Steam Dreams

Steam Dreams Launches Christmas Market Day Trips

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team Dreams Rail Co. is offering three special Christmas Market tours departing from London this winter with an enhanced festive service, taking in the seasonal splendour of beautiful Bath, York and Lincoln.

Guests can enjoy Christmas merriment on board the brand new lovinglyrefurbished and festively decorated carriages, recently featured on My5’s World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys, as they are steam-hauled to some of the UK’s most charming Christmas markets.

London & Hertfordshire to York

Explore the quaint cobbled streets of beautiful, festive York and enjoy the St Nicholas Fair in its 30th anniversary year. Passengers will embark on an enchanting journey via the East Coast Main Line, featuring the famous Stoke Bank, the stretch on which Mallard achieved her world record speed of 126mph on 3rd July 1938. On arrival in historic York, guests can explore at their leisure – indulging in some Christmas shopping or visiting such iconic sites as the stunning Minster with its renowned Rose window and the National Railway Museum, home to a large collection of notable locomotives.

*Departs Thursday 17th November from London Kings Cross, Potters Bar or Stevenage from £129pp

London to Lincoln

Guests will be welcomed on board with a festive tipple by attentive staff as the steam-hauled train skirts the capital to pick up passengers in North London and Hertfordshire before making its way through the wintery landscape to Lincoln. This contemporary Cathedral City with over 2,000 years of history offers the perfect backdrop for a spot of Christmas shopping at its numerous boutique stores and popular Christmas Market featuring over 150 stalls and located in the medieval square between the impressive Norman Castle and the magnificent Gothic Cathedral.

*Departs Friday 2nd December from Ealing Broadway , Finsbury Park or Hertford North from £129pp

London to Bath

Travel to the stunning roman city of Bath and discover the 170 wooden chalets which make up one of the UK’s most iconic Christmas markets - celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. This departure takes guests away from the hustle and bustle of London at Christmas time, on a journey along the Thames Valley before heading out into Wiltshire offering views of rolling hills and the famous white horses from the comfort of your luxury vintage carriage. Upon arrival in Bath, guests will marvel at some of the very finest architectural sights in Europe including the Roman Baths and Pump Room, Pulteney Bridge, the Abbey and Royal Crescent.

*Departs Monday 5th December from London Victoria or Staines from £129pp

All Steam Dreams Rail Co. guests will be welcomed with a customary mince pie and glass of mulled wine on the seasonal departures and whether indulging in a Pullman Style Dining experience, First Class or Premium Standard, every option offers a wonderful nostalgic experience with an elevated level of service from the liveried staff:

Pullman Style Dining (from £329pp) offers a truly premium railway dining experience. Luxurious interiors await with dining tables adorned with the finest glassware and crockery, complemented by fresh flowers and a brand-new seasonal menu. Passengers will be welcomed on board with a glass of bubbly before being served a traditional breakfast with all the trimmings. On the return journey, guests can soak up the atmosphere from a bygone era as canapes are served before the sumptuous evening meal with a half bottle of wine per person.

First Class (from £209pp) offers comfortable seating around tables for four and tables for two in elegant 1950s carriages. Passengers will be welcomed with a glass of Bucks Fizz and served a delicious combination of sweet and savoury treats for both the outward and return journeys.

Premium Standard (from £129pp) gives passengers everything they need and more from a steam day out experience; complimentary tea and coffee, comfortable refurbished seating and a souvenir booklet about the day. Guests are invited to bring their own hampers to enjoy or visit the new Buffet Car to purchase from a delectable selection of festive snacks or drinks menu.

To make a booking or purchase a Steam Dreams Rail Co. gift voucher please call 01483 209888 – 9.30am – 5pm on weekdays or purchase online at www.steamdreams.co.uk

Creidt Andrew Shapland

Experience the Ultimate ‘Mega Moon’ at Saint Lucia’s Two Iconic Luxury Hotels

Saint Lucia’s best loved, iconic luxury hotels Cap Maison and Ladera have partnered to create the perfect ‘Mega Moon’ package. The ‘Ultimate Peak to Beach’ package allows guests to enjoy the luxurious, yet distinctively different, tropical experiences offered in the north and south of Saint Lucia with three nights stay at each hotel. It is perfect for couples looking for a unique honeymoon or romantic experience, whilst seeking the supreme height of luxury, privacy, and pampering.

On arrival in Saint Lucia, guests will be transported by VIP airport transfer with cold towels and drinks to begin their stay in a spacious open air Luxury Suite at Ladera’s Paradise Ridge, where they can relax on the suite’s private terrace with plunge pool.

Located in the lush rainforest at 1,100 feet above the Caribbean Sea and with all suites featuring totally open west side walls, guests can enjoy unrivalled views of the UNECO World Heritage Piton Mountains.

Upon arrival, guest will be welcomed with complimentary bottle of signature local rum. The experiences include continental Buffet breakfast and elegant dinners at Ladera’s award winning Dashnee Restaurant plus selected beverages, and a couples massage in the total privacy of Ladera’s Paradise Ridge.

For the second part of the mega moon experience, couples will be transported by luxury boat transfer to Cap Maison, where they can enjoy breath-taking views of the island from the sea. Cap Maison is located on the northern most tip of the island, where they will spend three nights in an Oceanview Suite with private roof terrace, private pool, and the most breath-taking sea views.

On arrival, guests will receive a complimentary bottle of champagne. All meals including breakfast, lunch and dinners are included and can be enjoyed at the internationally renowned Cliff at Cap restaurant or beach bar and grill The Naked Fisherman. Couples can also enjoy a sensual couples massage at Spa Maison during their stay.

For couples looking to inject a little adventure into the mix, both hotels also offer a specially selected menu of excursions and activities to choose from, giving guests the opportunity to tailor make a unique Mega Moon to suit their individual tastes. Newlyweds can discover the luscious and diverse landscapes and culture of Saint Lucia, whilst being hosted in the luxury enclave of the awardwinning hotels. Activities include snorkelling on a private beach, a tropical rainforest Zip Lining Excursion, Horseback Riding on a deserted beach, ‘Bean to Bar’ Hotel Chocolate Experience or a Castries Market Tour and cookery class.

BOOK IT

The ‘Ultimate Peak to Beach’ package costs in Winter: from £11,825.00 or in Summer: from £10,071.00 plus 20% Tax & Service Charge per room (based on two people sharing) for a six-night stay including luxury transfers. Additional activities and excursions can be booked separately via the hotels’ concierge desk at an additional cost.

Visit www.capmaison.com and www.ladera.com for more information