HOLIDAYS BY
STEAM 2015-2017
LAKES EXPRESS 2015
EMERALD ISLE EXPLORER 2016
CATHEDRALS EXPRESS TO CORNWALL 2016
CAMBRIAN COAST EXPRESS 2016
HIGHLANDS & ISLANDS EXPLORER 2017
INCLUDING 2015 DAY TRIP PROGRAMME
Welcome on board Having recently been awarded a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence, and short-listed as Best Rail Holiday Provider in the Silver Travel Awards, we are proud to present this new brochure in which you will find details of all our Holidays by Steam for 2015, 2016 and even some exclusive information about our Highlands and Islands Explorer in 2017, so you can start planning your trip of a lifetime for whenever suits you. All the tours start and finish in London, with additional opportunities to join the train at stations elsewhere in the UK. The multi-day tours of the British Isles mirror The Cathedrals Express day trip concept: Beautiful countryside, fascinating cities, lovely hotels, great food and wine, comfortable travel in historic carriages, interesting locomotives – and above all the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed and stress free holiday. Along the way there will be optional group excursions or free time to explore cities, historic castles, National Trust properties and other attractions at your leisure. Service on board On tours of Great Britain, passengers looking for on-board On our tours in Ireland, Dining passengers are served light dining may choose from Pullman Style or Premier Dining. lunches on the train, with the main meal being taken at the In both classes you will be served delicious food cooked by hotel each evening. our on-board chefs and served at your table. You will be offered drinks from the on-board wine list. Our team of friendly, efficient and well-trained staff take pride in getting to know passengers and ensuring they are well looked after. Pullman Style is our most luxurious dining option with delicious four or five course lunches and dinners, served with canapés, an amuse bouche and a complimentary half bottle of wine with each main meal. Premier Dining also offers mouth-watering dishes, a carefully chosen wine list and superb staff taking care of your every need. First Class passengers will be welcomed on board with champagne and orange juice each day, and served complimentary tea, coffee and snacks at your table. You will also be able to purchase additional food and drinks from the at-seat service. Premium Standard passengers are seated at tables of four, which are dressed with crisp white tablecloths. You will enjoy complimentary tea and coffee and may purchase snacks and drinks from the at-seat service. Excursions Off train excursions are specially selected to add to the enjoyment of your holiday and allow you to see more of your chosen destination. On all excursions you will be accompanied by an experienced Tour Manager. Hotels We recognise that the hotels and surrounding locations on our British Isles tours are vitally important to making your holiday memorable. We carefully select interesting hotels in convenient and picturesque settings, allocated dependent on the class of travel. Breakfast will be taken in the hotel and dinner will usually be taken in your hotel on at least two evenings. Feel free to call us to discuss all the hotel options.
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The Kyle of Lochalsh Railway Š Mark Walker
CONTENTS DAY TRIPS 2015 The Cathedrals Express pages 4 - 8 ENGLAND 2015 The Lakes Express page 9 IRELAND 2016 The Emerald Isle Explorer
pages 10 - 13
WALES 2016 The Cambrian Coast Express
pages 14 - 15
CORNWALL 2016 The Cathedrals Express to Cornwall
pages 16 - 17
SCOTLAND 2017 Highlands & Islands Explorer
pages 18 - 21
PRICES page 22 TERMS & CONDITIONS page 23
We hope you find something of interest in this brochure. If you would like further information on any of these tours please call our Booking Office on 01483 209888. We will be happy to discuss options with you. 3
Day Trips THURSDAY 9 JULY
LONDON WATERLOO TO WEYMOUTH FARES
Rostered loco: 61306 Mayflower Boarding stations Depart Return
Pullman Style Dining Premier Dining First Class Premium Standard
£239 £199 £149 £99
London Waterloo Woking Brookwood Southampton Central Bournemouth Weymouth
FARES from Southampton
Pullman Style Dining Premier Dining First Class Premium Standard
£199 £159 £109 £75
Weymouth's Georgian seafront is an impressive backdrop to the long arc of fine, golden sand, connected by over three miles of level promenade which provides access to the beach, rejuvenated town centre and historic harbour.
FARES from Bournemouth
First Class Premium Standard
0955 2115 1025 2045 1035 2035 1200 1830 1250 1750 1345 1630
£99 £65
TUESDAY 14 JULY
KENT & SURREY TO WEST SOMERSET RAILWAY
Day Trips 2015
Boarding stations
Gravesend Strood Snodland Maidstone West Yalding Tonbridge Edenbridge Redhill Dorking Deepdene Guildford Minehead
Depart
Return
0650 2355 0705 2345 0715 2135 0730 2150 0740 2210 0800 2215 0820 2235 0900 2210 0920 2150 0940 2130 1420 1710
Rostered loco:Vintage Diesel FARES
Pullman Style Dining Premier Dining First Class Premium Standard
£239 £199 £149 £99
With views of the Somerset coastline and the Quantock Hills, this heritage railway is the perfect destination.
