HOLIDAYS BY
STEAM 2015-2016
INCLUDING THE 2015 DAY TRIP PROGRAMME
Welcome to our latest Holidays by Steam brochure which gives details of all our multi-day rail tours for 2015 and 2016. All the tours will start and finish in London, with additional opportunities to join the train at stations elsewhere in the UK. The multi-day tours mirror The Cathedrals Express day trip concept: The chance to see beautiful countryside and visit lovely cities whilst enjoying great food and wine in vintage carriages hauled by interesting locomotives. Along the way there will be optional group excursions and time to explore or visit various cities, historic castles, National Trust properties and other attractions.To complement our UK tour programme, we will be offering a 9 day tour of Ireland in 2015 for the first time. Food & Drink For our dining passengers on tours around England, Wales and Scotland, on-board cuisine is a most delightful part of the holiday. The on-board kitchen we use in Britain was designed specifically for The Cathedrals Express by a Michelin starred chef. The bespoke facilities enable our head chef to create delicious meals, with all food prepared on the train and served at your table. Whether you choose Pullman Style Dining, with its five course lunch or dinner and complimentary half bottle of wine; or Premier Dining with its four course lunch or dinner, you will feel thoroughly well-looked after by our friendly, efficient and well-trained staff. For First Class passengers there will be complimentary tea, coffee, champagne and orange juice and cake or pastries served at your seat. In addition there will be opportunity to purchase more substantial snacks and drinks from the at-seat service. Premium Standard passengers will also enjoy complimentary tea and coffee, and may purchase snacks and drinks from the at-seat service. On our Emerald Isle Explorer, as we go into more detail on pages 4 and 5, we use a different set of coaches without our own kitchen car, so our cuisine focuses on delicious breakfasts and dinners served in the luxurious hotels along the way, with drinks and snacks or light lunches served to dining passengers. Pullman Style passengers will also have the exclusive use of the Pullman Bar, serving draught Guinness.
Pullman Style Dining
CanapĂŠs
Hotels For all our multi-day tours we recognise that the hotels, and the opportunity to explore and immerse yourself in the surrounding area, are an important part of the holiday. Hotels are carefully chosen to ensure your comfort and are allocated dependent on the class of travel chosen. Breakfast is almost always taken in your hotel, and on at least one evening, dining passengers will have dinner at the hotel restaurant. If you require further information about the hotels, or have any specific requirements, please contact the Booking Office.
G Hotel, Galway
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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.
Ffestiniog Railway, Wales
CONTENTS IRELAND 2015 Emerald Isle Explorer
page 4 - 7
SCOTLAND 2015 The Cathedrals Express to Edinburgh
page 8 - 9
ENGLAND 2015 Lakes Express
page 10 - 11
SCOTLAND 2016 Highlands & Islands Explorer
page 12 - 17
WALES 2016 Cambrian Coast Express
page 18 - 19
PRICES page 20 - 21 BOARDING STATIONS
page 22
DESTINATIONS page 23 DAY TRIPS 2015 The Cathedrals Express page 24 - 26 TERMS & CONDITIONS page 27 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. Cover picture, Black Five, Morar Š Mark Walker
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Emerald Isle Explorer 17-25 June 2015 Join us on a glorious nine day Holiday by Steam, travelling around Ireland in a leisurely fashion. Take time to explore the countryside and visit some of the most beautiful parts of the Emerald Isle while staying in high quality hotels in wonderful locations.
Emerald Isle Explorer - 17 - 25 June 2015
2 nights in Dublin • 2 nights in Galway • 2 nights in Killarney • 1 night in Waterford • 1 night in Dublin
Killarney
The Emerald Isle Explorer is the first opportunity in modern times to enjoy a journey by steam for a whole week around Ireland. It is not just the aspect of steam that will make you feel as though you have been transported back half a century to an altogether different world, that is still the way in much of modern Ireland, where no-one is in a hurry and everyone has plenty of time to enjoy your company. Day 1 Wednesday 17 June London to Dublin We travel up to Holyhead by train and across to Dublin by ferry. This leg may not be steam hauled depending on timings. For those who wish to fly directly to Ireland, Steam Dreams can help organise your flights with Aer Lingus from 10 UK airports for a small supplement. Please ask the Booking Office for details. Day 2 Thursday 18 June Explore Dublin or an optional trip to Belfast Today features an optional day trip along the coast to Belfast, which will be diesel-hauled on the outward journey and 4
steam-hauled on the return. You will have over three hours to explore Belfast and its many attractions including the Titanic Exhibition, the historic Cathedral Quarter and the Harbour. For those who decide to spend the day in Dublin there is much to discover, such as a trip on the Dublin sight-seeing bus or on a river cruise, a visit to Trinity College Library & Book of Kells, Dublin Castle, National Gallery of Ireland, St Patrick’s Cathedral or Christchurch Cathedral. You may decide to enjoy the best of both worlds with a tour of the Guinness Storehouse in the morning and then be taken to Dublin Connolly station for the trip to Belfast.
