RTC Day Trips and Tours 2nd edition 2014-15

The Railway Touring Co.UK Day Trips and Tours 2014-15

Second Edition

Welcome

We are pleased to present a second edition of our UK Day Trips and Tours brochure covering the second part of 2014 and the early months of 2015. Whilst popular trips and tours are repeated we have some innovative new outings by steam train including those celebrating anniversaries. Browse what is on offer, make bookings of your choice, and invite your family and friends to share in the steam train experience. Nigel Dobbing.

Travel by Steam TrainOur ‘UK 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. The Railway Touring Company also offers a programme of tours, using steam hauled chartered trains wherever possible, in many other countries of the world. These tours can take a few days 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 a ‘Great Railway Adventures 2014’ brochure, or if you prefer contact us by telephone on 01553 661500.

Premier Dining ClassPremier Dining Class on our trains is a luxury experience providing a meals service at tables with spacious comfortable seating. Onboard chefs prepare fresh food for all of your meals for the day and it is professionally silver served to your table. The menu may vary according to the time and length of journey but usually includes a traditional full English breakfast, soon after you board the train, and a four course dinner on the return journey. Additionally, on some trips a light lunch is also provided before you arrive at your destination. Any special dietary requirements can be accommodated providing we are notified in advance. A fully licensed bar service is always available. 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 £22.00 per person, subject to availability. Premier Dining Class is available up to and including any pick up station before 10:30.

First ClassFirst Class accommodation on our trains is provided at tables for four or for two in deep cushioned armchairs with plenty of room. Tables for two, where both passengers have window seats, can be guaranteed for an additional charge of £22.00 per person, subject to availability. First class usually includes morning coffee with a Danish pastry, and afternoon cream tea when scones with jam and cream and a selection of finger sandwiches will be served.

Standard ClassStandard Class seats on our trains are arranged in groups of four, usually around a table. All seats are reserved. Passengers in First and Standard classes regularly bring hampers and picnics.

Front cover image: Bob Green

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, 14A Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1JN A completed booking form can also be sent to us by fax on 01553 661800. Passengers can also book by telephone during office hours on 01553 661500. Office hours are Monday to Friday: 08:45 to 17:00 and Saturday: 09:00 to 16:00. We accept most major credit and debit cards. 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.

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 despatched 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 of our future trips.

Junior Tickets Junior Tickets are available for children who are 15 years old and under. Children 3 years old and under may travel free if they do not occupy a seat. If they do require a seat then the junior ticket price applies.

Family Tickets Family tickets are available for 2 adults & 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. 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. There may be occasional re-scheduling or re-routing of a train. 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. 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 is available, other than due to cancellation by the organisers.

ONLINE BOOKING AVAILABLE

www.railwaytouring.net

N.B. – All timings shown in this brochure are approximate and subject to change.

UK Day Trips and Tours 2nd Edition – 2014-15

ToursThe West Highlander Steam Express 4 – 5

Day TripsThe Royal Duchy 10

The Dorset Coast Express 11

The Wizards Express 12

The Cumbrian Mountain Express 13

The Weymouth Seaside Express 14

The Valleys Explorer 15

The Waverley 16

The Scarborough Flyer 17


The North Wales Coast Express 19

The Welsh Mountaineer 20

The North Wales Coast Express 21


The Pembroke Coast Express 23

The Cheshireman 24

The Dartmouth Express 25

The Tynesider 26


The Hadrian 28

The Easterling 29


The Jubilee Requiem 31

The Tin Bath 32

The Robin Hood 33

Reservation and Booking FormsTour Reservation Form 58

Day Trips Booking Form 59

The Great Britain VIII 6 – 9

The Christmas Cheshireman 34

The Bath Christmas Market 35

The Capital Christmas Express 36

The Worcester Christmas Market 37

The Lindum Fayre 38

The Bath Christmas Market 39

The Christmas Sussex Belle 40

The York Yuletide Express 41

The Christmas White Rose 42

The Sherborne Christmas Carol 43

The Christmas White Rose 44

The York Yuletide Express 45

The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express 46

The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express 47

The Hadrian 48

The Cumbrian Coast Express 49

The Esk Valley 50

The Hadrian 51

The Wansbeck 52

The Central Wales Explorer 53

The Heart of Wales 54


The Buxton Spa Express 56

The Peak Forester 57

THE RAILWAY TOURING COMPANY, 14A TUESDAY MARKET PLACE, KING’S LYNN, NORFOLK, PE30 1JNPhone: 01553 661500 • Fax: 01553 661800 • E-mail: [email protected] • Website: www.railwaytouring.net

The holiday tours in this brochure are covered by the terms and conditions in our Great Railway Adventures 2014 brochure and are available on request.

3

Friday 19th SeptemberK4 from Preston to GlasgowOur train will be diesel hauled from Crewe and call to pick up more passengers at Wilmslow, Stockport, Manchester Victoria, Bolton and Preston, where passengers from other parts of the country can join the train by connecting services. We leave Preston hauled by K4 class steam locomotive No. 61994 “The Great Marquess” and head north, passing through Lancaster. After Oxenholme Lake District, the gradient begins to increase and our steam locomotive will be working hard as we climb up to Grayrigg Summit. We pass through the scenic Lune Gorge and Tebay before commencing our assault on the dramatic Shap Fell, a major obstacle in the days of steam. On arrival at Carlisle there will be a break while our steam locomotive is serviced. We cross the border into Scotland at Gretna and, after Lockerbie, face a formidable climb up to Beattock Summit. The route then drops down through undulating countryside to Carstairs and Glasgow Central Station. We transfer to Glasgow hotels for overnight accommodation.

Saturday 20th SeptemberThe Spectacular West Highland Line to MallaigThis morning we transfer to Glasgow Queen Street Station for an early departure, at around 06:30. Our special train will be hauled by steam locomotive No. 61994 “The Great Marquess” for the journey to Fort William. We travel around the outskirts of Glasgow towards the West Highland Line. We shall soon be passing within sight of the famous River Clyde between Dalmuir, Dumbarton and Craigendoran. After a brief stop at Arrochar & Tarbet Station we witness the tranquil beauty of Loch Lomond. We leave Crainlarich, where the Oban line branches off, and head for the wild and desolate Rannoch Moor. We pass by Loch Treig and through the amazing Monessie Gorge. The highest mountain in Scotland at 4,418ft, Ben Nevis, comes into view as we approach Fort William around lunchtime. Here we have a short break and a different steam locomotive, K1 class No. 62005, comes on to our train for the journey to Mallaig and back. We cross the impressive Caledonian Canal at Banavie and run beside Loch Linnhe. The splendid curved Glenfinnan Viaduct is a masterpiece of engineering famous in its own

right but given greater prominence recently through the Harry Potter films. Take the opportunity to photograph it, it’s a fabulous sight. We are travelling through some of the most breathtaking scenery that Scotland has to offer. The beautiful colours of the glens and lochs stand out in contrast against the sombre tones of the mountains. There are views of the Atlantic Ocean and distant islands before we arrive at Mallaig. Here we have a break and an opportunity to explore this fishing and ferry port, to take a leisurely stroll to sample the bracing sea air, to spend some time shopping, or enjoying the excellent traditional fish and chips! We return to Fort William, make our way to our hotels for overnight accommodation and maybe ‘a wee dram or two’!

Sunday 21st SeptemberFort William, Oban and GlasgowToday our train leaves Fort William, steam hauled by No. 61994 “The Great Marquess”. We climb through the spectacular scenery of the Monessie Gorge, pass Roy Bridge, and then tackle the steepest part of the climb up to Corrour, the second highest summit on British railways.

UK Tours - The West Highlander Steam Express

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The West Highlander Steam Express

Join us for an exhilarating four day tour around the Western Highlands of Scotland on our own exclusive steam hauled chartered train, featuring five different steam locomotives. The tour begins in Crewe and picks up further passengers at Wilmslow, Stockport, Manchester Victoria, Bolton, and Preston, where there are good connections from London, Birmingham, The Midlands and the North of England.

There is no better way to enjoy the superb scenery of the Western Highlands than to travel through it by train. Highlights of the tour include visits to Fort William, Mallaig and Oban plus views of the majestic Ben Nevis, the tranquil Loch Lomond, the barren beauty of Rannoch Moor, and much, much more. Mountains and moorland, lochs, glens and seascapes abound as we travel the West Highland Line, the world famous Fort William to Mallaig Line, plus the Oban Line.

Our train will be hauled by LNER K4 and K1 class, 2 x LMS ‘Black 5’ class, and an LMS Royal Scot or Jubilee class, steam locomotives. It offers the option of travel in Premier Class, with a full meal service served at your seat, First Class or Standard Class. A buffet car will be included in the train.

Friday 19th September to Monday 22nd September 2014

Bob Green

We cross Rannoch Moor and continue through Tyndrum Upper to Crainlarich where “The Great Marquess” takes on water. We change direction of travel and set off for Oban double headed by two ‘Black 5’ locomotives No. 44871 and No. 45407. We pass through Tyndrum Lower and continue through the magnificent scenery of Loch Awe and the Falls of Cruachan. Soon after passing Taynuilt we arrive at the terminus of the line, Oban, where there will be a break for lunch. As soon as we leave Oban we begin an awesome climb where the locomotives will be working flat out to reach the summit. We begin our descent to Connel Ferry and Taynuilt, retracing our route to Crainlarich. Here “The Great Marquess” will take over the train for the return journey to Glasgow. We face another stiff climb up to Glen Douglas before descending to Helensburgh and the Clyde valley. We pass through Dumbarton and Springburn before arriving at Glasgow Queen Street.

Monday 22nd SeptemberJourney HomeWe depart from Glasgow Central Station at 09:30 hauled by No. 46115 “Scots Guardsman” or No. 45699 “Galatea” travelling by the Glasgow and South Western route through Paisley and Dalry to Newton-on-Ayr. Here we take the freight only line to Mauchline Junction where we join the Glasgow and South Western Main Line to Kirkconnel, Dumfries, Gretna and Carlisle. We continue steam hauled climbing up to Shap summit, and then descend to pass through Carnforth and Lancaster en route to Preston. At Preston a diesel locomotive takes over our train for the rest of the journey to Crewe via Bolton, Manchester Victoria, Stockport and Wilmslow.

The Locomotives

The West Highlander Steam Express will be hauled in turn by five different steam locomotives.

LNER K4 class 2-6-0 No. 61994 “The Great Marquess” Preston – Shap – Beattock – Glasgow CentralGlasgow Queen Street – Fort WilliamFort William – Crainlarich – Glasgow Queen Street

LNER K1 Class 2-6-0 No. 62005 Fort William – Mallaig – Fort William

2 x LMS ‘Black 5’ Class Nos. 44871 & 45407 Crainlarich – Oban – Crainlarich

LMS Royal Scot class 4-6-0 No. 46115 “Scots Guardsman” or LMS Jubilee class No. 45699 “Galatea” Glasgow – Dumfries – Carlisle – Preston

Approximate Timings

Friday 19th SeptemberCrewe 07:00 Wilmslow 07:20 Stockport 07.30 Manchester Victoria 08.10 Bolton 09.30 Preston 10:20 Glasgow Central 17:55

Saturday 20th SeptemberGlasgow Queen Street 06:30 Crainlarich 10:35 Fort William 12:50 – 13:15 Mallaig 15:00 – 17:00 Fort William 18:50

Sunday 21st SeptemberFort William 09:00 Crainlarich 12:00 – 12:30 Oban 14:00 – 15:00 Crainlarich 16:30 Glasgow Queen Street 19:30

Monday 22nd SeptemberGlasgow Central 09:30 Preston 16:00 Bolton 16:40 Manchester Victoria 17:00 Stockport 17:20 Wilmslow 17:30 Crewe 18:00

UK Tours - The West Highlander Steam Express

Bob Green

Bob Green

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Tour Summary

Premier ClassPrice per person £969 Single supplement £100

First ClassPrice per person £770 Single supplement £100

Standard ClassPrice per person £545 Single supplement £79

Premier Class price includes:

• 3 nights hotel accommodation in Glasgow and Fort William

• 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners silver served at your seat on the train

• First class accommodation on the train

Table for two supplement £50.00 per person

First Class price includes:

• 3 nights hotel accommodation and breakfast in Glasgow and Fort William

• Dinner in Fort William

• First class accommodation on the train

Table for two supplement £50.00 per person

Standard Class price includes:

• 3 nights hotel accommodation and breakfast in Glasgow and Fort William

• Dinner in Fort William

• Standard class accommodation on the train

Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D = Dinner

September 2014

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8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 1 2 3 4 5

Monday 27th AprilLondon to Exeter with a ‘King’; Exeter to Penzance with a ‘King’ & ‘Castle’Our grand tour of Great Britain begins when our special train steams out of London Victoria Station at around 09.00, hauled by ex-Great Western Railway (GWR) ‘King’ class steam locomotive No. 6023 “King Edward II”. We follow the West London Line through Kensington Olympia and join the Great Western Main Line (GWML) at Acton. At Reading we take the Berks & Hants Line and head westwards through Newbury and then run through picturesque scenery beside the Kennet & Avon Canal to Westbury in Wiltshire. We cross the Somerset Levels en route to Taunton and then climb to Whiteball Summit before descending through the picturesque Culm Valley to Exeter. At Exeter St. David’s Station a second steam locomotive, ex-GWR ‘Castle’ class No. 5029 ”Nunney Castle” is attached to our train for the onward journey. We continue westwards ‘double-headed’ by our two steam locomotives following the Exe Estuary to the seaside. We travel along the famous sea wall between Dawlish and Teignmouth, and after Newton Abbot climb the legendary South Devon Banks of Dainton and Rattery. We descend to Plymouth and then cross Brunel’s famous

Saltash Bridge to enter Cornwall. We travel along the Cornish Main Line through beautiful countryside and crossing numerous viaducts en route to Penzance, the most westerly coastal town in England. Here we transfer to our hotels for our overnight accommodation.

Tuesday 28th AprilPenzance to Cardiff with double-headed ‘Pacifics’This morning our train leaves Penzance double-headed by ex-Southern Railway ‘Pacific’ steam locomotives ‘Battle of Britain’ class No. 34067 “Tangmere” and ‘Merchant Navy’ class No. 35018 “British India Line”. We return through Cornwall with its wild moorland landscapes littered with remnants of a once thriving tin mining industry. We pass through Truro, the County’s only city which is dominated by its cathedral, and St. Austell which was the centre of the china clay industry. We cross the River Tamar at Saltash and enter Devon. Our train leaves Plymouth and climbs Hemerdon Bank to Wrangaton Summit, crossing the southern edge of Dartmoor. We descend to Totnes and then climb Dainton Bank from the west, before the descent to Newton Abbot. We run beside the River Teign Estuary before the scenic

stretch along the sea wall to Dawlish. We leave Exeter and climb to Whiteball Summit, then race down Wellington Bank to Taunton. We continue to Bristol Temple Meads, the first railway station designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. We climb out of Bristol and join the South Wales Main Line before passing through the Severn Tunnel en route to Cardiff. We transfer to our hotels for our overnight accommodation.

Wednesday 29th AprilDouble-headed steam; through Central Wales and to the Lake DistrictToday our train will be hauled by ex-LMSR ‘Black 5’ steam locomotives No. 44871 and No. 45407 for the journey northwards through Wales and on to the English Lake District. We begin by taking the South Wales Main Line westwards from Cardiff through Bridgend and Port Talbot. We then follow the Swansea District Line from Briton Ferry to Hendy Junction on the Heart of Wales Line. This single track line crosses Central Wales from south-west to north-east passing through some of the most amazing scenery in the Principality. A feature of the route is the long and tortuous climb up to Sugar Loaf Summit and the passage beneath the hills through Sugar Loaf Tunnel.

UK Tours - The Great Britain VIII

Bob Green

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The Great Britain VIII

The eighth edition of the popular grand tour of Great Britain takes new routes in England, Wales and Scotland. It promises be the best yet! We travel by rail between the furthest extremities of the country, namely from Penzance to Wick.

We commence our journey at London Victoria Station and take a picturesque route to Penzance, travelling along the famous sea wall at Dawlish and the Cornish Main Line. Other particularly scenic highlights include crossing mountainous Central Wales, the beautiful Cumbrian Coast, the Forth and Tay bridges, the Far North Line to Wick, and the Highland Main Line from Inverness. There is an optional trip by steam train from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, possibly the most scenic route in Britain. This is an opportunity to travel in the comfort of our own exclusively chartered train and view some of the best scenery in Great Britain.

A variety of steam locomotives, representing each of the ‘big four’ companies, will operate over routes in their former areas. Some trains will be ‘double-headed’ whilst others will be hauled by the most powerful express passenger locomotives in the country.

Monday 27th April to Tuesday 5th May 2015

We descend to Llandrindod Wells where we stop while our locomotives are serviced. We continue our journey along the single track to Craven Arms where we join the Welsh Marches line to Shrewsbury. We head north from Shrewsbury following the ex-GWR line through Gobowen and Wrexham to Chester. We continue to Warrington where we join the West Coast Main Line (WCML) and can expect some fast running through Wigan and on to Preston. We pass through Lancaster and leave the main line at Carnforth, heading through Silverdale and over the Kent Viaduct, where there are excellent views across Morecambe Bay. We continue to Grange-over-Sands from where we transfer to hotels in South Lakeland for our overnight accommodation.

Thursday 30th AprilCumbrian Coast Line to Carlisle; EdinburghWe rejoin our train for the journey to Scotland hauled by ‘Royal Scot’ class steam locomotive No. 46115 “Scots Guardsman”. Our route is via the picturesque Cumbrian Coast Line to Carlisle. The line winds its way around river estuaries and runs along the coast, providing expansive views across the Irish Sea to the west and inland to the Cumbrian Fells. We pass through Ravenglass, Sellafield, St. Bees, Whitehaven, Workington and Maryport before arriving in the ‘Border City’ of Carlisle. We follow the WCML from Carlisle crossing the border at Gretna and passing through Lockerbie before we begin the 10 mile ascent of Beattock Bank. We descend to Carstairs where we leave the Glasgow line, then tackle the shorter gradient to Cobbinshaw en route to Edinburgh Waverley. We transfer to hotels in Edinburgh for our overnight accommodation.