SUNDAY 26 JULY
WINDSOR TO CANTERBURY, WHITSTABLE OYSTER FESTIVAL & FAVERSHAM Boarding stations
Depart Return
Rostered loco: 61306 Mayflower
Windsor & Eton Riverside 0905 2200 Datchet 0910 2150 Wraysbury 0915 2145 Twickenham 0930 2130 Clapham Junction 0945 2115 East Croydon 1025 2040 Merstham 1040 2020 Redhill 1050 2010 Penshurst 1115 1945 Canterbury West 1250 1800 Whitstable 1330 1700 Faversham 1400 1650
SUNDAY 16 AUGUST
LONDON KINGS CROSS TO YORK Rostered loco: 61306 Mayflower Boarding stations Depart Return
London Kings Cross Hatfield (Herts) Biggleswade Huntingdon Newark North Gate York
0920 2230 0950 2205 1030 2125 1100 2100 1245 1915 1445 1730
Passengers in Pullman Style Dining and Premier Dining joining the train at Newark will be served a two course meal on the return journey from York
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FARES to York
Pullman Style Dining Premier Dining First Class Premium Standard
£239 £199 £149 £99
from Newark North Gate to York
Pullman Style Dining Premier Dining First Class Premium Standard
£199 £169 £129 £79
www.CathedralsExpress.co.uk
FARES TO CANTERBURY Pullman Style Dining £225 Premier Dining £189 First Class £145 Premium Standard £95 WHITSTABLE OR FAVERSHAM Pullman Style Dining £239 Premier Dining £199 First Class £149 Premium Standard £99
SATURDAY 22 AUGUST
SOUTHEND AIRPORT TO STRATFORD-UPON-AVON Rostered loco: 61306 Mayflower Boarding stations Depart Return
Southend Airport 0900 2255 Hockley 0910 2250 Wickford 0920 2240 Shenfield 0940 2220 Stratford (London) 1000 2200 Warwick 1350 1745 Stratford-upon-Avon 1430 1715 FARES
A vintage diesel may be used on a small section of this journey
Pullman Style Dining Premier Dining First Class Premium Standard
£239 £199 £149 £99
SATURDAY 29 AUGUST
SALISBURY TO CANTERBURY Boarding stations
Depart Return
Rostered loco: 61306 Mayflower
0800 2230 0835 2200 0845 2150 0915 2140 0935 2120 0950 2110 1000 2050 1040 2030 1100 2000 1330 1630
FARES
Pullman Style Dining Premier Dining First Class Premium Standard
£239 £199 £149 £99
To commemorate 15 years of service, we are running a trip between our first two destinations.
THURSDAY 3 SEPTEMBER
RUGBY TO BATH & BRISTOL Rostered loco: Duchess of Sutherland Boarding stations
Depart
Rugby Northampton Milton Keynes Watford Junction Slough Reading Bath Spa Bristol Temple Meads FARES
Pullman Style Dining Premier Dining First Class Premium Standard
Diesel hauled from London to Rugby on the return journey
Day Trips 2015
Salisbury Andover Whitchurch Basingstoke Farnborough Main Woking West Byfleet Hounslow London Clapham Junction Canterbury West
Return
0715 2150 0800 2130 0815 2110 0900 2040 1000 1930 1030 1913 1300 1650 1330 1630
£239 £199 £149 £99
TUESDAY 8 SEPTEMBER
COLCHESTER TO CARLISLE VIA SETTLE & CARLISLE RAILWAY Boarding stations
Colchester Ipswich Bury St Edmunds Ely March Peterborough Grantham Carlisle
Depart Return
FARES
0600 0010 0620 2350 0700 2315 0750 2240 0815 2220 0840 2155 0910 2100 1415 1620
Pullman Style Dining Premier Dining First Class Premium Standard
£239 £199 £149 £99
Diesel hauled between Colchester and Yorkshire in both directions. Steam hauled over the Settle & Carlisle Railway in both directions.
Booking Office 01483 209888
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THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER
LONDON VICTORIA TO GLOUCESTER, LYDNEY & CARDIFF FARES to Gloucester
Boarding stations Depart Return
London Victoria Chiswick Staines Reading Swindon Gloucester Lydney Cardiff
Pullman Style Dining Premier Dining First Class Premium Standard
0845 2310 0905 2240 0930 2215 1040 2110 1145 2000 1300 1830 1335 1800 1430 1700
£225 £189 £145 £95
FARES to Lydney
Pullman Style Dining Premier Dining First Class Premium Standard
Passengers in Pullman Style Dining and Premier Dining joining the train at Reading and travelling to Gloucester will be served a two course meal on the return journey.
£239 £199 £149 £99
FARES to Cardiff
Pullman Style Dining Premier Dining First Class Premium Standard
See website for Fares from Gloucester
£249 £209 £159 £115
TUESDAY 22 SEPTEMBER
HORSHAM TO BATH & BRISTOL
Day Trips 2015
Rostered Loco: 61306 Mayflower Boarding stations Depart Return
Horsham 0820 2200 Ockley 0840 2150 Holmwood 0850 2145 Dorking (Main) 0910 2140 Leatherhead 0920 2125 Cheam 0930 2115 West Brompton 1000 2045 Bath Spa 1330 1650 Bristol Temple Meads 1345 1630 FARES
Pullman Style Dining Premier Dining First Class Premium Standard
£239 £199 £149 £99
THURSDAY 24 SEPTEMBER
LONDON VICTORIA TO CHELTENHAM & WORCESTER VIA THE SURREY HILLS FARES
Rostered Loco: Princess Elizabeth Boarding stations Depart Return
London Victoria Purley Reigate Dorking Deepdene Shalford Guildford Crowthorne Cheltenham Worcester Shrub Hill
Pullman Style Dining Premier Dining First Class Premium Standard
0845 2225 0920 2150 0945 2130 1000 2110 1015 2040 1035 2020 1055 2000 1350 1730 1415 1700
The Cathedrals Express makes its first journey this year through the Cotswolds to the market town of Cheltenham, with beautiful regency architecture, historic promenade and gardens. Alternatively, join us on this scenic trip to Worcester, and enjoy stunning views from the historic tower.
SUNDAY 27 SEPTEMBER
LONDON PADDINGTON TO EXETER, PAIGNTON & KINGSWEAR Rostered loco: 61306 Mayflower Boarding stations Depart Return
London Paddington Slough Maidenhead Reading Newbury Taunton Exeter St. Davids Paignton Kingswear
0805 0835 0845 0910 0930 1220 1300 1400 1445
2310 2240 2230 2210 2155 1930 1830 1730 1650
FARES
Pullman Style Dining Premier Dining First Class Premium Standard
Exeter
Paignton & Kingswear
Exeter to Kingswear
£239 £199 £149 £99
£249 £209 £159 £115
£165 £139 £99 £69
Dining passengers travelling from Taunton or Exeter to Kingswear will receive a two course meal on the return journey
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£239 £199 £149 £99
www.CathedralsExpress.co.uk
TUESDAY 29 SEPTEMBER
OXFORDSHIRE & WILTSHIRE TO KINGSWEAR Rostered loco: Princess Elizabeth Boarding stations Depart Return
Banbury 0740 2200 Radley 0810 2240 Swindon 0830 2220 Chippenham 0900 2200 Melksham 0910 2150 Taunton 0930 2130 Exeter St Davids 1000 2110 Paignton 0950 1920 Kingswear 1315 1730
FARES
Pullman Style Dining Premier Dining First Class Premium Standard
£249 £209 £159 £115
A charming maritime village, perfect for a summer getaway. Kingswear is located on the opposite side of the river Dart to Dartmouth in the South Hams area of South Devon, just south of the English Riviera.
