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The Stratford Flyer Saturday 3 April 2027 Experience the magic of steam travel as we journey from the Lincolnshire coast to the heart of Shakespeare Country on a memorable day out to Stratford-upon-Avon. Sit back, relax and enjoy the unmistakable sights and sounds of a magnificent steam locomotive as we travel through the varied landscapes of the East Midlands and Warwickshire. Combining the nostalgia of a steam-hauled journey with the opportunity to discover one of England's most enchanting historic towns, this special excursion promises a wonderful day of railway adventure, beautiful scenery and timeless charm. Our journey begins at Cleethorpes, with additional passenger pick-ups at Grimsby, Market Rasen and Lincoln. With our steam locomotive at the head of the train, we make our way towards Nottingham before continuing via Trent Junction, Sheet Stores Junction and Castle Donington. Our route then takes us through Stenson Junction, Burton-on-Trent and Tamworth, before passing through Tyseley and heading into the attractive Warwickshire countryside towards Stratford-upon-Avon. Throughout the outward journey, enjoy the evocative sound of our steam locomotive as it makes its way along this fascinating route, offering a wonderful opportunity to experience the atmosphere and romance of traditional railway travel. On arrival in Stratford-upon-Avon, there will be ample time to explore this delightful market town at your leisure. Famous throughout the world as the birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford is steeped in history, with beautifully preserved Tudor buildings, picturesque streets and a wealth of fascinating attractions. Discover Shakespeare's Birthplace, wander along the scenic banks of the River Avon, admire the historic buildings or browse the town's inviting selection of independent shops. After a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon, we rejoin our special train for the diesel-hauled return journey, travelling back through the Midlands and Lincolnshire to our original joining stations. ?With the excitement of steam on the outward journey, an interesting route and time to explore one of England's most celebrated towns, this promises to be a truly memorable day out 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 £335 £240 £1025 First £225 £160 £690 Standard First £160 £95 £463 Standard £120 £90 £375 Approximate timings shown Station Outward Return Cleethorpes 07:15 21:25 Grimsby 07:24 21:15 Market Rasen 07:45 20:55 Lincoln 08:04 20:40 Stratford-upon-Avon 12:30 16:15
The National Garden Railway Show Saturday 3 April 2027 NAEC, Stoneleigh, near Coventry. CV8 2LH
Celebration of the Sisters Friday 9 April to Sunday 11 April 2027 Event to mark the withdrawal of guest 2-4-2 Sian. The 1963-built 15-in gauge locomotive is set to run with 1956-built sister Katie, prior to being taken out of traffic for its ten-year overhaul.
Spring Steam, Beer and Cider Festival! 9th, 10th and 11th April 2027 Spring Steam, Beer and Cider Festival! Spring Steam, Beer & Cider Festival April 2027 All aboard for ales, ciders, live music, and steam trains this Spring! Join us in Tunbridge Wells for an unforgettable four-day celebration of great beer, fantastic cider, live entertainment, and steam train travel at the Spa Valley Railway's Spring Steam, Beer & Cider Festival! Our award-winning festival format will once again transform the Spa Valley Railway into one of the country's largest and most unique beer festivals, and we're doing two a year now! Stretching across our five-mile heritage railway, you can explore multiple festival venues, travel on heritage trains, enjoy live music, and sample an incredible range of drinks from across the UK. With over 100 real ales, 18 craft beers, and 40 ciders, there's something for every taste. Whether you're a dedicated ale enthusiast, a cider lover, or simply looking for a fantastic weekend out with friends and family, you'll find plenty to discover throughout the festival. Live Music Across the Railway The festival atmosphere wouldn't be complete without live entertainment. Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy a fantastic music programme across the railway. With music, food, drinks, and trains at every location, there's something for everyone to enjoy throughout the line. Travel by Heritage Train What makes the Spa Valley Railway Real Ale & Cider Festival truly special is the opportunity to travel between festival sites aboard our heritage trains. Your train journey becomes part of the experience, allowing you to explore the entire railway while enjoying the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of a living heritage railway. Free Entry to the Festival Festival gates open at 11:00 am on Friday 9th April 2027 and entry is completely FREE to the festival sites! Entry to all festival sites is free. If you'd like to travel on our heritage trains between venues, simply purchase a rover ticket, which provides unlimited travel throughout the day and can be bought online in advance or from any of our stations during the event. A Festival for Everyone Whether you're visiting for the beer, the cider, the music, the trains, or simply the fantastic atmosphere, the Spa Valley Railway Spring Steam, Beer & Cider Festival is the perfect day out after those long Winter nights. Bring your friends, family, dogs, and fellow beer lovers to experience one of the South East's biggest and most distinctive beer and cider festivals. Great beer, great music, great food, and great trains ? all set against the beautiful backdrop of the High Weald. We can't wait to welcome you aboard this spring!