Friday 1st MayOver the Forth and Tay bridges to Aberdeen & Inverness Our special train will leave Edinburgh Waverley hauled by ex-LNER class A4 ‘Pacific’ steam

locomotive No. 60009 “Union of South Africa”. We cross the magnificent Forth Bridge, where there are superb views of the Firth of Forth, and enter Fife. There are views of the Lomond Hills to the west as we pass through Ladybank and Cupar. We cross the wide expanse of the Firth of Tay, on the famous Tay Bridge, to enter Dundee. The line skirts the seashore on its way to Montrose before continuing through Stonehaven to the Granite City, Aberdeen. We follow the Great North of Scotland Railway route, a very scenic line with fine views, through Huntley, Keith, Elgin and Nairn to Inverness. We transfer to hotels in Inverness for our overnight accommodation.

Saturday 2nd MayOptional steam trip to Kyle of Lochalsh or free day in InvernessThose who choose the day trip by train will depart from Inverness steam-hauled by ex-LNER B1 class steam locomotive No. 61264 or K4 61994 “The Great Marquess”. We leave Inverness on the Far North Line and pass over the Caledonian Canal on the Clachnaharry Swing Bridge. At Dingwall we take the largely single track Kyle line, passing through beautiful scenery that can be quite dramatic. The line has been likened to a symphony in three parts: pastoral, mountain and seas. The route takes us up to Raven Rock Summit and Luib Summit before we stop at Achnashellach for the locomotive to take on water. We descend to the shores of Loch Carron and run close to the seashore to Kyle of Lochalsh. The village is located at the entrance to Loch Alsh and there are fine views across the loch to the mountainous centre of the Isle of Skye which is dominated by the Cuillins. The island is linked to the mainland by the nearby Skye Bridge. We return to Inverness, hauled by our steam locomotive, and can appreciate the wonderful scenery from a different aspect. We return to our hotels in Inverness for our overnight accommodation.


Bob Green

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Tour Summary

Premier ClassPrice per person £2895 Single supplement £395 Kyle of Lochalsh tour £199

First ClassPrice per person £1995 Single supplement £350 Kyle of Lochalsh tour £135

Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Class and First Class for a supplement of £165 per person (subject to availability). The Kyle of Lochalsh tour is optional and priced per person.

Premier Class includes:

• Eight nights accommodation and breakfast (when not served on the train) in 3 and 4-star hotels

• Four breakfasts, seven lunches and five dinners silver served at your seat

• Seats will be in first class open coaches, with comfortable deep cushioned Pullman style seats

First Class includes:

• Eight nights accommodation and breakfast in 3-star hotels

• Morning coffee or tea, and Danish pastries

• Afternoon tea and biscuit served at your seat

• Apart from breakfast, other meals at the hotels will be at your own expense

• Seating is in first class open coaches

April – May 2015

M T W T F S S

27 28 29 30 1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Sunday 3rd MayThe Far North Line to WickToday we will be hauled by K4 61994 or B1 61264 as we travel the Far North Line which is located entirely within the Highland area of Scotland. This rural line, largely single track, is the northernmost railway in the UK. The route runs westwards from Inverness, beside the Beauly Firth, to Beauly where it turns north passing through Dingwall and Invergordon. The line loops inland from Tain to Lairg and then returns to the coast at Golspie. We pass through Dunrobin Castle Station which was originally a private station for the castle, the seat of the Duke of Sutherland. The line continues along the coast as far as Helmsdale and it is not uncommon to see seals basking on the shore on this section of the route. The line turns

inland up the Strath of Kildonan and crosses isolated moorland through the Flow Country to Halkirk. At Georgemas Junction there is a branch to Thurso, whilst the main route returns to the east coast at Wick, the terminus of the Far North Line. Wick is an estuary town which straddles the River Wick and extends along both sides of Wick Bay. The town is the gateway to John o’ Groats which is at the extremity of the longest distance between two inhabited points on the island of Great Britain, Land’s End being the other. The Guinness Book of Records confirms that Wick has the world’s shortest street, Ebenezer Place measuring 2.06 metres! We return to Inverness hauled by a class 47 diesel following the same route as outward. We return to our hotels for dinner and our overnight accommodation.

Monday 4th MayInverness to Edinburgh via the Highland Main Line This morning our train leaves Inverness, hauled by ex-LMSR ‘Princess Coronation’ class ‘Pacific’ No. 46233 “Duchess of Sutherland”, to travel south over the highly scenic Highland Main Line. We begin by making the arduous climb of over 20 miles to Slochd Summit (1,315ft), probably the most gruelling climb on the whole railway network. We descend through Aviemore before commencing the climb to Drumochter Summit (1,484ft), the highest in the UK. We continue our descent through the Highlands, passing Blair Athol and Pitlochry, and follow the valley of the River Tay to Perth.


Bob Green

Bob Green

8

We head south from Perth and pass through Gleneagles, Stirling and Larbert before by-passing Glasgow to join the WCML. After Carstairs we begin climbing up the Clyde Valley through the Southern Uplands, culminating in a steep gradient to Beattock Summit. We then descend through Lockerbie to Carlisle. On leaving Carlisle the route follows the valley of the River Petteril to Penrith and then climbs up to Shap Summit. The descent from Shap is through Tebay and along the beautiful Lune Gorge before arrival at Oxenholme Lake Distrct Station. Here we leave our train and transfer by road coach to hotels in South Lakeland for our overnight accommodation.

Tuesday 5th MayMain line routes to return to London with “Oliver Cromwell”We transfer by road coach to Grange-over-Sands Station to join our train hauled by ex-B.R. Britannia class ‘Pacific’ No. 70013 “Oliver Cromwell”. We travel eastwards to Carnforth where we join the WCML and head south through Lancaster and Preston. We then leave the WCML and take the route to Manchester passing round the north-east of the Greater Manchester conurbation and climbing into the Pennine Mountains in the Peak District. We take the Hope Valley Line travelling down the beautiful Vale of Edale and then pass through Totley Tunnel to join the Midland Main

Line (MML). South of Chesterfield we take the Erewash Valley Line through Langley Mill to the city of Nottingham. We travel eastwards from Nottingham, cross the River Trent and pass through the beautiful Vale of Belvoir en route to Grantham. Here we join the East Coast Main Line (ECML) and climb to the summit at Stoke Tunnel. We race down Stoke Bank and pass the sign indicating where “Mallard” broke the world speed record for steam. We can expect some fast running as we head south up the ECML from Peterborough and pass through Huntingdon and Stevenage to journey’s end at London King’s Cross.


Luggage

All luggage transfers from Penzance to Oxenholme Lake District will be taken care of by RTC. Passengers are responsible for taking their own luggage to the train at the beginning of the tour and to the first hotel in Penzance, and then to the train at Grange-over-Sands from the last hotel in South Lakeland. All other transfers between hotels and the train are made by RTC.

Bob Green

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Tour Summary

Premier ClassPrice per person £2895 Single supplement £395 Kyle of Lochalsh tour £199

First ClassPrice per person £1995 Single supplement £350 Kyle of Lochalsh tour £135

Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Class and First Class for a supplement of £165 per person (subject to availability). The Kyle of Lochalsh tour is optional and priced per person.

Premier Class includes:

• Eight nights accommodation and breakfast (when not served on the train) in 3 and 4-star hotels

• Four breakfasts, seven lunches and five dinners silver served at your seat

• Seats will be in first class open coaches, with comfortable deep cushioned Pullman style seats

First Class includes:

• Eight nights accommodation and breakfast in 3-star hotels

• Morning coffee or tea, and Danish pastries

• Afternoon tea and biscuit served at your seat

• Apart from breakfast, other meals at the hotels will be at your own expense

• Seating is in first class open coaches

April – May 2015

M T W T F S S

27 28 29 30 1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

10UK Day Trips - The Royal Duchy

Our train leaves Bristol Temple Meads at around 08:15 and calls to pick up further passengers at Yatton and 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 then continue beside the Exe Estuary to the seaside. We 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.

We leave the main line at Laira Junction and take a route used only by freight trains to the site of the former Plymouth Friary Station. Here little remains except for a loop line that will enable our steam locomotive to change ends on our train. We return to the main line at Lipson Junction with our steam locomotive travelling tender first for the journey to Par. This process has turned around our train and steam locomotive, necessary because the turntable at St. Blazey, previously used to turn locomotives, is no longer operational. We stop at Plymouth Station where passengers have the option to alight or remain on the train to Par. There will be more than 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 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 & Heritage Centre. We leave Par, with our steam locomotive the ‘right way round’, at around 17:45 and stop at Plymouth to pick up those passengers who chose to alight there. Our train returns to Bristol, stopping to set down passengers at Exeter, Taunton and Yatton.

The steam locomotives to be used on this day trip were all built for use on express passenger trains and come from the following pool: No. 5029 “Nunney Castle”, Castle class 4-6-0, built at Swindon in 1934 by the Great Western Railway (GWR). No. 34067 “Tangmere” unrebuilt ‘Battle of Britain’ class ‘Pacific’ 4-6-2, built at Brighton in 1947 by the SR. No. 70013 “Oliver Cromwell” Britannia class ‘Pacific’ 4-6-2, built at Crewe in 1951 to British Railways ‘standard’ design, and used on express passenger trains in East Anglia.

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.

Sundays 6th July, 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th September 2014

Bob Green

Approximate Timings Outward Return Bristol Temple Meads 08:15 22:30Yatton 08:34 22:05Taunton 09:22 21:15Exeter St. David’s 10:50 20:15Plymouth 13:00 19:00Par 14:00 17:45

There are three classes available:

Premier Dining includes full English breakfast, and a three course dinner silver served at your seat.

First Class includes morning coffee with a Danish pastry and afternoon tea with scones, jam and cream, along with a selection of finger sandwiches.

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

Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £22 per person (subject to availability).

A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

The Royal Duchy

Fares Adult Junior Family

Premier £179 £139 £497

First £129 £76 £334

Standard £79 £49 £207

11UK Day Trips - The Dorset Coast Express

Our train leaves London Victoria Station at around 08:45 and travels westwards, crossing the Thames at Barnes Bridge, through Kew and Feltham. We stop at Staines and Woking to pick up further passengers. At Winchfield, we stop for our steam locomotive to take on water before continuing to our final pick up point at Basingstoke. We leave the South Western Main Line at Worting Junction and take the Bournemouth Line, heading south through Winchester and Southampton.

We stop at Bournemouth to set down those passengers wishing to visit this coastal resort. 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 at around 13:45 and have over 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 at around 16:35 and our train will be hauled by one steam locomotive and ‘banked’ at the rear by another. We climb Upwey Bank which is a very steep climb and our steam locomotives will be working flat out. We stop at Dorchester South to detach our ‘banker’. We stop at Bournemouth to collect those passengers who left the train there on the outward journey. Our next stop is at Basingstoke, where we set down passengers and our steam locomotive takes on water.

We expect a fast run along the main line from Basingstoke to Woking, where we stop to set down passengers, and on to our final destination at London Waterloo.

The steam locomotives to be used on this day trip come from the following pool:No. 34046 “Braunton” West Country class ‘Pacific’4-6-2, built at Brighton Works in 1946 for Southern Railway (SR) and rebuilt in 1959, for use on express passenger trains. No. 34067 “Tangmere” unrebuilt ‘Battle of Britain’ class ‘Pacific’ 4-6-2, built at Brighton in 1947 by the Southern Railway, for use on express passenger trains. No. 70000 “Britannia” ‘Britannia’ class ‘Pacific’ 4-6-2, built at Crewe in 1951 to British Railways ‘standard’ design, the first ‘standard’ to be built, and used on express passenger trains in East Anglia.

We are offering a number of lovely summer day trips from London to Weymouth and back by steam train, providing plenty of opportunity to visit the beautiful Dorset coast. Each train will be hauled by a steam locomotive that was built for express passenger train work. An added attraction, on leaving Weymouth, will be the steam locomotive at the rear of the train to ‘bank’ it on the steep climb of Upwey Bank as far as Dorchester South.

Wednesdays 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th July, all in August, 3rd, 10th September 2014

Robin Boyle

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Victoria 08:45 20:50†

Staines 09:35 -------*

Woking 10:05 20:10Basingstoke 10:55 19:30Bournemouth 12:50 17:45Weymouth 13:45 16:35*Passengers for Staines change at Waterloo on the return journey.†Returns to London Waterloo


Premier Dining includes full English breakfast, and a four course dinner silver served at your seat.





The Dorset Coast Express


Premier £189 £134 £512

First £119 £71 £309

Standard £79 £42 £200

12UK Day Trips - The Wizards Express

Our train leaves Manchester Victoria at around 07:20 hauled by a diesel locomotive. It stops at Bolton, Wigan North Western, Preston and Lancaster to collect more passengers. On arrival at Carnforth, the diesel locomotive is replaced by steam locomotive No. 5972 “Olton Hall”. The “Wizards Express” is now complete!

On leaving Carnforth we climb steeply, crossing over the West Coast Main Line, and pass through the beautiful north Lancashire countryside. We then skirt the Yorkshire Dales passing through delightful villages such as Bentham, Clapham and Giggleswick en route to Skipton. We now follow the valley of the River Aire and soon pass through Keighley, itself a well known film venue. The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway was used extensively for filming “The Railway Children” which is based on the children’s book of the same name written by Edith Nesbit. We pass through Leeds and continue to York where there will be around four hours to explore the city.

York is a fascinating city to visit at any time of the year. It has a huge variety of attractions including the world famous National Railway Museum, the Minster, the Shambles, the Castle and its museum, and the Viking Jorvik Centre. Open top buses leave from the railway station forecourt on tours around the city. It is also possible to walk round the medieval city walls which provide fine views of the city.

Our train leaves York for the return journey at around 16:30 and will be hauled by steam locomotive No. 5972 “Olton Hall”. We follow the same route back to Carnforth where we say ‘goodbye’ to our steam locomotive which will then be taken to the Warner Bros Museum for the rest of its days. A diesel locomotive will haul our train back to Manchester Victoria, stopping at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers.

Join us for a magical journey in vintage red carriages hauled by former Great Western Railway 4-6-0 steam locomotive No. 5972 “Olton Hall”. “Olton Hall” and its red carriages starred as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films and the steam locomotive was renamed “Hogwarts Castle” for the series. We are offering you a very rare opportunity to ride on a train behind this famous steam locomotive travelling from Carnforth to York and return.

Saturday 12th July 2014

Approximate Timings Outward Return Manchester Victoria 07:20 22:20Bolton 07:35 22:00Wigan North Western 07:50 21:36Preston 08:10 21:13Lancaster 08:35 20:50Carnforth 09:15 20:12York 12:30 16:55


Premier Dining includes full English breakfast, light lunch and a four course dinner silver served at your seat.





The Wizards Express


Premier £189 £129 £507

First £125 £75 £325

Standard £69 £39 £177

James Shuttleworth

13UK Day Trips - The Cumbrian Mountain Express

We leave London Euston at around 07:10 hauled by class 86 electric locomotive No. 86259 “Les Ross”. This locomotive is retained for use on special trains and has the original ‘electric blue’ livery. We can expect some fast running as we head down the West Coast Main Line (WCML). Our train stops to pick up passengers at Watford Junction, Milton Keynes, Rugby (where passengers from Northampton join by service train), Nuneaton, Crewe and Preston. We continue north along the WCML to Carnforth where we change locomotives and ex-LNER A4 class ‘Pacific’ No. 60009 “Union of South Africa” takes over the train.

On leaving Carnforth we begin climbing almost immediately and passing through Oxenholme Lake District encounter the first severe gradient up to Grayrigg. We then travel through the beautiful Lune Gorge, passing Tebay and gaining speed for the iconic ‘ascent to Shap’. After crossing the Cumbrian Fells we descend to Penrith, and then head for Carlisle. There will be around an hour and a half in Carlisle, providing time to explore this ancient city with its castle, cathedral, Tullie House Museum and Lanes Shopping Centre.

Our train leaves Carlisle at around 14:30 and joins 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 high 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, Clitheroe and Blackburn to Preston, where we say goodbye to our steam locomotive. Our ‘electric blue’ class 86 electric locomotive takes over the train for a fast run back to London. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers.

These trains recreate the early days of steam rail tours in the 1980’s when travelling over the Settle & Carlisle Railway was the icing on the cake in the main line ‘steam’ calendar. 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 to Preston via the Settle and Carlisle line. We return to London behind our blue electric locomotive.

Saturday 12th July and Saturday 19th July 2014

Bob Green

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Euston 07:10 22:10Watford Junction 07:30 21:50Milton Keynes 08:00 21:15Northampton* 07:40 21:15Rugby 08:25 20:38Nuneaton 08:45 20:20Crewe 09:45 19:15Preston 10:30 18:20Carlisle 12:40 14:30*Northampton passengers travel to and from Rugby by service train.







The Cumbrian Mountain Express


Premier £199 £129 £527

First £135 £75 £345

Standard £79 £39 £197

14UK Day Trips - The Weymouth Seaside Express

Our special train leaves Bristol Temple Meads at around 08:20, hauled by our steam locomotive, and heads eastwards. We stop to pick up passengers at Keynsham and Bath. We take the route up the picturesque Avon Valley, travelling southwards to Trowbridge and Westbury, where we make stops to pick up more passengers.

We head westwards from Westbury along the West of England main line to Bruton. At Castle Cary, we leave the main line and head south on the single track Weymouth Branch. We stop at Yeovil Pen Mill for our steam locomotive to take on water, and then there follows a long steep climb through the Dorset Hills up to the summit at Evershot Tunnel. Our steam locomotive will be working flat out on this exhilarating climb. It is mainly downhill from Evershot Summit through Maiden Newton, and the picturesque town of Dorchester, to Weymouth.

There will be around five hours in Weymouth to explore this much loved south coast seaside resort. It is located on the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has a beautifully wide sandy beach near to the railway station. Other attractions include the Old Harbour; Brewers Quay, shopping village; and Nothe Fort, where there are spectacular views over both Weymouth and Portland harbours. Open top buses operate to the Isle of Portland, where there is a castle and lighthouse, and there are boat trips from Weymouth Harbour around Portland Harbour.

We leave Weymouth for our return journey at around 17:00 and head north up the steep Bincombe Bank (1 in 50) to Dorchester. Later we climb up to Evershot Summit from the south side before the descent to Yeovil Pen Mill. We stop at Westbury, Trowbridge, Bath and Keynsham to set down passengers. Finally we arrive at Bristol Temple Meads where we say goodbye to our steam locomotive.

