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New Years Steam Up Friday 1 January to Sunday 3 January 2027 Celebrate the start of 2027 in style! Welcome in the new year with the Bluebell Railway's New Year's Day Steam Up ? a special mini-gala event to mark the start of the 2027 season in true steam-powered fashion! Enjoy a full day of heritage trains, atmosphere, and festive fun as we steam into another exciting year on the Bluebell. Locomotives We're planning a strong and varied line-up for this year's Steam Up, featuring: 72 Fenchurch 32424 'Beachy Head' Ivatt 41313 34059 'Sir Archibald Sinclair' All locomotives, rolling stock, and listed activities are subject to availability or last-minute change. Please be aware that our gala will only take place between Sheffield Park and Horsted Keynes due to engineering work. Celebrate the start of 2027 surrounded by steam, history, and heritage charm. Whether you're joining for the day or just stopping by to soak up the atmosphere, the New Year's Day Steam Up is the perfect way to begin the year.
Winter Warmer Trains at the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway 28 December 2026 - 3 January 2027 Step aboard Winter Warmer Trains at the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway for a magical winter journey! From 28th December 2026 to 3rd January 2027, enjoy a scenic train ride aboard scheduled heritage steam and diesel trains through stunning Eskdale, where crisp winter landscapes and festive cheer await. It's the perfect activity for those looking for things to do in the Lake District in winter. Every full-fare-paying passenger will receive a delicious mince pie (subject to availability)- the perfect way to warm up and enjoy the season's flavours as you travel through the breathtaking winter scenery. With the excitement of the big day over, our Winter Warmer Trains are a great way to get the whole family out of the house. Our stations and trains will still be adorned with Christmas decorations to add a little sparkle to your visit, and there are scenic walks at both ends of the line for that all-important fresh air. Start the new year in style with this relaxing heritage railway experience, perfect for family outings, festive get-togethers, or simply embracing the beauty of winter by narrow gauge train. There is no better way to end the year and welcome 2027. Tickets will be available to book online (recommended), with limited tickets to purchase on the day (subject to availability) at our main stations. Our cafés, gift shops and the railway museum will also be open whilst trains are running. Full details to be confirmed.
Winter Warm Up Saturday 2 January and Sunday 3 January 2027 Our Winter Warm Up is back for 2027 and this year it is going to be bigger and better than ever before! The Winter Warm Up will take place on Saturday 2nd and Sunday the 3rd of January and will see a total of five fantastic locomotives in use during the two day event. The locomotive lineup will feature a mixture of steam and Diesel.
Black Bun Specials Saturday 02 January and Sunday 03 January 2027
Winter Steam Gala Saturday 2 - Sunday 3 January 2027 The Winter Steam Gala returns on the first weekend in January 2027 care of the SVR home-fleet. What to expect at the Winter Steam Gala? Our two day festival of steam will feature home-fleet locomotives operating a busy timetable between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth. Our heritage carriages will be steam heated and the engines are sure to be working hard! If you and your family love steam, this is the place to be! Ride behind every locomotive, visit The Engine House at Highley to break your day, and sample the finest real-ales in our pubs. The gift shops, cafes and kiosks will also be open selling food and drinks, and The Engine House is open from 10.45am-4.30pm (last entry 4.00pm). We will be adding more detailed information a bit closer to the date.
New Years Steam Up Friday 1 January to Sunday 3 January 2027 Celebrate the start of 2027 in style! Welcome in the new year with the Bluebell Railway's New Year's Day Steam Up ? a special mini-gala event to mark the start of the 2027 season in true steam-powered fashion! Enjoy a full day of heritage trains, atmosphere, and festive fun as we steam into another exciting year on the Bluebell. Locomotives We're planning a strong and varied line-up for this year's Steam Up, featuring: 72 Fenchurch 32424 'Beachy Head' Ivatt 41313 34059 'Sir Archibald Sinclair' All locomotives, rolling stock, and listed activities are subject to availability or last-minute change. Please be aware that our gala will only take place between Sheffield Park and Horsted Keynes due to engineering work. Celebrate the start of 2027 surrounded by steam, history, and heritage charm. Whether you're joining for the day or just stopping by to soak up the atmosphere, the New Year's Day Steam Up is the perfect way to begin the year.