For Prices and Payment Terms – see page 20
Day 3 Friday 19 June Dublin to Galway via Athlone We set off for Galway on the West Coast, travelling for about 2 hours across scenic countryside to Athlone on the banks of the River Shannon. Here we will stay long enough to visit the restored Castle, the imposing St Peter and St Paul church, which is modelled on St. Peter’s in Rome, or enjoy a Viking Cruise along the River Shannon on a historic boat. We then re-join the train and continue to Galway which should be reached by 1630hrs for a swift transfer to your hotels, where you will stay for the next two nights.
Day 4 Saturday 20 June Discover the delights of Galway Today will be a day at leisure in Galway to explore the lovely city or simply relax in your hotel. You could visit the Cathedral or opt to join one of our excursions which will include a visit to the Cliffs of Moher (Ireland’s most visited natural attraction, with a magical vista along the Atlantic coast of County Clare and to the Maum Turk mountains in Connemara), a visit to Kylemore Abbey or a trip by boat to the Aran Isles, the ‘Islands of Saints and Scholars’ with the spectacular Dun Aonghasa, the Cliffs of Aran and museum.
Day 6 Monday 22 June Explore Killarney and an optional trip to Tralee In the morning many of you will no doubt choose to go on the optional coach tour around the Ring of Kerry. If not, there is plenty to see in the City of Killarney including its two Cathedrals (Catholic and Protestant), Muckross House and Gardens, the National Irish Transport Museum or take a stroll around the city or the shores of Lough Leane. In the afternoon why not join us on a steam-hauled excursion down the branch line to Tralee (45 minutes each way), a large town on the Northern side of the Dingle Peninsula. After a stay of an hour or so we return to Killarney in time for dinner. Day 7 Tuesday 23 June Killarney to Waterford We say goodbye to Killarney after breakfast and head East steam-hauled to another world famous name redolent of a very strong image – Waterford. As on the trip to Killarney we will visit the peculiarly laid out Limerick Junction before heading off to Waterford for an early afternoon arrival. There will be optional tours this afternoon and the next morning incorporating the Viking Triangle, Waterford Crystal, the Medieval Museum and the Bishop’s Palace.
Day 9 Thursday 25 June Dublin to London Sadly we wave goodbye to the Emerald Isle, but most I am sure, will vow to return. We will have visited just a small part of this beautiful island before we fly or sail back to the UK and join our private charter South to London.
no.85 © Finbarr O’Neill
Emerald Isle Explorer - 17 - 25 June 2015
Day 5 Sunday 21 June Galway to Killarney via Limerick After breakfast in your hotel, we transfer to the station for one of the highlights of any trip to Ireland - a visit to Killarney. We depart from Galway around 0930hrs on the recently reopened line across the West of Ireland heading South to Limerick. We will stop here for an hour before carrying on in the afternoon and early evening to the beautiful Cathedral City of Killarney in County Kerry. You will be truly stunned by the amazing scenery surrounding the hotels - where Pullman Style and Premier Dining passengers are staying in hotels with fantastic views of the lake and mountains which form a magical backdrop to Killarney. Non-dining passengers are staying in the 4* Malton Hotel - just yards from the railway station and town centre.
Day 8 Wednesday 24 June Waterford to Dublin via Kilkenny After a morning at leisure or enjoying one of the optional tours, we head off to the station and away to yet another Cathedral City – Kilkenny. Finally we spend the afternoon chugging back across Ireland for an early evening arrival in Dublin and back to our original hotels.
Halfpenny Bridge, Dublin
Athlone
www.CathedralsExpress.co.uk • Booking Office 01483 209888
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South West Coast, Ireland
Emerald Isle Explorer - 17 - 25 June 2015 6
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 steamloving 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.