SATURDAY 10 OCTOBER
WARMINSTER TO CAMBRIDGE & ELY Rostered loco: 61306 Mayflower Boarding stations Depart Return
0740 2200 0810 2240 0830 2220 0900 2200 0910 2150 0930 2130 1000 2110 0950 1920 1315 1730 1345 1715
FARES
Pullman Style Dining Premier Dining First Class Premium Standard
£239 £199 £149 £99
LONDON PADDINGTON TO WARWICK & STRATFORD-UPON-AVON Rostered loco: 61306 Mayflower
AY N D O N HE SU NC LU
SUNDAY 18 OCTOBER
Day Trips 2015
Warminster Salisbury Andover Basingstoke Bramley Reading Maidenhead West Hampstead Cambridge Ely
Enjoy a day out with a run across the north of London into the East Anglian countryside for the option of visiting one of two lovely cities – academic and historic Cambridge or scenic Ely, with its magnificent Octagon Tower. This trip will be diesel hauled from London on the return journey
Boarding stations Depart Return
London Paddington 1050 2130 Gerrards Cross 1145 2050 Warwick 1345 1900 Stratford-upon-Avon 1430 1830 FARES
Pullman Style Dining Premier Dining First Class Premium Standard
£239 £199 £149 £99
SATURDAY 24 OCTOBER
LONDON TO NORWICH Today’s locomotive B1 Mayflower retraces its historical roots from London’s Liverpool Street to the Cathedral City of Norwich. Unusually, this route takes us for a brief visit to the East Suffolk Coast at Lowestoft before taking the scenic route through East Suffolk to Ipswich and return to Liverpool Street. This trip will be diesel hauled from Lowestoft to London on the return journey
Booking Office 01483 209888
Rostered loco: 61306 Mayflower Boarding stations Depart Return
London Liverpool Street 0715 2150 Shenfield 0800 2130 Colchester 0900 2040 Norwich 1215 1530 FARES
Pullman Style Dining Premier Dining First Class Premium Standard
£239 £199 £149 £99
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Christmas 2015 SATURDAY 21 NOVEMBER LONDON TO CHESTER CHRISTMAS MARKET Travel from Northampton, Rugby, Nuneaton & Lichfield
THURSDAY 26 NOVEMBER LONDON TO MINEHEAD FOR MINEHEAD CHRISTMAS MARKET OR A CAROL SERVICE IN DUNSTER PRIORY Travel from Victoria, Feltham, Staines, Ascot, Wokingham, Reading & Newbury
SUNDAY 29 NOVEMBER SUNDAY LUNCHEON LONDON TO BATH CHRISTMAS MARKET Travel from London Paddington, Slough, Twyford & Reading
WEDNESDAY 16 DECEMBER LONDON TO YORK CHRISTMAS MARKET Travel from London Kings Cross, Hertford North, Hitchin, Arlesey, St Neots, Peterborough, Retford
Christmas Day Trips 2015
SATURDAY 19 DECEMBER SOUTHEND TO WINCHESTER FOR THE WINCHESTER CHRISTMAS MARKET Travel from Southend, Upminster & Willesden Junction
WEDNESDAY 2 DECEMBER HORSHAM TO OXFORD FOR A CAROL SERVICE IN CHRISTCHURCH CATHEDRAL Travel from Horsham, Holmwood, Dorking, Leatherhead, Cheam & West Brompton
SATURDAY 5 DECEMBER LONDON TO CARLISLE CHRISTMAS MARKET VIA THE SETTLE & CARLISLE RAILWAY Travel from Euston, Watford, Milton Keynes
WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER LONDON TO CHELTENHAM & WORCESTER FOR THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS Travel from Victoria, Twickenham, Egham, Sunningdale, Bracknell & Reading
SATURDAY 12 DECEMBER ASHFORD TO SALISBURY CHRISTMAS MARKET Travel from Ashford, Charing, Maidstone, Borough Green, Swanley, Bromley & West Brompton
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TUESDAY 22 DECEMBER WHITE CLIFFS LUNCHTIME CHRISTMAS CIRCULAR From London Victoria
www.CathedralsExpress.co.uk
Lakes Express Monday 14 -Thursday 17 September 2015 Celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Lakes Express train with a trip to the UK’s most popular National Park. You will have three nights here to experience the postcard panorama of craggy hilltops, mountain tarns and glittering lakes that make it one of Britain’s loveliest destinations.
