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The Railway Touring Company

UK Rail Day Trips 2026 Autumn/Winter

Dave Collier

Welcome Dear Customer, It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to our new Autumn & Winter UK Day Trips brochure. As we look ahead to another exciting season, I’m delighted to share a wonderful collection of days out that I hope will inspire you to explore, relax and create lasting memories with us. Whether you’ve travelled with Railway Touring Company for many years or are planning your very first trip, thank you for taking the time to browse our latest programme. Our festive programme returns with visits to three of the UK’s most iconic Christmas markets – York, Bath and Edinburgh – where you can soak up the magical atmosphere, browse unique gifts and enjoy delicious seasonal food and drink. Alongside these festive favourites, we’ve included a fantastic selection of autumn and winter excursions, from picturesque countryside destinations dressed in vibrant autumn colours to charming coastal escapes, historic towns and cities, theatre outings and seasonal attractions. I know that a great day out is about more than simply reaching your destination. It’s about enjoying the whole experience, which is why we’re committed to providing comfortable travel, convenient local pick-up points and the friendly, professional service that our customers have come to expect. On behalf of everyone at Railway Touring Company, I’d like to thank you for your continued support. It is a privilege to welcome so many returning customers each year, and I look forward to greeting those travelling with us for the first time. I hope you’ll find a day trip that appeals to you, and I look forward to welcoming you on board this autumn and winter. Kelly Osborne Managing Director The Railway Touring Company

29 EST. 1997

Front cover image: Dave Collier

UK Rail Day Trips 2026 Second Edition SEPTEMBER The Wensum and Thames Explorer

The East Yorkshireman

The Weardale Explorer

The Waverley

The Swanage Belle

The West Somerset Steam Express

The Cornish Branchliner

The Dorset Coast Express

The Royal Duchy

OCTOBER The Cumbrian Mountain Express

The Esk Valley

The Bournemouth Belle

NOVEMBER The Armistice Steam Express

The York Yuletide Express

The Christmas White Rose

The Edinburgh Christmas Market

The Christmas Sussex Belle

DECEMBER The Sherborne Christmas Carol

The Cotswold Christmas Venturer

The Worcester Christmas Fayre Express

The Bath and Bristol Christmas Express

The Edinburgh Christmas Hive

The Bath and Bristol Christmas Express

The Christmas Sussex Belle

The Edinburgh Christmas Market

The Christmas White Rose

Terms and Conditions

Meet the Team

Visit our website, railwaytouring.net for online booking or to download printable booking forms. World and UK Tour online brochures available to view and free print brochures also available to order. THE RAILWAY TOURING COMPANY, THE OLD STABLES, ESTUARY ROAD, KING’S LYNN, NORFOLK, PE30 2HL Phone: 01553 661 500 • E-mail: enquiries@railwaytouring.co.uk • Website: www.railwaytouring.net

Bob Green

The Wensum and Thames Explorer Saturday 5 September 2026 This new tour from East Anglia features a steam-hauled departure from Norwich early in the morning, giving you time to settle in and enjoy the start of the journey. The train takes a relaxed cross-country route through the Midlands, allowing passengers to watch the scenery change as we continue towards Warwick, then on to Oxford, before finally reaching Reading. Our journey will leave Norwich and run across Norfolk to pick up passengers at Thetford and March before arriving at Peterborough for a further pickup. Our steam hauled journey continues westwards through attractive Stamford in Lincolnshire, Oakham and historic Melton Mowbray to Leicester, where we will pause to pick up further passengers. Traversing rural Leicestershire, we now head for Nuneaton on the West Coast Main Line where we will call to pick up passengers before continuing via Water Orton to the West Midlands. Taking the suburban lines to the east of Birmingham, the HS2 construction sites are evident along the lineside, before we pass through Tyseley and follow the former Great Western Railway’s main line through to Warwick, our first set down station. Warwick is ideal for those wishing to explore this interesting Warwickshire town located on the River Avon, with a well known preserved castle.

Approximate Timings Outward Return Norwich Thetford March Peterborough Leicester Nuneaton Warwick Oxford Reading

06:03 06:35 07:40 08:15 10:20 10:45 12:45 13:40 14:10

22:40 22:05 21:15 20:50 19:15 18:50 17:30 16:40 16:10

There are three classes available: Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.

Continuing our steam hauled journey southwards, we enter Oxfordshire and speed through Banbury and onwards to our next calling point at Oxford. The ‘City of Dreaming Spires’ is teeming with cultural character with its many famous universities and college buildings. Perhaps take a relaxing river trip along the Thames? Modern Oxford also has a vibrant shopping tradition along with many restaurants and bars.

First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a sweet treat and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.

We continue through Didcot and along the Thames Valley to our final set down destination of Reading. There are many shops and riverside restaurants dotted around the town centre. The Reading Museum contains exhibits on the town’s history and displays a Victorian replica of the Bayeux Tapestry. The ruins of the 12th-century Reading Abbey lie beside Forbury Gardens, a Victorian formal garden.

Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.

We will return to Norwich diesel hauled and call to pick up and set down passengers at our morning stations, with our arrival in Norwich late evening concluding this varied and interesting rail day trip.

Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £50 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£345

£260

£1080

First

£239

£170

£735

Standard

£135

£95

£395

Bob Green

The East Yorkshireman Saturday 5 September 2026 Join us for a memorable steam-hauled day excursion to the popular Yorkshire seaside resort of Scarborough. This circular journey takes in some of the most scenic railway routes in Northern England, including the Peak District, the Yorkshire Wolds and the picturesque Yorkshire Coast Line.

Our steam-hauled excursion to the popular Yorkshire seaside resort of Scarborough follows an unusual circular route, taking in the spectacular scenery of the Peak District, the Yorkshire Wolds and the Yorkshire Coast Line. Leaving Manchester Victoria, we head eastwards across the Pennines via Romiley and the former Midland Railway route through the Peak District National Park. After passing through Cowburn Tunnel, we emerge into the beautiful Vale of Edale before calling at Hathersage. Shortly afterwards we enter the 3½-mile-long Totley Tunnel, one of the longest railway tunnels in Britain, before arriving at Sheffield for our final passenger stop. Continuing north-eastwards, we travel via Doncaster and Goole, where we cross the River Ouse on its railway swing bridge. Our route then follows the north bank of the Humber Estuary, providing extensive views across the water as we pass beneath the Humber Bridge and skirt the city of Hull at Anlaby Junction, where we join the Yorkshire Coast Line. Passing through the attractive market town of Beverley, dominated by its magnificent Minster, we enter the rolling chalk landscape of the Yorkshire Wolds. Beyond Driffield we continue to Bridlington, where one of Britain’s last remaining original station buffets can still be found. North of Bridlington the railway becomes single track and begins the steady climb through Bempton, rising at gradients of up to 1 in 92 before reaching Seamer Junction and continuing to Scarborough. Scarborough has long been one of Britain’s most popular seaside resorts. The town offers attractive sandy beaches, a busy harbour, traditional seaside attractions and an impressive range of shops, cafés and restaurants. Visitors may also wish to explore the historic headland, overlooked by the ruins of Scarborough Castle, or simply enjoy a stroll along the seafront. The railway station is notable for possessing the longest station seat in the world. Our return journey takes us westwards through the Yorkshire countryside via Malton and pass near the grounds of Castle Howard before reaching York. Here our steam locomotive is detached and the remainder of the journey is diesel hauled. We then retrace our outward route, setting down passengers at Sheffield, Hathersage, Romiley and Manchester Victoria.