The steam locomotive used on this day trip will be one of the following:No. 5029 “Nunney Castle”, Castle class 4-6-0, built at Swindon in 1934 by the Great Western Railway (GWR), for use on express passenger trains. No. 34046 “Braunton”, West Country class ‘Pacific’ 4-6-2, built at Brighton in 1946 for the Southern Railway and rebuilt in 1959, for use on express passenger trains.

A trip down memory lane awaits those who join this special train which recreates the days of seaside excursions run by British Railways in the 1950’s. The train will be hauled by a steam locomotive that will evoke the past and complete this nostalgic experience. Our destination is the attractive seaside town of Weymouth – a traditional English seaside resort that has managed to preserve much of its charm. This is a lovely outing for a summer day.

Sundays 13th, 27th July, 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th August 2014

Bob Green

Approximate Timings Outward Return Bristol Temple Meads 08:20 20:15Keynsham 08:30 20:05Bath 08:45 19:50Trowbridge 09:10 19:15Westbury 09:25 19:00Weymouth 11:25 17:00

There are two classes available:

First Class includes a first class seat in a first class carriage usually at a table for four.


Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class for a supplement of £22 per person (subject to availability).


The Weymouth Seaside Express


First £89 £56 £234

Standard £65 £39 £169

15UK Day Trips - The Valleys Explorer

Our train leaves Bristol Temple Meads at around 09:15 hauled by Battle of Britain class ‘Pacific’ steam locomotive No. 34067 “Tangmere”. We stop to pick up further passengers at Filton Abbey Wood before passing through the Severn Tunnel under the River Severn. We can expect some fast running as we travel along the South Wales Main Line to Newport.

We leave Newport and pass through Hillfield Tunnel branching off the main line at Gaer Junction on to the Ebbw Vale Branch. This historic route can trace its origins to late 18th/early 19th century tramways and waggonways. More recently it closed to passenger traffic in 1962 and final freight traffic to the steel works at Ebbw Vale was in 2002. The rebuilt and upgraded line with new stations, known as the Ebbw Valley Railway, opened for passenger traffic in 2008. The 18 mile long line is predominantly single track following the deep-sided Ebbw River valley. It is heavily curved and has gradients of up to 1 in 65. Between Newbridge and Llanhilleth is the site of Crumlin Low Level Station where a railway line once crossed 200 feet above the valley on the famous Crumlin Viaduct, then the highest railway viaduct in the UK. The terminus of the line is at Ebbw Vale Parkway.

We return to the outskirts of Newport, diesel hauled, and at Park Junction take the curve to Ebbw Junction where we rejoin the South Wales Main Line. We follow the main line to Cardiff Central Station where we change direction of travel. We are then steam hauled as we set off through Cardiff Queen Street on the Rhymney Line. The line runs north up the Rhymney Valley passing through Heath and Llanishen. Caerphilly Tunnel (1.1 miles) is the longest on the Welsh Valleys network. Bargoed was once an important junction for long closed branches to surrounding valleys and from here the route is now single track. The terminus of the line is at Rhymney 23 miles north of Cardiff Central.

We return to Cardiff Central, diesel hauled, and after a short break depart for Bristol Temple Meads hauled by No. 34067 “Tangmere”. We stop at Filton Abbey Wood, to set down passengers, before arriving at Bristol Temple Meads at around 18:00.

This special train from Bristol provides a very rare opportunity to explore scenic Welsh Valley Lines from Newport and Cardiff by steam train. The train will be hauled by Battle of Britain class ‘Pacific’ steam locomotive No. 34067 “Tangmere”. We visit the branch lines to Ebbw Vale and Rhymney; both have a long and fascinating railway history. Our train will be ‘topped & tailed’ with a diesel locomotive to facilitate reversals, but steam hauled up both branches.

Sunday 20th July 2014

Bob Green

Approximate Timings Outward Return Bristol Temple Meads 09:15 18:00Filton Abbey Wood 09:30 17:30Ebbw Vale 11:30 -------Rhymney 13:30 14:30







The Valleys Explorer


Premier £179 £129 £487

First £139 £75 £353

Standard £89 £55 £233

16UK Day Trips - The Waverley

Our steam hauled train leaves York at 09:15 and heads for Church Fenton where we take the route to Leeds. We stop to pick up more passengers at Leeds, Shipley, Keighley, and Skipton. There will be a stop 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.

We cross the breathtaking Ribblehead Viaduct, high above the valley floor, and enter Blea Moor Tunnel. We pass through the highest station in England at Dent, travelling through tunnels and crossing valleys on bridges. There are magnificent views across the Fells to the Pennine ‘Three Peaks’ of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough 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 to Appleby, where our locomotive takes on water.

Passengers who choose to alight at Appleby will have around four hours to visit this historic market town which lies in a loop of the picturesque River Eden. Passengers choosing to continue to Carlisle will have over one and a half 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 at around 15:45 and climbs almost continually for just under 50 miles back up to Ais Gill. We stop, en route, at Appleby for our steam locomotive to take on water and to pick up the passengers who spent the afternoon there. We continue to stops at Skipton, Keighley, Shipley, Leeds, and York, to set down passengers.

One of the three following steam locomotives will be used on this day trip:No. 44932 class 5 (‘Black 5’) 4-6-0, built at Horwich in 1945 by the London Midland & Scottish Railway (LMSR), a ‘mixed traffic’ locomotive for use on passenger and freight trains. No. 45699 “Galatea” Jubilee class 4-6-0, built at Crewe in 1936 by the LMSR, for use on express passenger trains. No. 46115 “Scots Guardsman” rebuilt Royal Scot class 4-6-0, built in 1927 by the North British Locomotive Company for the LMSR, for use on express passenger trains.

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 Line, probably the most famous railway route in Britain. There is also the option of visiting the Cumbrian market town of Appleby or the border city of Carlisle. We have three steam locomotives available for these trains, types that were regularly seen on this route in the ‘days of steam’.

Sundays 20th, 27th July, 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st August, 7th September 2014

Bob Green

Approximate Timings Outward Return York 09:15 20:30Leeds 09:50 19:45Shipley 10:10 19:25Keighley 10:25 19:10Skipton 10:45 18:55Appleby 12:50 16:55Carlisle 14:00 15:45







The Waverley


Premier £179 £139 £497

First £115 £69 £299

Standard £69 £45 £183

17UK Day Trips - The Scarborough Flyer

The steam hauled “Scarborough Flyer” leaves Crewe at around 07:00 and heads north along the main line towards Manchester, stopping at Wilmslow and Stockport to pick up more passengers. The train skirts around Manchester and passes through Stalybridge, famous for retaining its original Buffet Bar which first opened in 1885. The route climbs into the Pennines and passes through Standedge Tunnel where the adjacent bore is the highest, longest and deepest canal tunnel in Britain. We continue to Huddersfield and Wakefield Kirkgate where we stop to pick up more passengers.

Our train travels through Castleford to York, where those passengers who choose this destination will have around six hours to explore the city. The city’s rich heritage and wealth of historic attractions can be appreciated by visiting such sights as the Minster, The Shambles, the Castle Museum, the Jorvik Viking Centre and, of course, the superb National Railway Museum. It is possible to walk around the medieval city walls which provide fine views of the city.

On leaving York, our train takes the Scarborough line and immediately crosses the River Ouse, with superb views of the Minster. We should have a fast run through the Vale of York before slowing for the curves that follow the River Derwent past Kirkham Abbey. We continue through Malton and Seamer to our final destination at Scarborough, where there will be almost four hours to visit this famous Victorian Spa resort. It is situated on the North Sea coast and has safe sandy beaches. Attractions include Scarborough Castle; the harbour and fish quay; Oliver’s Mount, with spectacular views around the town; and the popular miniature railway. Open top buses travel to Peasholm Park via the seafront and Castle headland.

All too soon it will be time to return to our train which leaves Scarborough at around 16:45 and heads for York to pick up those passengers who chose this destination. The train stops at the same stations as on the outward journey, to set down passengers.

The steam locomotive to be used on this day trip will be one of the following:No. 46233 “Duchess of Sutherland” Princess Coronation class ‘Pacific’ 4-6-2 built by the LMSR at Crewe in 1938, for use on express passenger trains, and now in B.R. green livery. No. 70013 “Oliver Cromwell” Britannia class ‘Pacific’ 4-6-2, built at Crewe in 1951 to British Railways ‘standard’ design, and used on express passenger trains in East Anglia.

The “Scarborough Flyer” is a summer series of steam trains running on Fridays from the end of July, throughout August, and into September. The trains originate at Crewe and pick up passengers at stations on a scenic route through Cheshire, Lancashire and Yorkshire. There is a choice of destination, either York or Scarborough. The trains will be hauled by an express passenger steam locomotive evoking memories of the 1950’s and a former train named the “Scarborough Flyer”.

Every Friday from 25th July to 5th September 2014

Bob Green

Approximate Timings Outward Return Crewe 07:00 22:25Wilmslow 07:40 22:00Stockport 08:10 21:30Huddersfield 09:40 20:05Wakefield Kirkgate 10:15 19:15York 12:00 18:20Scarborough 13:00 16:55







The Scarborough Flyer


Premier £159 £129 £447

First £98 £62 £258

Standard £66 £41 £173


Our train will be diesel hauled from Crewe to Liverpool via Runcorn, where we stop to pick up further passengers. We leave Liverpool Lime Street, steam hauled, just after 07:00 and stop to pick up passengers at Broad Green and St. Helens Central. We join the West Coast Main Line (WCML) before stopping for more passengers at Wigan. We head north, leaving the WCML at Farington Junction, and stop at Blackburn, where passengers who have travelled by service train from Preston join our train.

We continue to Clitheroe and then stop at Hellifield for our steam locomotive to take on water. We join the Settle & Carlisle Railway at Settle Junction and then begin one of Britain’s most arduous climbs, a total of 15 miles mainly at a gradient of 1 in 100. This will be a tough test for our locomotive which we shall see – and hear – working very hard!

We cross the spectacular Ribblehead Viaduct, high above the valley floor, and enter Blea Moor Tunnel. We pass the highest railway station in England at Dent, crossing over bridges and passing through tunnels amongst the Yorkshire Dales. There are magnificent views of the Pennine ‘Three Peaks’ of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough as we make the final climb to Ais Gill Summit. We travel above the valley at Mallerstang and descend to Kirkby Stephen and Appleby, where we stop for our locomotive to take on water. We pass through the Eden Valley and arrive in the Border City of Carlisle at around 12:50. There will be more than three hours in Carlisle, providing time to explore this ancient city.

Our train returns to Liverpool, steam hauled, via the steeply graded route over Shap summit on the WCML. We stop to set down passengers at Preston, Wigan, St. Helens, Broad Green and Liverpool Lime Street where we arrive around 20:25. Our train continues to Runcorn and Crewe diesel hauled.

The steam locomotives to be used on this day trip come from the following pool:No. 45305 ‘Black 5’ 4-6-0, built for the LMSR by Armstrong-Whitworth of Newcastle-on-Tyne in 1936, a ‘mixed traffic’ locomotive for use on passenger and freight trains. No. 46233 “Duchess of Sutherland” Princess Coronation Class ‘Pacific’ 4-6-2 built by the LMSR at Crewe in 1938, for use on express passenger trains, now in B.R. green livery. No. 60009 “Union of South Africa” A4 class ‘Pacific’ 4-6-2, built at Doncaster in 1937 by the London & North Eastern Railway (LNER), for use on express passenger trains.

This is a wonderful opportunity for passengers from Merseyside and Lancashire to travel by steam train over two of England’s most scenic railway routes. Our train travels north to Carlisle by the spectacular Settle & Carlisle Railway Line and returns via the West Coast Main Line over Shap. We have a pool of four magnificent steam locomotives for hauling these trains. Whichever one of this fine and venerable quartet is on our train, it promises to provide a memorable day out.

Saturday 26th July and Saturday 16th August 2014

Bob Green

Approximate Timings Outward Return Crewe 05:50 21:45Runcorn 06:25 21:05Liverpool Lime Street 07:05 20:25Broad Green 07:15 20:10St Helens Central 07:40 19:55Wigan North Western 08:00 19:40Preston ------- 19:10Blackburn 09:05 -------Carlisle 12:55 16:10









Premier £189 £135 £513

First £125 £79 £329

Standard £79 £48 £206

19UK Day Trips - The North Wales Coast Express

Our train leaves Liverpool Lime Street Station at around 10:00, diesel hauled, and climbs to Edge Hill, the world’s oldest passenger station still in use. We cross the River Mersey and stop at Runcorn, to pick up more passengers, before joining the West Coast Main Line (WCML) at Weaver Junction. We travel up the WCML to Crewe where we stop for more passengers. Here we change direction of travel and our diesel locomotive gives way to steam power. We steam out of Crewe and take the North Wales Line to Chester, our final stop for passengers.

On leaving Chester, we pass through the ancient city walls and cross the River Dee into Wales. We steam along beside the Dee Estuary with views across to the Wirral Peninsula. We pass through Prestatyn, Rhyl, and Colwyn Bay along the delightful Irish Sea coastline which is well known for its fine beaches. We stop at Llandudno Junction before taking the branch line to Llandudno. Here we stop to set down passengers wishing to spend time at this seaside resort.

We return to Llandudno Junction and continue along the North Wales Coast Line, crossing the unusual Conway railway bridge over the Conway Estuary. The railway line is very close to the Irish Sea as we pass through Penmaenmawr and Llanfairfechan, with magnificent sea views across to the Island of Anglesey. We stop at Bangor Station to set down those passengers who may wish to spend time visiting this historic city. Our train crosses the Britannia Bridge, over the Menai Strait, into Anglesey, and steams on to Holyhead.

Our train leaves Holyhead, steam hauled for the return journey, at around 16:30. It stops at Bangor, Llandudno and Llandudno Junction to pick up passengers who opted for these destinations. At Crewe, the steam locomotive gives way to diesel power for the remainder of the journey to Liverpool Lime Street. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey, to set down passengers.


The North Wales Coast Express is a special train that runs from Liverpool, Runcorn, Crewe and Chester to Holyhead on two summer Sundays. It provides an excellent opportunity for passengers from Merseyside and Cheshire to experience the excitement of travelling by steam train along the picturesque North Wales Coast railway line. Passengers have a choice of three destinations: the seaside town of Llandudno, the historic city of Bangor, or the port of Holyhead.

Sunday 27th July and Sunday 17th August 2014

Phil Jones

Approximate Timings Outward Return Liverpool Lime Street 09:55 22:15Runcorn 10:21 21:45Crewe 11:34 21:00Chester 12:10 20:30Llandudno Junction 13:13 19:22Llandudno 13:56 19:07Bangor 14:38 18:27Holyhead 15:18 17:45







The North Wales Coast Express


Premier £179 £131 £489

First £101 £60 £262

Standard £69 £41 £179

20UK Day Trips - The Welsh Mountaineer

Our steam train leaves Preston at 07:40 and heads up the West Coast Main Line to Warrington Bank Quay where we stop to pick up more passengers. We continue to Frodsham where further passengers may join the train and our steam locomotive takes on water. Chester is our final pick up point for passengers and as we leave, we pass through the ancient city walls and cross the River Dee into Wales.

We steam along beside the lovely Dee Estuary and then pass through Prestatyn and Rhyl, along the delightful Irish Sea coastline known for its beaches. After Colwyn Bay, we enjoy wonderful views of the Great Orme until we arrive at Llandudno Junction Station. We change direction of travel here, so our steam locomotive will ‘run round’ our train.

We set off for Blaenau Ffestiniog behind our steam locomotive, following the pretty Conwy Valley through Llanrwst, and entering the Snowdonia National Park before Betws-y-Coed. The next part of our journey is extra special; we enter the very heart of the Welsh mountains as our train climbs up to Blaenau Ffestiniog Tunnel. At over two miles long, this impressive piece of engineering is the longest single track tunnel in the country. We pass through the substantial waste heaps of an old slate quarry before arriving at Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Blaenau Ffestiniog Railway Station is the terminus of the Conwy Valley Line and also the narrow gauge Ffestiniog Railway. We stay for almost three hours in Blaenau Ffestiniog, a town known as the Victorian slate capital of the world. The industry declined so that only the Llechwedd Slate Caverns, a former slate mine, remain and as a tourist attraction open to visitors.

Our train leaves Blaenau Ffestiniog, steam hauled, at around 16:00 and returns to Llandudno Junction. After changing direction of travel we continue, still steam hauled, stopping at Chester, Frodsham, and Warrington Bank Quay to set down passengers. Our final calling point is Preston and so ends a memorable day out.

One of the two following steam locomotives will be used on this day trip:No. 45305 Black ‘5’ 4-6-0, built for the London Midland & Scottish Railway (LMSR) by Armstrong-Whitworth of Newcastle-on-Tyne in 1936, a ‘mixed traffic’ locomotive for use on passenger and freight trains. No. 61994 “The Great Marquess”, K4 class 2-6-0, built at Darlington Works in 1937 by the London & North Eastern Railway (LNER), a ‘mixed traffic’ locomotive for use on passenger and freight trains on the West Highland Line in Scotland.

These day trips provide a rare opportunity for passengers from Lancashire and Cheshire to travel by steam train to Blaenau Ffestiniog, in the heart of the spectacular Snowdonia National Park. The route is via Chester, providing connections from other parts of the country, and along the scenic North Wales Coast Line to Llandudno Junction then up the beautiful Conwy Valley to the mountains at Blaenau Ffestiniog. This is a journey that you will remember for a long time!

Tuesdays 29th July, 19th August and 2nd September 2014

Bob Green

Approximate Timings Outward Return Preston 07:40 21:10Warrington 08:30 20:25Frodsham 09:10 19:30Chester 10:05 19:10Llandudno Junction 11:55 17:30Blaenau Ffestiniog 13:15 16:00

There are two classes available:





The Welsh Mountaineer


First £129 £72 £330

Standard £89 £50 £228

21UK Day Trips - The North Wales Coast Express

Our steam hauled train leaves Crewe at around 09:35 and heads north towards Manchester. There are station stops at Wilmslow, Stockport, and Manchester Piccadilly to pick up more passengers. We then travel westwards through Eccles to Earlestown where we turn south to join the West Coast Main Line (WCML) at Winwick Junction. There is a further stop for passengers at Warrington Bank Quay before we take the route through Frodsham to Chester, our final stop for passengers.