Lakes Express 2015
Ullswater, Lake District
Day 1 Monday 14 September London to the Lake District with 6233 Duchess of Sutherland Day 2 Tuesday 15 September Explore the Lake District - The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway - The narrow gauge Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway - A trip on Steam Yacht Gondola across Lake Coniston - Brantwood House & Gardens - Hill Top Farm and Hawkshead
Lake Coniston Steam Yacht
Day 3 Wednesday 16 September Cumbrian Coast and Settle & Carlisle with Scots Guardsman Other excursions include a visit to Holker Hall & Gardens, Grange over Sands. Day 4 Thursday 17 September Lake District to London with Coronation Class 6201 Princess Elizabeth Princess Elizabeth
Booking Office 01483 209888
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Emerald Isle Explorer Wednesday 11 – Thursday 19 May 2016 Following the popularity of our inaugural Emerald Isle Explorer in 2015, we will be running a second Emerald Isle Explorer in 2016 visiting different parts of the beautiful island of Ireland! Journey with us through this wild and fascinating landscape to some of Ireland’s most charming cities, such as Wexford, Cork, Sligo and Dublin, with options to travel by steam from Londonderry to Belfast, and even enjoy a visit to the incredible Giant’s Causeway. 1 night in North Wales • 1 night in Wexford • 2 nights in Cork • 2 nights in Sligo Emerald Isle Explorer 2016
• Either 1 night in Belfast and 1 night in Dublin, or 2 nights in Dublin
Sligo
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www.CathedralsExpress.co.uk
Giant’s Causeway
Londonderry
Main Route Optional Tours
Bangor
Coach Transfers
Belfast Sligo
Banbridge
Enniskillen
Newry Dundalk
Castlebar
Flight or Ferry to Dublin
Athlone Galway
Dublin
Sallins
Athenry
Cherryville Junction
Wicklow
Athy Carlow
Limerick
Limerick Junction Clonmel
Tralee
Kilkenny Wexford
Mallow
Waterford
Killarney Cork
Emerald Isle Explorer 2016
Ennis
Catering and Hotels The standard of Hotels in Ireland is exceptional. Pullman Style passengers will be able to enjoy truly world class hotels where the standard of service is unrivalled. Premier Dining passengers will also be delighted with the quality of their accommodation which has been carefully chosen to be in either city centre or located in beautiful surroundings. Breakfast and dinner will be taken in the hotels every day for dining passengers. Non-dining passengers will be staying in good quality, city centre hotels. Breakfast will be provided each morning. Irish Locomotives and Carriages Throughout our time in Ireland we will be using the locomotives and coaches of the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland (RPSI). This thriving body of steam-loving volunteers have two sets of coaches – one that is allowed to operate both North and South of the border and another which is their dedicated set that only travels in the Irish Republic. The Southern Irish set of 64 seat Craven Coaches are different to those used on our trains in the UK with more basic seating and décor but also a very singular Irish ambience, including the only railway bar in the world serving draught Guinness - which will be available exclusively for Pullman Style passengers. The RPSI own of a number of steam locomotives, and we expect to use several of them on our tour. Flying Option For those who wish to fly to Ireland, Steam Dreams will be happy to outward and return flights to and from Dublin. There will be a supplement in each direction, which will include your flight, luggage and transfers between Dublin airport and your hotel.
Booking Office 01483 209888
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Day 1 Wednesday 11 May London to North Wales Steam hauled from London Euston station mid-morning, we travel up towards Chester and onwards for the beautiful journey along the North Wales Coast to our hotels. On the way we pass beneath the walls of Conwy Castle, cross the Britannia Bridge over the Menai Straight to the Island of Anglesey and end our journey at the very edge of the Irish Sea. As in 2015, an option to fly to Ireland from a number of UK airports is available. Please see page 11 for further details. Hotels in North Wales will include the Tre-Ysgawen Country House Hotel & Spa, the Treaddur Bay Seaside Hotel and The Bulkeley Hotel in Beaumaris.
Day 2 Thursday 12 May
Emerald Isle Explorer 2016
Holyhead to Wexford via Avoca We travel across to Ireland by ferry after breakfast, catching our steam train in Dublin to take us South towards Wexford. For most of the way, we enjoy wonderful views as the train hugs the coastline, on what is probably the most scenic line on the Emerald Isle. We plan to make a stop in the pretty village of Avoca, the setting of TV series Ballykissangel. Hotels in Wexford will include the 4* Talbot Hotel, the Ferrycarrig Hotel and Whites of Wexford Hotel & Spa. Day 3 Friday 13 May Wexford to Cork via Waterford You will be transferred by road coach (approx. 1hr journey) from Wexford late-morning to a world famous name redolent of a very strong image – Waterford. Here you will an opportunity to visit the world-famous Waterford Crystal before we head to the station mid-afternoon to make our way steam hauled to the Cathedral City of Cork, where we will stay for two nights. Hotels in Cork will include the 5* Hayfield Manor Hotel, the River Lee Hotel (part of the Doyle Collection) and The Gresham Metropole.
Cobh Harbour
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Day 4 Saturday 14 May Discover the delights of Cork Today will be a day at leisure in Cork where you could visit the famous St Fin Barre’s Cathedral and explore this charming city. Alternatively, you may opt to join one of the excursions which will include a train trip to Killarney, where you can enjoy views of the Killarney National Park – known as the Lake District of Ireland. Alternatively, stay on the train for the branch line to Tralee on the stunning Dingle Peninsula. Another option will be to take a coach tour around the world famous Ring of Kerry, returning to Cork on our steam train from Tralee. Prices for this optional tour can be found on p.22. Other excursions may include a trip to Cobh for the Titanic Experience, Fota House & Gardens and Elizabeth Fort, a 15th Century Castle. Day 5 Sunday 15 May Cork to Sligo After breakfast in your hotel, we transfer to the station for a wonderful all day steam hauled journey right across the country to the far West Coast of Ireland, for a two day stay in this remote part of the country. Hotels in Sligo will include the 4* Glass House Hotel, the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa and The Best Western Sligo Southern Hotel. Day 6 Monday 16 May Explore North West Ireland A day to immerse yourself in the magic of North West Ireland – with harbour towns nestled between dramatic mountains and the sea, excellent golf courses, ancient sites and fabulous landscapes, there is plenty to see and do. We will also organise a range of optional excursions for you to choose from, which are likely to include a boat trip on Lough Gil, a trip to the famous and beautiful Glencar Waterfall, Rosses Point, and Carrowmore, the site of some 6000-year-old megalithic tombs. At this stage in the tour, we plan to divide into two parties.
Bray Head © Finbarr O’Neill
www.CathedralsExpress.co.uk For Prices and Payment • Booking Terms – Office see page 01483 22 209888
Wexford Harbour
Days 7 & 8 Option One Tuesday 17 & Wednesday 18 May 2 nights in Dublin
Days 7 & 8 Option Two Tuesday 17 & Wednesday 18 May 1 night in Belfast or Portrush and 1 night in Dublin (Supplements apply) Day 7 West Ireland to Belfast and Portrush via Londonderry and the Giants Causeway You will be transferred by road coach to Londonderry, where we will catch our steam train to Portrush and Belfast. In Northern Ireland we will be using the RPSI’s Northern set of carriages. In the afternoon, you will have an opportunity to visit the striking Giants Causeway - a place which has inspired artists, stirred scientific debate and captured the imagination of all who see it. Day 8 Portrush & Belfast to Dublin Before travelling along the coast by steam from Belfast, you will have plenty of time to explore the city and its many attractions including the Titanic Museum, the historic Cathedral Quarter and the Harbour.