Approximate Timings Outward Return Manchester Victoria Romiley Hathersage Sheffield Scarborough

07:15 08:10 09:05 09:40 14:35

22:15 21:40 21:05 20:40 17:05

There are three classes available: Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat. First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a sweet treat and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam. Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four. Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £50 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£335

£240

£1025

First

£225

£160

£690

Standard

£120

£90

£375 5

Dave Collier

The Weardale Explorer Saturday 12 September 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. 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 Potters Bar, Stevenage and Peterborough. We will be electrically hauled by the celebrity blue liveried Class 86 locomotive ‘Les Ross’ from London to York. Here, we will attach our steam locomotive for the onward northbound journey along the East Coast Main Line to Darlington, where we will pause to pick up further passengers. 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 Bishop 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 Bishop 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.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London King’s Cross Potters Bar Stevenage Peterborough York Shildon Stanhope

06:20 06:40 07:00 08:00 10:30 12:00 13:00

22:30 22:15 22:00 21:00 19:30 16:00 14:30

Our return journey back to London will be with our blue electric once again, setting down at our earlier calling points.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£339

£235

£1030

First

£225

£160

£690

Standard

£120

£90

£375

Shep Woolley

The Waverley Sunday 13 September 2026 This summer series of steam hauled trains provides an opportunity for passengers from York, Leeds and the Aire Valley to travel over the spectacular Settle & Carlisle Railway, probably the most famous railway route in Britain. These day trips revive the nostalgic former days of steam when travel by train through magnificent scenery was an experience to savour. Our steam hauled train leaves York, hauled by a steam locomotive from the Carnforth pool and heads for Church Fenton where we take the direct route to Leeds. We stop to pick up more passengers at Leeds, Keighley, and Skipton. There will be a stop at Hellifield for our steam locomotive to take on water before we join the famous Settle & Carlisle Railway at Settle Junction. Here begins one of the most arduous climbs on Britain’s railway network, a total of 15 miles mainly at a gradient of 1 in 100. Once through Settle station, there are magnificent views across the Fells to the Pennine Three Peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. We cross the breathtaking Ribblehead Viaduct, high above the valley floor, and enter Blea Moor Tunnel. We pass through Dent Dale and the highest open station in England at Dent, travelling through tunnels and crossing valleys on numerous lofty viaducts, as we make the final ascent to Ais Gill Summit (1,169 feet). We travel high above the valley at Mallerstang and then drop down through Kirkby Stephen and Appleby to Lazenby where our locomotive takes on water. We continue to Carlisle and passengers will have about two hours to explore the Border City, possibly visiting the castle, cathedral, Tullie House Museum or the Lanes Shopping Centre. Our train leaves Carlisle for the return journey late afternoon and climbs almost continuously for just under 50 miles back up to Ais Gill Summit. We stop, en route, at Appleby for our steam locomotive to take on water. We continue to stops at Skipton, Keighley, Leeds and York to set down passengers.

Approximate Timings Outward Return York Leeds Keighley Skipton* Carlisle

09:50 10:35 11:25 11:40 14:10

21:30 20:35 20:05 19:45 16:30

joining from Skipton.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£335

£240

£1025

First

£225

£160

£690

Standard

£120

£90

£375 7

Bob Green

The Swanage Belle Wednesday 16 September 2026 A unique experience awaits those who join this day trip by steam train to Swanage. It uses the re-opened rail link from Wareham to the ‘Heritage’ Swanage Railway, which is available only to specially chartered trains. Swanage is a superb seaside destination where the railway station is situated close to the town centre.

We leave London Victoria station hauled by our steam locomotive, and cross the River Thames at Battersea and at Barnes. We pass through Feltham and stop at Staines to pick up more passengers and then re-cross the River Thames. We join the South Western Main Line at Byfleet Junction and stop at Woking to pick up further passengers. At Winchfield, we stop for our steam locomotive to take on water. Our final stop to pick up passengers is at Basingstoke. We leave the West of England Main Line at Worting Junction and head through Winchester and Southampton to Bournemouth. We pass through Poole, where there are spectacular views of Poole Harbour, and continue to Wareham. We leave the Weymouth Line at Worgret Junction and take the re-opened link to Norden and the Swanage Railway. There are magnificent views of Corfe Castle as we head towards Swanage along this attractive Heritage Railway. There will be around three hours for passengers to explore the pleasant seaside resort of Swanage, with its sandy beach and Victorian pier. Durlston Castle is in Durlston Country Park & Nature Reserve from where there are stupendous views along the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Park contains Anvil Point Lighthouse, the 40-ton stone Great Globe, fascinating artefacts from London, and an amazing diversity of wildlife. The Park is one mile from the town and can be reached by bus from the railway station or by walking via public footpaths. Our train leaves Swanage for the return journey late afternoon and is diesel hauled to Southampton where our steam locomotive takes over. We then take a different route from the outward journey, via Romsey to the outskirts of Salisbury, where we join the West of England Main Line at Laverstock North Junction. We travel up the main line through Andover and then stop at Basingstoke, Woking, and Staines, to set down passengers. The train is due to arrive at London Victoria in the late evening.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Victoria Staines Woking Basingstoke Swanage

08:45 09:35 10:05 10:55 13:50

22:10 21:10 20:25 19:40 16:40

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£335

£240

£1025

First

£225

£160

£690

Standard

£120

£90

£375

Bob Green

The West Somerset Steam Express Saturday 19 September 2026 This series of trains from London Paddington to Minehead features haulage by two steam locomotives in one day. One steam locomotive will haul our train from London Paddington to the West Somerset Railway at Bishop’s Lydeard. *The Heritage Railway will then provide a steam locomotive to haul our train to Minehead and back. This provides a truly fascinating day out travelling through beautiful scenery to the Bristol Channel coast. We leave London Paddington steam hauled, and stop at Slough and Reading to pick up more passengers. At Reading we join the Berks & Hants Line which runs through picturesque rural countryside. We pass the celebrated Newbury Racecourse before making our final stop for passengers at Newbury station. We continue westwards, travelling beside the tranquil Kennet & Avon Canal, and climbing steadily to Savernake Summit. We pass through the Vale of Pewsey, with views of one of the famous Wiltshire White Horses as we approach Westbury and continue through undulating agricultural countryside to Taunton. Soon after leaving Taunton, we arrive at Norton Fitzwarren, where we transfer to the West Somerset Railway (WSR), the longest Heritage Railway in the country. We continue to Bishop’s Lydeard, where a WSR steam locomotive will take over our train for the remainder of the journey to Minehead. The WSR runs along the edge of the Quantock Hills between Bishop’s Lydeard and Watchet where it meets the coast. The line then turns inland to Washford and returns to the coast at Blue Anchor, passing near to Dunster with its magnificent castle, and terminating at Minehead. On arrival at Minehead, there will be about two hours to explore this delightful Bristol Channel seaside resort, where the railway station is close to the beach. A WSR steam locomotive will haul our train from Minehead to Bishop’s Lydeard, where our main line steam locomotive will take over for the return journey to London Paddington. The train will stop at Newbury, Reading and Slough to set down passengers. * Please note these trains may run with the main steam locomotive hauling the charter all the

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Paddington Slough Reading Newbury Minehead

07:15 07:40 08:05 08:45 13:05

21:30 21:00 20:30 19:15 15:20

way to Minehead and return.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£335

£240

£1025

First

£225

£160

£690

Standard

£120

£90

£375 9

The Cornish Branchliner Saturday 19 September 2026 Step aboard for a diesel-hauled journey through some of Britain’s most spectacular railway scenery. Starting at Crewe, one of the nation’s most historic junctions, we head south along the West Coast Main Line, gathering passengers through the Midlands before pressing on through Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, including the celebrated Lickey Incline descent, as anticipation builds for the dramatic coastal running ahead. Our tour commences at the busy railway junction of Crewe, famous for its origins as a railway town and extensive works. We will travel southwards along the West Coast Main Line and call at Stafford before heading towards the West Midlands. A stop to pick up further passengers will be made at Tame Bridge Parkway, which offers convenient parking for Wolverhampton and Walsall passengers. Calling next at Birmingham New Street, we will now head southwards, including the descent of the Lickey Bank, through Bromsgrove and on to Worcestershire Parkway, where we pause to pick up passengers from the Worcester area. Further south, we call at Cheltenham and Cam & Dursley before heading towards Bristol. Pick up stops will be made at Bristol Parkway and Bristol Temple Mead, and then we head across the Somerset Levels through Bridgwater towards Exeter. We now have the eagerly awaited run along the famous Dawlish Sea Wall to look forward to as we sweep along the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean on this special section of track, often affected by bad weather and high waves. Heading inland at Teignmouth, we will follow the Teign estuary to Newton Abbot before we commence one of many very steep climbs over the south Devon Banks. Dainton Bank leads to Totnes, followed by the equally challenging climb over Rattery Bank on the edge of Dartmoor before we eventually reach the naval city of Plymouth. Famed for its naval dockyards, the city has a rich maritime history linked to the Mayflower carrying Pilgrims to America in 1620. Devonport is also a large naval base with early links to famous explorers like Sir Francis Drake and Captain Cook. After a pause at Plymouth, we will now leave Devon and enter Cornwall by way of our passage over Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s impressive Royal Albert Bridge over the Tamar. Now in Cornwall, our route will follow the main line through Liskeard and Lostwithiel to the junction of the Fowey branch. Our special train will leave the main line and closely follow the river Fowey through to Carne Point. This is now a freight only line and it’s quite rare for a passenger train to run down the branch. We pass the little harbour at Golant and reach the present end of the line at Carne Point, which is a working port that has served the China Clay industry since the line opened in 1869. The attractive Fowey harbour is a mile further along, but the town no longer has a station, although there was a recent proposal to reopen the branch once again to passenger traffic. Once we have reached the docks, we will retrace our outward route back to Plymouth and then call to set down passengers at our earlier pick-up points back to Crewe.