Londonderry Bangor
Belfast Enniskillen
Banbridge Newry Dundalk
Castlebar
Athlone Galway
Athenry
Mullingar Tullamore
Dublin
Sallins
Cherryville Junction
Wicklow
Athy Ennis
Carlow
Limerick
Kilkenny
Limerick Junction
Tralee
Clonmel
Killarney
Mallow
Cork
Wexford
Waterford Main Route Optional Tours
www.CathedralsExpress.co.uk • Booking Office 01483 209888
Dublin Hotels - Nights 1,2 and 8 The Merrion 5* Located in the heart of Georgian Dublin city centre, is the capital’s most luxurious five star hotel. Both Bill Clinton and Barack Obama have stayed here. The Gresham 4* This grand hotel is centrally located in O’Connell Street. It is a landmark building with original period features including stunning Waterford crystal chandeliers and its list of guests includes Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, the Beatles, John Wayne and President Eisenhower to name but a few!
The Merrion
Jury’s Inn Based in Parnell Street the hotel offers easy access to many of Dublin’s attractions. Located just minutes away from the River Liffe and historic O’Connell Street with its monuments and statues celebrating Irish Heritage.
Galway Hotels - Nights 3 and 4 The G Hotel 5* Designed by the renowned milliner Philip Treacy, this hotel combines modern design and comfort with amazing views over Lough Atalia. Connemara Coast 4* Spectacularly set on the shores of Galway Bay, the Connemara Coast Hotel is only 10 minutes from the city of Galway. The views will remain with you for a long time!
The Lake Hotel
The G Hotel
Killarney Hotels - Nights 5 and 6 Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa Winner of 2014 Best 5* hotel in Ireland and Hotel Spa of the Year for the last two years, the Aghadoe Heights is a lovely hotel blessed with breathtaking views. The spectacular surroundings are echoed by the hotel’s beautifully appointed bedrooms, lounges and dining room. The Lake Hotel 4* Nestling on the shore of Lough Leine, the family run Lakes Hotel enjoys the most magnificent setting in Killarney with the backdrop of the mountains, islands, woodlands and romantic 12th century McCarthy Mor castle ruins. The Malton Hotel 4* Opened in 1854 as the Railway Hotel and retains many original Victorian features and 6 acres of beautiful private gardens in the centre of Killarney.
Emerald Isle Explorer - 17 - 25 June 2015
Jury’s Inn Located on the busy hub of Quay Street with a beautiful view overlooking Galway Bay, perfectly situated in the heart of the historic city centre, just a 10 minute walk from the station.
Waterford Hotels - Night 7 Granville Hotel 4* Overlooks the waterfront & marina in the heart of Waterford, a few minutes walk from St Patrick’s Cathedral and Waterford Crystal. The personal service and welcome from all the staff are the hallmark of this family owned hotel. Fitzwilton Hotel 4* This comfortable, modern hotel is a two minute walk from the station and overlooks the River Suir. Its contemporary style blends traditional woods with modern art. Treacys Hotel 3* This hotel and Spa is just a short walk from the railway station and overlooks the River Suir.
Granville Hotel
This is a selection of the hotels we will be staying in.
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The Cathedrals Express to Edinburgh A farewell to Sir Nigel Gresley 5-7 July 2015
The Cathedrals Express to Edinburgh - 5 - 7 July 2015
The ideal way to visit the beautiful capital of Scotland, behind one of the world’s most iconic locomotives, A4 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley, before it bows out for overhaul.
View of Edinburgh from Calton Hill
60007 Sir Nigel Gresley
Always one of the highlights of The Cathedrals Express calendar, a trip to Edinburgh up the East Coast Main Line is something to savour. The image of the streamlined A4 Class Locomotive, the same type as world steam speed record breaker Mallard, is immediately recognisable as the finest way of travelling between the UK’s capital and that of Scotland. The A4s were of course the creation of one of Britain’s finest engineers, Sir Nigel Gresley, and the very engine that was named after him, 60007, has proved itself one of the most popular engines of recent years and will be retired for overhaul shortly after this trip. What better way to bow out than with a burst from its chime whistle, before disappearing into the 8
Forth Railway Bridge
tunnels of Kings Cross as it sets out on the nearly 400 mile journey to York and Edinburgh Waverley. Edinburgh has something for everyone: over 4,500 listed buildings including the iconic Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Edinburgh Parliament and the Georgian “New Town” or the national museums and galleries. The open top bus tours (or trams) make getting around the compact city centre easy. Visit the Royal Yacht Britannia, walk up to Arthur’s Seat which will give you a bird’s eye view of the city or the chic shops clustered around the Royal Mile and Princes Street. Our hotels are all in the city centre and will make visiting these attractions (and many more) a joy.
www.CathedralsExpress.co.uk • Booking Office 01483 209888
Day 1 Sunday 5 July
Day 3 Tuesday 7 July
London to Edinburgh via York
“Will Ye No Come Back Again?”