Winter Warmer Trains at the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway 28 December 2026 - 3 January 2027 Step aboard Winter Warmer Trains at the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway for a magical winter journey! From 28th December 2026 to 3rd January 2027, enjoy a scenic train ride aboard scheduled heritage steam and diesel trains through stunning Eskdale, where crisp winter landscapes and festive cheer await. It's the perfect activity for those looking for things to do in the Lake District in winter. Every full-fare-paying passenger will receive a delicious mince pie (subject to availability)- the perfect way to warm up and enjoy the season's flavours as you travel through the breathtaking winter scenery. With the excitement of the big day over, our Winter Warmer Trains are a great way to get the whole family out of the house. Our stations and trains will still be adorned with Christmas decorations to add a little sparkle to your visit, and there are scenic walks at both ends of the line for that all-important fresh air. Start the new year in style with this relaxing heritage railway experience, perfect for family outings, festive get-togethers, or simply embracing the beauty of winter by narrow gauge train. There is no better way to end the year and welcome 2027. Tickets will be available to book online (recommended), with limited tickets to purchase on the day (subject to availability) at our main stations. Our cafés, gift shops and the railway museum will also be open whilst trains are running. Full details to be confirmed.
Winter Warm Up Saturday 2 January and Sunday 3 January 2027 Our Winter Warm Up is back for 2027 and this year it is going to be bigger and better than ever before! The Winter Warm Up will take place on Saturday 2nd and Sunday the 3rd of January and will see a total of five fantastic locomotives in use during the two day event. The locomotive lineup will feature a mixture of steam and Diesel.
Black Bun Specials Saturday 02 January and Sunday 03 January 2027
Winter Steam Gala Saturday 2 - Sunday 3 January 2027 The Winter Steam Gala returns on the first weekend in January 2027 care of the SVR home-fleet. What to expect at the Winter Steam Gala? Our two day festival of steam will feature home-fleet locomotives operating a busy timetable between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth. Our heritage carriages will be steam heated and the engines are sure to be working hard! If you and your family love steam, this is the place to be! Ride behind every locomotive, visit The Engine House at Highley to break your day, and sample the finest real-ales in our pubs. The gift shops, cafes and kiosks will also be open selling food and drinks, and The Engine House is open from 10.45am-4.30pm (last entry 4.00pm). We will be adding more detailed information a bit closer to the date.
New Years Steam Up Friday 1 January to Sunday 3 January 2027 Celebrate the start of 2027 in style! Welcome in the new year with the Bluebell Railway's New Year's Day Steam Up ? a special mini-gala event to mark the start of the 2027 season in true steam-powered fashion! Enjoy a full day of heritage trains, atmosphere, and festive fun as we steam into another exciting year on the Bluebell. Locomotives We're planning a strong and varied line-up for this year's Steam Up, featuring: 72 Fenchurch 32424 'Beachy Head' Ivatt 41313 34059 'Sir Archibald Sinclair' All locomotives, rolling stock, and listed activities are subject to availability or last-minute change. Please be aware that our gala will only take place between Sheffield Park and Horsted Keynes due to engineering work. Celebrate the start of 2027 surrounded by steam, history, and heritage charm. Whether you're joining for the day or just stopping by to soak up the atmosphere, the New Year's Day Steam Up is the perfect way to begin the year.
Winter Warmer Trains at the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway 28 December 2026 - 3 January 2027 Step aboard Winter Warmer Trains at the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway for a magical winter journey! From 28th December 2026 to 3rd January 2027, enjoy a scenic train ride aboard scheduled heritage steam and diesel trains through stunning Eskdale, where crisp winter landscapes and festive cheer await. It's the perfect activity for those looking for things to do in the Lake District in winter. Every full-fare-paying passenger will receive a delicious mince pie (subject to availability)- the perfect way to warm up and enjoy the season's flavours as you travel through the breathtaking winter scenery. With the excitement of the big day over, our Winter Warmer Trains are a great way to get the whole family out of the house. Our stations and trains will still be adorned with Christmas decorations to add a little sparkle to your visit, and there are scenic walks at both ends of the line for that all-important fresh air. Start the new year in style with this relaxing heritage railway experience, perfect for family outings, festive get-togethers, or simply embracing the beauty of winter by narrow gauge train. There is no better way to end the year and welcome 2027. Tickets will be available to book online (recommended), with limited tickets to purchase on the day (subject to availability) at our main stations. Our cafés, gift shops and the railway museum will also be open whilst trains are running. Full details to be confirmed.