On leaving Chester, we pass through the ancient city walls and cross the River Dee into Wales. We steam along beside the Dee Estuary with views across to the Wirral Peninsula. We pass through Prestatyn, Rhyl, and Colwyn Bay, along the delightful Irish Sea coastline which is well known for its fine beaches. We stop at Llandudno Junction where passengers wishing to spend time at the seaside resort of Llandudno change trains and join a service train for the short onward journey to Llandudno.

We continue along the North Wales Coast Line, crossing the unusual Conway railway bridge over the Conway Estuary. The railway line is very close to the Irish Sea as we pass through Penmaenmawr and Llanfairfechan, with magnificent sea views across to the Island of Anglesey. We stop at Bangor Station to set down passengers who may wish to spend time visiting this historic city. Our train crosses the Britannia Bridge, over the Menai Strait, into Anglesey, and steams on to Holyhead.

Our train leaves Holyhead, steam hauled for the return journey, at around 18:00. It stops at Bangor and Llandudno Junction (for Llandudno), to pick up passengers who opted for these destinations. It follows the same route as on the outward journey, stopping at the same stations to set down passengers.

The steam locomotives to be used on this day trip come from the following pool:No. 45305 ‘Black 5’ 4-6-0, built for the LMSR by Armstrong-Whitworth of Newcastle-on-Tyne in 1936, a ‘mixed traffic’ locomotive for use on passenger and freight trains. No. 60009 “Union of South Africa” A4 class ‘Pacific’ 4-6-2, built at Doncaster in 1937 by the London & North Eastern Railway (LNER) for use on express passenger trains. No. 45690 “Leander”, Jubilee class 4-6-0, built at Crewe Works in 1936 by the London Midland & Scottish Railway (LMSR), for use on express passenger trains.

The North Wales Coast Express provides an excellent opportunity for passengers from the Manchester area and Cheshire to experience the excitement of travelling by steam train along the picturesque North Wales Coast railway line. Passengers have a choice of visiting the seaside town of Llandudno, the historic city of Bangor, or the port of Holyhead. The train will be steam hauled throughout by a powerful ‘Pacific’ steam locomotive.

Sundays 3rd, 10th August and 7th September 2014

Bob Green

Approximate Timings Outward Return Crewe 09:35 23:25 Wilmslow 10:00 22:55 Stockport 10:15 22:40 Manchester Piccadilly 10:30 22:30 Warrington Bank Quay 11:15 21:45Chester 12:40 20:40 Llandudno Junction 13:40 19:45 Llandudno Town* 14:15 18:55 Bangor 14:35 18:45 Holyhead 15:15 18:00*Passengers travel by service train from/to Llandudno Junction.







The North Wales Coast Express


Premier £179 £135 £493

First £106 £64 £276

Standard £69 £41 £179


Our steam train leaves Crewe at around 06:00 and calls at Wilmslow, Stockport, Manchester Victoria, and Bolton, to pick up passengers. At Blackburn, passengers who have travelled by service train from Preston join the train. We pass through Clitheroe and then stop at Hellifield for our steam locomotive to take on water. We join the Settle & Carlisle Railway Line at Settle Junction and then begin one of Britain’s most arduous climbs, a total of 15 miles mainly at a gradient of 1 in 100. This will be a tough test for our locomotive which we shall see – and hear – working very hard!

We cross the spectacular Ribblehead Viaduct, high above the valley floor, and enter Blea Moor Tunnel. We pass the highest railway station in England at Dent, crossing over bridges and passing through tunnels amongst the Yorkshire Dales. There are magnificent views of the Pennine ‘Three Peaks’ of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough as we make the final climb to Ais Gill Summit. We travel above the valley at Mallerstang and descend to Kirkby Stephen and Appleby, where we stop for our locomotive to take on water. We pass through the Eden Valley and arrive in the Border City of Carlisle at around 12:50. There will be more than three hours in Carlisle, providing time to explore the ancient ‘Border City’ with its castle, cathedral, Tullie House Museum, and Lanes Shopping Centre.

Our train leaves Carlisle soon after 16:00 hauled by our steam locomotive for the return journey to Crewe. We take the West Coast Main Line (WCML) passing through Penrith, as we skirt the Lake District, and climbing almost continuously to Shap Summit (916 feet). We descend to Tebay, and then pass through the picturesque Lune Gorge en route to Oxenholme Lake District and Carnforth. We stop at Preston to set down passengers and shortly afterwards leave the WCML to continue our journey to Crewe via Manchester. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers.


This is a wonderful opportunity for those from the Crewe and Manchester areas to travel by steam train over two of England’s most scenic railway routes. We travel north to Carlisle via the spectacular Settle & Carlisle Railway Line and return by the West Coast Main Line over Shap. We have a pool of four magnificent steam locomotives for hauling these trains. Whichever one of this fine and venerable quartet is on our train, it promises to provide a memorable day out.

Saturdays 30th August, 6th and 13th September 2014

Bob Green

Approximate Timings Outward Return Crewe 06:05 22:10Wilmslow 06:35 21:40Stockport 06:50 21:25Manchester Victoria 07:50 20:15Bolton 08:10 19:50Blackburn 09:30 -------Preston* ------- 19:15Carlisle 12:55 16:10*Passengers from Preston travel by service train to Blackburn to join the train.









Premier £199 £139 £537

First £129 £75 £333

Standard £79 £49 £207

23UK Day Trips - The Pembroke Coast Express

The “Pembroke Coast Express” leaves Bristol Temple Meads at around 08:15 hauled by Castle class steam locomotive No. 5029 “Nunney Castle”. It heads west through the Severn Tunnel calling to pick up further passengers at Newport and Cardiff before continuing into West Wales. We pass through Bridgend and Port Talbot and at Briton Ferry, we take the Swansea District Line to Llangennech. From Llanelli we run by the sea wall most of the way to Carmarthen where our steam locomotive will be serviced. There will be around one hour to visit the oldest town in Wales which is linked to the railway station on the other side of the River Towy by a cable stay bridge.

Our train will be diesel-hauled when we leave Carmarthen for Whitland, where we join the scenic branch line to Pembroke Dock. We pass through Kilgetty and Saundersfoot before stopping at Tenby to set down passengers who may wish to spend time at this attractive seaside resort. There will be almost two and a half hours to visit the walled town which is famous for its sandy beaches and its nearby offshore monastic Caldey Island. Our train continues through Penally, with fine views over the Irish Sea, to Pembroke Dock.

We leave Pembroke Dock hauled by our steam locomotive No. 5029 “Nunney Castle” and return to Tenby to pick up passengers who left the train there. We continue to Whitland where we join the main line from Fishguard Harbour. We avoid the terminus station at Carmarthen by taking the south curve. We pass through Kidwelly and Llanelli before the steep ascent of Cockett Bank – a 1 in 50 gradient. Our train avoids the terminus station at Swansea High Street and passes through Neath to join the main line at Briton Ferry. There should be some fast running en route to Cardiff, our first set down stop. We stop at Newport to set down further passengers before continuing through the Severn Tunnel and onwards to Bristol, our journey’s end.

This is a rare opportunity to travel by steam train over the scenic branch line from Whitland through Tenby to Pembroke Dock. The “Pembroke Coast Express” recalls the 1950’s days of named steam trains on the former Western Region of British Railways. The train ran from London Paddington through South Wales to the Pembroke Coast. We recreate this train hauled by ex-Great Western Railway Castle class steam locomotive No. 5029 “Nunney Castle”.

Sunday 31st August 2014

Bob Green

Approximate Timings Outward Return Bristol Temple Meads 08:15 20:56Newport 09:00 20:09Cardiff 09:21 19:50Carmarthen (Arrive) 11:57 -------Carmarthen (Depart) 13:15 -------Tenby 13:57 16:30Pembroke Dock 14:26 14:48







The Pembroke Coast Express


Premier £189 £129 £507

First £129 £72 £330

Standard £92 £45 £229

24


Premier £199 £150 £548

First £135 £78 £348

Standard £79 £48 £206

UK Day Trips - The Cheshireman

The Cheshireman

“The Cheshireman” will leave London Euston at around 09:30 hauled by a Britannia class steam locomotive; either No. 70013 “Oliver Cromwell” or No. 70000 “Britannia”. Immediately on departure, we shall hear our locomotive working hard on the climb up Camden Bank. We stop to pick up more passengers at Watford Junction and then continue through Watford Tunnel into rural Hertfordshire. We stop to pick up further passengers at the 1960’s ‘new town’ of Milton Keynes. At Hanslope Junction, we leave the West Coast Main Line (WCML) and take the Northampton loop line where we stop again for passengers.

We continue northwards and pass the Daventry Railfreight Terminal (DIRFT) before rejoining the WCML at Rugby, the birthplace of rugby football and the jet engine. We then follow the Trent Valley Line to Nuneaton, our final stop to pick up passengers. We pass through Lichfield, notable for its three-spired medieval cathedral, and soon after Rugeley is Shugborough Tunnel. This has ornamental grand entrances, the result of conditions required by the Earl of Lichfield for building the line across his estate. We continue northwards through Stafford to the famous railway junction town of Crewe where we take the North Wales Coast Line to Chester.

There will be around three hours to explore the Roman city of Chester, one of the most visited places in the UK. Chester lies on the River Dee, close to the border with Wales, and is one of the best preserved walled cities in Britain. The city contains a number of medieval buildings and is famous for its 14th Century ‘Rows’, the first floor level galleried walkways connecting shops and cafes. Other places of interest include the Castle, the Cathedral, and the picturesque racecourse which is located between the city walls and the River Dee.

Our special train, hauled by our steam locomotive, leaves Chester for the return journey at around 17:00. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey, to set down passengers.

This tour offers a unique opportunity to travel by ‘heritage’ train to the historic city of Chester. The train will be hauled for the return journey between London Euston and Chester by a Britannia class ‘Pacific’ steam locomotive. “The Cheshireman” recalls the days of over 50 years ago when named express trains were hauled by these steam locomotives. We can expect some spirited running down the West Coast Main Line to Crewe. Be sure to book early to join us on this historic occasion.

Saturday 20th September 2014

Bob Green

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Euston 09:30 20:25Watford Junction 09:55 20:00Milton Keynes 10:30 19:30Northampton 11:00 19:00Nuneaton 12:00 18:00Chester 13:55 16:55







25


Premier £199 £150 £548

First £135 £78 £348

Standard £79 £48 £206

UK Day Trips - The Dartmouth Express

Our train starts from Redhill in Surrey and will be diesel hauled from there to Westbury in Wiltshire. We make stops to pick up more passengers at Dorking Deepdene, Guildford and Reading. The route follows the River Kennet through the Berkshire countryside to further stops at Newbury and Hungerford for passengers to join the train. The line then runs beside the Kennet and Avon Canal for some distance before we make our final stop for passengers at Westbury. Here we change motive power and one of the following three steam locomotives will take over the train: ex-British Railways Britannia class ‘Pacific’ No. 70000 “Britannia”; ex-Great Western Railway (GWR) Castle class No. 5029 “Nunney Castle”; or ex-Southern Railway (SR) West Country class No. 34046 “Braunton”.

We leave Westbury and cross from Wiltshire into Somerset. We shall soon be speeding along through the Somerset countryside and across the Somerset Levels to Taunton, where we make a brief stop for our steam locomotive to take on water. Our steam locomotive will be working hard as we climb to Whiteball Summit on the Somerset and Devon border before descending through the Culm Valley to Exeter. We then follow the Exe Estuary, passing the picturesque Cockwood Harbour, and run along the famous sea wall from Dawlish to Teignmouth. This is one of the most famous and scenic stretches of railway line in Britain which gained international prominence when part of it was washed away in the 2014 storms.

After Newton Abbot we leave the main line to Plymouth and take the Kingswear branch line to Torbay. We pass through the famous holiday resort of Torquay and stop at Paignton where passengers, who wish to spend the time there, may alight. We then join the Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway and our steam locomotive faces a stiff challenge as it climbs the steep gradient of 1 in 60 up to the summit of this line at Churston. The line then drops down to the River Dart and the terminus at Kingswear.

The Dartmouth Express fare includes a return journey on the ferry across the River Dart to the picture-postcard town of Dartmouth. There will be ample time to explore this historic port town, set on the banks of the tidal River Dart. It has a castle; a railway station where no railway has ever run, now a restaurant; and winding narrow streets with good bistros and specialist shops.

We leave Kingswear, steam hauled, for the journey back to Westbury Station. From there the train will be diesel hauled to Redhill. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey, to set down passengers.

The Dartmouth Express offers an exceptional day out travelling by train from stations in Surrey and Berkshire to Kingswear in South Devon. We travel along the famous ‘sea wall’ from Dawlish to Teignmouth and over the ‘Heritage’ Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway. Train fares include a return ferry crossing to the picturesque town of Dartmouth. The special train will be hauled from Westbury to Kingswear and back by a powerful steam locomotive.

Tuesday 23rd September 2014

Bob Green

Approximate Timings Outward Return Redhill 07:10 23:40Dorking 07:25 23:25Guildford 07:50 23:00Reading 09:00 22:20Newbury 09:20 21:50Hungerford 09:35 21:35Westbury 10:20 20:35Paignton 13:30 17:25Kingswear 14:10 16:45







The Dartmouth Express


Premier £209 £129 £547

First £135 £75 £345

Standard £89 £55 £233

26UK Day Trips - The Tynesider

The Tynesider

Our train leaves Cleethorpes at around 07:30 hauled by one of two steam locomotives, either ex-LMSR Jubilee class No. 5690 “Leander” or ex-LNER B1 class No. 61264. It stops at Grimsby, Barnetby and Scunthorpe, to pick up more passengers. At Stainforth Junction we take the direct Wakefield line avoiding Doncaster, normally used only by freight trains, to Applehurst Junction. Here our train branches off to the right to join the East Coast Main Line (ECML) at Joan Croft Junction. Soon we shall arrive in York, where there will be a half hour break for our steam locomotive to take on water.

We continue steam-hauled northwards from York across the Plain of York where we can expect some fast running, especially through Thirsk and Northallerton. We pass through Darlington and Durham, famous for its Norman Cathedral, en route to Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Here passengers may choose to alight and spend time visiting the city. It is famous for a series of dramatic bridges over the River Tyne and its Quayside along the banks of the river. Other well known attractions include the Tyne & Wear Metro, Eldon Square Shopping Centre, Grainger Market, and the largest indoor shopping centre in Europe, the MetroCentre, located nearby in Gateshead.

Our train continues, steam hauled, travelling north from Newcastle Central to Benton Junction. Here we leave the ECML and take the Blyth and Tyne Railway route which was chiefly constructed to link collieries in the area to the River Tyne. This is now a ‘freight only’ railway line which parallels the Tyne & Wear Metro route to Northunberland Park and then runs northwards through Newsham to Bedlington. At Bedlington North Junction we branch left and head for Morpeth where we stop for our steam locomotive to take on water. We return to Newcastle-upon-Tyne via the ECML.

We stop at Newcastle Central Station, to pick up those passengers who chose to visit the city, before setting off across the River Tyne on the King Edward VII Bridge. We return south, steam hauled, up the ECML to York. Here a diesel locomotive takes over the train for the remainder of the journey back to Cleethorpes. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers.

This excursion provides a rare opportunity to travel by special train from the North Lincolnshire area to Tyneside. The route is via the East Coast Main Line through York. Passengers have the option of spending time in Newcastle-upon-Tyne or staying on the train to travel over the Blythe & Tyne Railway line to Morpeth, a route no longer used by passenger services. Our train will be steam hauled from Cleethorpes to Newcastle and Morpeth and then back to York.

Saturday 27th September 2014

Approximate Timings Outward Return Cleethorpes 07:30 21:45Grimsby 07:40 21:30Barnetby 08:00 20:50Scunthorpe 08:20 20:30Newcastle 12:30 16:50Morpeth 13:40 16:30








Premier £185 £145 £515

First £125 £90 £340

Standard £80 £60 £220

R. Smith

27


Premier £199 £129 £527

First £135 £75 £345

Standard £79 £39 £197

UK Day Trips - The Cumbrian Mountain Express


We leave London Euston at around 07:00 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. Here we change motive power and Royal Scot class steam locomotive No. 46115 “Scots Guardsman” will take over our train.

We continue north along the WCML to Preston, our final stop to pick passengers. We pass through Lancaster and Carnforth before beginning to 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 an hour and a half in Carlisle, providing time to explore this ancient city.

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 high 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, Clitheroe and Blackburn, where passengers for Preston leave the train. We join the WCML at Farington Junction and pass though Wigan and Warrington en route to Crewe, where we say goodbye to our steam locomotive. Our blue class 86 electric locomotive takes over the train for a fast run to London. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers.

With these trains we expect to recreate the early days of steam rail tours in the 1980’s when travelling over the Settle & Carlisle Railway was “the icing on the cake” in the main line ‘steam’ calendar. We have a high speed journey down the West Coast Main Line to Crewe 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 from Crewe to London behind our blue electric locomotive.

Saturday 4th October 2014

Bob Green

Approximate Timings Outward ReturnLondon Euston 07:10 22:20Watford Junction 07:30 21:50Milton Keynes 08:00 21:15Northampton* 07:40 21:15Rugby 08:25 20:38Nuneaton 08:45 20:20Crewe 09:45 19:15Blackburn ------- 18:20Preston† 10:30 -------Carlisle 12:40 14:30*Northampton passengers travel to and from Rugby by service train.†Passengers for Preston return by service train from Blackburn on the return journey.


Premier Dining includes full English breakfast, light lunch and a four course dinner silver served at your seat.First Class includes morning coffee with a Danish pastry and afternoon tea with scones, jam and cream, along with a selection of finger sandwiches.Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.

Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £22 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

28


Premier £199 £142 £540

First £129 £72 £330

Standard £89 £51 £229

UK Day Trips - The Hadrian

The Hadrian

Our train leaves Leicester, diesel hauled, at around 06:30 and stops to pick up more passengers at Loughborough, East Midlands Parkway, Alfreton, and Sheffield. We continue through Leeds and Skipton to Hellifield where our steam locomotive replaces the diesel locomotive on our train. Between Hellifield and Carlisle there is scarcely a level mile but our powerful steam locomotive will negotiate the 78 miles of “ups and downs” in truly classic style. Settle Junction marks the beginning of one of Britain’s most arduous climbs, a total of 15 miles mainly at a gradient of 1 in 100. This will be a tough test for our locomotive which we will see – and hear – working very hard!

