Jonathan's Gen . uk | Railtours, Preserved Railway Events, Ferries and Service Trains Gen List

Saphos Trains events
There are 8 entries

Sat 05 Sep 2026 Saphos Trains (Steam Railtour) More...
- English Riviera Express Saturday 5 September 2026 Departing from Poole, Bournemouth, Brockenhurst, Southampton Central, Eastleigh, Salisbury, Warminster, Westbury Booked to be hauled by 60007 SIR NIGEL GRESLEY from Taunton to Kingswear and return. We recreate one of the great holiday trains of the golden age of railway travel for a steam hauled journey on our luxury train through Somerset and around the beautiful Devon coast with time available to discover the many charms of the pretty 'English Riviera' resort of Dartmouth. Travelling through the remote Blackdown hills and along the Exe Valley to Exeter, before heading beside the estuary with its pretty fishing boats and stunning views across to Exmouth and the Jurassic coast. Continuing past Powderham Castle and along the famous sea wall line we race through tunnels and cuttings of red rock at Dawlish and beside beaches and coves with the sea keeping company with the train. At Paignton we join the steeply graded heritage line and travel alongside the beautiful River Dart with views of HMS Britannia - not a ship but the college that has trained generations of naval officers. We soon arrive at the riverside terminus at Kingswear, where it is a short crossing on the ferry (price included) to the historic and romantic port of Dartmouth - there are antique shops, galleries, and cafes to explore or perhaps take a leisurely cruise on the river Dart. There should be around three hours at leisure before we return in the late afternoon. The train is steam hauled from Taunton by one of our immaculately restored pool of engines including: the world famous LMS Royal Scot Class, No.46100 'Royal Scot' - West Country Class, No. 34046 'Braunton' - Britannia Pacific Class, No 70000 'Britannia'. Mobility: This tour may not be suitable for guests requiring the use of a wheelchair or with serious mobility issues. EXPLORE LOCOMOTIVES Saphos Trains | English Riviera Express - 5 September 2026 JOURNEY DESTINATIONS Saphos Trains | Travel on a Luxury Train to Dartmouth Dartmouth The beautiful and romantic town of Dartmouth sits on the picturesque River Dart and features ancient narrow streets housing boutique shops, art galleries & delicatessens. A cobbled marketplace features colourful stalls and Farmers markets supplying local produce. Perhaps take a leisurely cruise on board Britain's only coal fired paddle steamer 'Kingswear Castle' or a short walk to the 600 year old fortress of Dartmouth Castle. APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIMINGS* Boarding Stations The following pick-up and set-down stations are available on this journey STATION DEPARTS RETURNS Poole 06.35 22.55 Bournemouth 06.50 22.40 Brockenhurst 07.20 22.20 Southampton Central 07.40 22.00 Eastleigh 08.00 21.45 Salisbury 09.00 20.50 Warminster 09.25 20.30 Westbury 09.40 20.05 Destinations The following destination stations are available on this journey STATION ARRIVES DEPARTS KIngswear 13.30 16.30 PLEASE NOTE * All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change.

Wed 30 Sep 2026 Saphos Trains (Steam Railtour) More...
- The Golden Arrow Wednesday 30 September 2026 Departing from Norwich, Diss, Stowmarket, Ipswich, Manningtree, Colchester, Chelmsford, Shenfield This is a train with a real 'wow' factor offering a circular steam tour over the same route as the legendary 'Golden Arrow' boat train. Features include the journey through the picturesque Garden of England and around the beautiful Kent coast with the impressive white cliffs towering above the train - the highlight of the day being an afternoon break for sightseeing in historic Canterbury. After making our way through the London suburbs we continue into open countryside and through the pretty Garden of England, rich with an abundance of Oast Houses and Hop Fields. Passing Ashford, we soon arrive at historic Canterbury for an afternoon break of about three hours in this city of narrow streets and ancient buildings, the incomparable cathedral, setting for so many dramatic events stand at its heart. Travelling through the beautiful Kent countryside the engine works hard to haul the train over the stiff gradients along the coastal line through Dover and Folkestone with dramatic white cliffs and spectacular views across the English Channel. Continuing along the high-speed route through Tonbridge recreating the former 'Golden Arrow' from the glory days of rail travel. The train is booked to be steam hauled from West London by 71000 Duke of Gloucester subject to availability. Mobility: This tour may not be suitable for guests requiring the use of a wheelchair or with serious mobility issues. EXPLORE LOCOMOTIVES Saphos Trains | The Golden Arrow - 30 September 2026 JOURNEY DESTINATIONS Saphos Trains | Travel on a Luxury Train to Canterbury Canterbury Historic Canterbury offers a blend of ancient and modern attractions including the stunning Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Explore the Roman and medieval heritage of the city, with its walls, museums, and ruins. May be enjoy a boat ride or a punt along the River Stour, or stroll through the charming streets and shops of the Old Town. APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIMINGS* Boarding Stations The following pick-up and set-down stations are available on this journey STATION DEPARTS RETURNS Norwich 06.00 23.25 Diss 06.15 23.10 Stowmarket 06.35 22.50 Ipswich 06.40 22.40 Manningtree 07.00 22.30 Colchester 07.10 22.20 Chelmsford 07.20 22.00 Shenfield 07.30 21.40 Destinations The following destination stations are available on this journey STATION ARRIVES DEPARTS Canterbury West 13.30 15.30 PLEASE NOTE * All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change.