Approximate Timings Outward Return Crewe Stafford Tame Bridge Parkway Birmingham New St. Worcester Parkway Cheltenham Spa Cam and Dursley Bristol Parkway Bristol Templemeads Plymouth

05:00 05:30 06:05 06:35 07:10 07:35 08:50 09:20 09:30 12:00

00:05 23:40 22:55 22:15 21:20 21:00 20:00 19:20 19:10 16:40

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£329

£230

£995

First

£225

£160

£690

Standard

£115

£85

£358

Dave Collier

The Dorset Coast Express Wednesday 23 September 2026 We are offering a number of attractive summer day trips from London to Weymouth by steam train. These trains provide plenty of opportunity to visit the beautiful Dorset coast and relive the ‘golden age’ of steam. Passengers have the option of spending time at the celebrated seaside resorts of either Bournemouth or Weymouth, where both have fine sandy beaches. Each train will be hauled by a steam locomotive that was built for express passenger train work. Our train leaves London Victoria station steam hauled and travels westwards, crossing the River Thames at Barnes Bridge, through Kew and Feltham. We stop at Staines and Woking to pick up further passengers. At Winchfield, we pause for our steam locomotive to take on water before continuing to our final pick up point at Basingstoke. From Basingstoke, we continue through Andover, bypassing Salisbury and on through Romsey to Southampton. We reverse the direction of travel at Southampton and continue towards Weymouth, diesel hauled, with our steam locomotive on the rear. We stop at Bournemouth to set down those passengers wishing to visit this coastal resort, a spa town famous for its parks and pine trees. After leaving Bournemouth, there are spectacular views of Poole Harbour. We continue to Wareham and Dorchester travelling through classic Dorset countryside and delightful scenery. We arrive at Weymouth and have around three hours there to discover much of what this seaside town has to offer. The railway station is close to the beach and shops. We return from Weymouth steam hauled for the entire journey. We stop for our locomotive to take on water at Southampton and then continue through Winchester to Basingstoke, where we stop to set down passengers and for our steam locomotive to again take on water. We then continue to Woking and Weybridge, from where Staines passengers will return by service train and on to our final destination at London Waterloo.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Victoria London Waterloo Staines Weybridge Woking Basingstoke Bournemouth Weymouth

08:45 ------09:35 ------10:05 10:50 13:15 14:10

------22:40 22:30 * 21:50 21:40 21:00 18:30 17:35

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£335

£240

£1025

First

£225

£160

£690

Standard

£120

£90

£375 11

Dave Collier

The Royal Duchy Sunday 27 September 2026 These ever-popular summer day trips by steam train run from Bristol Temple Meads, Yatton and Taunton to Devon & Cornwall. The route includes travelling along the internationally famous sea wall at Dawlish, crossing Brunel’s famous Saltash Bridge into Cornwall, and some of the most varied and exciting scenery in the country. Passengers can choose to spend time in Plymouth or travel on to Par, where buses are provided for visits to Fowey or Charlestown. Our train leaves Bristol Temple Meads steam hauled and stops to pick up further passengers at Yatton and Taunton. Almost immediately on departure from Taunton, our steam locomotive will be working hard as it tackles the climb to Whiteball Summit. We stop at Exeter St David’s station for our locomotive to take on water and for more passengers to join the train. We leave Exeter and follow the Exe Estuary to the seaside. We then travel along the famous sea wall between Dawlish and Teignmouth, an experience not to be missed. After Newton Abbot, our steam locomotive will demonstrate her real strength as she powers up some of the steepest main line gradients in the country. First there is the difficult climb to the summit at Dainton Tunnel, followed by a dramatic drop down to Totnes, then an equally difficult climb up Rattery Bank before descending to Plymouth. Passengers have the option to alight at Plymouth or remain on the train to Par. There will be over five hours free time to explore the historic maritime city of Plymouth which includes the Hoe, the ancient Barbican and seafront areas, and the National Marine Aquarium. We leave Plymouth, steam hauled, and cross the River Tamar on Brunel’s masterpiece, the Royal Albert Bridge, to enter Cornwall. Our train continues through the magnificent Cornish countryside to Par, where there will be a break of more than three hours. Buses will take passengers from Par, at no extra charge, to visit either the picturesque seaside town of Fowey or the harbour village of Charlestown. The latter is a working port and home to the Shipwreck, Rescue and Heritage Centre.

Approximate Timings Outward Return Bristol Temple Meads Yatton Taunton Exeter St Davids Plymouth Par

08:50 09:10 10:00 11:30 12:40 14:00

22:10 21:45 21:10 19:55 18:30 16:50

Our locomotive will turn and service at St Blazey’s before we embark on our return journey. We leave Par steam hauled by our locomotive and stop at Plymouth to pick up those passengers who chose to alight there. Our train then returns to Bristol, stopping to set down passengers at Exeter, Taunton and Yatton en route.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£349

£265

£1096

First

£249

£195

£791

Standard

£149

£125

£486

Bob Green

The Cumbrian Mountain Express Saturday 3 October 2026 Our final Cumbrian Mountain Express for 2026 provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy Autumn steam haulage over the Northern Fells, including the spectacular Settle & Carlisle Railway. We have a high speed journey down the West Coast Main Line to Carnforth, hauled by a blue Class 86 electric locomotive. We then enjoy a circular steam tour outwards via Shap to Carlisle and back via the Settle and Carlisle line. We return to London behind our blue electric locomotive. We leave London Euston with electric traction, and speed north along the West Coast Main Line (WCML). We stop to pick up passengers at Watford Junction, Milton Keynes, Rugby (where passengers from Northampton join by service train), Nuneaton and Crewe. We continue north along the WCML to Preston, our final stop to pick up passengers. We continue through Lancaster to Carnforth, where we change motive power to a steam locomotive from the Carnforth pool. Leaving Carnforth, our steam locomotive will be working hard when we climb the first severe gradient up to Grayrigg. We then travel through the beautiful Lune Gorge to Tebay, gaining speed for the ascent to Shap. This well-known section of the WCML has a gradient of 1 in 75 and, in the former days of steam locomotives, banking engines from Tebay were often used to assist trains. After crossing the Cumbrian Fells we descend to Penrith, and then head for Carlisle. There will be around two hours in Carlisle, providing time to explore this ancient ‘Border’ city with its castle, cathedral, Tullie House Museum, and shopping centre. We leave Carlisle and join the Settle & Carlisle Railway, one of the most well known and best loved stretches of railway line in Britain. We soon begin climbing, and then at Appleby, we stop for our steam locomotive to take on water. The climbing continues through scenic Kirkby Stephen towards the highest railway summit in England at Ais Gill, 1169 feet above sea level. We pass over tall viaducts, including the famous one at Ribblehead, and through tunnels. There are magnificent views across the Fells and to the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. We should have a fast run out of the hills, through Settle, until we stop again for our locomotive to take on water. Our journey continues through Hellifield and Clitheroe to Preston where we say goodbye to our steam locomotive. We pass though Wigan and Warrington en route to Crewe hauled by our blue class 86 electric locomotive with a fast run to London expected. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Euston Watford Junction Milton Keynes Northampton* Rugby Nuneaton Crewe Preston Carlisle