The Weardale Explorer Saturday 10 April 2027 Join us for a memorable day of classic railway adventure as our special train departs London King's Cross and journeys north toward the rugged beauty of County Durham. After a fast run up the East Coast Main Line, we reach York, where the true spectacle begins - our train will be taken forward by a magnificent steam locomotive for the onward trip. Book Now Our special train commences at London King's Cross in the morning and we make our way northwards along the East Coast Main Line towards York, picking up passengers at Stevenage and Peterborough. We will be electrically hauled by the celebrity blue liveried Class 86 locomotive 'Les Ros' from London to York. Here, we will attach our steam locomotive for the onward northbound journey along the East Coast Main Line through Darlington. From Darlington, we will branch off the ECML and run along the historic Bishop Auckland 'Tees Valley' line, calling at Shildon, the world's first railway town. Passengers will have the opportunity to visit the National Railway Museum's Shildon 'Locomotion' museum, that houses many famous locomotives. You can also visit the Timothy Hackworth museum and the house formerly occupied by this famous locomotive engineer, who was the first locomotive superintendent of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. We continue along the branch line to Bishop Auckland to the present limit of the national network. Here we will take the special link line to join the 18 mile long Weardale Railway at Bishops Auckland West station for a run as far as Stanhope, where we will have a short break to service the locomotive and an opportunity to visit the station. Our return journey along the Weardale line will be diesel hauled back to Bishops Auckland and onwards to Darlington, calling at Shildon to pick up passengers who chose to alight there earlier. At Darlington, we will reverse our direction of travel and run steam hauled once again northwards along the ECML through Durham to Newcastle. At Newcastle, we will turn the train and head southwards once again, passing through Durham for a swift run southwards along the ECML back to York, where our steam locomotive will leave the train. Our return journey back to London will be with our blue electric once again, setting down at our earlier calling points. 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 £339 £235 £1030 First £225 £160 £690 Standard £120 £90 £375 Approximate timings shown Station Outward Return London King's Cross 06:08 21:47 Stevenage 06:35 21:20 Peterborough 07:16 20:29 York 09:49 18:32 Shildon 12:00 16:00 Stanhope 13:00 14:30 Destinations Route
The Edinburgh Flyer Saturday 10 April 2027 Join us on board this special steam hauled train hauled by a locomotive from the Carnforth Pool, running at speed both ways from York to Edinburgh and return. There will be time in Edinburgh 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 our locomotive 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. Our steam locomotive 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 our steam locomotive 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 our steam locomotive and follow our outward route. Highlight of the journey 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. 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 £339 £240 £1035 First £225 £160 £690 Standard First £160 £95 £463 Standard £120 £90 £375 Approximate timings shown Station Outward Return York 07:25 22:30 Durham 09:00 20:50 Newcastle 09:25 20:25 Edinburgh 13:40 16:50
Spring Steam, Beer and Cider Festival! 9th, 10th and 11th April 2027 Spring Steam, Beer and Cider Festival! Spring Steam, Beer & Cider Festival April 2027 All aboard for ales, ciders, live music, and steam trains this Spring! Join us in Tunbridge Wells for an unforgettable four-day celebration of great beer, fantastic cider, live entertainment, and steam train travel at the Spa Valley Railway's Spring Steam, Beer & Cider Festival! Our award-winning festival format will once again transform the Spa Valley Railway into one of the country's largest and most unique beer festivals, and we're doing two a year now! Stretching across our five-mile heritage railway, you can explore multiple festival venues, travel on heritage trains, enjoy live music, and sample an incredible range of drinks from across the UK. With over 100 real ales, 18 craft beers, and 40 ciders, there's something for every taste. Whether you're a dedicated ale enthusiast, a cider lover, or simply looking for a fantastic weekend out with friends and family, you'll find plenty to discover throughout the festival. Live Music Across the Railway The festival atmosphere wouldn't be complete without live entertainment. Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy a fantastic music programme across the railway. With music, food, drinks, and trains at every location, there's something for everyone to enjoy throughout the line. Travel by Heritage Train What makes the Spa Valley Railway Real Ale & Cider Festival truly special is the opportunity to travel between festival sites aboard our heritage trains. Your train journey becomes part of the experience, allowing you to explore the entire railway while enjoying the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of a living heritage railway. Free Entry to the Festival Festival gates open at 11:00 am on Friday 9th April 2027 and entry is completely FREE to the festival sites! Entry to all festival sites is free. If you'd like to travel on our heritage trains between venues, simply purchase a rover ticket, which provides unlimited travel throughout the day and can be bought online in advance or from any of our stations during the event. A Festival for Everyone Whether you're visiting for the beer, the cider, the music, the trains, or simply the fantastic atmosphere, the Spa Valley Railway Spring Steam, Beer & Cider Festival is the perfect day out after those long Winter nights. Bring your friends, family, dogs, and fellow beer lovers to experience one of the South East's biggest and most distinctive beer and cider festivals. Great beer, great music, great food, and great trains ? all set against the beautiful backdrop of the High Weald. We can't wait to welcome you aboard this spring!
Celebration of the Sisters Friday 9 April to Sunday 11 April 2027 Event to mark the withdrawal of guest 2-4-2 Sian. The 1963-built 15-in gauge locomotive is set to run with 1956-built sister Katie, prior to being taken out of traffic for its ten-year overhaul.
Celebration of the Sisters Friday 9 April to Sunday 11 April 2027 Event to mark the withdrawal of guest 2-4-2 Sian. The 1963-built 15-in gauge locomotive is set to run with 1956-built sister Katie, prior to being taken out of traffic for its ten-year overhaul.
Spring Steam, Beer and Cider Festival! 9th, 10th and 11th April 2027 Spring Steam, Beer and Cider Festival! Spring Steam, Beer & Cider Festival April 2027 All aboard for ales, ciders, live music, and steam trains this Spring! Join us in Tunbridge Wells for an unforgettable four-day celebration of great beer, fantastic cider, live entertainment, and steam train travel at the Spa Valley Railway's Spring Steam, Beer & Cider Festival! Our award-winning festival format will once again transform the Spa Valley Railway into one of the country's largest and most unique beer festivals, and we're doing two a year now! Stretching across our five-mile heritage railway, you can explore multiple festival venues, travel on heritage trains, enjoy live music, and sample an incredible range of drinks from across the UK. With over 100 real ales, 18 craft beers, and 40 ciders, there's something for every taste. Whether you're a dedicated ale enthusiast, a cider lover, or simply looking for a fantastic weekend out with friends and family, you'll find plenty to discover throughout the festival. Live Music Across the Railway The festival atmosphere wouldn't be complete without live entertainment. Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy a fantastic music programme across the railway. With music, food, drinks, and trains at every location, there's something for everyone to enjoy throughout the line. Travel by Heritage Train What makes the Spa Valley Railway Real Ale & Cider Festival truly special is the opportunity to travel between festival sites aboard our heritage trains. Your train journey becomes part of the experience, allowing you to explore the entire railway while enjoying the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of a living heritage railway. Free Entry to the Festival Festival gates open at 11:00 am on Friday 9th April 2027 and entry is completely FREE to the festival sites! Entry to all festival sites is free. If you'd like to travel on our heritage trains between venues, simply purchase a rover ticket, which provides unlimited travel throughout the day and can be bought online in advance or from any of our stations during the event. A Festival for Everyone Whether you're visiting for the beer, the cider, the music, the trains, or simply the fantastic atmosphere, the Spa Valley Railway Spring Steam, Beer & Cider Festival is the perfect day out after those long Winter nights. Bring your friends, family, dogs, and fellow beer lovers to experience one of the South East's biggest and most distinctive beer and cider festivals. Great beer, great music, great food, and great trains ? all set against the beautiful backdrop of the High Weald. We can't wait to welcome you aboard this spring!