Portugal - One Last Time - 1400s Grand Finale Tour Date: 21 to 28 January 2027 Location: Portugal Travel by private train over almost all of Portugal's most scenic lines. This will be your last chance to travel these lines using the vintage Sorefame/Budd style carriages, with opening windows, loco hauled. We have a short, one-off, window to do this as part of the Douro line is closed this winter for electrification work, hence there being spare carriages and locomotives. Our train will be hauled throughout by two vintage, 1960s, English Electric 1400 series locomotives. Hopefully one of which will be the last CP owned, British built (Vulcan Foundry, Newton le Willows) number 1408. Note we are only allowed to use CP owned locos. This tour will be taking them back to their old stomping/stamping grounds - Beira Alta, Beira Baixa, Linda do Sul, Algarve, Linda do Oeste, Minho and Braga. A few non-passenger tracks and several highly scenic lines are included. There probably will even be snow on the Serra da Estrela mountains (did you even know Portugal had mountains?). The scenic Beira Alta line has only recently reopened after a major re-building and realignment which took nearly 3 years to complete including a new 2km north spur at Pampilhosa. A vintage 1551 series locomotive might also make a brief appearance on our train TBC. We will do our best to complete each day in daylight with target starts at 9am ending by 6pm. Full daylight hours for Portugal in late January are approximately 8am to 6pm. Note. Opening windows. Our carriages will have windows that open. If you want to put your head out of the window it is at your own risk. Always look forward to watch out for passing trains, trackside vegetation, posts etc. Highlights No fly option Private charter train Everyone gets a window seat Large opening carriage windows Stunning scenery Relaxed day with no early starts A break each day for lunch Good hotels Escape the UK winter blues Tour Itinerary Prices & Booking Gallery Transport & Accommodation Pdf Download Icon Blue Round Button Day 1, Thursday 21 January, 2027 - Porto There are direct flights from Manchester (06:05), Bristol (16:40), Stansted (15:20) and Gatwick (10:10). Transfer by modern tramway into the city (not included) which costs only 3 EUR. Part of this tramway uses the trackbed of the old Porto narrow gauge system. Overnight at good hotel near Trinidade metro (old narrow-gauge terminus).
Portugal - One Last Time - 1400s Grand Finale Tour Date: 21 to 28 January 2027 Location: Portugal Day 2, Friday 22 January (B) - Beira Alta, Beira Baixa The first day of our special private charter train. Free seating and room to spread out as we expect there to be at least two seats per person. Leaving Porto Campanha station, we head south along the mainline. Fairly flat but pleasant scenery, we even get a glance of the sea and beaches at Espinho. Passing through Aveiro we keep heading south before turning east along a new section of railway (approx. 2km long) which opened in 2025 to avoid having to reverse at Pampilhosa in order to join the Beira Alta line (we will possibly be the first passenger train on this section). This line was closed and completely rebuilt, over nearly three years, with new deviations and gradient changes, only reopening on 28 September 2025. It passes through some very scenic parts of central Portugal, including the valleys around the Mondego, the foothills of the Serra da Estrela and the highlands around Guarda. Our journey will get more and more spectacular as we head east and climb into the Serra da Estrela mountains. There could even be snow on the peaks. We stop at Guarda for about an hour so we can all, hopefully, get some lunch and a quick explore of this historic city, the highest city in continental Portugal (altitude 1,056 m), located to the northeast of Serra da Estrela (the largest mountain in mainland Portugal). The main attraction in Guarda is its cathedral, known as the Seda Guarda. Rejoining our train, we continue to head east to the Spanish border at Vilar Formoso. During our short break there is time to see the large steam locomotive which is on display in its own glass shelter just outside the station. Spain is just over the border here and we hope our train will continue top and tail right up to the border. We will try and get RENFE to agree to us travelling as far their station of Fuentes D'Onoro just a km away. After reversal we return west and outside of Guarda we take a relatively new freight only curve to join the Beira Baixa railway line and head south, again with great scenery to Castelo Branco for our overnight stay. The inland city of Castelo Branco is a hidden gem of historical and cultural heritage. Nowadays, the streets still proudly show 15th century houses with decorated doors and windows, a symbol of the wealth of traders who lived in them