06:35 07:05 07:30 07:10 08:00 08:20 09:20 10:15 12:40

22:25 21:55 21:25 21:35 20:45 20:25 19:30 18:00 14:20

and from Rugby by service train to join our train. Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£335

£240

£1025

First

£225

£160

£690

Standard

£120

£90

£375 13

Bob Green

The Esk Valley Friday 9 October 2026 Join us for a memorable day out over one of Britain’s most scenic and leasttravelled railway routes. This special excursion offers the rare opportunity to travel the entire Esk Valley Line between Middlesbrough and Whitby, enjoying the spectacle of steam haulage over a line renowned for its rural charm, dramatic landscapes and fascinating railway history. Our train departs from Carnforth, steam hauled, and calls at Bentham, Hellifield, Skipton, Leeds and York to pick up passengers. From York, we head north along the East Coast Main Line, traversing the famous high-speed stretch through Thirsk to Northallerton. Leaving the ECML at Northallerton, we take the Eaglescliffe line and cross the magnificent Yarm Viaduct high above the River Tees before continuing through Middlesbrough to join the Esk Valley Line. The climb begins immediately as we ascend towards Nunthorpe and Battersby, one of the most unusual stations in Britain. Once an important junction, Battersby now requires all trains to reverse direction before continuing their journey. Following the reversal at Battersby, our train continues, diesel hauled, through the heart of the North York Moors. This delightful section passes through the remote villages of Kildale, Commondale, Danby and Glaisdale, showcasing some of the most picturesque countryside in northern England. At Grosmont, where the Esk Valley Line meets the famous North Yorkshire Moors Railway, we continue eastwards alongside the River Esk. The line winds through the attractive villages of Sleights and Ruswarp before arriving at the historic seaside town of Whitby. There will be just over an hour to explore Whitby at leisure. Famed for its maritime heritage and as the home of Captain James Cook, Whitby offers visitors a wealth of attractions, from its bustling harbour and charming narrow streets to the iconic Abbey perched high above the town. Of course, no visit would be complete without sampling Whitby’s renowned fish and chips. For the return journey, our train departs Whitby steam hauled as far as Battersby. From there, diesel traction takes over to Stockton, where our steam locomotive once again resumes sole charge for the run via Middlesbrough, Northallerton and York. We then continue southwards, setting down passengers at Leeds, Skipton, Hellifield, Bentham and Carnforth.

Approximate Timings Outward Return Carnforth Bentham Hellifield Skipton Leeds York Whitby

06:15 06:35 07:20 07:40 08:30 09:45 13:35

21:30 21:05 20:35 20:20 19:30 18:05 14:45

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£335

£240

£1025

First

£225

£160

£690

Standard

£120

£90

£375

Dave Collier

The Bournemouth Belle Saturday 17 October 2026 Join us for a memorable steam-hauled journey from London’s Waterloo station to the Dorset coast behind 34028 Eddystone, one of Oliver Bulleid’s iconic West Country Class Pacifics. Inspired by the spirit of the famous Bournemouth Belle, this special train follows the former London & South Western Railway main line to Bournemouth before continuing to the charming seaside town of Swanage. The original Bournemouth Belle was introduced by the Southern Railway in 1931 as its prestigious non-stop express between London and Bournemouth. Renowned for its speed and elegance, it remained one of the Southern Region’s best-loved named trains until its withdrawal in 1967. Leaving Waterloo, we pass through Clapham Junction before following the historic main line via Woking, Basingstoke, Winchester and Southampton. Crossing the beautiful New Forest through Brockenhurst, we continue to Bournemouth before travelling along the scenic Dorset coast to Wareham and joining the Swanage Railway for the final miles into Swanage. Passengers may choose to spend their afternoon at either Bournemouth or Swanage. Enjoy Bournemouth’s award-winning beaches, gardens, pier and town centre, or remain on board to Swanage, where you can explore this traditional seaside town with its sandy beach, Victorian promenade and independent shops and cafés. For the return journey, the train will be diesel hauled from Swanage to Fareham, where 34028 Eddystone will resume its place at the head of the train for the steam-hauled run back to London Waterloo. Combining classic Southern main line running, a visit to the Swanage Railway and the opportunity to travel behind 34028 Eddystone, this promises to be a memorable day out on one of Britain’s most historic railway routes.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Waterloo Woking Bournemouth Swanage

07:00 07:50 11:00 13:00

20:30 20:00 16:30 15:00

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£335

£240

£1025

First

£225

£160

£690

Standard

£120

£90

£375 15

Michael Topham

The Armistice Steam Express Wednesday 11 November 2026 Join us for a memorable day behind steam as we mark Armistice Day with a special circular journey through the beautiful landscapes of Southern England. As we travel, we also pause to remember the moment fighting ceased at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, bringing an end to the First World War.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Victoria Canterbury

08:45 12:00

18:00 14:00

There are three classes available: Our steam-hauled train departs London Victoria in the morning, embarking on a memorable journey into the heart of Kent. Leaving the capital behind, we head south-east via Bromley South before continuing through the rolling countryside of the Garden of England, passing Ashford International and Wye en route to the historic city of Canterbury. On arrival, you’ll have time to discover one of England’s most captivating cathedral cities. Steeped in history and rich in character, Canterbury is renowned for its winding medieval streets, timber-framed buildings and centuries-old landmarks. You may wish to visit the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important centres of Christian pilgrimage in Europe. Alternatively, climb the ancient Westgate Towers, the largest surviving medieval gateway in the country, for panoramic views across the city and surrounding countryside. For those looking to experience Canterbury’s vibrant local culture, the popular Goods Shed, located close to Canterbury West station, offers an enticing selection of fresh local produce, artisan food, independent crafts and unique gifts. Whether you choose to explore the city’s historic treasures, enjoy its welcoming cafés and shops, or simply soak up the atmosphere, Canterbury provides a delightful destination for a leisurely day out.

Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat. First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a sweet treat and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam. Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four. Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £50 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

While you enjoy your time in the city, our steam locomotive will be serviced and prepared for the homeward journey, ready to take centre stage once again. In the afternoon, we rejoin our train and set off behind steam for the return journey. Travelling via Deal and Dover Priory, the route offers superb views of Kent’s dramatic coastline, with glimpses of the English Channel and the famous White Cliffs in the distance. Turning inland, we continue through the picturesque landscapes of the Kent Weald, passing through Tonbridge and Sevenoaks before arriving back at London Victoria in the evening. Combining the timeless romance of steam travel, the scenic beauty of the Kent countryside and the opportunity to reflect and commemorate Armistice Day, this special excursion promises to be both memorable and moving—a fitting tribute and a wonderful day out behind steam.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£329

£230

£995

First

£225

£160

£690

Standard

£115

£85

£358

Steve Precious

The York Yuletide Express Saturday 14 November 2026 Join us for a festive steam-hauled day out to the historic city of York. Combining exciting main line running, varied landscapes and the magical atmosphere of York at Christmas, The York Yuletide Express promises a memorable winter excursion behind classic traction.