The Sussex Belle Wednesday 14 April 2027 Join us on travelling from London Victoria to the Sussex coast, crossing the North and South Downs and passing through the beautiful countryside of the Weald. 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 10:50, hauled by our steam locomotive. 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 Wivelsfield, and head south-eastwards through Cooksbridge to Lewes, the county town of East Sussex with its Norman castle set on the hill. 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 on the lead up to Christmas. 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. 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 18:40. 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 £319 £230 £985 First £225 £160 £690 Standard First N/A N/A N/A Standard £115 £85 £360 Approximate timings shown Station Outward Return London Victoria 10:50 18:40 Eastbourne 13:50 ------- ------- 15:15 (Dep) ------- Hastings 15:50 16:00
Spring Gathering 2027 18 April 2027 London Bus Museum at Brooklands
The Great Britain XIX Saturday 24 April to Saturday 1 May 2027 Twenty years after the inaugural Great Britain tour first took to the rails, we invite you to join us for a very special anniversary journey across England, Wales and Scotland. The Great Britain 2027 brings together the very best of main line steam, from legendary railway routes and challenging gradients to spectacular coastlines, remote landscapes and historic cities - a magnificent celebration of two decades of unforgettable steam-hauled adventures around Britain. Saturday 24 April Westward by steam - From London through Wessex to the Welsh Capital Leaving London Victoria on Saturday morning, we travel through the suburbs of south London towards Epsom and Leatherhead, crossing the River Mole before joining the scenic Arun Valley Line at Horsham. Our route takes us through the attractive Sussex countryside via Pulborough and Arundel before continuing to the historic cathedral city of Chichester. Heading west through Havant and Cosham, we reach Eastleigh and take the line through Romsey, renowned for its impressive Norman abbey, before arriving at Salisbury for a water stop. Here, the magnificent 404-foot spire of Salisbury Cathedral - the tallest in the United Kingdom - dominates the skyline.We continue via Westbury and the picturesque Avon Valley to the Roman city of Bath and onwards to Bristol. Our steam-hauled journey then takes us through the Severn Tunnel into Wales, travelling via Newport before arriving in Cardiff for our overnight stay.
The Great Britain XIX Saturday 24 April to Saturday 1 May 2027 Twenty years after the inaugural Great Britain tour first took to the rails, we invite you to join us for a very special anniversary journey across England, Wales and Scotland. The Great Britain 2027 brings together the very best of main line steam, from legendary railway routes and challenging gradients to spectacular coastlines, remote landscapes and historic cities - a magnificent celebration of two decades of unforgettable steam-hauled adventures around Britain. Sunday 25 April Steam through the Heart of Wales - Cardiff to Chester Departing Cardiff behind our steam locomotive, we head west before joining one of Britain's most enchanting rural railways - the spectacular Heart of Wales Line. Winding through remote valleys, rolling hills and rugged upland scenery, this wonderfully unhurried route offers a memorable journey through the heart of the Welsh countryside. Highlights include the dramatic climb over the 18-arch Cynghordy Viaduct and through Sugar Loaf Tunnel, before we continue via Llanwrtyd Wells to the elegant Victorian spa town of Llandrindod Wells, where we pause for water. Further north, we cross the impressive Knucklas Viaduct before reaching Craven Arms and joining the Welsh Marches route to historic Shrewsbury. Our journey continues north towards Chester, passing through the beautiful border country around Chirk and Wrexham. We arrive in the magnificent Roman city of Chester, with its famous walls and historic centre.