We cross the breathtaking Ribblehead Viaduct, high above the valley floor, and enter Blea Moor Tunnel. The route runs high above valleys, over bridges and through more tunnels to Dent, the highest station in England. We make the final climb to Ais Gill Summit, all 1,169 feet of it, the dramatic peak of our journey! We travel high above the valley at Mallerstang and then drop down through Kirkby Stephen to Appleby, where our steam locomotive takes on water. We enjoy a fast run downhill from Appleby along the Eden Valley to Carlisle, where we arrive at around 13:00. There will be plenty of time to explore the ‘Border’ city with its many attractions which include the castle, cathedral, Tullie House Museum, the pedestrianised English Street, and Lanes Shopping Centre.

We leave Carlisle at around 16:00 and take the scenic Tyne Valley Line towards Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The Newcastle & Carlisle Railway opened this line in 1838 and it runs eastwards following the River Tyne just a few miles south of Hadrian’s Wall. We pass through Wylam, the birthplace of railway engineer George Stephenson, before we join the East Coast Main Line at Low Fell. We can expect some fast running as we head south through Durham and Darlington to York. A diesel locomotive replaces our steam locomotive at York for the remainder of the journey to Sheffield, Alfreton, East Midlands Parkway, Loughborough and Leicester.

Breathtaking landscape and nostalgic steam locomotive haulage combine in one of our most exciting and varied tours by special train. Our train will be hauled from Hellifield to York via Carlisle by either 46115 “Scots Guardsman” or 45690 “Leander”. Passengers will experience the magnificent and world famous Settle to Carlisle Railway, travel on the 175-year old Tyne Valley Line, and speed along the East Coast Main Line. It is all here for a thrilling day’s excursion.


Derek Phillips

Approximate Timings Outward ReturnLeicester 06:30 22:30Loughborough 07:00 22:15East Midlands Parkway 07:15 22:00Alfreton 07:40 21:20Sheffield 08:30 20:30Carlisle 13:00 16:00







29UK Day Trips - The Easterling

The Easterling

Our steam train will depart from London King’s Cross Station at around 09:00 and immediately begin climbing through tunnels and cuttings as it makes its way down the East Coast Main Line (ECML). There are stops at Potters Bar and Stevenage for more passengers to join the train. At Hatfield we leave the ECML and head for Cambridge, our final stop for passengers. We continue north to Ely and then take the Breckland Line through Thetford to Norwich. The Breckland area is of considerable interest for its unusual flora and fauna, and is characterised by gorse-covered sandy heath land and Scots Pine trees.

We arrive at Norwich around mid-day and our steam locomotive ‘runs round’ our train as we change direction of travel here. We continue our steam hauled journey taking one of the ‘Wherry Lines’ from Norwich to Lowestoft. The Norfolk Wherry is a type of boat that was widely used in the area. Lowestoft is the most easterly town in the UK and terminus for the East Suffolk Line (ESL). Our train stops here for well over an hour giving passengers time to explore the town and harbour, once a bustling fishing port.

Our return journey is along the 49 mile-long scenic ESL through Beccles, Saxmundham and Woodbridge, famous for having the only working Tide Mill in the UK, dating from 1793. Westerfield Junction is where the branch line from Felixstowe joins the ESL; the branch is heavily used by freight trains to and from Felixstowe Docks. Approaching Ipswich, we take the newly built “Bacon Factory Chord” to join the Great Eastern Main Line (GEML) going northwards from London Liverpool Street to Norwich.

We continue northwards to Stowmarket and leave the GEML at Haughley Junction. We pass through Bury St. Edmunds Station, with its distinctive pair of towers. At Snailwell Junction we take the line for Newmarket and Cambridge, where we stop to set down passengers. We make further stops to set down passengers at Stevenage and Potters Bar before journeys end at London King’s Cross.

Join us on a journey by steam train to rural Norfolk and Suffolk, a scenic area of undulating farmland, market towns, picturesque villages and waterways. The Easterling recalls the days of an express train that ran from London to Yarmouth and Lowestoft taking Londoners to the Norfolk Broads and the famous East Anglian seaside resorts. The train will be hauled by the former British Railways Britannia class ‘Pacific’ steam locomotive No. 70000 “Britannia” or the ex-LNER B1 class 4-6-0 No. 61264.

Sunday 12th October 2014

Approximate Timings Outward Return London King’s Cross 09:00 21:00Potters Bar 09:20 20:40Stevenage 09:45 20:20Cambridge 10:30 19:30Norwich 12:00 12:30Lowestoft 13:00 14:45








Premier £199 £145 £543

First £139 £75 £353

Standard £95 £65 £255

Bob Green

30UK Day Trips - The Dartmouth Express

Our train leaves Poole at around 06:15 and will be diesel hauled from there to Westbury. We stop to pick up more passengers at Bournemouth, Southampton, Eastleigh, Salisbury, and Westbury. Here we change motive power and one of the following three steam locomotives will take over the train: ex-British Railways Britannia class ‘Pacific’ No. 70000 “Britannia”; ex-Southern Railway (SR) ‘Battle of Britain’ class No. 34067 “Tangmere”; ex-SR ‘Merchant Navy’ class No. 35018 “British India Line”.

We shall soon be speeding along through the Somerset countryside and across the Somerset Levels to Taunton, where we make a brief stop for our steam locomotive to take on water. Our steam locomotive will be working hard as we climb to Whiteball Summit on the Somerset and Devon border. We continue through Exeter and follow the Exe Estuary, passing the picturesque Cockwood Harbour. We come to one of Britain’s most scenic stretches of railway when we run along the famous sea wall from Dawlish to Teignmouth. We race through tunnels and rock cuttings right on the edge of the sea, a truly wonderful experience.

After Newton Abbot we leave the main line to Plymouth and take the Kingswear Branch line to Torbay. We pass through the famous holiday resorts of Torquay and Paignton and then join the Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway. Our steam locomotive faces a stiff challenge as it climbs the steep gradient of 1 in 60 up to the summit of this line at Churston. The line then drops down to the River Dart and the terminus at Kingswear.

The Dartmouth Express fare includes a return journey on the ferry across the River Dart to the picture-postcard town of Dartmouth. There will be ample time to explore this historic port town, set on the banks of the tidal River Dart. It has a castle; a railway station where no railway has ever run, now a restaurant; and winding narrow streets with good bistros and specialist shops.

We leave Kingswear at around 17:30, steam hauled, for the journey back to Westbury Station. From there the train will be diesel hauled to Poole. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey, to set down passengers.

The Dartmouth Express provides an opportunity for a very special day out travelling by train from stations in Dorset and Hampshire to Dartmouth in beautiful South Devon. The special train will be hauled from Westbury to Kingswear and back by a powerful ‘Pacific’ type steam locomotive. We travel over the ‘Heritage’ Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway and have an optional 90 minute cruise available from Kingswear aboard the magnificent Paddle Steamer “Kingswear Castle”.


Bob Green

Approximate Timings Outward Return Poole 06:15 23:55Bournemouth 06:25 23:40Southampton 07:10 23:00Eastleigh 07:25 22:45Salisbury 08:15 22:00Westbury 08:45 21:20Kingswear 13:05 17:30









Premier £209 £129 £547

First £122 £65 £309

Standard £89 £45 £223

31UK Day Trips - The Jubilee Requiem

The Jubilee Requiem

We leave London King’s Cross at around 07.45 and immediately our steam locomotive will be working hard as it climbs through Gasworks and Copenhagen tunnels and up Holloway Bank to Finsbury Park. We pass through Hadley Wood tunnels, Potters Bar, and Welwyn before stopping at Stevenage for more passengers. We continue north down the East Coast Main Line (ECML) passing through Hitchin, Sandy, St. Neots and Huntingdon before a stop at Peterborough to pick up passengers and for our steam locomotive to take on water.

Soon after we leave Peterborough we begin the climb to Stoke Summit. It was descending from here in the ‘up’ direction that fellow class member “Mallard” made its famous run on the 3rd July 1938. It reached a staggering 126 m.p.h., the world speed record for steam traction that still stands unbeaten today. We descend from Stoke Summit, passing through Grantham and continuing northwards through Newark, Retford and Doncaster. Doncaster Railway Works, adjacent to the station, was always referred to as “The Plant”, and it was here that the 35 A4’s were built between 1935 and 1938. They were designed by Sir Nigel Gresley specifically to haul express passenger trains on the ECML.

We shall soon arrive in York where we stop for our steam locomotive to take on water. We then continue northwards and should soon be speeding along at 75 m.p.h. on the famous East Coast racing stretch through Thirsk and Northallerton. We pass through Darlington, the birthplace of the historic Stockton and Darlington Railway, and Durham, dominated by its elevated cathedral. We continue to Newcastle-upon-Tyne where we stop for almost two hours – time enough to ride on the Tyne & Wear Metro, visit the Quayside or Eldon Square shopping centre.

We leave Newcastle-upon-Tyne Central, steam hauled by No. 60009 “Union of South Africa”, and immediately cross the River Tyne on the King Edward VII Bridge. We continue to York where our steam locomotive will be replaced by class 55 ‘Deltic’ diesel locomotive No. 55002 “Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry” for the onward journey to London King’s Cross. This class of diesel locomotives replaced the A4’s on ECML express trains in the early 1960’s. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey, to set down passengers, arriving in London King’s Cross at the end of a unforgettable anniversary outing.

This unique rail tour celebrates the 50th anniversary of the original on 24th October 1964. The Jubilee Requiem was a return trip over the East Coast Main Line between London King’s Cross and Newcastle. It ran in recognition of the demise in normal service over this route of the A4 class ‘Pacific’ steam locomotives. We replicate that trip with the same locomotive, No. 60009 “Union of South Africa”. Relive the glory days of steam and join us for a memorable day.


Bob Green

Approximate Timings Outward Return London King’s Cross 07:45 21:55Stevenage 08:25 21:15Peterborough 09:40 20:30York 12:55 18:00Newcastle 14:35 16:30








Premier £220 £147 £587

First £149 £83 £381

Standard £95 £69 £259

32UK Day Trips - The Tin Bath

Our train leaves Preston ‘double-headed’ by two former London Midland & Scottish Railway (LMS) ‘Black 5’s’ No. 45407 and 44871. We head south up the West Coast Main Line (WCML) to Wigan where we stop for more passengers. We then travel eastwards to Manchester Victoria and a further stop for passengers. We climb Miles Platting Bank and pass through Denton, once famed for its hat making, en route to Stockport. We then take the Hazel Grove Chord, built by British Rail in 1986 to link two routes and shorten journey times between Manchester and Sheffield.

We follow the former Midland Railway route across the Peak District and pass through the beautiful Vale of Edale. We pass through Hathersage, a charming village associated with Robin Hood and the Eyre family of Bronte fame. We continue through the 3.5 mile long Totley Tunnel, first opened in 1892, before arrival at Sheffield.

On leaving Sheffield we head northwards to Wincobank Junction, adjacent to the famous Meadowhall Shopping Centre, where we join the Barnsley Line. It is a long climb from here up to Chapeltown, Wombwell and Barnsley. But it doesn’t end there! From Barnsley we take a single track line that climbs steeply at gradients of 1 in 50 and 1 in 57 up to Dodworth, where the gradient eases to 1 in 100. Soon afterwards we approach the former junction at Penistone where we steam over the magnificent 29-arch viaduct (bigger than Ribblehead!) before entering Penistone Station.

We continue past Denby Dale (famous for its huge meat pies!) and the junction for the Kirklees Railway. We shall probably stop at Stocksmoor whilst a service train passes in the opposite direction. We descend to Huddersfield crossing many fine bridges and viaducts on the way, including the listed 32-arch Lockwood Viaduct. We continue to Brighouse where we pause for our steam locomotives to take on water. We then head for Hall Royd Junction where we take the steeply graded line to Copy Pit before descending through Burnley to Blackburn. We pass through Darwen on the climb up to Sough Tunnel, drop down to Bolton, and head back to Manchester Victoria. A diesel locomotive will then take the train back to Wigan and Preston, where we expect to arrive at around 19:30.

Who can forget Compo, Clegg and Foggy rolling down a Yorkshire hillside in a tin bath for the long-running TV series “Last of the Summer Wine”? In honour of this immortal moment in one of the great TV comedies we have named this tour “The Tin Bath”. Our train takes in the railways of the South Pennines and the Peak District encompassing Derbyshire, Lancashire and South Yorkshire and visiting some routes rarely used by steam trains along the way.

Sunday 2nd November 2014

Bob Green

Approximate Timings Outward Return Preston 09:00 20:30Wigan 09:20 20:00Manchester Victoria 10:20 18:25Sheffield 12:45 13:25


Premier Dining includes Buck’s Fizz, morning tea or coffee served with a Danish pastry and a four course lunch silver served at your seat.





The Tin Bath


Premier £155 £99 £409

First £105 £60 £270

Standard £69 £40 £178

33UK Day Trips - The Robin Hood

The Robin Hood

Our special train leaves London St. Pancras at around 09:00 and heads north-westwards down the Midland Main Line (MML). We pass through Kentish Town, Cricklewood, Hendon and Radlett en route to St. Albans where we stop to pick up more passengers. The route north continues through Harpenden, Luton and Bedford. We climb to Sharnbrook Summit before Wellingborough and stop at Kettering for our locomotive to take on water.

We take the ex-Midland Railway main line for Nottingham when we leave Kettering, passing through the former steel making town of Corby. We climb up to the magnificent 82 arch Harringworth Viaduct, at 1,275 yards (1.166 km) long it is the longest masonry viaduct in Britain. We then face a stiff climb up to Wing Tunnel, run downhill to Manton Junction, and pass through Oakham, the county town of Rutland, England’s smallest county. We stop at Melton Mowbray, famous for its pork pies, for our steam locomotive to take on water.

We rejoin the MML at Syston North Junction, head northwards through Loughborough and at Trent Junction take the line to Nottingham. The station’s Grade II listed buildings have recently been refurbished and redevelopment has included the construction of a bridge to carry Nottingham trams over the station on the alignment of the ex-Great Central Railway route. We take the ex-Midland Railway route to Lincoln, crossing the East Coast Main Line (ECML) on a level crossing soon after Newark Castle Station. There will be a break of almost three hours in Lincoln providing ample time to explore the city and discover the cathedral, the castle, the Museum of Lincolnshire Life, and the variety of interesting shops.

Our train leaves Lincoln at around 16:30 and returns along the Nottingham line to Newark. Here we join the ECML and pass through Newark Northgate Station. We head south up the ECML to Grantham, climb to Stoke Summit, and descend to Peterborough. We continue through Huntingdon and Hitchin to our destination at London King’s Cross Station.

Join us on the first public steam train to depart from London St. Pancras Station since the redeveloped terminus was reopened in 2007. Hauled by ex-LMSR Royal Scot class steam locomotive No. 46115 ”Scots Guardsman” our special train recalls the nostalgic days of the 1950’s when a steam train called “The Robin Hood” ran between London St. Pancras and Nottingham. We travel outward to Nottingham and Lincoln then return by a different route to London King’s Cross Station.

Sunday 9th November 2014

Bob Green

Approximate Timings Outward Return London St. Pancras 09:00 -------London King’s Cross ------- 20:30St. Albans* 09:40 -------Lincoln 13:45 16:30*Passengers from St Albans return by service train from St. Pancras Station.








Premier £225 £174 £624

First £150 £90 £390

Standard £110 £70 £290

34UK Day Trips - The Christmas Cheshireman

We leave Bristol Temple Meads at around 08:00 hauled by an ex-Southern Railway ‘Pacific’ steam locomotive, either Battle of Britain class No. 34067 “Tangmere” or Merchant Navy class No. 35018 “British India Line”. Our steam locomotive will be working hard as we climb to Filton Abbey Wood, where we stop to pick up more passengers. We then head westwards along the South Wales Main Line, passing through the Severn Tunnel under the River Severn, and continuing to the outskirts of Newport. Here we turn northwards, crossing the River Usk, and join the Welsh Marches route.

We stop at Cwmbran and Abergavenny for more passengers to join the train before we begin the challenging climb of the Llavihangel bank. Our steam locomotive will be in full cry all the way to the summit! We pass many sites where there were once railway stations along this route and the longest section without a station today is between Abergavenny and Hereford, where we stop for our steam locomotive to take on water. There is some truly beautiful scenery as we travel through Herefordshire and into Shropshire passing towns such as Leominster, Ludlow, Craven Arms and Church Stretton.

We continue to Shrewsbury where the ‘listed’ Severn Bridge Junction Signal Box is the largest remaining mechanical signal box in the world. We take the Chester Line from Shrewsbury and stop at Chirk for our steam locomotive to take on water. We pass through Ruabon and Wrexham before arriving at our destination, the beautiful Roman City of Chester. There will be over three hours to explore the walled city which contains a number of medieval buildings and is famous for its 14th Century ‘Rows’, the first floor level galleried walkways connecting shops and cafes. Other places of interest include the Castle, the Cathedral, and the picturesque racecourse, located between the city walls and the River Dee, where ‘Winter Wonderland’ will be in full swing.

Whilst we have been exploring the city, our steam locomotive will have been serviced and turned at Chester ready for the return journey. Our train leaves Chester at around 17:00 returning by the same route and stopping at the same stations as on the outward journey, to set down passengers.

Look out for Father Christmas and his Elves who will be visiting the train during the day and handing out presents to all children on board. Please let us know your child’s age when booking.

Join us on this interesting trip by vintage steam train to the historic city of Chester, an unusual destination from Bristol. We travel via the Severn Tunnel, the South Wales Main Line, the scenic Welsh Marches route, and the Shrewsbury to Chester line. There will be over three hours in Chester where Christmas festivities should be in full swing. Our train will be hauled throughout by an ex-Southern Railway ‘Pacific’ steam locomotive, either No. 34067 “Tangmere” or No. 35018 “British India Line”.

Saturday 22nd November 2014

Bob Green

Approximate Timings Outward Return Bristol Temple Meads 08:00 22:15Filton Abbey Wood 08:10 22:05Cwmbran 08:55 21:20Abergavenny 09:15 21:00Chester 13:15 17:00







The Christmas Cheshireman


Premier £205 £150 £560

First £135 £70 £340

Standard £85 £45 £215

35UK Day Trips - The Bath Christmas Market

We leave Poole at around 08:00 hauled by a former Southern Railway steam locomotive, either ‘Battle of Britain’ class No. 34067 “Tangmere” or ‘Merchant Navy’ class No. 35018 “British India Line”. Our steam locomotive will be working hard, in a truly characteristic manner, as our train climbs Parkstone Bank. We stop to pick up further passengers at Bournemouth, Brockenhurst and Southampton.