Departing from London Victoria, we travel through south and west London before joining the Midland Main Line. Pick-up stops will be made at St Albans, Luton, Bedford, Kettering and Leicester. Here, our steam locomotive takes charge for the journey north, as we head through Loughborough. Continuing through the heart of the Midlands and South Yorkshire, we pass Chesterfield before taking the historic ‘Old Road’ route towards Rotherham. From here we continue through Conisbrough and Doncaster before joining the East Coast Main Line for a fast run into York, arriving early afternoon. York is one of England’s most visited and captivating cities, renowned for its Roman origins, medieval streets and magnificent Minster. During your visit, enjoy the city’s famous Christmas Market, where festive stalls line the streets offering seasonal food, drink and unique gifts. Explore the charming Snickelways and The Shambles, walk the ancient city walls, visit York Castle Museum, or discover the world-famous National Railway Museum. With its wealth of historic attractions, shops, cafés and restaurants, York offers something to suit every taste. In the late afternoon, we rejoin our train for the return journey. Steam hauled once more, we retrace our route south through Yorkshire and the East Midlands before returning to Leicester, where our steam locomotive departs. We then continue back to London, setting down passengers at the same stations as on the outward journey. Adding to the festive spirit, Father Christmas and his Elves will be making their way through the train during the day, handing out presents to all children on board. If travelling with children, please provide their names and ages when booking so Father Christmas can make their visit extra special.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Victoria St Albans Luton Bedford Kettering Leicester York

07:00 08:15 08:40 09:10 09:50 10:45 13:45

22:30 21:10 20:50 20:25 19:45 18:50 16:30

Combining the nostalgia of steam travel, the excitement of main line running and the festive charm of York at Christmas, The York Yuletide Express offers a wonderful seasonal day out for families, railway enthusiasts and Christmas shoppers alike.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£339

£240

£1035

First

£225

£160

£690

Standard

£120

£90

£375 17

Dave Collier

The Christmas White Rose Saturday 21 November 2026 Join us for an unforgettable main line steam-hauled journey from London King’s Cross to the historic city of York, where the famous Christmas Market will be in full swing. With festive stalls, seasonal attractions and world-renowned heritage sites, York offers a wonderful day out for all ages.

Our adventure begins at London King’s Cross behind one of Britain’s magnificent steam locomotives. Following the route of legendary express trains such as the Flying Scotsman, we charge through Gasworks Tunnel and Finsbury Park before heading north along the East Coast Main Line. En route, we will pick up passengers at Stevenage, Huntingdon and Peterborough. Leaving the East Coast Main Line at Werrington Junction, our train takes a rare and scenic route via Spalding, traversing former Great Northern lines through the Lincolnshire countryside. From Spalding North Junction we continue via Sleaford and Lincoln before heading north through Doncaster for our early afternoon arrival in York. Passengers will have ample time to explore everything this magnificent city has to offer. York is home to the National Railway Museum, the largest museum of its type in Britain, as well as the world-famous Shambles and the magnificent York Minster, one of the finest Gothic cathedrals in northern Europe. Visitors can also enjoy walking the ancient city walls, browsing the many independent shops and cafés, or soaking up the festive atmosphere of the Christmas Market. In the late afternoon we rejoin our train for the return journey. Once again hauled by steam, we retrace our route via Lincoln and Spalding, setting down passengers at the same stations served on the outward journey before arriving back at London King’s Cross during the evening. A festive steam-hauled day out combining spectacular railway heritage with one of Britain’s most historic and atmospheric cities.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London King’s Cross Stevenage Huntingdon Peterborough York

07:20 08:00 09:00 09:45 13:36

21:46 21:00 20:20 19:40 16:35

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£339

£240

£1035

First

£225

£160

£690

Standard

£120

£90

£375

Alan Weaver

The Edinburgh Christmas Market Saturday 21 November 2026 Join us on board this special train for a memorable journey from York to Edinburgh and back. Hauled by a locomotive from the Carnforth pool, you can sit back and enjoy the varied scenery as we travel north over one of Britain’s most scenic main lines.

Our journey will commence diesel hauled from 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. From here we head to Durham to pick up further passengers, before heading towards Tyneside and over the river Tyne to Newcastle. Leaving Newcastle, we head west along the scenic Tyne Valley line via Hexham to Carlisle, following the course of Hadrian’s Wall as we pass through some of the North East’s most attractive countryside. At Carlisle our steam locomotive will join the train to take over the journey to Edinburgh. You can sit back and enjoy an forgettable steam hauled run north through the open landscapes of southern Scotland, travelling via Lockerbie and climbing to the summit at Beattock – one of the most famous stretches of railway in the UK. We expect to arrive into Edinburgh, the Capital of Scotland, where time will be available for you to visit the city and its Christmas market, located in Princes Street Gardens, whilst our locomotive is serviced for the return journey. Apart from its numerous 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. For the return journey, steam haulage will continue from Edinburgh back to Carlisle, following the same scenic route. At Carlisle, the steam locomotive will be detached, and a diesel locomotive will take over for the final leg of the journey, returning via Newcastle and Durham before arriving back in York.

Approximate Timings Outward Return York Northallerton Durham Newcastle Hexham Carlisle Edinburgh

07:00 07:30 08:00 08:35 09:10 10:30 13:00

22:25 22:00 21:25 21:05 20:35 19:30 16:40

Look out for Father Christmas who will be visiting the train during the day and handing out presents to all children on board. If you have children with you on the trip, please let us know your child’s name and age when booking.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£339

£240

£1035

First

£225

£160

£690

Standard

£120

£90

£375 19

Bob Green

The Christmas Sussex Belle Wednesday 25 November 2026 Join us on a special train to celebrate the Festive Season in style. Our train travels 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.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Victoria Eastbourne Hastings

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.

10:50 18:40 13:50 ------15:15 (Dep) 15:50 16:00

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.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£319

£230

£985

First

£225

£160

£690

Standard

£115

£85

£360

The Sherborne Christmas Carol Wednesday 2 December 2026 We return for our annual visit to either the picturesque market town of Sherborne in Dorset at Christmas time, or the Yeovil Railway Centre. This special train will be steam hauled by Merchant Navy Class Clan Line No.35028 It starts from London Victoria Station and picks up more passengers at Staines, Woking and Basingstoke. Take a break prior to Christmas and treat yourself to a memorable day out with a difference. Our train leaves London Victoria Station at around 08:45 behind our splendidly restored steam locomotive. We pass through Clapham Junction, cross the Thames at Barnes Bridge, and continue to a stop at Staines to pick up more passengers. We join the South Western Main Line (SWML) at Byfleet Junction, and then stop for further passengers at Woking and Basingstoke. We leave the SWML at Worting Junction and take the West of England Main Line to Andover and Salisbury. At Wilton Junction the line becomes single track. We cross the edge of Salisbury Plain and pass through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty at Tisbury and Gillingham in Dorset. We cross Gillingham Viaduct and pass through Buckhorn Weston Tunnel before Templecombe, where once the iconic Somerset & Dorset Railway passed beneath our rail line. The main destination for our train is Sherborne, one of the most beautiful towns in England. The historic market town, where King Alfred was educated, will be decorated for Christmas. It has much to offer visitors with its abundance of medieval buildings, superb Abbey, picturesque Alms house, the ruins of a 12th-century fortified palace, and the 16th-century mansion known as Sherborne Castle. It has a delightful shopping centre with a large choice of handcrafted goods and elegant fashions and has become an important town in the region for Art and Antique Dealers. Whilst at Sherborne, why not join in the traditional Christmas Carol Service specially arranged for our tour and held in the splendid surroundings of its ancient Abbey. Passengers have the choice of alighting at Sherborne or continuing with the train to Yeovil Junction where the steam locomotive will be turned and serviced at Yeovil Railway Centre. Here there is excellent viewing of these operations, which use one of the few remaining turntables in the country. There is also a variety of rolling stock and an exhibition of railway artefacts and pictures in the Engine Shed. A shop on the platform provides a large range of railway related goods and souvenirs. Our train leaves Yeovil Junction, hauled by our steam locomotive, and stops at Sherborne to pick up those passengers who chose to alight there. It stops at the same stations as on the outward journey, to set down passengers.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Victoria Staines Woking Basingstoke Sherborne Yeovil Junction