Mon 23 Nov 2026 Saphos Trains (Steam Railtour) More...
- The Christmas White Rose Monday 23 November 2026 Departing from Hereford, Leominster, Ludlow, Craven Arms, Church Stretton, Shrewsbury, Whitchurch, Warrington Bank Quay, Manchester Victoria Enjoy a fabulous day tour travelling through the impressive Pennines over two very different routes with the outward journey taking the spectacular Vale of Edale through the Peak District National Park to historic York for a sightseeing afternoon break. We return through Wakefield and the rugged Calder Valley. Travelling through Manchester our train takes the taxing climb up Miles Platting bank and threads its way through the suburbs to join the spectacular line across the Peak District. This route is particularly scenic and encompasses several long tunnels, before passing through Sheffield. We return in the late afternoon through Wakefield and the true Pennine scenery of the Calder Valley passing the preserved Lancashire & Yorkshire railway station at Hebden Bridge thence through Todmorden and Rochdale. The train is steam hauled from Crewe by one of our immaculately restored pool of engines including: the world famous LMS Royal Scot Class, No.46100 'Royal Scot' - West Country Class, No. 34046 'Braunton' - Britannia Pacific Class, No 70000 'Britannia'. EXPLORE LOCOMOTIVES Saphos Trains | The Christmas White Rose - 23 November 2026 JOURNEY DESTINATIONS Saphos Trains | Travel on a Luxury Train to York York Nowhere in England says 'medieval' quite like York especially in the festive season with the famous St Nicholas Market in full swing. A magnificent circuit of 13th-century walls encloses a medieval spider's web of narrow streets and at the heart of the city lies the immense, awe-inspiring Minster, one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in the world. York's long history and rich heritage is woven into the modern, tourist-oriented city - with attractions including the Jorvik Centre and superb National Railway Museum. APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIMINGS* Boarding Stations The following pick-up and set-down stations are available on this journey STATION DEPARTS RETURNS Hereford 06.00 23.50 Leominster 06.15 23.35 Ludlow 06.30 23.20 Craven Arms 06.40 23.00 Church Stretton 06.50 22.50 Shrewsbury 07.10 22.40 Whitchurch 07.30 22.20 Warrington Bank Quay 08.50 20.50 Manchester Victoria 09.50 20.00 Destinations The following destination stations are available on this journey STATION ARRIVES DEPARTS York 13.00 16.00 PLEASE NOTE * All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change.

Fri 04 Dec 2026 Saphos Trains (Steam Railtour) More...
- The Bath Christmas Market Express Friday 4 December 2026 Departing from Three Bridges, Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Hove, Shoreham-by-Sea, Worthing, Barnham, Chichester This is a unique steam hauled tour offering a journey through Brighton and along the south coast railway and gentle scenery of beautiful Wiltshire, then along the glorious countryside of the Avon Valley to visit the elegant Georgian city of Bath for an afternoon break of around three-hours at this festive time of year with the famous Christmas Market in full swing. At Christmas the beautiful Somerset city comes alive with its unique Christmas market where over 150 chalet style stalls offer quality products and brilliant gift ideas. The famous Abbey and Roman Baths provide an amazing backdrop to the city's festive event offering seasonal shopping, fine foods with stalls showcasing the talents of retailers from Britain and the Continent. If Christmas shopping is not your thing there is always the elegant and unforgettable city to discover which has attracted visitors since Roman times the highlights include the Pump Rooms, Carriage Museum and Royal Crescent along with the opportunity to take an open top bus tour. The train is steam hauled throughout by one of our immaculately restored engines which could include the world famous LMS Royal Scot Class, No.46100 'Royal Scot' - West Country Class, No. 34046 'Braunton' - Britannia Pacific Class, No 70000 'Britannia' EXPLORE LOCOMOTIVES Saphos Trains | The Bath Christmas Market Express - 4 December 2026 JOURNEY DESTINATIONS Saphos Trains | Travel on a Luxury Train to Bath Bath At Christmas the beautiful Somerset city comes alive with its unique Christmas market where over 150 chalet style stalls offer quality products and brilliant gift ideas. The famous Abbey and Roman Baths provide an amazing backdrop to the city's festive event offering seasonal shopping, fine foods with stalls showcasing the talents of retailers from Britain and the Continent. Bath Minster also provides regular carol concerts throughout some daytimes. APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIMINGS* Boarding Stations The following pick-up and set-down stations are available on this journey STATION DEPARTS RETURNS Three Bridges 08.00 21.15 Haywards Heath 08.15 20.40 Burgess Hill 08.25 20.30 Hove 08.55 20.00 Shoreham-by-Sea 09.10 19.45 Worthing 09.20 19.35 Barnham 09.40 19.10 Chichester 10.00 18.55 Destinations The following destination stations are available on this journey STATION ARRIVES DEPARTS Bath Spa 13.00 16.00

