brockenhurst, we continue to Bournemouth before travelling along the scenic Dorset coast to Wareham and joining the Swanage Railway for the final miles into Swanage. Passengers may choose to spend their afternoon at either Bournemouth or Swanage. Enjoy Bournemouth's award-winning beaches, gardens, pier and town centre, or remain on board to Swanage, where you can explore this traditional seaside town with its sandy beach, Victorian promenade and independent shops and cafés. For the return journey, the train will be diesel hauled from Swanage to Fareham, where 34028 Eddystone will resume its place at the head of the train for the steam-hauled run back to London Waterloo. ?Combining classic Southern main line running, a visit to the Swanage Railway and the opportunity to travel behind 34028 Eddystone, this promises to be a memorable day out on one of Britain's most historic railway routes. 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 bacon/breakfast roll and a sweet treat and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a 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 £335 £240 £1025 First £225 £160 £690 Standard £120 £90 £375 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 Blue sign with black text reading 'Map to follow' Book Now Approximate timings shown Station Outward Return London Waterloo 07:00 20:30 Woking 07:50 20:00 Bournemouth 11:00 16:30 Swanage 13:00 15:00
Steam Gala - save the dates! Join us for an unforgettable Steam Gala on Friday 30, Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November 2026. This is the third occasion that an all-steam Gala has been run over 3-days at the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway and we want you to be there, so please add the dates to your diary. Locomotives in action include visiting GWR Saint 2999 'Lady of Legend' courtesy of Didcot Railway Centre, resident S160 6046 and Sentinel 7109.
The Whitby Goth Express Friday 30 October 2026 Join us for a memorable autumn day out to the famous Yorkshire coast aboard The Whitby Goth Express, timed to coincide with Whitby's renowned Goth Weekend. Our special Class 47 diesel hauled train departs from Preston, with convenient pick-up stations at Wigan, Manchester Victoria, Huddersfield, Leeds and York, before heading north-east via Yarm, Middlesbrough and the spectacular Esk Valley Line through Battersby to the historic seaside town of Whitby. The journey over the Esk Valley Line is one of England's most scenic rural railways, winding through the beautiful North York Moors National Park, crossing remote countryside, charming villages and dramatic valleys before descending into Whitby. Whitby Goth Weekend has its roots in the early 1990s, when fans of gothic music gathered in the town for what began as a small music event. Inspired in part by Whitby's enduring association with Bram Stoker's Dracula which features the town as the setting for some of the novel's most memorable scenes the weekend has grown into one of the world's best-known goth festivals. Today it attracts thousands of visitors from across the UK and beyond, celebrating gothic fashion, music and alternative culture in the unique surroundings of this historic Yorkshire seaside town. On arrival, you'll have several hours at leisure to experience Whitby at its most atmospheric. With Halloween just around the corner, the town provides the perfect setting to embrace the spooky season, with its dramatic clifftop abbey, winding cobbled streets and rich folklore creating an unforgettable backdrop. During the annual Whitby Goth Weekend, the town is transformed as thousands of visitors arrive dressed in elaborate Victorian and gothic-inspired costumes, creating a spectacular sight against the backdrop of Whitby's historic streets, bustling harbour and iconic abbey ruins. Whether you choose to get into the Halloween spirit, soak up the unique festival atmosphere, explore the famous abbey, climb the 199 Steps for panoramic views, stroll along the picturesque waterfront, indulge in Whitby's world-famous fish and chips, or browse the town's many independent shops and cafés, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Later in the afternoon, rejoin our train for the return journey, retracing the picturesque Esk Valley route through Battersby and Middlesbrough before returning via Yarm, York, Leeds, Huddersfield, Manchester Victoria, Wigan and Preston. 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 bacon/breakfast roll and a sweet treat and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam. Standard First (Non-Dining) Standard First (Non-Dining) includes a reserved seat only in a First Class carriage. Catering refreshments are not included. Standard Class Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four. catering icon link to catering page On Board Catering Fares Adult Junior Family Premier £329 £230 £995 First £225 £160 £690 Standard First (Non Dining) £160 £95 £463 Standard £120 £90 £375 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. Destinations Route route map Book Now Approximate timings shown Station Outward Return Preston 06:00 23:15 Wigan North Western 06:20 22:50 Manchester Victoria 07:00 22:15 Stalybridge 07:30 22:00 Huddersfield 07:50 21:30 Leeds 08:45 20:45 York 10:00 19:30 Whitby 13:00 16:30
Steam Gala - save the dates! Join us for an unforgettable Steam Gala on Friday 30, Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November 2026. This is the third occasion that an all-steam Gala has been run over 3-days at the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway and we want you to be there, so please add the dates to your diary. Locomotives in action include visiting GWR Saint 2999 'Lady of Legend' courtesy of Didcot Railway Centre, resident S160 6046 and Sentinel 7109.