Emerald Isle Explorer 2016
Day 7 West Ireland to Dublin Setting off around mid-morning, you will make the fabulous journey from coast-to-coast by steam, arriving in Dublin late afternoon. Day 8 A day to explore Dublin For those who will be spending the day in Dublin there is much to discover. Join us on one of our excursions, including a trip to the Guinness Storehouse, or explore the city at your leisure.
Giants Causeway
Day 9 Thursday 19 May Dublin to London Sadly we wave goodbye to the Emerald Isle but most I am sure will vow to come back again to this beautiful island. We fly or sail back to the UK with the same onward arrangements as Day 1 in reverse, but diesel-hauled from Holyhead for a swift journey home.
www.CathedralsExpress.co.uk • Booking Office 01483 209888
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Cambrian Coast Express Sunday 5 - Wednesday 8 June 2016
Cambrian Coast Express 2016
2016 marks the 50th anniversary since the last Cambrian Coast Express headed out of London for Aberystwyth and Pwlhelli and Steam Dreams will give passengers the opportunity to remember one of Britain’s most loved Holiday Trains. Stay in fabulous hotels Including the famous italianate village resort of Portmeirion.
Menai Bridge
Ffestiniog Railway
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Porthmadog
www.CathedralsExpress.co.uk • Booking Office 01483 209888
Day 1 Sunday 5 June London Paddington to Pwlhelli Setting out from Brunel’s historic terminus, where the Cambrian Coast traditionally started, we head off towards Birmingham in the capable hands of one of the finest traditional Great Western Locomotives. This leg of the trip takes us through the heart of the Midlands and on to Shrewsbury. After a short sightseeing break in Shrewsbury, we head West through mid-Wales hauled by one of the vintage diesels that are still passed to operate on this beautiful rural line. We climb up through the remote Cambrian Mountains before descending to the famous, but largely unpronounceable town of Machynlleth. We enjoy the beautiful sights as we approach Cardigan Bay through the Dovey Valley and then probably the most scenic journey in Wales that runs close to the sea all the way past Towyn, over the famous Barmouth Trestle Bridge, Harlech, Porthmadog and Pwlhelli. Days 2 & 3 Monday 6 June - Tuesday 7 June
Shrewsbury
Main route Optional Ferry
Lewis
Day 4 Wednesday 8 June Holyhead and Bangor to Chester, Shrewsbury and Paddington by steam Passengers will be taken from their hotels and given the choice of an early morning start for a quick trip to Holyhead retracing their steps back to the mainland. Later starters can join this trip in Bangor and head South. A short break is planned at Chester before heading south to Shrewsbury and across the Welsh Marches to South Wales, back across the South Western Mainline to Paddington for a mid-evening arrival. Hotels Pullman Style Dining passengers will be staying at the famous italianate village resort of Portmeirion known to many as the location of the iconic TV series “The Prisoner”. The Portmeirion Hotel is arguably the most stunning hotel in Wales with wonderful views, fine interiors, great service and food. Premier Dining, First Class and Premium Standard passengers will be staying at quality 3* or 4* hotels in the historic seaside towns of Llandudno and Caernarfon.
Edinburgh Glasgow Troon
Cambrian Coast Express 2016
Dunrobin Optional Excursions in Snowdonia You can either opt to make your own arrangementsUist or Inverness join us for one of our optional excursions which, over theSkye next two days, are likely to include a day out to North Aberdeen Kyle of Lochalsh Wales’ incredibly scenic steam railways – the Festiniog Mallaig Portmeirion Fort William Railway, Snowdon Railway and the 1’1” gauge Welsh Highland Railway. Other excursions will include a sea trip to Puffin Island and Beaumaris, Bodnant Gardens and Mull Oban Perth St Andrews Conway Town or Portmeirion and Penryhn Castle. Iona
Carlisle
Caernarfon Castle
Bangor
Holyhead
Chester
Porthmadog Pwllheli
Portmeirion
Shrewsbury
Machynlleth
Day 1
Hereford
Day 4
For Prices and Payment Terms – see page 22
London Paddington
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The Cathedrals Express to Cornwall From London to Newquay via the Surrey Hills Saturday 17 - Tuesday 20 September 2016
The Cathedrals Express to Cornwall 2016
This truly special trip takes The Cathedrals Express for a late summer holiday in the beautiful far South-West giving you the chance to travel by steam along the iconic Great Western Railway.You will travel along the famous sea wall at Dawlish and over Brunel’s signature bridge across the River Tamar into Cornwall- Poldark’s land of rugged cliffs, pretty harbours and sandy beaches.
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www.CathedralsExpress.co.uk • Booking Office 01483 209888
Unusually our route starts from London Victoria and will pass through the rolling Surrey Hills picking up along the way – giving passengers from South London and Surrey probably their first direct steam train to Cornwall. A wonderful way to spend the glorious late summer, you will have two whole days to explore Cornwall’s gems from our base in Newquay. Day 1 Saturday 17 September
Day 2 Sunday 18 September Monday 6 July The train will be at rest but there will be plenty of optional excursions for passengers including a day trip to the Padstow, the Eden Project or the Lost Gardens of Heligan.
Royal Albert Bridge
Dawlish
Day 3 Monday 19 September Excursions will include train trips around Cornwall and a boat trip to the Isles of Scilly. Day 4 Tuesday 20 September 20 September Day 4 sees our train return from Cornwall starting from Penzance around 9.30am along the seashore as the sun climbs over the bay above St. Michael’s Mount – passengers who wish may leave their hotels later and join the train at Par. We return along the same route with drop-offs across Berkshire and Surrey en route to London.