Climbing out of London, Sir Nigel should soon be into her stride as we head up the East Coast Main line. Lovers of A4 Class locomotives will savour one last time spent behind this classic locomotive as it races North along the line that it has graced since the 1930s. Soon, we will be climbing up the famous Stoke bank to Stoke Tunnel, readying for our short stop at York.
The words of the Jacobite song about Bonnie Prince Charlie probably never returning to Scotland seem a fitting title to our final day with Sir Nigel Gresley. Heading South towards the Border, Sir Nigel Gresley and her crew will no doubt want to show us, for one last time, what a brilliant designer her eponymous creator was, as we climb the many steep gradients on this part of the trip.
Enjoy breath-taking views as we sweep along the cliffs of Southern Scotland before descending down to the Forth Valley and the stunning city of Edinburgh dominated by it’s Castle high above Waverley Station. Day 2 Monday 6 July Across the Forth Bridge and More Today features an optional trip offering you the chance to cross the world famous Forth Bridge that featured so graphically in John Buchan’s film, The 39 Steps. The detail for this optional tour will be confirmed in the New Year and will either be a lunchtime or evening trip around the Fife Circle hauled by either Sir Nigel Gresley or another steam locomotive. For those who opt to spend the whole day in Edinburgh there will be plenty of time for sightseeing.
We pass by the many wonderful landmarks from Day 1, continuing South of the Tyne, and will soon be racing along the flat track through the Vale of York to Gresley’s journey’s end. At York she will leave us for the North Yorkshire Moors Railway for what we hope is a short and temporary retirement. Our return to London will be in the capable hands of another famous and appropriate locomotive, the identity of which will be revealed in the New Year! Hotels All our Edinburgh hotels are within a 5 minute walk of Waverley Station Apex 4* A luxury Spa hotel ideally located off Princes Street and Edinburgh’s finest attractions. Radisson Blu 4* Situated on the Royal Mile and with a striking 16th century style façade, the Radisson Blu has proved popular with Steam Dreams customers in recent visits to Edinburgh. Mercure 3* Located in Princes Street, with panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle from some rooms and the Dining room. Ibis Just 500 metres from Waverley Station the Ibis is conveniently located in the heart of Edinburgh.
The Cathedrals Express to Edinburgh - 5 - 7 July 2015
You may wish to spend two nights in York and re-join us on our way South on Tuesday 7 July. It is also possible for passengers to join the train at Peterborough, Retford or York for the trip to Edinburgh. Once away from York, some of the best English views from a railway carriage unfold – the North Yorkshire Moors dominate the landscape to the East and the Pennines to the West before we emerge high above the beautiful City of Durham, nestling in a bend of the river Wear topped by its Cathedral and Castle. Not long after Durham, the Angel of the North dominates the skyline before we cross high above the Tyne, passing through Newcastle’s historic station. We then accelerate away up the coast past Holy Island, Bamburgh, the lovely seaside village of Eyemouth and over the world famous Royal Border Bridge at Berwick.
Sir Nigel Gresley on the Royal Border Bridge © Steven Mackay
For Prices and Payment Terms – see page 20
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Lakes Express 14 -17 September 2015
Lakes Express - 14 - 17 September 2015
Enjoy a four day late summer break in one of Britain’s loveliest scenic locations. The Lakes Express celebrates 50 years since the last official train of that title set out from Windermere.
Derwentwater, Lake District
Day 1 Monday 14 September London to the Lake District with 6233 Duchess of Sutherland Leaving London after the morning rush hour it is hoped that this special train will be headed by a former LMS Express Engine, the Duchess of Sutherland. Travelling up the former West Coast Main Line and picking up at Milton Keynes and
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Northampton, you will have the choice of leaving the train either at Oxenholme for the short transfer to your hotel at Bowness or Ambleside or you can stay on the train for the challenging climb of Shap and leave the train later at Penrith, where another fleet of coaches will be waiting to take passengers to their Steam Dreams hotels.