08:45 09:35 10:05 10:45 13:15 13:25

21:30 20:30 20:00 19:30 16:50 16:30

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£339

£240

£1040

First

£235

£170

£725

Standard

£130

£95

£405 21

Paul Blowfield

The Cotswold Christmas Venturer Saturday 5 December 2026 Join us on a festive steam-hauled rail tour through the beautiful Cotswold Hills to one of the country’s most celebrated Christmas events – the Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre. Set against the backdrop of Worcester’s historic streets and magnificent cathedral, the city comes alive with hundreds of market stalls, costumed entertainers, festive food and drink, and seasonal entertainment, creating a truly magical Christmas atmosphere. Our steam train leaves London Victoria at around 08:15, hauled by Merchant Navy Class locomotive No.35028 Clan Line, and heads through the west London suburbs via Hounslow towards Staines, where we pause to pick up passengers. We continue via Ascot to Reading and then along the Great Western Main Line towards Didcot for further passenger pickups. From Didcot, we follow the former Great Western Railway main line through the Vale of White Horse to Swindon, where we branch off onto the beautiful Golden Valley Line towards Cheltenham. After Kemble, the line climbs steadily towards the summit at Sapperton Tunnel. The route then descends through the attractive wooded valleys around Stroud before reaching Standish Junction, where we join the former Midland Railway route towards Cheltenham Spa. Here, we will pause to set down passengers who may wish to spend the day exploring this elegant Regency town and enjoying its seasonal Christmas attractions. The train then continues north to Worcester Shrub Hill, where we spend the afternoon while Clan Line is serviced for the return journey. There will be ample time to enjoy the renowned Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre, one of the largest and most popular Christmas markets in the United Kingdom. The city’s historic centre is transformed into a festive wonderland, with traditional market stalls lining the streets, offering handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and unique Christmas presents. Visitors can enjoy festive entertainment, Victorian-themed characters, carol singers, and the warm atmosphere that makes this event so special. In the late afternoon, our steam train departs Worcester Shrub Hill and retraces its route southwards. We return via Cheltenham Spa, where we pause to pick up passengers who chose to spend the day there. Continuing through the Golden Valley, we pass Stroud before tackling the climb back to Sapperton Tunnel, where gradients reach 1 in 74 near Chalford.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Victoria Staines Reading Didcot Cheltenham Spa Worcester Shrub Hill

08:15 09:00 10:00 10:20 13:20 13:50

22:05 21:10 20:15 19:50 17:40 17:10

We then continue through Kemble and Swindon before rejoining the Great Western Main Line. Calls will be made at Didcot, Reading and Staines to set down passengers before our arrival back at London Victoria in the evening.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£349

£240

£1060

First

£235

£160

£710

Standard

£130

£90

£395

Ben Collier

The Worcester Christmas Fayre Express Saturday 5 December 2026 Join us for a festive rail tour from Liverpool Lime Street to the historic city of Worcester, home to one of the country’s most celebrated seasonal events – the Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre.

Departing Liverpool Lime Street, our special train heads south via Runcorn, crossing the River Mersey before continuing through Crewe and Stafford. At Rugeley Town, we leave the more familiar passenger routes and begin an intriguing journey through the heart of the West Midlands. Running via Walsall and Bescot Stadium, the tour takes a series of lines rarely travelled by passenger trains, including the freight corridors through Perry Bar North Junction and Soho Junction North. Continuing westwards, we pass through Galton Tunnel, and traverse the Black Country via Rowley Regis and Stourbridge Junction, offering a fascinating journey through an area rich in Britain’s industrial heritage. Beyond Kidderminster, well known as the southern terminus of the Severn Valley Railway, we continue south through Droitwich Spa before arriving in Worcester. Passengers will have several hours to enjoy the Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre, which transforms the city’s medieval streets into a festive celebration of Christmas past. Widely regarded as one of the finest Christmas markets in the country, the Fayre features hundreds of stalls selling seasonal gifts, crafts and local produce, together with traditional entertainment, costumed performers and festive food and drink. Worcester’s magnificent cathedral, historic architecture and riverside setting provide a wonderful backdrop for this much-loved annual event. After our time in Worcester, we rejoin our train for the return journey north, retracing much of our outward route via Droitwich Spa, Kidderminster, Stourbridge Junction, Rowley Regis, Galton Tunnel, Soho Junction North, Perry Bar North Junction, Bescot Stadium, Walsall and Rugeley Town before continuing to Crewe.

Approximate Timings Outward Return Liverpool Lime Street Runcorn Crewe Stafford Worcester

07:20 08:00 09:00 09:45 13:00

21:30 21:00 20:15 19:30 16:00

Here, our steam locomotive will be detached, bringing the steam-hauled portion of the tour to a close. A diesel locomotive will then take over for the final leg of the journey, returning passengers to Liverpool Lime Street, with set-downs at stations served on the outward journey.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£339

£240

£1035

First

£225

£160

£690

Standard

£120

£90

£375 23

Dave Collier

The Bath and Bristol Christmas Express Thursday 10 December 2026 Celebrate the festive season with a memorable steam-hauled journey from East Croydon to the beautiful World Heritage city of Bath, with the option of continuing on to vibrant Bristol. Enjoy over four hours at your destination to soak up the magical Christmas atmosphere, browse Bath’s famous Christmas Market, or discover the many attractions, shops and historic landmarks that both cities have to offer. Our train departs from East Croydon, calling at Three Bridges, Haywards Heath, Preston Park, Hove and Worthing before following the scenic West Coastway Line through historic Chichester and along the South Coast to Southampton. From there, we continue via Romsey, Salisbury and Westbury, following the picturesque Avon Valley into Bath Spa station, conveniently situated in the heart of the city. Throughout the journey, sit back and relax as your steam locomotive works its way across some of southern England’s most attractive railway routes, providing a nostalgic and memorable way to travel. Bath is a magical place to visit at Christmas. Its renowned Christmas Market features more than 170 traditional wooden chalets selling handcrafted gifts, festive food, seasonal treats and unique presents from local artisans. The market surrounds the city’s magnificent Abbey, Roman Baths and historic Pump Room, creating one of the country’s most atmospheric festive settings. Elegant Georgian streets, independent boutiques, cosy cafés and excellent restaurants are all within easy walking distance, making it easy to enjoy the city at your own pace.

Approximate Timings Outward Return East Croydon Three Bridges Haywards Heath Preston Park Hove Worthing Bath Bristol Temple Meads

07:00 08:00 08:20 08:30 09:00 09:20 13:00 13:20

21:50 21:15 20:40 20:10 20:00 19:30 16:00 15:30

Passengers wishing to travel further can remain on board to Bristol, a vibrant city where maritime heritage sits alongside excellent shopping, culture and entertainment. Bristol also offers first-class Christmas shopping, with everything from independent retailers to major highstreet brands.

Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.

In the afternoon, our steam-hauled train departs Bristol, calling at Bath to collect returning passengers before retracing our scenic route via Salisbury, Southampton and the South Coast. Relax and enjoy the changing winter scenery as we make our way home, returning to East Croydon in the evening after a memorable festive day out combining the romance of steam travel with the charm of two of the West Country’s finest cities.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£339

£240

£1030

First

£225

£164

£705

Standard

£120

£90

£375

Alan Weaver

The Edinburgh Christmas Hive Saturday 12 December 2026 Join us aboard this special festive train for a memorable journey from Manchester and stations across the North West to the magnificent Scottish capital of Edinburgh. Steam hauled from Carnforth by one of the Carnforth pool locomotives, this seasonal excursion combines classic main line steam with some of Britain’s finest railway scenery and the opportunity to enjoy Edinburgh’s renowned Christmas celebrations. Our journey begins behind diesel traction from Manchester Victoria as we make our way north, picking up passengers at Bolton, Wigan North Western, Preston and Lancaster. Continuing to Carnforth, our steam locomotive will be attached for the spectacular run north over the West Coast Main Line and its famous mountain crossings. Departing Carnforth behind steam, we head north through Oxenholme before entering the dramatic scenery of the Lune Gorge. One of the highlights of the day soon follows as our locomotive tackles the legendary climb to Shap Summit, ascending five miles at gradients of up to 1 in 75 to reach 916 feet above sea level. Beyond the summit, we descend through the Eden Valley and Penrith before arriving in the historic border city of Carlisle, where a short pause will be made to service and water our locomotive. Continuing north from Carlisle, we cross the Scottish border at Gretna and enter the picturesque landscapes of the Southern Uplands. The route then takes us through Lockerbie and onto the celebrated climb to Beattock Summit, another of Britain’s great steam-age challenges. For over ten miles, the railway rises steadily at gradients of 1 in 75 before reaching the summit, after which a more relaxed descent follows through the upper Clyde Valley towards Carstairs. Here we leave the West Coast Main Line and follow the former Caledonian Railway route eastwards to Edinburgh. We expect to arrive in Edinburgh early in the afternoon, allowing several hours to enjoy the city’s festive atmosphere whilst our locomotive is serviced for the return journey. The world-famous Edinburgh Christmas Market, located in the heart of the city beneath the castle in Princes Street Gardens, offers a wonderful selection of festive stalls, seasonal food and drink, Christmas gifts and traditional entertainment. Visitors may also wish to explore Edinburgh’s many attractions, including Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the National Galleries and the city’s excellent museums and shops. For our return journey, steam haulage continues southwards from Edinburgh to Carlisle, retracing our outward route through the Scottish Lowlands and over Beattock Summit. At Carlisle, our steam locomotive will continue south over Shap and through the Lune Gorge to Carnforth, where it will be detached. A diesel locomotive will then take over for the final stage of the journey via Lancaster, Preston, Wigan North Western and Bolton before arriving back at Manchester Victoria later in the evening.