Diesel & Electric Day 25 April 2027 A chance for the non-steam locomotives to shine!
The Great Britain XIX Saturday 24 April to Saturday 1 May 2027 Twenty years after the inaugural Great Britain tour first took to the rails, we invite you to join us for a very special anniversary journey across England, Wales and Scotland. The Great Britain 2027 brings together the very best of main line steam, from legendary railway routes and challenging gradients to spectacular coastlines, remote landscapes and historic cities - a magnificent celebration of two decades of unforgettable steam-hauled adventures around Britain. Monday 26 April (Optional excursion day) A day in Chester or a journey into the Heart of Snowdonia Today offers a choice between exploring historic Chester at your leisure or joining our optional excursion into the spectacular landscapes of North Wales. Those remaining in Chester can discover its remarkable Roman and medieval heritage, walk the ancient city walls, visit the magnificent cathedral and famous timber-framed Rows, or perhaps enjoy a relaxing cruise along the River Dee. Alternatively, join us for a memorable rail journey to Blaenau Ffestiniog. We travel along the scenic North Wales Coast beside the Dee Estuary, passing traditional seaside resorts before turning inland at Llandudno Junction. Following the beautiful Conwy Valley through Betws-y-Coed, the railway begins its dramatic climb into the mountains of Snowdonia, negotiating steep gradients and tunnels on its way to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Here, the dramatic landscape reveals the legacy of North Wales' historic slate industry before we retrace our spectacular route to Chester.
The Great Britain XIX Saturday 24 April to Saturday 1 May 2027 Twenty years after the inaugural Great Britain tour first took to the rails, we invite you to join us for a very special anniversary journey across England, Wales and Scotland. The Great Britain 2027 brings together the very best of main line steam, from legendary railway routes and challenging gradients to spectacular coastlines, remote landscapes and historic cities - a magnificent celebration of two decades of unforgettable steam-hauled adventures around Britain. Tuesday 27 April Over Shap and Beattock - The Great Steam Road to Scotland Leaving Chester in the morning, we travel via Warrington to join the West Coast Main Line and begin our journey north through Lancashire. Passing Preston and Lancaster, we skirt the shores of Morecambe Bay before pausing for water at historic Carnforth, forever associated with the classic film Brief Encounter. We then head into increasingly dramatic scenery, passing the eastern edge of the Lake District before our steam locomotive tackles the famous climb to Shap Summit, 916 feet above sea level. Continuing through Penrith, we reach Carlisle, where there will be a short opportunity to explore this historic Border city while our locomotive is serviced. Our journey then crosses into Scotland at Gretna and continues through the beautiful Lowlands. Another great challenge awaits as our locomotive tackles the ten-mile ascent of Beattock Bank to its 1,016-foot summit. We then descend through the Upper Clyde Valley towards Glasgow, arriving at Glasgow Central for our overnight stay.