Fri 11 Dec 2026 Saphos Trains (Steam Railtour) More...
- The Bath Christmas Market Express Friday 11 December 2026 Departing from Peterborough, March, Ely, Cambridge, Royston, Letchworth Garden City, Stevenage, Welwyn Garden City This is a unique steam hauled tour offering a journey through the heart of England and rolling hills and gentle scenery of beautiful Wiltshire, then along the glorious countryside of the Avon Valley to visit the elegant Georgian city of Bath for an afternoon break of around three-hours at this festive time of year with the famous Christmas Market in full swing. At Christmas the beautiful Somerset city comes alive with its unique Christmas market where over 150 chalet style stalls offer quality products and brilliant gift ideas. The famous Abbey and Roman Baths provide an amazing backdrop to the city's festive event offering seasonal shopping, fine foods with stalls showcasing the talents of retailers from Britain and the Continent. If Christmas shopping is not your thing there is always the elegant and unforgettable city to discover which has attracted visitors since Roman times the highlights include the Pump Rooms, Carriage Museum and Royal Crescent along with the opportunity to take an open top bus tour. The train is diesel hauled to West London where one of our immaculately restored steam engines takes over. The featured locomotive could include the world famous LMS Royal Scot Class, No.46100 'Royal Scot' - West Country Class, No. 34046 'Braunton' - Britannia Pacific Class, No 70000 'Britannia' EXPLORE LOCOMOTIVES Saphos Trains | The Bath Christmas Market Express - 11 December 2026 JOURNEY DESTINATIONS Saphos Trains | Travel on a Luxury Train to Bath Bath At Christmas the beautiful Somerset city comes alive with its unique Christmas market where over 150 chalet style stalls offer quality products and brilliant gift ideas. The famous Abbey and Roman Baths provide an amazing backdrop to the city's festive event offering seasonal shopping, fine foods with stalls showcasing the talents of retailers from Britain and the Continent. Bath Minster also provides regular carol concerts throughout some daytimes. APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIMINGS* Boarding Stations The following pick-up and set-down stations are available on this journey STATION DEPARTS RETURNS Peterborough 06.00 23.00 March 06.20 22.40 Ely 07.00 22.20 Cambridge 07.20 22.00 Royston 07.40 21.50 Letchworth Garden City 07.50 21.40 Stevenage 08.05 21.25 Welwyn Garden City 08.20 21.00 Destinations The following destination stations are available on this journey STATION ARRIVES DEPARTS Bath Spa 13.00 16.00 PLEASE NOTE * All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change.