Approximate Timings Outward Return Manchester Victoria Bolton Wigan North Western Preston Lancaster Carlisle Edinburgh

07:00 07:30 08:00 08:35 09:10 10:30 13:00

22:25 22:00 21:25 21:05 20:35 19:30 16:40

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£339

£240

£1030

First

£225

£164

£705

Standard

£120

£90

£375 25

Bob Green

The Bath and Bristol Christmas Express Saturday 12 December 2026 Join us on this seasonal train that will leave London Paddington early on Saturday morning for the scenic journey to Bath and Bristol. There will be over four hours to explore Bath and visit the famous Christmas Market or travel on to Bristol. The Christmas lights will be on, the market will be in full swing, the city will be alive with the sound of Christmas music, and in a truly festive mood. We depart from London Paddington steam hauled and make our way out of the Capital along the Great Western Railway main line. We pick up at Slough and then make our way to Reading where we pick up further passengers. Following the Berks & Hants line, we follow the valley of the river Kennet through to Newbury, our final pick up station, where we pass the Racecourse. At Hungerford, we leave the Kennet behind and follow the Kennet & Avon canal through the Savernake Forest. The gradient steepens for the long climb to Savernake Summit before we enter the attractive Vale of Pewsey and head for Westbury. Approaching Westbury, we pass the famous White Horse carved in the chalk of the hillside. Taking the Avon Valley, we encounter pretty Cotswold stone villages as we pass through Trowbridge and Bradford on Avon. The Dundas Canal Aqueduct spans the Kennet and Avon canal as we head for the city of Bath. The afternoon is free to explore the Georgian city and visit the distinctively ‘British’ Bath Christmas Market which has over 170 traditional wooden chalets selling seasonal products and gifts. The Abbey, Roman Baths, and Pump Room with its restaurant, all surround the Market site and are central to the main shopping area. However, don’t miss Milsom Street, voted ‘Britain’s Best Fashion Street’, and if you wish to see the sights at leisure, hop on a ‘City Sightseeing Tours’ bus. Meanwhile our train continues to Bristol, another fascinating destination for those who wish to explore this fine city instead. It has several world class attractions including Britain’s most acclaimed historic ship, the S.S. ‘Great Britain’; Brunel’s iconic Clifton suspension bridge; and an historic harbour-side, the location of the M Shed, an exciting new innovative museum. The city is a Christmas shopper’s haven with all the major retail outlets in the Broadmead and Cabot Circus shopping centres. Late afternoon your steam hauled train will depart Bristol before stopping at Bath to collect passengers who opted to spend the day there. We return to London Paddington and will call at our earlier pick up station to set down, concluding what promises to be a most memorable day. Look out for Father Christmas and his Elves who will be visiting the train during the day and handing out presents to all the children on board. If you have children with you on the trip, please let us know your child’s name and age when booking. 26

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Paddington Slough Reading Newbury Bath Bristol

07:00 07:40 08:05 09:05 12:00 12:25

21:20 20:35 20:10 19:40 16:30 16:10

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£339

£240

£1035

First

£225

£160

£690

Standard

£120

£90

£375

Bob Green

The Christmas Sussex Belle Wednesday 16 December 2026 Join us on a special train to celebrate the Festive Season in style. Our train travels 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.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Victoria Eastbourne Hastings

10:50 18:40 13:50 ------15:15 (Dep) 15:50 16:00

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£319

£230

£985

First

£225

£160

£690

Standard

£115

£85

£360 27

Shep Woolley

The Edinburgh Christmas Market Saturday 19 December 2026 Join us on board this special train for a memorable journey from York to Edinburgh and back. Hauled by a locomotive from the Carnforth pool, you can sit back and enjoy the varied scenery as we travel north over one of Britain’s most scenic main lines.

Approximate Timings Outward Return York Northallerton Durham Newcastle Hexham Carlisle Edinburgh

07:00 07:30 08:00 08:35 09:10 10:30 13:00

22:25 22:00 21:25 21:05 20:35 19:30 16:40

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£339

£240

£1035

First

£225

£160

£690

Standard

£120

£90

£375

Bob Green

The Christmas White Rose Saturday 19 December 2026 Step aboard for a memorable winter steam-hauled excursion to the historic city of York, combining exciting main line running behind a classic steam locomotive, fascinating railway heritage and the festive atmosphere of one of England’s most beautiful Christmas destinations.

Our journey begins at Cambridge, departing at approximately 07:40, with additional pick-up stops at Ely, March and Peterborough. Leaving Peterborough behind, we take the former Great Northern Railway route at Werrington Junction and travel across the fertile Lincolnshire fens towards Spalding, renowned for its flower-growing heritage. From Spalding, we join the historic Great Northern & Great Eastern Joint Railway, passing through the heart of rural Lincolnshire via Sleaford and Lincoln. As we approach Lincoln, the magnificent cathedral dominates the skyline, visible for miles across the surrounding countryside and providing a striking highlight of the journey. Continuing northwards, we pass through Gainsborough and cross the River Trent before reaching Doncaster, where we rejoin the East Coast Main Line. Doncaster has a rich railway history, having been home to the Great Northern Railway’s famous locomotive works and closely associated with Sir Nigel Gresley, designer of the iconic A4 Pacific locomotives. From here, enjoy a fast-paced run along the East Coast Main Line as we make our way to York. On arrival, you will have time at leisure to explore this historic city. York offers something for everyone, from the magnificent York Minster and ancient city walls to its fascinating museums, independent shops and charming medieval streets. Wander through the famous Shambles, discover the city’s hidden snickelways, or visit the National Railway Museum. Adding to the seasonal charm, York’s popular Christmas Market will be in full swing, creating a wonderfully festive atmosphere throughout the city centre.

Approximate Timings Outward Return Cambridge Ely March Peterborough York

07:40 08:15 08:55 09:15 13:30

21:05 20:45 20:20 20:00 16:30

In the late afternoon, we rejoin our train for the return journey, retracing our route via Doncaster, Lincoln and Spalding before calling at Peterborough, March and Ely, arriving back in Cambridge in the evening after a delightful day out by steam.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£339

£240

£1035

First

£225

£160

£690

Standard

£120

£90

£375 29

UK Day Trip Information Travelling by Steam Train Our Day Trips and Tours almost exclusively make use of specially chartered trains hauled by steam locomotives. The trains offer a choice of types of seating to suit your particular requirements. Each passenger is allocated their own reserved seat ensuring that travel on these special trains is a relaxing experience providing the perfect escape from all the hustle and bustle of modern day life. All of the seats on our trains line up with the carriage windows, unlike many modern trains, and thus provide the maximum viewing area to add to the enjoyment of your journey. In addition to our UK Day Trips and Tours, the Railway Touring Company has a programme of tours using steam hauled charter trains in many other countries of the world. These tours can be for a few days duration or last for up to two weeks, with overnight accommodation provided in good quality hotels. Please visit our website www.railwaytouring.net for further details and to request an overseas brochure; or contact us by telephone if you prefer. Premier Dining Class Premier Dining Class on our trains is a silver served dining experience providing you with a full meal service at your table, whilst you relax in spacious comfortable seating. The coaches used are British Rail Heritage First Open coaches.* The Premier Dining service usually includes a traditional full English breakfast soon after you board the train, and a four course meal on the return journey. On board chefs prepare fresh food for all of the meals. We are able to offer vegetarian options but cannot meet other dietary requests. A fully licensed bar service is always available, we kindly ask passengers not to bring their own alcoholic drinks. A corkage fee of £10 per person will apply for alcohol not purchased on board. The dress code is smart casual, as we like our passengers to be relaxed and travel in comfort. Tables are available for four or two in Premier Dining Class. Our tables for two are the ideal choice for an unusual and memorable celebration, for a special occasion like a wedding anniversary or birthday. Tables for two, where both passengers have window seats, can be guaranteed for an additional charge of £50.00 † per person, subject to availability. Premier Dining Class is available up to and including any pick up station before 10:30. * Coaches used will be British Rail Heritage coaches, on some occasions a Pullman coach may be used. †Prices shown as per individual day trip page.