The Great Britain XIX Saturday 24 April to Saturday 1 May 2027 Twenty years after the inaugural Great Britain tour first took to the rails, we invite you to join us for a very special anniversary journey across England, Wales and Scotland. The Great Britain 2027 brings together the very best of main line steam, from legendary railway routes and challenging gradients to spectacular coastlines, remote landscapes and historic cities - a magnificent celebration of two decades of unforgettable steam-hauled adventures around Britain. Wednesday 28 April Burns Country, Ailsa Craig and the Wild Road to Stranraer Today brings a wonderful contrast as we leave the suburban lines of Glasgow behind and journey through coastal Ayrshire into the remote landscapes of south-west Scotland. Travelling through the heart of Burns Country, we pass Ayr, closely associated with Scotland's national poet Robert Burns, before the railway begins to reveal magnificent coastal scenery. Beyond Maybole and Girvan, sweeping views open across the Firth of Clyde, with the mountains of Arran in the distance and the distinctive volcanic silhouette of Ailsa Craig rising dramatically from the sea. Turning inland, our steam locomotive tackles the challenging gradients through increasingly wild and sparsely populated countryside, reaching the line's summit at Chirmorie. From here we descend through the beautiful landscapes of Galloway towards Glenluce before reaching Stranraer, situated at the head of Loch Ryan. After a break while our steam locomotive is serviced, we retrace this wonderfully scenic route northwards for our return to Glasgow.
The Great Britain XIX Saturday 24 April to Saturday 1 May 2027 Twenty years after the inaugural Great Britain tour first took to the rails, we invite you to join us for a very special anniversary journey across England, Wales and Scotland. The Great Britain 2027 brings together the very best of main line steam, from legendary railway routes and challenging gradients to spectacular coastlines, remote landscapes and historic cities - a magnificent celebration of two decades of unforgettable steam-hauled adventures around Britain. Thursday 29 April Across the Forth and into the Borders - Scotland's great railway landscapes Today we enjoy a fascinating journey across Central Scotland, taking in historic railway routes, spectacular scenery and one of the world's most celebrated railway landmarks. Leaving Glasgow, we travel towards Stirling, with its magnificent castle high above the city, before continuing via Alloa and along the northern shore of the Firth of Forth. Crossing Fife, we reach Thornton and take the recently reopened Levenmouth Rail Link to Leven, returning passenger trains to this route after more than half a century. We then follow the Fife coast through Kirkcaldy before crossing the magnificent Forth Bridge on our approach to Edinburgh. Our adventure continues south from the Scottish capital over the scenic Borders Railway to Tweedbank. Following much of the legendary former Waverley Route, this is a rare opportunity to experience the beautiful Midlothian and Borders countryside by steam before returning via Galashiels to Edinburgh for our overnight stay.
The Great Britain XIX Saturday 24 April to Saturday 1 May 2027 Twenty years after the inaugural Great Britain tour first took to the rails, we invite you to join us for a very special anniversary journey across England, Wales and Scotland. The Great Britain 2027 brings together the very best of main line steam, from legendary railway routes and challenging gradients to spectacular coastlines, remote landscapes and historic cities - a magnificent celebration of two decades of unforgettable steam-hauled adventures around Britain. Friday 30 April From the Forth to Hadrian's Wall - Steam along the Northumberland Coast Leaving Edinburgh behind, we head east along the East Coast Main Line before branching away at Drem for a rare steam-hauled journey to the attractive seaside town of North Berwick, beautifully situated on the Firth of Forth. Returning to Drem, we turn south and follow one of Britain's great coastal railway routes, with sweeping views towards the North Sea. Crossing the magnificent 28-arch Royal Border Bridge at Berwick-upon-Tweed, we enter England and continue south past the dramatic landscapes of the Northumberland coast, with glimpses towards Lindisfarne and Bamburgh Castle. After passing Alnmouth and Morpeth, we reach Newcastle before turning west and crossing the River Tyne. We then join the scenic Hadrian's Wall Line, travelling through the Tyne Valley and historic Hexham, close to the route of the famous Roman frontier, before arriving in the ancient Border city of Carlisle for our overnight stay.
Bristol Model Railway Exhibition Friday 30 April to Sunday 2 May 2027 Thornbury Leisure Centre, Bristol. BS35 3JB