Thu 17 Dec 2026 Saphos Trains (Steam Railtour) More...
- The Pennine Peaks Christmas Explorer - Thursday 17 December 2026 Departing from Rugby, Coventry, Birmingham International, Birmingham New Street, Wolverhampton, Penkridge, Stafford, Crewe We are pleased to present a truly memorable steam hauled circular tour through the magnificent Pennines and the spectacular Yorkshire Dales offering outstanding views and steep climbs to make the engine work hard. Following the last passenger boarding station at Crewe our train joins the West Coast Main line and passes through Preston, then travelling north past imposing Lancaster Castle we cross the River Lune and at Bolton-le-Sands there are spectacular views across Morecambe Bay toward the Lakeland mountains. At Carnforth we pass the famous station used in the 1945 movie 'Brief Encounter' and take the secondary line into open countryside and through dramatic scenery on the edge of the forest of Bowland towards the beautiful Yorkshire Dales crossing rivers and moorland as we climb through Wennington and Gigglewick to Settle Junction with amazing views of the three peaks. At Hellifield we join the normally freight only line along the Ribble Valley with Pendle Hill, home to the Lancashire witches, towering over the route. Passing historic Clitheroe we cross the 48-arch viaduct, and the engine works hard to climb the taxing Wilpshire Bank with the sounds echoing back from the surrounding hills. Travelling onward through Blackburn we take the line to Leyland and re-join the West Coast main line to our homeward stations. The train is steam hauled from Crewe by BR Pacific class No 71000 'Duke of Gloucester' (subject to availability) EXPLORE LOCOMOTIVES Saphos Trains | The Pennine Peaks Christmas Explorer - 17 December 2026 APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIMINGS* Boarding Stations The following pick-up and set-down stations are available on this journey STATION DEPARTS RETURNS Rugby 09.00 20.00 Coventry 09.10 19.50 Birmingham International 09.30 19.30 Birmingham New Street 10.00 19.00 Wolverhampton 10.15 18.45 Penkridge 10.30 18.30 Stafford 10.45 18.15 Crewe 11.45 17.15 PLEASE NOTE * All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change.

Mon 21 Dec 2026 Saphos Trains (Steam Railtour) More...
- The Pennine Moors Christmas Express Monday 21 December 2026 Departing from Leicester, Narborough, Hinckley, Nuneaton, Tamworth, Lichfield Trent Valley, Rugeley Trent Valley, Crewe We are pleased to present a truly memorable steam hauled circular tour as we travel in vintage carriages through deep valleys and over wild Pennine moors with taxing climbs to make the engine work hard - Our train crosses Chat Moss heading toward Manchester and after passing Victoria station there is the first of two steep inclines as the engine opens up to climb the 1 in 48 Miles Platting bank with the sounds echoing back from the surrounding buildings. Travelling through Stalybridge we continue into true Pennine scenery with the rugged and steep sided Diggle Valley towering over the train with its stone architecture clinging to the hillside as we pass through the 3-mile long Standedge Tunnel and past historic Hebden Bridge to commence the taxing 1 in 65 climb crossing viaducts and bridges, passing former Victorian textile mills. Our driver and fireman work hard to haul the heavy train as we climb over the Pennines to the summit at Copy Pit, located some 749 feet above sea level. On more favourable gradients, we continue westward along the former Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway through Burnley and Accrington to Blackburn, where we take the line via Hoghton Bank to Leyland onto the West Coast main line for an anticipated fast run through Wigan on this varied and interesting circular tour across the spectacular Pennines. The train is steam hauled from Crewe by LNER Pacific class No 60532 'Blue Peter'' (subject to availability) EXPLORE LOCOMOTIVES Saphos Trains | The Pennine Moors Christmas Express - 21 December 2026 SOMETHING TO SUIT EVERYONE CLASSES OF TRAVEL Saphos Trains | Pullman Dining Pullman Dining FROM £395 Seating at a private window table for two is available at a supplement of £60 per person or £150 per person at a 'superior' private window table for two Bookings for parties of three passengers are accommodated at an 'exclusive table for three' with the fourth seat being unoccupied for your added privacy. A total supplement of £280 is applicable for this seating type CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 12 YEARS ARE NOT PERMITTED FOR TRAVEL IN PULLMAN DINING View Seating Plans Seating is at tables of 4 or 2 laid with crisp linen and fully dressed in fine crockery, fresh flowers, and glassware. After being welcomed aboard by your attentive liveried steward you will be served a glass of chilled champagne and selection of canapes as you relax in anticipation of the gastronomic journey ahead. A sumptuous six course seasonal luncheon created by our Executive Chef will be served including the Great British cheese board, biscuits, and chutney - all accompanied by our Sommelier's choice of a half bottle of wine per person. The memorable journey will conclude with service of coffee and homemade petits fours as you arrive back relaxed and refreshed. Book Saphos Trains | First Class First Class (non-dining) FROM £185 Seating at a private window table for two is available at a supplement of £60 per person or £150 per person at a 'superior' private window table for two Bookings for parties of three passengers are accommodated at an 'exclusive table for three' with the fourth seat being unoccupied for your added privacy. A total supplement of £180 is applicable for this seating type View Seating Plans Seating is at tables of 4 or 2 with wide seats and panoramic windows and includes complimentary tea/coffee and light snacks. You may bring on board your own picnic hamper and drinks for consumption during the journey. Book Saphos Trains | Standard Class Standard Class (non-dining) FROM £135 Seating is around a table of four with bookings for two persons seated side by side with one window and one aisle seat, bookings for one person are normally allocated an aisle seat. Enjoy complimentary tea and coffee throughout your journey whilst items including light snacks, wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks may be purchased from the buffet bar. View Seating Plans Book APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIMINGS* Boarding Stations The following pick-up and set-down stations are available on this journey STATION DEPARTS RETURNS Leicester 09.00 19.50 Narborough 09.15 19.35 Hinckley 09.30 19.20 Nuneaton 09.40 19.10 Tamworth 09.55 18.55 Lichfield Trent Valley 10.05 18.45 Rugeley Trent Valley 10.25 18.35 Crewe 11.45 17.15 PLEASE NOTE * All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change.