We follow the main line towards London as far as Eastleigh where we take the single-track line to Romsey. Here we join the Southampton to Salisbury direct line and then travel up the valley of the River Test. We stop at Salisbury, for the loco to take on water, and then continue along the ‘South West’ main line to Wilton. Here we turn northwards and cross the edge of Salisbury Plain en route to Warminster. We descend steeply to Westbury, with its famous hillside white horse, and then follow the scenic Avon Valley.

We shall soon catch sight of the Georgian city of Bath as we approach the well-kept Bath Spa Station which is close to the city centre. The afternoon is free to explore the city which has gained a reputation not only for its famous Christmas Market but also for its quality independents and favourite high street stores. The Market is centrally located and has over 150 traditional wooden chalets offering everything you will need for the perfect Christmas celebration.

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; the world’s fifth oldest zoo; 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 the new Cabot Circus Shopping Centres.

Our steam locomotive is turned and serviced at Bristol prior to departing with our train at around 16:30 for the return journey. We stop to pick up those parcel laden passengers who stayed for the Christmas Market in Bath! During the journey, we expect to meet up with Santa and his Elves, so presents will be handed out to all children on board! Please let us know your child’s age when booking. We return by the route of our outward journey, stopping at the same stations for passengers to alight.

What better way to launch the Christmas season than with a trip by steam train on the “Bath Christmas Market”? There will be ample time to sample Bath’s award winning Christmas Market, set in the beautiful area between the stunning Bath Abbey and the internationally famous Roman Baths, or to visit Bristol for the ‘best Christmas shopping in the South West’. Join us as we travel by vintage steam train through some superb countryside en route.

Thursday 27th November 2014

Derek Phillips

Approximate Timings Outward Return Poole 08:00 21:10Bournemouth 08:15 20:50Brockenhurst 08:35 20:30Southampton 09:00 20:00Salisbury 10:05 18:05Bath 11:15 16:50Bristol 11:30 16:30







The Bath Christmas Market


Premier £189 £129 £507

First £116 £58 £290

Standard £79 £41 £199

36


Premier £189 £112 £490

First £125 £55 £305

Standard £79 £39 £197

UK Day Trips - The Capital Christmas Express

The Capital Christmas Express

Our day out begins with departure from Weymouth at around 07:25. Our train will be hauled by either ‘Battle of Britain’ class No. 34067 “Tangmere” or ‘Merchant Navy’ class No. 35018 “British India Line”. We stop at Dorchester, Wareham, Poole and Bournemouth to pick up more passengers. We should enjoy a fast run with our steam locomotive through the New Forest to Southampton, where we make a final stop to pick up passengers.

We travel northwards through Winchester and join the West of England Main Line from Exeter at Worting Junction. We continue to Basingstoke and can expect a fast run along the South West Main Line to Fleet, Farnborough and Woking. Weybridge and Wimbledon follow before Clapham Junction, where more trains pass through in one day than any other station in Europe. Familiar London landmarks will be visible as we approach the terminus station at London Waterloo.

There will be well over five hours in London and with just a few weeks to go before Christmas the capital will be in true festive mood. High on the list of places to visit may be Trafalgar Square, to see the highly decorated Christmas tree; or perhaps Hamley’s famous toy shop; Madame Tussauds; the Tower of London; Covent Garden; the London Eye; or the Oxford Street stores for Christmas shopping. There will be something of interest for everyone that will make the ‘Capital Christmas’ visit a very enjoyable experience and a memorable occasion.

Our train leaves Waterloo Station at around 17:45, hauled by our steam locomotive, for the return journey to Weymouth. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey, to set down passengers.

During the journey, we expect to meet up with Santa and his Elves, so presents will be handed out to all children on board our train! Please let us know your child’s age when booking.

Is there a better way to travel from Dorset to London than in comfortable 50-year old railway carriages hauled by a steam locomotive? This outing by special train revisits the former ‘glory days’ of rail travel and takes you to the capital to enjoy the myriad attractions on offer – and do some Christmas shopping too! The train will be hauled throughout by an ex-Southern Railway ‘Pacific’ steam locomotive, a type that was used regularly on this route in ‘steam’ days.

Saturday 29th November 2014

Bob Green

Approximate Timings Outward Return Weymouth 07:25 21:50Dorchester 07:40 21:40Wareham 08:00 21:20Poole 08:15 21:05Bournemouth 08:30 20:50Southampton 09:20 20:10London Waterloo 12:05 17:45







37UK Day Trips - The Worcester Christmas Market

We leave London Paddington, steam hauled, shortly after 08:00 and head down the ex-Great Western Railway main line. We stop at Slough and Reading to pick up more passengers.

Our journey continues through Oxford and at Wolvercot Junction we join the Cotswold Line. Parts of this line have had double track reinstated which reopened in August 2011. We pass through Finstock, Charlbury and Ascott-under-Wychwood. The Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is characterised by attractive small towns and villages built of Cotswold stone, a yellow oolitic limestone. Rare limestone grassland habitats as well as the old growth beech woodlands typify the area, which is a delight to behold.

We pass through Kingham and Moreton-in-Marsh, then through Campden Tunnel, and down Honeybourne Bank to Evesham. We arrive at Worcester Shrub Hill where there will be more than three hours to explore this fine city. The River Severn runs through the city and is overlooked by the 12th Century Worcester Cathedral. The site of the final battle of the Civil War between Oliver Cromwell and King Charles II was here. It is also the home of Royal Worcester Porcelain and the birthplace of the composer Sir Edward Elgar.

Worcester Christmas Fayre is the leading themed street market in the West Midlands celebrating its 23rd Anniversary. Hundreds of stalls fill the atmospheric streets of Worcester’s historic heart with the colours, sounds and smells of Christmas.

We leave Worcester in the late afternoon and return by a different route. At Abbots Wood Junction we join the ex-Mildand Railway route to Bristol and there are distant views of the Malvern Hills to the west. We head south to Cheltenham, by-pass Gloucester, and then join the Golden Valley route at Standish Junction. We pass through Stroud and climb up the picturesque Stroud Valley to Sapperton Tunnel. We continue through Kemble and on to Swindon where we join the Great Western Main Line. We call at Reading and Slough to set down passengers, before arriving in London Paddington.


Join us on this scenic rail tour through the beautiful Cotswolds. Our destination is the cathedral city of Worcester, famous as the home of Worcestershire Sauce. We travel outward via the Cotswold Line through Moreton-in-Marsh and Evesham and return via the Golden Valley line through Stroud and Kemble. Our train will be steam hauled by the ex-GWR King class locomotive No. 6023 “King Edward II” or ex-BR ‘Pacific’ No. 70000 “Britannia”.

Saturday 29th November 2014

Bob Green

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Paddington 08:05 20:40Slough 08:40 20:15Reading 09:10 19:35Worcester 12:00 16:10







The Worcester Christmas Market


Premier £209 £142 £560

First £139 £72 £350

Standard £85 £51 £221

38UK Day Trips - The Lindum Fayre

Our day out begins when we steam out of London King’s Cross Station at around 09:00 and head north down the East Coast Main Line (ECML). This route was the former stamping ground of the A4 class ‘Pacifics’ in the days of steam, and we shall hope for some fast running along the main line. We stop at Potters Bar, Stevenage and Peterborough to pick up more passengers.

Leaving Peterborough and its famous cathedral behind, we take the former Great Northern Railway (GNR) line towards Grimsby at Werrington Junction and head across the fertile flatlands to Spalding. Here we join the Great Northern & Great Eastern Joint Railway line to Sleaford. We continue through a part of rural Lincolnshire famous for its potato farms. On this line the former Nocton and Dunston Railway Station was the centre of the Nocton Estates Light Railway, a narrow gauge railway system which conveyed the potato crop from the fields to the standard gauge railhead.

Approaching Lincoln we notice that the city is dominated by its spectacular Cathedral. The Lindum Fayre is spread across the enthralling Cathedral quarter of Lincoln, within the courtyard of the 12th Century castle and along the medieval cobbled streets of the city. There are around 350 stalls selling everything from crafts and books to locally produced cheeses, meats and festive foods – delicious delicacies to tempt you. The traders dress in period costume, there is traditional fairground entertainment, a fantastic festive atmosphere, and all that is needed for those special Christmas gifts. It is easy to see why the Lindum Fayre is so special, and popular.

All too soon it will be time to return to the station for our train back to London. We shall be steam hauled by “Union of South Africa” and stop to set down passengers at the same stations as on the outward journey. We return from Lincoln by way of Newark and the East Coast Main Line. After a stiff climb up through Grantham to Stoke Tunnel we descend Stoke Bank, where “Union of South Africa’s” classmate “Mallard” achieved 126 miles per hour which still stands as the world record for steam. We are steam hauled back into King’s Cross Station at around 21:30


The Lincoln Christmas Market, otherwise known as the Lindum Fayre, is one of the largest events of its kind in Europe. To visit the Fayre is a truly unforgettable experience and we will take you there in style, in the comfort of a special train hauled by A4 class ‘Pacific’ steam locomotive No. 60009 “Union of South Africa”. What a day you will have! With Christmas only a few weeks away this really is a very special trip, and not to be missed.

Saturday 6th December 2014

Bob Green

Approximate Timings Outward Return London’s King’s Cross 09:00 21:30Potters Bar 09:30 21:00Stevenage 10:00 20:50Peterborough 11:20 19:00Lincoln 12:45 17:45







The Lindum Fayre


Premier £199 £112 £510

First £135 £65 £335

Standard £85 £40 £210

39UK Day Trips - The Bath Christmas Market

Our special Christmas excursion from the south coast to the magnificent city of Bath follows a particularly scenic route through lovely countryside. Passengers will have almost five hours to explore the city, and visit the famous Bath Christmas Market. 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.

Our train leaves Three Bridges, steam hauled by “Tangmere” or “British India Line”, and heads south along the Brighton main line. It stops at Haywards Heath to pick up more passengers before continuing to Preston Park, where passengers from the Brighton area can join the train. We stop to pick up passengers at Hove and Worthing. At Salisbury, we stop for our locomotive to take on water and for passengers to stretch their legs and perhaps have a chat with our driver.

We take the South Western main line to Wilton, famous for its carpets, and then turn north through the rambling Wiltshire countryside. We cross the edge of Salisbury Plain to Warminster, noted for its army presence, before descending to Westbury. The route then follows the beautiful Avon Valley through Bradford-on-Avon to Bathampton Junction, and then it is only a short distance to Bath and the well-kept Bath Spa Station, close to the city centre.

The afternoon is free to explore the Georgian city and visit the Bath Christmas Market which has over 150 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.

All too soon our visit to this remarkable city will have to end as it will be time to go back to our train. We return to Three Bridges, steam hauled, following the route of our outward journey and stopping at the same stations for passengers to alight. During the journey, Father Christmas and his Elves will be visiting the train handing out presents to all the children on board. Please let us know your child’s age when booking.

It has been more than 400 years since the historic city of Bath was granted city status by Queen Elizabeth I. Today, this beautiful West Country city continues to offer a unique combination of history, architecture and more contemporary attractions, especially festive at this particular time of the year. We have planned a grand day out in the company of a powerful Bulleid-designed ‘Pacific’ steam locomotive, either No. 34067 “Tangmere” or No. 35018 “British India Line”.


Bob Green

Approximate Timings Outward Return Three Bridges 08:00 21:30Haywards Heath 08:20 21:15Preston Park 09:00 20:45Hove 09:15 20:30Worthing 09:30 20:15Bath 13:40 17:00







The Bath Christmas Market


Premier £209 £129 £547

First £127 £65 £319

Standard £76 £39 £191

40UK Day Trips - The Christmas Sussex Belle

Our day out begins when our train leaves London Victoria Station at around 10:30 hauled by a powerful Bulleid-designed ‘Pacific’ steam locomotive, either No. 34067 “Tangmere” or No. 35018 “British India Line”. 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 Wivesfield, and head south-eastwards through Cooksbridge to Lewes. 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 South Coast town. 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. This sheltered position contributes to Eastbourne’s title of the sunniest place in Great Britain.

We leave Eastbourne diesel-hauled and head along the Sussex Coast through Normans Bay, Cooden Beach, and Bexhill to Hastings. Hastings can claim fame through its connection with the Norman Conquest of England; and also because it became one of the medieval Cinque Ports. The town is sometimes referred to as the birthplace of television since the pioneer of television, John Logie Baird, lived there.

Our train reverses direction of travel at Hastings and leaves with the steam locomotive in charge. We continue our journey heading north through Crowhurst and Battle, and then passing through Mountfield Tunnel. Robertsbridge Station was formerly a junction station with the Colonel Stephens’ famous old Kent and East Sussex Light Railway. We pass through Royal Tunbridge Wells, a spa town situated on the northern edge of the High Weald.

At Sevenoaks, we take the line through Bat and Ball Station which was named after a local inn that no longer exists. We join the line from Ashford at Otford, and the Chatham Main Line at Swanley. Our tour ends when we arrive back at London Victoria at around 17:20.

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. It will be hauled by a former Southern Railway ‘Pacific’ steam locomotive of the type that operated in this area during the ‘days of steam’. This is a wonderful way to enjoy a leisurely lunch whilst appreciating the scenic views from your carriage window.

Tuesday 9th December 2014

Bob Green

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Victoria 10:30 17:20Eastbourne 13:00 14:30Hastings 15:00 15:10


Premier Dining includes Buck’s Fizz, morning tea or coffee and Danish pastries and a four course lunch silver served at your seat.





The Christmas Sussex Belle


Premier £144 £90 £378

First £69 £35 £173

Standard £49 £25 £123

41UK Day Trips - The York Yuletide Express

Our day out begins at around 08:00 when we leave Norwich Station and cross the Trowse swing bridge over the River Wensum. We stop to pick up more passengers at Wymondham, a beautifully kept rural Norfolk station, Attleborough, Thetford and Brandon. Approaching Ely we take the avoiding line which curves very sharply round onto the Peterborough line. We stop at March for further passengers, before continuing to Peterborough, our final pick up point.

A4 class ‘Pacific’ “Union of South Africa” should feel at home on the East Coast Main Line (ECML) as we head northwards from Peterborough and commence the climb to Stoke Summit. This was the location of the famous record breaking run by “Mallard”, another A4 class ‘Pacific’, when it achieved a staggering 126 mph on the 3rd July 1938 travelling in the opposite direction. We pass through Grantham, Newark and Retford with “Union of South Africa” cruising along at speeds just a little less than “Mallard’s”! We stop at Doncaster for our steam locomotive to take on water and then make a fast run along the ECML to York.

Passengers will have plenty of time in York to enjoy the city and all it has to offer. It has a number of major tourist attractions including the National Railway Museum, claimed to be one of the largest railway museums in the world. It also boasts many shops, quaint alleyways, a Castle, and the splendid Gothic cathedral York Minster, one of the largest of its kind in Northern Europe.

We leave York at around 17:00 for the return journey, steam hauled by “Union of South Africa”. We stop at Peterborough, March, Brandon, Thetford, Attleborough, Wymondham and Norwich, to set down passengers.

We expect to meet up with Santa and his Elves during the journey, so presents will be handed out to all the children on our train! Please let us know your child’s age when booking.

The York Yuletide Express promises to provide a memorable day out behind classic traction over a classic and popular route.

Why not join us for a classic day out by steam train that combines exciting main line running, varied landscape and the special atmosphere of York at Christmas time? The York Yuletide Express will be steam hauled from Norwich to York and return by A4 class ‘Pacific’ steam locomotive No. 60009 “Union of South Africa”. York is the second most visited city in England with varied attractions to suit all tastes. It is well known for its Roman origins, Minster, Castle, and Railway Museum.

Thursday 11th December 2014

Bob Green

Approximate Timings Outward Return Norwich 08:00 22:15Wymondham 08:20 22:00Attleborough 08:30 21:50Thetford 08:45 21:35Brandon 08:55 21:25March 10:15 20:30Peterborough 10:40 20:10York 13:20 17:00







The York Yuletide Express


Premier £197 £122 £516

First £125 £65 £315

Standard £85 £39 £209

42UK Day Trips - The Christmas White Rose

We leave London King’s Cross at around 08:20 and follow the route of famous old trains like the “Flying Scotsman”. Our steam locomotive “Union of South Africa” will run with two tenders which will provide an increased supply of water and reduce the number of water stops, thus speeding up the journey considerably. We storm up the gradient through Finsbury Park and northwards, calling at Stevenage, Huntingdon, and Peterborough to pick up more passengers.

Our steam locomotive then tackles the 15 mile climb up the famous Stoke Bank. Here on 3rd July 1938, “Mallard”, another A4 class ‘Pacific’, achieved a world record speed of 126mph travelling in the opposite direction. Once over the summit we should have a good, fast run down the 20 mile descent to the Trent Valley and on through Grantham, Newark and Retford. We steam through Doncaster, where “Union of South Africa” was built, and continue to our stop in York.

There will be plenty of time for passengers to enjoy the city and all it has to offer for the festive season. York has some major tourist attractions including the National Railway Museum, the largest museum of its type in Britain; the Castle; the Shambles; the splendid Gothic York Minster, one of the largest of its kind in northern Europe; and the city walls. There are a number of other interesting museums, quaint alleyways, and a good variety of shops.

Our train leaves York at around 17:10, retracing the route along the East Coast Main Line. It stops to set down passengers at the same stations as on the northbound journey, arriving at King’s Cross at around 20:45. “Union of South Africa” will make a fine sight at the buffer stops at King’s Cross, recalling the glorious days of steam in the 1950’s.


Why not join us for a classic day out by steam train, combining exciting main line running, varied landscape and the special atmosphere of York at Christmas time? Our train will be hauled from London to York by former LNER A4 class ‘Pacific’ steam locomotive No. 60009 “Union of South Africa”. This locomotive was one of a class of 35 ‘Pacifics’ built by the London and North Eastern Railway between 1935 and 1938. It looks just as wonderful today as it did when it was built!