The Cathedrals Express to Cornwall 2016
Beginning our journey at London Victoria in the morning, we travel through some of the most beautiful countryside in Southern England. You will be able to board the train at London Victoria, Redhill, Dorking, Guildford, Blackwater, Reading and Westbury. This run, of course, includes the beautiful views of Dawlish before we head inland for the climb along the edge of Dartmoor takes us down to Plymouth. From Plymouth we carry on over Brunel’s famous Tamar Bridge into Cornwall and if anything the scenery just gets better and better, crossing elegant viaducts over rivers, forests and valleys.
Lost Gardens of Heligan
For Prices and Payment Terms – see page 22
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Highlands & Islands Explorer The Jellicoe Express Thursday 4 - Thursday 11 May 2017 In commemoration of the centenary of the Jellicoe Express, the Royal Naval train that ran daily from Euston to Thurso, to connect the Admiralty with Scapa Flow, the Royal Navy’s main base in WW1, we are running a special 8 day steam tour in May 2017 from London to Thurso with an onward service to Orkney via Scapa Flow. Passengers will also have the option to spend some time in the glorious Scottish Highlands, or visit the dramatic Isle of Skye.
Highlands & Islands Explorer 2017 - The Jellicoe Express
1 night in Perth • 1 night in Inverness • Nights 3 – 6 – see options • 1 night in Troon
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Forth Railway Bridge
Day 1 Thursday 4 May London to Perth In a variation from previous tours to Scotland, we head north from London leaving mid-morning behind modern traction. Our locomotive will whisk us up to the north of England, where our steam locomotive joins us for the run across the Tyne and the Border bridges, past the Angel of the North and along the rugged cliffs and coasts of South East Scotland to Edinburgh. Shortly after passing through the Scottish capital, our train passes over the magnificent Forth Railway Bridge before heading through the Lowlands to Perth. We will break our journey here, as they did on the Jellicoe Express all those years ago.
you will have time to see some of what is known as ‘The Granite City’ before heading alongside the Moray Firth to Inverness.
Day 2 Friday 5 May Perth to Inverness via Aberdeen The morning will be spent at leisure, giving you a couple of hours to explore the town, once the Capital of Scotland and known as the ‘Fair City’. We rejoin the train for a thrilling journey along the eastern Scottish coastline to Aberdeen, where
Troon to London Our journey’s end is in sight and our steam locomotives are in charge once more as we head towards the borders to Carlisle and finally Carnforth, on the South side of the Lake District. From here modern traction takes over once again for a fast run to the South and back in London by early evening.
Days 3 - 6 See options on following pages Day 7 Wednesday 10 May Fort William to Troon Today we travel on some of the most scenic railway lines in the UK. We start off across the West Highland main line, travelling alongside tranquil lochs and ancient castles to the outskirts of Glasgow before continuing along the West of Scotland to Troon. Day 8 Thursday 11 May
www.CathedralsExpress.co.uk
Option One - Highlands For passengers who want to admire the beautiful scenery of the Scottish Highlands and enjoy as much steam as possible, the Highlands option is ideal. Day 5 Monday 8 May Inverness to Fort William A magical day for all steam lovers as our steam engines take the Cathedrals Explorer all the way south along the Highland Mainline to Perth and the Scottish Lowlands before turning west to the outskirts of Glasgow. From here, we climb back up into the West Highlands along the staggeringly beautiful West Highland Mainline that takes us right across the wilderness of Rannoch Moor before descending down to the shores of Loch Linnhe and the sea. There will be the option of a short 65 mile coach transfer (approx. 1hr 30mins) for those who wish to spend longer in Inverness
Day 4 Sunday 7 May Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh – optional day trip Explore Inverness at your leisure or join us on an optional tour which takes us on one of Scotland’s most scenic railways: right across the heart of the Highlands from East to West to the gateway to Skye. Our train finishes at the old port station of Kyle of Lochalsh with views of Skye across the Sound and only 5 miles from the iconic Eilean Donan Castle.
Day 6 Tuesday 9 May Fort William to Mallaig – optional day trip A morning at leisure before an optional trip on the famous route of The Jacobite from Fort William to Mallaig and return. This journey includes the renowned Glenfinnan Viaduct that featured in Harry Potter and has often been on TV programmes such as Michael Portillo’s Great Railway Journeys.
Dunrobin Castle
Booking Office 01483 209888
Highlands & Islands Explorer 2017 - The Jellicoe Express
Day 3 Saturday 6 May Inverness to Dunrobin – optional day trip Today, our train embarks on the final leg of the Jellicoe Express from Inverness to visit the Far North Line to Thurso, giving you the option to alight and spend the day exploring the stunning Dunrobin Castle. The scenery en route is classic coastal Scotland with a mixture of lochs, sea views and occasional climbs up into the foothills of the Highlands. You may also choose to explore Inverness at your leisure; a city which boasts ancient castles, the Caledonian Canal, highland museums and of course, Loch Ness and the world famous monster.
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Option Two - Orkney Isles
Highlands & Islands Explorer 2017 - The Jellicoe Express
A tour which includes a stay in The Orkney Isles; a chain of 70 islands which hold a rare magic. Explore charming towns and villages, rich in history and culture, or escape into the scenic countryside, including low-lying moorland, tranquil lochs, white sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs.