Wed 23 Dec 2026 Saphos Trains (Steam Railtour) More...
- The Pennine Peaks Christmas Explorer Wednesday 23 December 2026 Departing from Bangor, Llandudno Junction, Colwyn Bay, Rhyl, Flint, Chester, Crewe We are pleased to present a truly memorable steam hauled circular tour through the magnificent Pennines and the spectacular Yorkshire Dales offering outstanding views and steep climbs to make the engine work hard. Following the last passenger boarding station at Crewe our train joins the West Coast Main line and passes through Preston, then travelling north past imposing Lancaster Castle we cross the River Lune and at Bolton-le-Sands there are spectacular views across Morecambe Bay toward the Lakeland mountains. At Carnforth we pass the famous station used in the 1945 movie 'Brief Encounter' and take the secondary line into open countryside and through dramatic scenery on the edge of the forest of Bowland towards the beautiful Yorkshire Dales crossing rivers and moorland as we climb through Wennington and Gigglewick to Settle Junction with amazing views of the three peaks. At Hellifield we join the normally freight only line along the Ribble Valley with Pendle Hill, home to the Lancashire witches, towering over the route. Passing historic Clitheroe we cross the 48-arch viaduct, and the engine works hard to climb the taxing Wilpshire Bank with the sounds echoing back from the surrounding hills. Travelling onward through Blackburn we take the line to Leyland and re-join the West Coast main line to our homeward stations. The train is steam hauled from Crewe by LNER Pacific class No 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley' (subject to availability) EXPLORE LOCOMOTIVES Saphos Trains | The Pennine Peaks Christmas Explorer - 23 December 2026 SOMETHING TO SUIT EVERYONE CLASSES OF TRAVEL Saphos Trains | Pullman Dining Pullman Dining FROM £395 Seating at a private window table for two is available at a supplement of £60 per person or £150 per person at a 'superior' private window table for two Bookings for parties of three passengers are accommodated at an 'exclusive table for three' with the fourth seat being unoccupied for your added privacy. A total supplement of £280 is applicable for this seating type CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 12 YEARS ARE NOT PERMITTED FOR TRAVEL IN PULLMAN DINING View Seating Plans Seating is at tables of 4 or 2 laid with crisp linen and fully dressed in fine crockery, fresh flowers, and glassware. After being welcomed aboard by your attentive liveried steward you will be served a glass of chilled champagne and selection of canapes as you relax in anticipation of the gastronomic journey ahead. A sumptuous six course seasonal luncheon created by our Executive Chef will be served including the Great British cheese board, biscuits, and chutney - all accompanied by our Sommelier's choice of a half bottle of wine per person. The memorable journey will conclude with service of coffee and homemade petits fours as you arrive back relaxed and refreshed. Book Saphos Trains | First Class First Class (non-dining) FROM £185 Seating at a private window table for two is available at a supplement of £60 per person or £150 per person at a 'superior' private window table for two Bookings for parties of three passengers are accommodated at an 'exclusive table for three' with the fourth seat being unoccupied for your added privacy. A total supplement of £180 is applicable for this seating type View Seating Plans Seating is at tables of 4 or 2 with wide seats and panoramic windows and includes complimentary tea/coffee and light snacks. You may bring on board your own picnic hamper and drinks for consumption during the journey. Book Saphos Trains | Standard Class Standard Class (non-dining) FROM £135 Seating is around a table of four with bookings for two persons seated side by side with one window and one aisle seat, bookings for one person are normally allocated an aisle seat. Enjoy complimentary tea and coffee throughout your journey whilst items including light snacks, wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks may be purchased from the buffet bar. View Seating Plans Book APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIMINGS* Boarding Stations The following pick-up and set-down stations are available on this journey STATION DEPARTS RETURNS Bangor 09.20 19.40 Llandudno Junction 09.40 19.20 Colwyn Bay 09.50 19.10 Rhyl 10.05 18.55 Flint 10.25 18.35 Chester 10.45 18.15 Crewe 11.45 17.15 PLEASE NOTE * All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change.