Bob Green

Approximate Timings Outward Return London King’s Cross 08:20 20:45Stevenage 09:05 19:55Huntingdon 09:35 19:25Peterborough 10:30 19:05York 13:10 17:10







The Christmas White Rose


Premier £206 £132 £544

First £129 £68 £326

Standard £85 £49 £219

43UK Day Trips - The Sherborne Christmas Carol

Our train leaves London Victoria Station at around 09:45 hauled by an ex-Southern Railway ‘Pacific’ steam locomotive, either Merchant Navy class No. 35018 “British India Line” or Battle of Britain class No. 34067 “Tangmere”. 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 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.

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.

Santa and his Elves will be visiting the train during the day and distributing presents to all children travelling on the train. Please let us know your child’s age when booking.

This completely new trip by steam train provides a unique opportunity to visit the picturesque market town of Sherborne in Dorset at Christmas time, or the Yeovil Railway Centre. The special train will be hauled by a powerful ex-Southern Railway ‘Pacific’ type steam locomotive. 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.

Tuesday 16th December 2014

Phil Jones

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Victoria 09:45 19:45Staines 10:35 18:50Woking 11:05 18:30Basingstoke 11:55 18:00Sherborne 13:15 16:15Yeovil Junction 13:25 16:00







The Sherborne Christmas Carol


Premier £195 £145 £535

First £139 £175 £353

Standard £95 £65 £255

44UK Day Trips - The Christmas White Rose

Our day out begins at around 07:30 when we leave Cambridge Station and head northwards, stopping at Ely, March and Peterborough to pick up more passengers. We travel northwards down the East Coast Main Line (ECML) when we leave Peterborough and commence the climb to Stoke Summit. It was descending from here in July 1938 that A4 class ‘Pacific’ “Mallard” made its famous run, reaching a staggering 126 m.p.h. and gaining the world speed record for steam traction which still stands unbeaten today.

We pass through Grantham, Newark and Retford and can expect some fast running as we pass through the Nottinghamshire countryside. We cross the county border into Yorkshire and stop at Doncaster for our locomotive to take on water. The Great Northern Railway opened its railway workshops in Doncaster in 1853 and this is also the birthplace of Sir Nigel Gresley, who designed the A4 class ‘Pacific’ steam locomotives.

After a fast run along the ECML, we arrive at York where there will be plenty of time to visit the city and enjoy all that is on offer for the festive season. York has many major tourist attractions including the National Railway Museum, the largest museum of its type in Britain; the Castle; the Shambles; and the splendid Gothic York Minster, one of the largest of its kind in Northern Europe. There are a number of other interesting museums, the medieval city walls, quaint alleyways called snickelways, and many shops also to be discovered.

Our steam locomotive will be turned and serviced at York ready for our journey back to Cambridge. Our train leaves York at around 17:30 for the return journey and stops to set down passengers at Peterborough, March and Ely before arriving in Cambridge at around 22:00.


Why not join us for a classic day out by steam train, combining exciting main line running, varied landscape and the special atmosphere of York at Christmas time? We shall be steam hauled from Cambridge to York by a powerful ‘Pacific’ steam locomotive, either ex-LNER A4 class No. 60009 “Union of South Africa” or ex-SR ‘Battle of Britain’ class No. 34067 “Tangmere” or ex-SR ‘Merchant Navy’ class No. 35018 “British India Line”.

Thursday 18th December 2014

Bob Green

Approximate Timings Outward Return Cambridge 07:30 22:00Ely 08:20 21:30March 08:45 21:00Peterborough 09:10 20:45York 12:00 17:30







The Christmas White Rose


Premier £189 £122 £500

First £119 £65 £303

Standard £79 £39 £197

45UK Day Trips - The York Yuletide Express

Our train leaves London Victoria at around 06:30 hauled by “Union of South Africa” and travels around West London through Kensington Olympia and Neasden. At Dudding Hill Junction we take the Brent curve and join the Midland Main Line (MML) at Cricklewood. We head north and stop at St. Albans, Luton, Bedford and Kettering, to pick up further passengers.

We leave the MML after Kettering and take the former Midland Railway Nottingham direct line. We pass through Corby Station, opened in 2009 to replace the original which was closed in 1966. We climb to the famous Harringworth Viaduct, the longest masonry viaduct in Britain. From the end of the viaduct there is a long, stiff climb up to Wing Tunnel and then it is downhill to Manton Junction, and through Rutland’s county town of Oakham.

Our last stop to pick up passengers is at Melton Mowbray. We continue to Syston Junction and take the sharp right curve to join the MML from Leicester. We pass through Loughborough and join the Erewash Valley Line at Trent Junction. After Chesterfield we take the ‘old road’ to Rotherham and continue through Conisbrough to Doncaster. Here we join the East Coast Main Line and can expect a fast run to York, where we arrive in the early afternoon.

York is well known for its Minster, Castle and city walls. The snickelways, famous medieval alleys and narrow streets, and The Shambles, are well worth exploring. The National Railway Museum, the many shops and museums, ensure that there is something on offer for everybody.

Our train leaves York at around 17:20 and returns to London Victoria diesel hauled. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey, to set down passengers.

Santa and his Elves will be handing out presents to all the children during the journey so please let us know your child’s age when booking.

Join us for a main line steam run from London’s Victoria Station to York and an opportunity to experience the Festive Seasons activities. The city of York is world famous for its variety of visitor attractions and home to the National Railway Museum. We travel north via the Midland Main Line stopping at stations along the route to pick up further passengers. Our train will be hauled between London and York by A4 class ‘Pacific’ steam locomotive No. 60009 “Union of South Africa”.


Bob Green

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Victoria 06:30 22:45St. Albans 08:00 21:50Luton 08:20 21:40Bedford 08:45 21:10Kettering 09:45 20:30Melton Mowbray 10:50 19:50York 14:00 17:20







The York Yuletide Express


Premier £199 £122 £520

First £129 £65 £323

Standard £85 £39 £209

46UK Day Trips - The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express

Our special train will depart from Manchester Victoria at about 07:00 stopping to collect passengers at Bolton and Preston. We enjoy a fast run along the West Coast Main Line (WCML) to Carnforth where we stop for our locomotives to take on water. We climb the first severe gradient up to Grayrigg and then travel through the beautiful Lune Gorge, 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 used to assist trains. After crossing the Cumbrian Fells we descend to Penrith, and then head for Carlisle. We stay in the Border City for over two hours, providing ample time to visit the castle, cathedral, museum and shops, or just to relax in one of the many fine coffee shops, restaurants or bars.

We leave Carlisle and begin to climb as soon as we join the Settle & Carlisle Line, one of the best known and best loved stretches of railway line in Britain. We stop at Appleby, for our steam locomotives to take on water. The route then climbs through Kirkby Stephen towards the highest railway summit in England at Ais Gill, 1,169 feet above sea level. We pass over high 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 to Settle before we stop for our steam locomotives to take on water. We continue through Hellifield and Clitheroe to Blackburn, where we stop to set down passengers. We then take the direct line, climbing up the steep gradient to Sough Tunnel and then descending to Bolton, where we stop to set down passengers. Shortly after 19:00, we arrive at our final destination – Manchester Victoria – and the end of a truly marvellous day.

This is a special winter trip by train over two of England’s most scenic railway routes, the main line via Shap summit and the Settle and Carlisle Railway. The train will be hauled by two steam locomotives, the former London Midland & Scottish Railway Jubilee class No. 45690 “Leander” and No. 45699 “Galatea”. They make a classic pairing for the journey over a spectacular route through the Cumbrian Fells. The destination is Carlisle with time to explore the Border City.

Saturday 24th January 2015

Bob Green

Approximate Timings Outward Return Manchester Victoria 07:00 19:08Bolton 07:45 18:42Preston* 08:15 18:40Blackburn ------- 17:54Carlisle 11:30 14:15*Passengers for Preston travel by service train from Blackburn on the return journey.







The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express


Premier £189 £112 £490

First £125 £55 £305

Standard £79 £39 £197

47UK Day Trips - The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express

We leave London Euston at around 07:10 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. Here we change motive power to a steam locomotive; either Royal Scot class No. 46115 “Scots Guardsman” or Britannia class No. 70013 “Oliver Cromwell”.

We continue north along the WCML to Preston, our final stop to pick up passengers. We pass through Lancaster and Carnforth before beginning to 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 an hour and a half in Carlisle, providing time to explore this ancient city.

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 high 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, Clitheroe and Blackburn, where passengers for Preston leave the train. We join the WCML at Farington Junction and pass though Wigan and Warrington en route to Crewe, where we say goodbye to our steam locomotive. Our blue class 86 electric locomotive takes over the train for a fast run to London. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers.

With these trains we expect to recreate the early days of steam rail tours in the 1980’s when travelling over the Settle & Carlisle Railway was “the icing on the cake” in the main line ‘steam’ calendar. We have a high speed journey down the West Coast Main Line to Crewe 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 from Crewe to London behind our blue electric locomotive.

Saturdays 31st January, 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th February, 21st, 28th March 2015

Bob Green

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Euston 07:10 22:05Watford Junction 07:30 21:50Milton Keynes 08:00 21:15Northampton* 07:40 21:30Rugby 08:25 20:38Nuneaton 08:45 20:20Crewe 09:45 19:15Preston† 10:30 -------Blackburn ------- 18:20Carlisle 12:40 14:30*Northampton passengers travel to and from Rugby by service train. †Passengers for Preston return by service train from Blackburn on the return journey.


Premier Dining includes full English breakfast, light lunch and a four course dinner silver served at your seat.First Class includes morning coffee with a Danish pastry and afternoon tea with scones, jam and cream, along with a selection of finger sandwiches.Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £22 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express


Premier £189 £129 £507

First £135 £75 £345

Standard £79 £39 £197

48UK Day Trips - The Hadrian

Our special train will leave Manchester Victoria at around 07:00 and stop at Bolton, Wigan and Preston to collect more passengers. We can expect some fast running as we travel along the West Coast Main Line (WCML) to Lancaster and Carnforth, where we stop for our locomotives to take on water. We pass through Oxenholme Lake District and climb the first severe gradient up to Grayrigg and into the Cumbrian Fells. 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. We stay in the Border City for more than two hours, providing ample time to visit the castle, cathedral, museum and shops, or just to relax in one of the many fine coffee shops, restaurants or bars.

We leave Carlisle soon after 14:00 and take the scenic Tyne Valley Line towards Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The Newcastle & Carlisle Railway opened this line in 1838 and it runs eastwards following the River Tyne just a few miles south of Hadrian’s Wall. Its historic importance is recognised by the five stations and two viaducts that are ‘listed’ structures. The first Station Master at Brampton Station was Thomas Edmondson who introduced cardboard tickets and dating machines for train tickets. We pass through Haltwhistle, Hexham, and Wylam, the birthplace of railway engineer George Stephenson. Approaching Newcastle-upon-Tyne, we take a ‘freight only’ line to join the East Coast Main Line (ECML) at Low Fell.

We can expect some fast running as we head south up the ECML through Durham and Darlington. We then traverse the ‘racing straight’ section of line between Northallerton and Thirsk before arriving in York. We cross the Pennines en route to stops at Manchester Victoria, Bolton, Wigan and Preston, to set down passengers. So ends a memorable day’s excursion by steam train which is not to be missed.

This is a special winter trip by train taking a circular route northbound over Shap to Carlisle and returning via the scenic Tyne Valley and the East Coast Main Line. The train will be hauled by two steam locomotives, the former London Midland & Scottish Railway Jubilee class No. 45690 “Leander” and No. 45699 “Galatea”. They make a classic pairing for the journey over a spectacular route through the Cumbrian Fells and Border country.

Saturday 7th March 2015

Derek Phillips

Approximate Timings Outward Return Manchester Victoria 07:15 20:45Bolton 07:35 21:05Wigan 07:50 21:20Preston 08:15 21:40Carlisle 11:30 14:15







The Hadrian


Premier £179 £112 £475

First £109 £55 £295

Standard £74 £39 £195

49UK Day Trips - The Cumbrian Coast Express

Our train leaves London Euston at around 07:10 hauled by class 86 electric locomotive No. 86259 “Les Ross”. This locomotive is named after its owner, a well known radio disc jockey, and is in its original ‘electric blue’ livery. We speed north along the West Coast Main Line (WCML) stopping to pick up more passengers at Watford Junction, Milton Keynes, Rugby (where passengers from Northampton join by service train), Nuneaton, Crewe and Preston. At Carnforth, we change locomotives and a steam locomotive, either Britannia class No. 70013 “Oliver Cromwell” or Royal Scot class No. 46115 “Scots Guardsman”, takes over our train for the onward journey.

We pass through Silverdale and over the Kent Viaduct where there are excellent views across Morecambe Bay. We continue through Grange-over-Sands, then cross the Leven Viaduct en route to Ulverston, and enter the Furness District which is dominated by the town of Barrow-in-Furness. Between Askam, Foxfield and Millom the line goes through 180° around the picturesque River Duddon estuary, an area well known for its wildlife. We now head north along the Cumbrian Coast, through Ravenglass and Sellafield. We then hug the coastline as far as St. Bees, travelling beside the seashore with fine views over the Irish Sea and to the Isle of Man on a clear day. We pass through Whitehaven, then beside the cliffs at Parton, before arriving at Workington where our steam locomotive takes on water.

The line between Maryport and Carlisle has limited clearance and formerly carriages had bars across window openings to prevent passengers leaning out and being injured when passing bridges. The restrictions still exist and on no account should any passenger attempt to open windows and lean out during this part of the journey. Soon we arrive in the ‘Border City’ of Carlisle where there will be a short break and time to discover the sights.

Later in the afternoon our train leaves Carlisle, hauled by our steam locomotive, and heads south up the WCML. We climb almost continuously through the Eastern Lake District to Penrith, before tackling the final ascent to Shap Summit. We descend from the summit to Tebay then pass through the beautiful Lune Gorge before continuing to descend through Oxenholme Lake District to Carnforth. Here we say ‘goodbye’ to our steam locomotive and the blue electric locomotive No. 86259 “Les Ross” takes over for the remainder of the journey to London Euston. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers.

Here is a rare opportunity to travel by steam train along the spectacular Cumbrian Coast Line, with its rugged cliffs and fine views over the Irish Sea. Our train will be hauled from London Euston to Carnforth and back by a preserved electric locomotive. A powerful steam locomotive will haul the train from Carnforth to Carlisle via the Cumbrian Coast Line and return to Carnforth via the West Coast Main Line. Our destination is Carlisle where there will be time to explore the city.

Saturday 14th March 2015

Bob Green

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Euston 07:10 22:20Watford Junction 07:30 21:50Milton Keynes 08:00 21:15Northampton* 07:40 21:15Rugby 08:25 20:38Nuneaton 08:45 20:20Crewe 09:45 19:15Preston 10:30 18:20Carlisle 15:00 16:30*Northampton passengers travel to and from Rugby by service train.







The Cumbrian Coast Express


Premier £199 £139 £537

First £139 £85 £363

Standard £85 £49 £219

50UK Day Trips - The Esk Valley

Our train originates in Lancashire, leaving Carnforth in the morning hauled by a diesel locomotive. We stop to pick up more passengers at Bentham, Hellifield, Skipton, Leeds and York. At York ex-London & North Eastern Railways (LNER) K4 class 2-6-0 No. 61994 “The Great Marquess” takes over our train for the onward journey. We head north from York down the East Coast Main Line (ECML) which includes the ‘racing stretch’, a very straight section of track between Thirsk and Northallerton.

We leave the ECML at Northallerton and take the Eaglecliffe line which crosses the imposing Yarm Viaduct over the River Tees. At Thornaby, we enter Tees Yard and pause whilst ex-LNER B1 class 4-6-0 steam locomotive No. 61264 is attached to the rear of our train. We continue our journey with the train ‘topped and tailed’ with the two steam locomotives. We pass through Middlesbrough where we join the Esk Valley Line and then begin the steep climb to Nunthorpe. Battersby is an unusual station that was once a junction but is now in effect a terminus and all trains have to reverse direction of travel there.

We leave Battersby hauled by steam locomotive No. 61264 and continue along the Esk Valley Line through the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside. We pass through the isolated communities of Kildale, Commondale, Danby and Glaisdale en route to Grosmont. Here there is a connection with the preserved North Yorkshire Moors Railway but hardly a hint of the former ironworks that were developed in the mid-nineteenth century once the railway arrived. The line now closely follows the River Esk through Sleights and Ruswarp to the terminus at Whitby.

There will be just over an hour to visit this picturesque seaside town which surrounds its harbour at the mouth of the River Esk. It is famous as the home town of world explorer Captain James Cook, the 199 steps to its ruined hilltop Abbey, and its fish & chips!

We leave Whitby ‘topped and tailed’ with No. 61994 “The Great Marquess” and No. 61264, the former hauling our train as far as Battersby. From Battersby, No. 61264 will be in sole charge as we return through Middlesbrough and Northallerton to York. At York, a diesel locomotive will take over the train for the remainder of the journey, stopping to set down passengers at Leeds, Skipton, Hellifield, Bentham and Carnforth.

This trip provides an opportunity to travel along the Esk Valley Line by steam train before the improved Northern Rail service commences. An increase in the number of service trains travelling this largely single track route will make it very difficult to find a ‘path’ for a steam train. The Esk Valley Line runs from Middlesbrough to Whitby in North Yorkshire and follows the course of the River Esk for much of its eastern half. It is one of the most rural railway lines in the UK.

Saturday 21st March 2015

Bob Green

Approximate Timings Outward Return Carnforth 06:15 21:30Bentham 06:35 21:05Hellifield 07:20 20:35Skipton 07:40 20:20Leeds 08:30 19:30York 09:45 18:05Whitby 13:35 14:45







The Esk Valley


Premier £179 £141 £499

First £135 £72 £342

Standard £79 £48 £206

51UK Day Trips - The Hadrian

Our train leaves Leicester, diesel hauled, at around 06:20 and heads north along the Midland Main Line (MML). We stop to pick up more passengers at Loughborough, East Midlands Parkway, Langley Mill and Alfreton. We continue through Leeds and Skipton to Hellifield where steam locomotive No. 60009 “Union of South Africa” replaces the diesel locomotive on our train. Between Hellifield and Carlisle there is scarcely a level mile but our powerful steam locomotive will negotiate the 78 miles of “ups and downs” in truly classic style. At Settle Junction we join the famous Settle & Carlisle Railway and begin one of Britain’s most arduous climbs, a total of 15 miles mainly at a gradient of 1 in 100. This will be a tough test for our locomotive which we will see – and hear – working very hard!