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Kirkwall, Orkney
Prehistoric Settlement, Orkney
Day 3 Saturday 6 May Inverness to The Far North Line and the crossing to the Orkneys Today, our train embarks on the final leg of the Jellicoe Express from Inverness to visit the Far North Line to Thurso, and the Orkneys. The scenery en route is classic coastal Scotland with a mixture of lochs, sea views and occasional climbs up into the foothills of the Highlands. Day 4 & 5 Sunday 7 - Monday 8 May The Orkney Isles This two day visit to the Orkneys is designed to give our most enquiring and active passengers an opportunity to see as much as possible of this remote and isolated part of our still United Kingdom. The details will be finalised in 2016 but we expect to visit at least four and probably more islands during our time off shore. The visit will offer you the chance to visit Scapa
Flow – HQ of the British Fleet and one of the world’s finest anchorages. It was here in 1918 that the German High Seas Fleet was interned after the Armistice, and then scuttled at midsummer 1919. The Scapa Flow Visitor Centre and Museum at Lyness on Hoy brims with photos, videos, texts, artefacts and more which bring to life the rich wartime history of Scapa Flow. Day 6 Tuesday 9 May Orkney to Fort William It is time to return south. There will be options to either retrace our footsteps across the North Sea, along the far north coastline to Inverness by train, or, for passengers who want to make the most of their time in the Orkneys; there will be an option to catch the short flight to Inverness. From Inverness, a short and scenic coach journey will bring you to Fort William, where we will spend the night.
www.CathedralsExpress.co.uk • Booking Office 01483 209888 www.CathedralsExpress.co.uk
Option Three - Highlands & Isle of Skye Discover Skye, recently voted ‘4th Best Island in the world’ by National Geographic magazine. Day 3 Saturday 6 May Inverness to Dunrobin – optional day trip An optional 80 mile tour from Inverness to the stunning Dunrobin Castle. The scenery en route is classic coastal Scotland with a mixture of lochs, sea views and occasional climbs up into the foothills of the Highlands.You may also choose to explore Inverness at your leisure.
Day 5 Monday 8 May Discover the wonders of the Isle of Skye Passengers will be at leisure on Skye and there will be optional excursions to enjoy. Day 6 Tuesday 9 May Isle of Skye to Fort William After a morning free in Skye to explore some more, we return to the mainland by ferry to Mallaig where The Cathedrals Explorer will be waiting to greet us on the classic route of the Jacobite which takes us to our hotels in Fort William for a night.
Pullman Style Dining
£2695
Premier Dining
£2,295
First Class
£1,795
Premium Standard
£1,395
10% non-refundable deposit to be taken 30 April 2016.
Supplement Option 2 - Orkney Pullman Style Dining
£750
Premier Dining
£500
First Class
£450
Premium Standard
£400
Supplement Option 3 - Skye Pullman Style Dining £500 Premier Dining
£400
First Class
£350
Premium Standard
£300
Supplement Table for 2 Pullman Style Dining
£750
Premier Dining
£500
Single Supplement Pullman Style Dining
£500
Premier Dining
£450
First Class
£375
Premium Standard
£300
Eilean Donan Castle
Skye Bridge
North West Highlands
Portree, Skye
Booking Office 01483 209888
Highlands & Islands Explorer 2017 - The Jellicoe Express
Day 4 Sunday 7 May Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh – optional day trip We set out from Inverness by steam along the beautiful line to Kyle of Lochalsh, crossing the Highlands from East to West. On arrival at Kyle, with a vista of Skye across the sea, our coaches will take you over the modern bridge to the Island and our hotels.
Highlands and Islands Explorer - Option 1
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Price Guide Lakes Express Monday 14 - Thursday 17 September 2015 Carlisle via Cumbrian Coast and Yorkshire
Fares without hotel
Fares including hotel with hotel Table for 2
Single Supplement without hotel Table for 2
Pullman Style Dining
£999
£100
£100
£675
£100
£239
Premier Dining
£849
£75
£100
£549
£75
£199
First Class
£725
-
£75
£425
-
£149
Premium Standard
£499
-
£75
£299
-
£99
Emerald Isle Explorer Wednesday 11 - Wednesday 18 May 2016 Fares
Table for 2
Party of 4 special offer price Single (double/twin rooms only) Supplement
Belfast Option
Cork - Tralee Excursion
Pullman Style Dining
£2,995
£1,000
£9,999
£1,000
£400
£199
Premier Dining
£2,395
-
£7,999
£750
£350
£149
Non Dining
£1,795
-
£6499
£300
£300
£75
Price Guide
25% to be taken by 15 November 2015 (25% is a non-refundable deposit). Balance to be paid no later than 31 January 2016.
Cambrian Coast Express Sunday 5 to Wednesday 8 June 2016 Fares including Hotel
Fares without Hotel
Pullman Style Dining
£1249
£125
£295
N/A
N/A
Premier Dining
£849
£100
£170
£599
£100
First Class
£749
-
£150
£499
-
Premium Standard
£499
-
£125
£299
-
25% non-refundable deposit to be taken at time of booking and the balance by 28 February 2016
The Cathedrals Express to Cornwall Saturday 17 - Tuesday 20 September 2016 Train Only
Including Hotels
Table for two supplement
Single supplement
Pullman Style Dining
£699
£949
£150
£299
Premier Dining
£575
£849
£100
£255
First Class
£499
£795
-
£225
Premium Standard
£299
£549
-
£149
25% non-refundable deposit to be taken at time of booking and the balance by 31 May 2016
For Highlands and Islands 2017 prices, turn to page 21 22 2
www.CathedralsExpress.co.uk • Booking Office 01483 209888
Hotels
Terms & Conditions of Travel
Hotels booked as part of a 3-4 day tour include all necessary coach transfers and are booked on a bed and breakfast basis. On longer tours, the fare includes all hotel accommodation, coach transfers and breakfast each day in the hotel as well as some dinners for dining passengers as specified. Single Supplements - Single supplements apply for single passengers who require hotel accommodation. General Conditions
Gift Vouchers, Credit Notes & Discounts
Steam Dreams will use its best efforts to ensure that the proposed locomotives, coaching stock, route and times run as advertised and we reserve the right to amend or cancel any part of the tour at any time. Steam Dreams cannot accept any responsibility for the action of third parties and strongly recommends that all passengers take out travel/cancellation insurance. To avoid disappointment or unnecessary expense, passengers are advised not to pre-book transport links or accommodation, unless the costs of which are covered by passenger’s own insurance.
All third party gift vouchers, Steam Dreams gift vouchers, credit notes, special offers or discounts must be redeemed through the Booking Office by telephone and cannot be used for online bookings. In the event of a train being cancelled or you cancelling your booking, Steam Dreams vouchers are non-refundable as a cash payment; however vouchers can be transferred, subject to fees, for use against another Steam Dreams trip.