Portugal - One Last Time - 1400s Grand Finale Tour Date: 21 to 28 January 2027 Location: Portugal Day 3, Saturday 23 January (B) - Beja and Evora Today we return to two cities which at one time had 1400 hauled trains Beja and Evora. Setting off from Castelo Branco we head south and from Rodão we join the River Tejo for some great views. Especially look out at the Almoural for the 12th century Templar castle on a small island in the middle of the wide river. At Abrantes the Linha do Leste (East) joins before we reach the main Linha do Norte again at the rail centre at Entroncamento. Heading south we reach Setil and turn east onto the normally freight only Linha de Vendas Novas through the important town of Coruche. This line is nearly 70km (42 miles) long and links the north and south of Portugal. This was the main route of trains between the north and south until a rail level was added to the Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge in Lisbon. Fortunately for us CP Regional drivers retain knowledge of this route in case trains have to be diverted this way. I don't think this has ever happened and the last public train over this route was the weekly 'Comboio de Azul' blue train in summer 2005. But is still used by quite a lot of freight as the quickest route from the southern half of Portugal to Spain. At Vendas Novas (after a break to get some lunch) we join the passenger line to the important city Beja. This used to be a through route to the south of Portugal with the daily overnight train from the Algarve to Barreiro (Lisbon) running this way. In the 1980/90's by the larger EE class 1800 locomotive and in later years by 1400s. Passenger trains beyond Beja finished in January 2012. I believe the track is still in situ for a possible future reopening (although will need relaying). When the new Evora to Elvas International Line opens in the next few years it would make sense for freight from Sines and Neves-Corvo to go via Beja. Today we have to reverse at Beja and return to the junction at Casa Branca, reverse, and take the (now) branch line to the historic city of Évora. North of Évora there used to be three lines; branches to Mora (closed 1987) and Reguengo de Monsaraz (closed 1986 but last used by a PTG special in June 1999) and a through line north to Estremoz and Portalegre (closed 1990 but kept open as a diversionary route until 2000). You might see works going on in Evora as a short section of this old line is being used as the start of the new International line to Elvas and on to Spain. I believe the route will open the next few years. Overnight stay in Évora. Located approximately 130km to the east of Lisbon, Évora is the largest city of the Alentejo region and its designated capital. With a history that dates to Celtic times, Évora boasts a rich historical background. Being famous for its impressive Roman ruins, Gothic churches, and well-preserved historic centre which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986.
Portugal - One Last Time - 1400s Grand Finale Tour Date: 21 to 28 January 2027 Location: Portugal Day 4, Sunday 24 January (B) - Linha do Sul and the Algarve A shorter day today as we return down the branch line to Casa Branca and west towards Lisbon. Before we reach the built areas we turn left (south) along the freight only Concordancia de Aqualva to join the main Linha do Sul at Aguas de Moura heading south using the new'ish Alacaer do Sal avoiding line to first reach Ermidas-Sado, junction of the important freight line to Sines (unfortunately no longer signed by CP Regional drivers) and we continue south through very pleasant scenery to Funcheira (where the line from Beja used to join) and eventually at Messines-Alte we descend out of the hilly terrain to the Algarve and the junction station at Tunes. Reversing here we take the branch line along the Algarve coast to arrive at the resort, an important area centre, of Lagos. Break here for a late lunch before we reserve and head east along the Algarve to main city of Faro and continue east to the terminus on the Algarve line at Vila Real de San Antonia. The line used to continue for a further kilometre or two to the delightful Vila Real de San Antonia Guadiana where there was a ferry across to Spain. Sadly, this closed in July 1998 when the local major wanted to build a marina. As far as I know this never happened and the old station and tracks remain although they are blocked with rubble so no chance of going through. After a break we retrace our steps to Faro for our overnight stay. Hopefully we will arrive a few hours before dark and there will be time to explore the old town in Faro which is well worth a visit. Overnight stay in Faro where there are plenty of restaurants. This will probably be the last chance to visit the Algarve with diesel locos as the line is now fully electrified and the fueling points are expected to be removed soon.