We cross the breathtaking Ribblehead Viaduct, high above the valley floor, and enter Blea Moor Tunnel. The route runs high above valleys, over bridges and through more tunnels to Dent, the highest station in England. We make the final climb to Ais Gill Summit, all 1,169 feet of it, the dramatic peak of our journey! We travel high above the valley at Mallerstang and then drop down through Kirkby Stephen to Appleby, where our steam locomotive takes on water. We enjoy a fast run downhill from Appleby along the Eden Valley to Carlisle, where we arrive at around 13:00. There will be plenty of time to explore the ‘Border’ city with its many attractions which include the castle, cathedral, Tullie House Museum, the pedestrianised English Street, and Lanes Shopping Centre.

We leave Carlisle at around 16:00 and take the scenic Tyne Valley Line towards Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The Newcastle & Carlisle Railway opened this line in 1838 and it runs eastwards following the River Tyne just a few miles south of Hadrian’s Wall. We pass through Wylam, the birthplace of railway engineer George Stephenson, before we join the East Coast Main Line at Low Fell. We can expect some fast running as we head south through Durham and Darlington to York. A diesel locomotive replaces our steam locomotive at York for the remainder of the journey. We stop to set down passengers at Alfreton, Langley Mill, East Midlands Parkway, Loughborough and Leicester.

Breathtaking landscape and nostalgic steam locomotive haulage combine in one of our most exciting and varied tours by special train. Our train will be hauled from Hellifield to York via Carlisle by A4 class ‘Pacific’ steam locomotive No. 60009 “Union of South Africa”. Passengers will experience the magnificent and world famous Settle to Carlisle Railway, travel on the 175-year old Tyne Valley Line, and speed along the East Coast Main Line. It is all here for a thrilling day’s excursion.

Saturday 4th April 2015

Bob Green

Approximate Timings Outward Return Leicester 06:20 23:20Loughborough 06:40 23:05East Midlands Parkway 06:50 22:55Langley Mill 07:10 22:40Alfreton 07:20 22:30Carlisle 13:10 16:00







The Hadrian


Premier £199 £142 £540

First £129 £72 £330

Standard £89 £51 £229

52UK Day Trips - The Wansbeck

Our train leaves Carnforth, diesel hauled, early in the morning and travels via Hellifield and Skipton south-eastwards to Leeds stopping to pick up more passengers en route. It then heads northwards to York, the final stop for passengers, where ex-LNER class K4 No. 61994 “The Great Marquess” replaces the diesel locomotive. We steam along the East Coast Main Line (ECML) through Thirsk and at Northallerton take the direct route to Middlesbrough via Yarm. A second steam locomotive, No. 61264, is attached to the rear of the train for the onward journey to Redcar, Saltburn West Junction, and the ‘freight only’ Boulby Branch. This line runs along the top of the cliffs, overlooking the North Sea, to the Potash Mine at Boulby, Europe’s second deepest mine.

Our train reverses direction of travel and returns to Middlesbrough hauled by No. 61264 with No. 61994 “The Great Marquess” on the rear. We take the line to Stockton at Bowesfield Junction and the ‘freight only’ line to Ferryhill. We join the ECML and pass through Durham and Newcastle Central Station en route to Benton Junction. Here we take the ‘freight only’ Blyth and Tyne Line northwards to Bedlington and Ashinton, crossing the River Wansbeck at West Sleekburn, and continuing to Lynemouth, the location of a coal and bomass fired power station. We reverse direction of travel and return to Marchey’s House Junction where we branch off eastwards passing Winning Junction and continuing to the North Sea Coast at Cambois. We then travel southwards along the coast to North Blyth, a small settlement on the north eastern side of the River Blyth Harbour. We reverse direction of travel and return on the ‘freight only’ line to Winning Junction and West Sleekburn Junction. We then head westwards to Morpeth, the county town of Northumberland, where we join the ECML.

We travel south up the ECML, hauled by steam locomotive No. 61264, to Newcastle-upon-Tyne Central Station, where No 61994 “The Great Marquess” is detached. After leaving Newcastle, we cross the famous King Edward VII Bridge en route to Tyne Yard, where our locomotive takes on water. We continue southwards along the ECML, passing through Durham with its spectacular Victorian viaduct high above the city. We continue to York where our steam locomotive is replaced by a diesel locomotive for the onward journey to Carnforth. We stop en route at Leeds, Skipton and Hellifield, to set down passengers.

This unusual rail tour by steam train covers parts of Yorkshire, Durham, and Northumberland. It passes through rural and coastal scenic areas including Wansbeck, named after the river in Northumberland. It travels along routes with an interesting history, some of which, like the Boulby Branch, are open for ‘freight only’. The train will feature two steam locomotives; ex-London & North Eastern Railway (LNER) class K4 No. 61994 “The Great Marquess” and class B1 No. 61264.


James Shuttleworth

Approximate Timings Outward Return Carnforth 06:30 21:30Hellifield 07:15 20:55Skipton 07:30 20:18Leeds 08:30 19:00York 09:45 18:30Middlesbrough 10:45 -------Boulby 11:45 -------Newcastle 13:45 16:30Lynemouth 15:15 -------







The Wansbeck


Premier £199 £141 £539

First £139 £72 £350

Standard £92 £48 £232

53UK Day Trips - The Central Wales Explorer

Our train starts from Coventry and is diesel-hauled to Shrewsbury. We stop to pick up more passengers at Birmingham International, Birmingham New Street, Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury. Our diesel locomotive is replaced by two steam locomotives at Shrewsbury and we continue ‘double-headed’ by our two ‘Black 5’ travelling southwards along the scenic Welsh Marches Line. At Craven Arms we join the single track Central Wales Line and follow the valley of the River Teme to Knighton. We cross the border into Wales and pass over the spectacular turreted Knucklas Viaduct, one of the main engineering features of the line, just after Knucklas Station.

We stop at Llandrindod Wells where there will be time to visit this delightful spa town with its ornate style buildings from the Victorian and Edwardian eras. The ornamental lake, numerous sculptures, and the National Cycle Collection in an Art Deco building, are of particular note.

We leave Llandrindod Wells, following river valleys through Builth Road Station to Llanwrtyd Wells, and then climb into the Cambrian Mountains. We reach the summit of the line, beneath the hills in the 1,000 yard (910 metre) long Sugar Loaf Tunnel, and then descend on gradients of 1 in 60 into the picturesque Towy Valley. Our route follows the river closely from Llandovery to Llandeilo. We stop at Pantyffynnon for our steam locomotives to take on water.

We take the Swansea District Line to bypass Swansea and join the South Wales Main Line at Briton Ferry. We can expect a fast run through Bridgend to Cardiff. We shall be diesel hauled from Newport northwards along the Welsh Marches Line through Hereford to Shrewsbury, where we stop to set down passengers. We return via our outward route stopping at the same stations to set down passengers.

This excursion from the West Midlands provides an opportunity to enjoy a very scenic circular journey in Wales. It includes travel over the remote Central Wales line across the very heart of the Principality. There will be time to visit the spa town of Llandrindod Wells en route. The train will be hauled from Shrewsbury to Newport, South Wales, by two steam locomotives, ex-LMS ‘Black 5’s’ No. 44871 and No. 45407. Explore the wonderful scenery from the comfort of our train.


Bob Green

Approximate Timings Outward Return Coventry 08:15 23:00Birmingham Int: 08:30 22:50Birmingham New St: 09:00 22:30Wolverhampton 09:20 22:10Shrewsbury 10:20 21:20Llandrindod Wells 13:00 14:30







The Central Wales Explorer


Premier £199 £112 £510

First £135 £65 £335

Standard £89 £44 £222

54UK Day Trips - The Heart of Wales

Our train starts from Alfreton and will be diesel hauled to Shrewsbury. It will travel up the Midland Main Line (MML) stopping to pick up more passengers at Langley Mill, East Midlands Parkway, Loughborough and Leicester. The route will then be via Nuneaton to Birmingham and south-westwards through attractive Worcestershire and Gloucestershire countryside to South Wales. We travel along the South Wales Main Line passing through Newport and just before Cardiff stop to change locomotives. Our two ‘Black 5’ steam locomotives will take over the train and we can expect some fast running along the South Wales Main Line to Port Talbot. At Briton Ferry we join the Swansea District Line and bypass Swansea.

We shall soon be on the single track ‘Heart of Wales Line’ and our first stop will be at Pantyffynnon where the steam locomotives take on water. We continue northwards through the superb Welsh countryside to Llandeilo, and then follow the River Towy to Llandovery. We commence the long and tortuous climb up to Sugar Loaf Summit, which is approached by gradients as steep as 1 in 60, and pass beneath the hills via the 1,000 yard (910 metres) long Sugar Loaf Tunnel. We descend to Llandrindod Wells where we stop while our locomotives are serviced. This provides time to visit this ‘spa’ town which has many ornate style buildings from the Victorian and Edwardian eras and is also home to the National Cycle Collection.

We continue our journey along the sinuous single track, passing through splendid scenery amongst the hills and forests. We cross the magnificent turreted Knucklas Viaduct, with its 13 arches, just before Knucklas Station. We stop at Knighton Station in Shropshire, 100 yards from the Welsh border, for our locomotives to take on water. We join the Welsh Marches line at Craven Arms and head north through Church Stretton to Shrewsbury. We change direction of travel here and our steam locomotives will be replaced by a diesel locomotive.

Our return route from Shrewsbury is via Wolverhampton, Walsall and Water Orton. This takes us along the Sutton Park Line, which is normally used only by freight trains, to bypass Birmingham. We join the main line from Birmingham at Water Orton West Junction and continue through Nuneaton to Leicester. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey, to set down passengers.

This day trip by special train provides a rare opportunity for those in the East Midlands to enjoy a very scenic journey over the remote Central Wales line through Llandrindod Wells. Our train will be hauled from Cardiff along the South Wales Main Line and over the ‘Heart of Wales Line’ to Shrewsbury by two former LMSR steam locomotives, ‘Black 5’s’ No. 44871 and No. 45407. There is no better way to experience the wonderful Welsh mountain scenery.


Derek Phillips

Approximate Timings Outward Return Alfreton 07:30 21:10Langley Mill 07:45 20:55East Midlands Parkway 08:10 20:30Loughborough 08:20 20:15Leicester 08:35 19:55Llandrindod Wells 13:30 16:40







The Heart of Wales


Premier £209 £151 £569

First £139 £88 £366

Standard £95 £56 £246

55UK Day Trips - The Dartmouth Express

Our train leaves Woking, hauled by ‘Pacific’ steam locomotive No. 70000 “Britannia”, at around 07:20. We stop for more passengers at Guildford and Reading, from where we take the Berks and Hants Line. The route follows the River Kennet through the Berkshire countryside to Newbury where we stop for more passengers. The line then runs beside the Kennet and Avon Canal for some distance before we make our final stop for passengers at Westbury. We cross from Wiltshire into Somerset and continue through Castle Cary and Somerton Tunnel before crossing the Somerset Levels en route to Taunton.

We shall soon be climbing to Whiteball Summit on the Somerset and Devon border before descending through the Culm Valley to Exeter. We follow the Exe Estuary, with its picturesque fishing boat views, and run along the famous sea wall from Dawlish to Teignmouth. This is one of the most famous and scenic stretches of railway line in Britain which gained international prominence when part of it was washed away in the 2014 storms. After Newton Abbot we leave the main line to Plymouth and head for Torquay and Paignton, two of the UK’s premier seaside resorts. At Paignton we join the Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway and our train traverses this Heritage Railway hauled by “Britannia”. There are expansive views of Torbay as our train climbs at 1 in 60 up to the summit of this line at Churston. The line then descends to the River Dart and the terminus at Kingswear.

The train fare includes a return journey on the ferry across the River Dart to the picture-postcard town of Dartmouth. Here the railway station, where no railway has ever run, is now a restaurant. Dartmouth is set in a beautiful location with steep wooded hillsides either side of the River Dart. Its main embankment runs along the length of the town. The town, with its narrow streets and old buildings, has retained an historic atmosphere offering visitors a superb array of bistros, restaurants, boutiques and specialist shops.

All too soon, it is time to return to our train for the journey home hauled by our steam locomotive “Britannia”. We follow the same route as the outward journey, stopping at the same stations to set down passengers.

This trip provides an opportunity for a very special day out travelling by steam train from Woking, Guildford, Reading, Newbury and Westbury to Kingswear in South Devon. The special train will be hauled by ex-British Railways Britannia class ‘Pacific’ steam locomotive No. 70000 “Britannia”. We travel over the ‘Heritage’ Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway and the train fare includes a return journey on the ferry across the River Dart to the picture-postcard town of Dartmouth.


Bob Green

Approximate Timings Outward Return Woking 07:20 23:30Guildford 07:50 23:00Reading 09:10 22:00Newbury 09:25 21:45Westbury 10:25 20:30Paignton 13:30 17:35Kingswear 14:00 16:45









Premier £215 £129 £559

First £139 £75 £353

Standard £89 £55 £233

56UK Day Trips - The Buxton Spa Express

The “Buxton Spa Express” starts from Preston and will be hauled by a diesel locomotive as far as Manchester. The train heads south up the West Coast Main Line (WCML) and stops for more passengers at Wigan North Western, Bolton and Manchester Victoria. Here steam locomotive No. 61994 “The Great Marquess” takes over the train for the onward journey to Buxton. The train climbs the steep gradient to Miles Platting and passes through urban areas of Greater Manchester en route to the Pennine Mountains in the Peak District. The route includes some stiff climbs where our steam locomotive will be working hard and should prove to be ideal for the job. We shall pass through some rugged and wild moorland scenery in the Peak District National Park.

Our destination is Buxton, the highest market town in England. Here there will be time to explore this Spa town which is well known for its thermal springs and bottled water. It has many notable features including The Crescent, Pump Room, Pavilion Gardens, and St. Anns Well. The Natural Baths have an unusual barrel vaulted stained glass canopy, the largest stained glass window in Britain.

Our train, hauled by steam locomotive No. 61994 “The Great Marquess”, takes a different route for the return journey. We join the ex-Midland Railway route at Chinley and travel through the beautiful Vale of Edale. We pass through Hathersage, a charming village associated with Robin Hood and the Eyre family of Brontë fame. We continue along the Hope Valley Line through the 3.5 mile long Totley Tunnel en route to Sheffield. We then travel northwards to Moorthorpe and Wakefield Kirkgate before turning westwards through Mirfield and Brighouse to Hall Royd Junction. Here we take the steeply graded line to Copy Pit before descending through Burnley to Blackburn. We pass through Darwen on the climb to Sough Tunnel and then descend to Bolton. We continue to Manchester Victoria where we stop to set down passengers. We change direction of travel and return to Preston hauled by a diesel locomotive, stopping en route at Bolton and Wigan North Western to set down passengers.

Join us on an exciting outing by special train from North West England to Buxton, a Spa town in the beautiful Peak District. This day trip includes different outward and return routes through picturesque Pennine scenery with some steep gradients. Our train will be hauled from Manchester to Buxton and return by ex-LNER K4 class 2-6-0 steam locomotive No. 61994 “The Great Marquess” which was designed specifically for use on the steep gradients of the Scottish West Highland Line.

Saturday 9th May 2015

Bob Green

Approximate Timings Outward Return Preston 08:30 19:55Wigan 08:50 19:30Bolton 09:15 19:15Manchester Victoria 09:40 18:55Buxton 11:40 15:15







The Buxton Spa Express


Premier £189 £112 £490

First £125 £55 £305

Standard £85 £42 £212

57UK Day Trips - The Peak Forester

We leave London King’s Cross at around 09:30, hauled by “Oliver Cromwell”, and we can expect some fast running as we head north along the East Coast Main Line (ECML). We stop at Potters Bar, Stevenage and Peterborough for further passengers and then take the former Syston and Peterborough Railway line that links the ECML to the Midland Main Line (MML). We pass through Stamford and Oakham, the county town of Rutland. When this line was built, between Oakham and Melton Mowbray, it had to make a significant detour because of opposition from the then owner of nearby Stapleford Park.

We join the MML at Syston Junction and head northwards through Loughborough and Trent Junction to Derby. We then take the Derwent Valley Line to Ambergate Junction and along the Matlock Branch. This was formerly the Midland Main Line to Manchester Central which closed as a through route in 1968. We are now in the Peak District and we travel up the picturesque valley of the River Derwent, passing through Cromford and Matlock Bath to Matlock.

At Matlock passengers have the option of alighting from the train or continuing on our train along the Heritage Railway ‘Peak Rail’ through Darley Dale to Rowsley. Peak Rail services were extended into Matlock Station (Network Rail) in 2011 and our train tickets are valid for travel on Peak Rail trains.

Our train, steam hauled by “Oliver Cromwell”, leaves Rowsley late in the afternoon and stops at Matlock to pick up those passengers who have been visiting the town. We return via Derby, Trent Junction and Melton Mowbray to Peterborough where we stop to set down passengers. At Conington our steam locomotive takes on water. We call at Stevenage and Potters Bar to set down passengers, before journeys end at London King’s Cross.

Join us on this very special train from London to Matlock in the beautiful Peak District of Derbyshire. There we shall travel over ‘Peak Rail’ the Heritage Railway line between Matlock and Rowsley. Our train will be steam hauled throughout by ex-British Railways Britannia class ‘Pacific’ steam locomotive No. 70013 “Oliver Cromwell”. The journey includes fast running stretches of high profile main lines as well as highly scenic secondary routes.

Sunday 10th May 2015

Bob Green

Approximate Timings Outward Return London King’s Cross 09:30 22:15Potters Bar 09:50 21:55Stevenage 10:15 21:25Peterborough 11:30 19:55Matlock 14:10 17:05Rowsley 14:35 16:40







The Peak Forester


Premier £209 £149 £567

First £135 £72 £342

Standard £94 £54 £242

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Tour Reservation Form

Visit our website for online booking – railwaytouring.net


Title .................... Forename .................................................................Surname ...............................................................DOB* ................

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Day Trips Booking Form

Visit our website for online booking – railwaytouring.net


59

The Railway Touring Company14a Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 1JN

Phone: 01553 661500 – Fax: 01553 661800Web: www.railwaytouring.net – E-mail: [email protected]

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RTC Day Trips and Tours 2nd edition 2014-15

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Transcript of RTC Day Trips and Tours 2nd edition 2014-15