We strongly recommend that all our customers take out travel/cancellation insurance, as charges apply should you need to cancel or postpone your trip for whatever reason, whether your plans change due to ill-health, travel issues or weather conditions. Steam Dreams cannot be held liable for any costs incurred in making your travel plans. If you need to book accommodation in advance, we recommend that you book a rate that includes cancellation insurance should details of your trip change. Timings, routes and locomotives are subject to change as we are dependent on third parties and these are not within our control. Timings and expected platform numbers are confirmed by Network Rail 5-7 days before travel and once details are confirmed your tickets will be issued with the final timings and platform numbers. If information is not received from Network Rail 5-7 days before departure, tickets may be issued closer to the departure date. Customers are advised to call the Booking Office if no tickets have been received 1-2 days before departure.
Steam Availability Steam Dreams will use its best efforts to provide steam traction on trips rostered for steam haulage, for the sector(s) advertised as such, but this cannot be guaranteed. On occasion a diesel locomotive may be substituted, mainly due to fire risk, drought, route restrictions or locomotive failure on the day. Occasionally on some tours it may be necessary for a part of the journey to be diesel hauled, normally at the request of Network Rail, the train operating company or the locomotive owner. Where possible we will try to make this clear at the time of booking but it may be necessary for changes to be made at a later stage for operational reasons. If for reasons beyond our control a trip advertised as being at least partially steam hauled, has no steam traction at all, a partial refund of £10 in Premium Standard, £15 in First Class, £20 in Premier Dining and £25 in Pullman Style Dining may be offered. Alternatively we may offer a credit note for double this amount to be used against a future trip. Diesel Assistance Occasionally, on steam hauled trips a diesel engine may be attached to the train for operational reasons or due to adverse weather. Passenger Health Conditions To get the most out of our trips, passengers must be able to board the train and walk through the carriage(s) to their allocated seat unassisted. Passengers must make Steam Dreams staff aware of any mobility assistance required at least a week prior to the date of the tour. Mobility assistance includes the use of wheelchairs, walking frames and walking sticks. Wheelchairs, walking frames and mobility scooters must be of the fold-up variety and will be issued with an identity tag before being stored in the guards van and cannot be used on-board the train. If in doubt, please contact the Booking Office for advice. Payment Bookings may be paid for by debit or credit cards. Debit card payments do not incur extra charges, but a transaction fee is charged for credit card payments; 2% for Mastercard and Visa card payments, and 2.6% for American Express. This covers the costs incurred by Steam Dreams for providing this service. In the event of a customer cancellation, this charge is non-refundable and non-transferable. Other payment methods including paying by cash or cheque* are available for telephone bookings only and remain free of charge, although cleared funds must be received at least 14 days prior to travel. Cash payments may be made by arrangement with the Booking Office or on-train staff. *We are unable to accept payment by cheques less than 21 days prior to departure. This is to allow for postage and time to process the payment.
Deposits All deposits are non-transferable and non-refundable. Terms & Conditions for One Day Trips (including optional day trips as part of larger holidays) Customer Cancellation Should the customer choose to cancel their booked trip for whatever reason, the following charges will apply: Up to 2 months before travel - 15% fee (or loss of deposit) Between 2 months and 1 month before travel - 25% fee (or loss of deposit) Between 1 month and 14 days before travel- 50% fee Within 14 days of travel - 100% fee. Customer Transfers Should the customer choose to transfer from one booked trip to another for whatever reason, the following charges will apply: Between 2 months and 1 month before travel- 20% fee (or loss of deposit) Between 14 days and 48 hours of travel - 50% fee Up to 2 months before travel - 10% fee (or loss of deposit) Between 1 month and 14 days before travel - 30% fee (or loss of deposit) On or after the day of travel - bookings are non-transferable. Outstanding balances should be paid in full 2 months before departure to ensure your booking is not cancelled. During your time with us, please bring any problems you may experience to the attention of the management so that we may try to rectify them swiftly. Please note that tickets for all day trips are sent out by email unless requested to be sent out by post. Terms & Conditions for Short Breaks (2-4 Days)
Terms and Conditions
Steam Dreams will use its best endeavours to ensure the boarding/alighting stations listed in our brochure and website are those that are used on the day. However, due to operational reasons, occasionally Network Rail’s final timings do not include all of the pick-up stations we have requested. In these circumstances, Steam Dreams will take responsibility for ensuring you are able to join us at the nearest available pick-up station at no additional cost (usually by service train).
Third party vouchers may only be redeemed on particular trips, as specified by Steam Dreams. If you choose to cancel a booking made using a third party voucher within 7 days of departure, the voucher is not transferable. Discounts may only be used against bookings made after the date of issue and cannot be retrospectively added to any previous bookings.
Customer Cancellation Should the customer choose to cancel their booked short break for whatever reason, the following charges will apply: Up to 4 months before travel - 10% fee (or loss of deposit) Between 3 months and 2 months travel - 40% fee (or loss of deposit for deposits of 50%) Within 1 month before travel - 100% fee. Between 3 months and 2 months before travel - 30% fee (or loss of deposit) Between 2 months and 1 month before travel - 50% fee Within 1 month of the departure date - 100% fee All deposits are non-refundable. All bookings and deposits are non-transferable. Outstanding balances should be paid in full 4 months before the departure date to ensure your booking is not cancelled. Steam Dreams strongly recommends that all passengers take out travel/ cancellation insurance. Steam Dreams reserves the right to change locomotives, destinations or routes to facilitate the completion of the tour. During your time with us, please bring any problems you may experience to the attention of the management so that we may try to rectify them swiftly. Please note that while all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that this brochure was correct at the time of printing, it may be unintentionally correct or details may have changed since publishing. For up to date information please see our website or call the Booking Office on 01483 209888.
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Steam Dreams, operators of The Cathedrals Express, The Cathedrals Explorer and The Lakes Express Steam Dreams, PO Box 169, Albury, Guildford GU5 9YS Reservations: +44 (0) 1483 209 888 • Email: info@steamdreams.co.uk Office hours: 9am – 5.30pm, Monday – Friday
www.CathedralsExpress.co.uk • Tel: 01483 209888