Portugal - One Last Time - 1400s Grand Finale Tour Date: 21 to 28 January 2027 Location: Portugal Day 5, Monday 25 January (B) - Faro - Lisbon (and maybe Sintra) For those leaving us today there are direct flights to many UK airports including Manchester (06:10), Bristol (14:30), Stansted (19:15), East Midlands (07:20), Edinburgh (06:20) and Gatwick (15:05). Starting from Faro we retrace our steps to Tunes, up the hill to Messines (will make our locos work hard) and hence through the old Alcacer de Sal station. When we arrive at the major junction at Agua de Moura we will take in several of the rare curves before heading west and through Coina and across the Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge to Lisbon and into the original Santa Apolonia station. Lunch break here while our two 1400 locomotives are swapped for two of the 1400 locos used in Santa Apolonia for shunting. Reversing our train then heads east through the city to take the branch to Alcantara-Terra. This is where the passenger services terminate but we have requested that our train continue across the main road (and roundabout!) and into the container terminal at Alcantara-Mar (top and tail locos). We then head back north to the junction at Campolide and, if there is time and a path can be found on this busy line, our train will continue to the important royal town of Sintra (almost unheard of for a locomotive hauled train) before we reverse and retrace our steps to Lisboa Santa Apolonia station for our overnight stay. Tonight we will convene for a memorial dinner to remember all those PTG regular customers we have lost over the last 28 years (including Graham of course). Although David Gourlay is unable to lead our main tour we are hoping he will join us for dinner.
Class 40 and Class 55 Deltic Cranks Social Gathering Tuesday 26 January 2027 The York Tap, York Railway Station
Portugal - One Last Time - 1400s Grand Finale Tour Date: 21 to 28 January 2027 Location: Portugal Day 6, Tuesday 26 January (B) - Lisbon Caldas da Rainha - Leixoes - Guimarães - Porto We start today, from Santa Apolonia and cross Lisbon to head east through Benfica taking the Linha do Oeste (Eastern Line) north. For many years the 1400s worked trains on this line even, until 1988, out of Lisboa Rossio station. Unfortunately, diesels are no longer allowed into the long tunnel into Rossio so we cannot travel that section. Most of this line is now electrified so a rare, and almost certainly, the last chance to get a 1400 along here. There are some nice stations along here and pleasant enough scenery. Look out at Obidos for the famous walled medieval town (unfortunately nowadays overrun with tourists). Our first stop will be at the important town of Caldas de Rainha where will have a 1-hour break. Caldas da Rainha is a great place to see when you enjoy visiting off-the-beaten-path towns in Portugal. Caldas da Rainha and the region's clay-rich soils are famous for their pottery, ceramics, and hot springs, thanks to the benefit of the healing waters. But there is more to see in this lovely town! Discover a stunning garden and traditional pottery, try the local Cavacas das Caldas, and relax in the thermal baths. After our break we head north to Martinganza. Here a short 5km branch used to run to the cement works at Maceira. But after ten years out of use it is unlikely we will be able to visit it. Interestingly a 600mm (2 foot) mineral railway ran from Maringanza to Batalha and actually had a passenger service from 1930-1935 but the whole line was closed and lifted by 1947. Continuing north we pass the important town of Leiria. At Verride we take the southern curve to join the Ramal de Alfarelos to once again join the main Linha do Norte to head north through Pampilhosa (look out for remnants of the now lifted Cantanhede line which used to head west from here until it was closed for safety reasons in January 2009. Heading north we get closer to the coast with views of the sea around Espinho before we pass through Porto Campanha and take the Linha to Leixoes line to head to the port. After reversing we return along the line but at Gemil take the freight only spur to rejoin the main line at Ermesinde. This is where 1400s have been a regular sight from when they first arrived into Portugal in 1966 and amazingly still are as they work some Douro line trains. As explained earlier the Douro line will be closed this winter for electrification from Marco to Regua). So instead, we continue north to Lousado, which used to be a dual-gauge station with metre gauge lines heading north to Familicao (now on Iberia gauge), southwest to Senhora da Hora (now on Porto standard gauge metro) and east to Guimarães and Fafe. The line was cut back to Guimarães in 1985 and then in the early 2000s was changed from metre gauge to Iberia gauge (some of the old metre gauge stations can still be seen). We will head to Guimarães, only the second time we believe a 1400 has visited here after the last time PTG visited some 20 years ago. After a short break we return to Porto for our overnight stay.