First Class First Class seat accommodation on our trains is provided in British Rail Heritage First Open coaches* and offers tables for four or for two in spacious comfortable seating. Tables for two, where both passengers have window seats, can be guaranteed for an additional charge of £50.00 † per person, subject to availability. First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a Danish pastry and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by scone with butter and jam. We are able to offer vegetarian options but cannot meet other dietary requests. A fully licensed bar service is always available, we kindly ask passengers to not consume their own alcoholic drinks. A corkage fee of £10 per person will apply for alcohol not purchased on board. * Coaches used will be British Rail Heritage coaches, on some occasions a Pullman coach may be used. †Prices shown as per individual day trip page. Standard Class Standard Class seats are accommodated in a mid-1960’s tourist standard open coach. These are usually arranged in groups of four around a table. In some cases you may be seated in second corridor coach which is a compartment coach seating six passengers per compartment without a table. All seats are reserved. Passengers in First and Standard Classes regularly bring hampers and picnics. All the catering on board our trains is provided by a third party supplier. Booking Arrangements Passengers can book their tickets online by visiting our website www.railwaytouring. net or by downloading a booking form, which can be printed and sent by post to:- The Railway Touring Company, The Old Stables, Estuary Road, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 2HL. Passengers can also book by telephone during office hours on 01553 661 500. Office hours are Monday to Friday: 09:00 to 17:00. We accept most major credit and debit cards. There are no charges for paying with a credit card. When posting a booking form please enclose the full payment by cheque or postal order made payable to The Railway Touring Company, and, quoting your name, address, telephone number, choice of train, the number of seats you require, class and joining station. We regret that seats cannot be reserved unless full payment is received. Organisers arranging group travel for ten or more persons on a UK Day Trip are invited to contact the office, details above, regarding discounts where a single booking is to be made. Any amendments that you wish to make to your booking, will incur a £10 admin fee. Acknowledgements and Tickets Bookings made by telephone will be verbally acknowledged at the time of booking and a written confirmation sent within 7 days. Tickets and travel information will usually be dispatched at least 5 days before the date of travel. However, this information and the tickets cannot be sent until the departure times are confirmed by the train operator which may be at shorter notice. Please pay particular attention to the departure and arrival

times sent with your tickets as these may vary from the approximate timings given in this brochure. Gift Vouchers We are pleased to offer gift vouchers which can be used against any future trip with us. Please contact the office to purchase these. Junior Tickets Junior children includes ages 15 and under and must be accompanied by an adult (children 3yrs and under may travel on your lap but if they do require a seat then a junior ticket price applies). Family Tickets 2 adults and 2 Juniors (aged 15 and under). Standard Conditions of Booking and Travel Every effort will be made to ensure that the locomotive, rolling stock, route and timings which are hired in from third parties, will run as advertised. However, the organisers reserve the right to alter these details at any time and shall not incur any liability to any person who has bought, or contracted to buy a ticket or tickets, as a result of any such changes. There may be occasional re-scheduling or re-routing of a train. Please note, whilst every effort will be made to ensure the use of the advertised steam locomotive, the organisers reserve the right to substitute a different steam or in exceptional circumstances, a diesel locomotive on occasions should it be required, for operational reasons, which would have to be accepted, no refunds will be offered for changes to advertised locomotives. All reasonable efforts, within the control of the organisers, will be made to ensure that on the day of the trip, the train runs as planned. However, we cannot accept any responsibility for delays, mishaps, alterations or curtailment of the tour from situations outside of our control. Please note, all timings shown in the brochure are approximate and subject to change. All planned routes are subject to gauging clearance, on occasion we might be required to revise the route. In extreme weather conditions, such as heat waves, we may be restricted or forced to substitute steam haulage for diesel due to the high risks involved, in addition we may be permitted to operate with diesel assistance to reduce the risk of line side fires. In adverse conditions the train operating company, West Coast Railways, may feel the need to run with a diesel locomotive attached to the rear as a precaution. The nature of steam trains is that breakdowns, delays and substitutions have to be accepted. Every genuine effort will be made to ensure that the tour runs as planned and advertised, or as close to it as possible. In the event of a failure/non-availability of the scheduled steam locomotive prior to departure of the trip, every best effort will be made to find a suitable steam locomotive as a replacement. However, if this is not possible and if there is insufficient time available to cancel or postpone the trip, then a diesel may be used as substitute. In such circumstances, outside of our control, acceptance of these terms signifies your acceptance of such a change and no refund will be due. The organisers cannot accept responsibility for the options under the control of third parties and are only responsible for returning passengers to their joining stations. Your booking is taken as constituting acceptance of these conditions. No refund or substitutions are available, other than due to cancellation by the organisers, which can happen on occasions. We will not be liable for any consequential loss you may suffer or pay any compensation to you. Any amendments that you wish to make to your booking, will incur a £10 admin fee. Due to the age and construction of our trains, it is not possible to board whilst seated in a wheelchair, however, we will be pleased to convey passengers of limited mobility whenever possible, provided they can step onto the train from the platform and move to their reserved seats with the help of an able-bodied carer, the wheelchair then being folded by you and stored at the end of the carriage. We are unable to convey mobility scooters or non-folding wheelchairs due to the age and design of the trains used. Due to timing restraints at joining stations all mobility issues which require the use of walking aids or impact a passenger’s ability to board or disembark with ease must be confirmed and discussed prior to travel. We are limited to only being able to provide a vegetarian dietary alternative, all other dietary requests are not available. We recommend that during the winter months you travel wearing suitable layered clothing as the carriages on occasion can be cold. Although they are heated, unforeseen complications along with the nature of travelling by steam in vintage carriages can result in cooler conditions for passengers than modern trains. On warmer days, as we use vintage carriages for this service, we recommend for your comfort that you carry sufficient water for your own personal consumption. All images shown on the website and within our brochure are for illustration purposes only and do not signify the exact routing of the train or locomotive to be used. N.B. – All timings shown are approximate and subject to change unless otherwise shown.

Meet the Team

Kelly Osborne

Managing Director

Jade Mott

Operations Assistant

Julia Barrett

Office Assistant

Hollie Kimber

Senior Assistant Manager

David Zemaiciunas Operations Assistant

Jessica Dix

Operations Assistant

Eleanor Howard

Social Media and Marketing Assistant

Jack Amos

Office Assistant

Our friendly team is available to answer any questions and to help you make a booking – please feel free to contact us on 01553 661 500, Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, or by email at enquiries@railwaytouring.co.uk

Online Shopping Visit our online shop to purchase themed Railway Touring Company merchandise. Currently Bookmarks, Greeting Cards and Postcards. We will be adding to our range as new products become available. www.railwaytouring.net/shop/

The Railway Touring Company The Old Stables, Estuary Road, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 2HL Phone: 01553 661 500 E-mail: enquiries@railwaytouring.co.uk – Web: www.railwaytouring.net Design and Artwork - LucidSynergy Ltd - www.lucidsynergy.com

UK Steam Rail Day Trips 2026 Autumn-Winter