Portugal - One Last Time - 1400s Grand Finale Tour Date: 21 to 28 January 2027 Location: Portugal Day 7, Wednesday 27 January (B) - The Minho By Popular demand we have added this extra day to cover two famous 1400 lines which have now both been electrified. In the 60/70/80/90s there were commuter trains on this line hauled by 1400 locomotives. First, we head up the Minho main line. Look out at Nine for the ¼ roundhouse which still houses some interesting steam locomotives which are part of the national collection. We then pass through the wonderful old town of Viana do Castelo before heading onto the really scenic part of the line, especially after Caminha where we follow closely the Minho river which forms the border with Spain. Our destination is expected to be Valença the last station in Portugal but we have requested that we be allowed to continue to Tui the first station in Spain. Lunch break in Valença (officially Valença do Minho). Valença is a walled town located on the left bank of the Minho River, approximately 25 km from the Atlantic Ocean. The small town of about 14,000 people is best known for its huge fortress that looks down over the river. The castle is on Portugal's tentative list to become a UNESCO World Heritage site in the future. The town is still invaded by the Spanish but they now come in peace and to shop for textiles and colourful bath towels. After our break we head back south to Nine and take the branch to the important town of Braga. 1400s last worked here, before electrification, by hauling the Lisbon to Braga Intercity train from Porto to Braga using a generator van to keep the air conditioning working in the carriages! After a break here (length of break depends on times for the day) we head back to Porto and our 1400 Grand Finalecomes to an end. Although a few of the locos will still work the Douro line in 2027, beyond that the future of the class on passenger trains, after 60 glorious years, will undoubtably come to an end.
Winter Steam Gala Thursday 28 January to Sunday 31 January 2027 Kickstart the New Year with our Annual Winter Steam Gala! Running from 28-31 January, this action-packed four-day event features an intensive timetable of both passenger and goods trains, plus a line-up of special guest locomotives. T3 No. 563 will be a visiting locomotive courtesy of the Swanage Railway 563 Locomotive Group.
Portugal - One Last Time - 1400s Grand Finale Tour Date: 21 to 28 January 2027 Location: Portugal Day 8 Thursday 28 January (B) Transfer by metro to the airport for fights back to the UK or overland via Vigo, Leon, Hendaye and Paris. But it might not all end here. We have put in a request to CP for a special vintage tain run on the whole of the Vouga narrow gauge system from Sernada do Vouga - Espinho - Sernada - Aveiro. This is Portugal's last remaining narrow gauge system and the central section from Oliveira to Sernada has been out of bounds for passenger trains for many years and only used for moving empty trains to and from Sernada for maintenance. However, the decision was taken a couple of years ago to upgrade this section to passenger carrying standard and the work is complete. However, no passenger trains have yet run. If we get permission we will use a couple of the Napoli carriages (used to run on the Tua line) top and tailed by diesel locomotives 9004 and 9005. 9004 has been restored into the original blue and white livery and 9005 is in CP orange. If the trip comes off we will also visit the narrow gauge museum in Macinhata. Overnight in Porto before flights back on Friday 29 January. The ticket price for today will be based purely on charter train cost divided by people booked (PTG doing it at cost in other words).
Winter Steam Gala Thursday 28 January to Sunday 31 January 2027 Kickstart the New Year with our Annual Winter Steam Gala! Running from 28-31 January, this action-packed four-day event features an intensive timetable of both passenger and goods trains, plus a line-up of special guest locomotives. T3 No. 563 will be a visiting locomotive courtesy of the Swanage Railway 563 Locomotive Group.
Winter Steam Gala Thursday 28 January to Sunday 31 January 2027 Kickstart the New Year with our Annual Winter Steam Gala! Running from 28-31 January, this action-packed four-day event features an intensive timetable of both passenger and goods trains, plus a line-up of special guest locomotives. T3 No. 563 will be a visiting locomotive courtesy of the Swanage Railway 563 Locomotive Group.
The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express Saturday 30 January 2027 Start the year with a memorable winter steam journey from the North West into the magnificent landscapes of Cumbria and the Pennines. Travelling north over the West Coast Main Line and the celebrated climb to Shap, we make our way to Carlisle, where there will be time to discover this historic Border city. Our return journey takes us over the spectacular Settle & Carlisle Railway - and, should there be snow on the hills, the winter scenery promises to be especially impressive. Steam haulage is planned throughout the principal part of this wonderful circular journey. Book Now Our train departs Manchester Victoria behind our steam locomotive, calling at Wigan North Western to pick up passengers before joining the West Coast Main Line (WCML). We continue north to Preston, our final joining point, before travelling through Lancaster to Carnforth, where our locomotive will pause to take on water. Leaving Carnforth, the steam locomotive faces its first serious challenge as we tackle the climb towards Grayrigg. From here, we pass through the beautiful Lune Gorge to Tebay before gathering momentum for one of the great main-line steam climbs - the ascent of Shap. With gradients as steep as 1 in 75, Shap has long held a special place in railway history. In the great days of steam, heavy northbound trains were frequently assisted by banking locomotives from Tebay for the demanding climb to the summit. Having crossed the Cumbrian Fells, we descend through Penrith and continue north to Carlisle. Around two hours will be available in Carlisle, giving you the opportunity to explore this fascinating historic Border city. Attractions include Carlisle Castle, its impressive cathedral and Tullie House Museum, while the compact city centre offers plenty of opportunities for shopping, refreshments or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll. In the afternoon, our steam-hauled train departs Carlisle for an altogether different journey south as we join the legendary Settle & Carlisle Railway. Widely regarded as one of Britain's greatest railway journeys, this spectacular route takes us through some of the finest upland scenery in England. The gradients soon begin to make themselves felt as our locomotive climbs through the Eden Valley. At Appleby, we pause to take on water before continuing through Kirkby Stephen towards Ais Gill, the highest point on the Settle & Carlisle Railway at 1,169 feet above sea level. From here, the railway threads its way through a dramatic landscape of sweeping fells, tunnels and impressive viaducts. Among the highlights is the world-famous Ribblehead Viaduct, with wonderful views towards the Yorkshire Three Peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. In winter, this already spectacular landscape can be transformed by frost or snow, making the journey particularly atmospheric. Descending from the high Pennines, we enjoy the run through Settle before reaching Hellifield, where our steam locomotive will make a further water stop. ?From Hellifield, we continue through Clitheroe and across Lancashire to Preston, where we bid farewell to our steam locomotive. Diesel traction then takes over for the final part of our journey, calling at Wigan North Western before returning to Manchester Victoria and bringing a memorable winter day of main-line steam travel to a close. Classes and Fares Premier Dining Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast, followed on the return journey by a 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, followed later in the day by a further service of tea or coffee accompanied by a specially selected sweet treat. Standard First Standard First includes a reserved seat in a first open coach, offering spacious and comfortable on train accommodation. Standard Class Standard Class includes a reserved seat in a tourist standard open coach, usually at a table for four. UK Day Trips Catering Please click here to see our catering page for further details. A licensed bar runs on every train. Please book vegetarian meals in advance and let us know about any allergies before you travel. A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments. Tables for Two Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £75 per person (subject to availability). Fares Adult Junior Family Premier £329 £230 £995 First £225 £160 £690 Standard First £160 £95 £463 Standard £120 £85 £368
Winter Steam Gala Thursday 28 January to Sunday 31 January 2027 Kickstart the New Year with our Annual Winter Steam Gala! Running from 28-31 January, this action-packed four-day event features an intensive timetable of both passenger and goods trains, plus a line-up of special guest locomotives. T3 No. 563 will be a visiting locomotive courtesy of the Swanage Railway 563 Locomotive Group.