For Prices and Payment Terms – see page 20
Day 2 Tuesday 15 September
Beatrix Potter’s Yew Tree House
Scots Guardsman
Day 4 Thursday 17 September Lake District to London with Coronation Class 6201 Princess Elizabeth After breakfast passengers will have the choice of boarding the train at either Penrith or Oxenholme as on Day 1. The return Lakes Express is scheduled to be in the capable hands of newly refurbished Coronation Class 6201, Princess Elizabeth. This fine loco has had a wonderful second career in preservation and passengers will enjoy being whisked back to Northampton, Milton Keynes and London Euston behind a classic locomotive on a classic route. Steam Dreams Hotels will include:Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa 4* The Old England is one of the finest four-star hotels in the Lake District. Set in the centre of Bowness on the shores of Lake Windermere, it offers the best of breath-taking scenery and exceptional facilities. There are stunning views of the lake from the restaurant and many of the bedrooms in the hotel. Salutation Inn, Ambleside 3* This 17th century three-star hotel with swimming pool, is set in the centre of the market town of Ambleside. It has been recently modernised and offers comfortable accommodation in this very attractive, bustling town.
Lakes Express - 14 -17 September 2015
Explore the Lake District You can either opt to make your own arrangements or join us for one of our optional excursions which over the next two days are likely to include a day out to two of the Lake District’s Railways – the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway and the narrow gauge Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, or a visit to some of the wealth of attractions in the Lake District such as Beatrix Potter’s House, Holker Hall, Brantwood House or Wordsworth House. Day 3 Wednesday 16 September Cumbrian Coast and Settle & Carlisle with Scots Guardsman This optional excursion takes The Cathedrals Express along two of England’s most beautiful railway lines in one day. Hauled by Royal Scots Class 46110 Scots Guardsman, we start from the world famous Carnforth Station where the romantic film Brief Encounter was shot exactly 75 years ago. We head out on the scenic seaside route along the Cumbrian Coast where for mile after mile the railway stays close to the shore on one side, while to the east lie the mountains of the Lake District. This trip is rarely available to passengers from London due to the distance involved, and today not just this route but, after a two hour break in Carlisle, we will travel on one of the great train journeys of Britain – the Settle & Carlisle Railway. Eventually we retrace our steps to Carnforth and our hotels. If you book your hotel through Steam Dreams you will be picked up and dropped off by complimentary coach.
Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa
Princess Elizabeth
www.CathedralsExpress.co.uk • Booking Office 01483 209888
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Highlands & Islands Explorer 5 - 12 May 2016
Highlands & Islands Explorer - 5 - 12 May 2016
Following the success of the 2014 Highlands & Islands Explorer, we are offering another opportunity to savour the beauty of both the Scottish Highlands and the stunning Islands in an eight day tour covering all the scenic railways of Highland Scotland. We have three options from which to choose. Option 1 – a tour of the magical Highlands of Scotland Option 2 – a tour of Scotland including 4 nights in the stunning Outer Hebrides Option 3 – a tour of the Highlands plus 2 nights on the Isle of Skye
Glenfinnan Viaduct
OPTION 1 - 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. • 1 night in St Andrews • 3 nights in Inverness • 2 nights in Fort William • 1 night in Troon Day 1 Thursday 5 May London to St Andrews In a variation from previous tours to Scotland, we head north quickly from London leaving at around 0900hrs behind modern traction. Once in the North of England, steam takes over for the run across the Tyne and the Border bridges, along the rugged cliffs and coasts of South East Scotland to Edinburgh. Shortly after travelling through the Scottish capital, our train travels over the magnificent Forth Railway Bridge before once 12
again hugging the coast to our finishing point at Leuchars. From Leuchars a short 5 mile coach journey takes us to our hotels in the small but perfectly formed City of St Andrews. Dining passengers will have dinner on the train and we should all be in our hotels by 2100hrs. Day 2 Friday 6 May St Andrews to Inverness via Aberdeen The morning will be spent at leisure enjoying the sights of the famous University and coastal town that is also the traditional home of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club, the lawmakers of golf. We rejoin the train for an early afternoon departure to Aberdeen and Inverness behind two Black 5 locomotives. Day 3 Saturday 7 May Inverness to Dunrobin Castle – optional day trip An optional 80 mile tour from Inverness to the stunning Dunrobin Castle. The scenery en route is classic coastal
For Prices and Payment Terms – see page 20
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. Day 4 Sunday 8 May Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh – optional day trip Another optional tour (which for many will be the highlight of their trip) taking us 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.
Lewis
Day 8 Thursday 12 May Troon to London Our journey’s end is in sight and the two Black 5 locomotives are in charge once more 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 South, returning to London by around 2000hrs.
Dunrobin
St Andrews
Inverness
Skye
Aberdeen
Kyle of Lochalsh Mallaig
Mull
Day 7 Wednesday 11 May Fort William to Troon It is time to return South. We retrace our steps across the West Highland Mainline to the outskirts of Glasgow before carrying on along the West of Scotland to Troon. In the morning, passengers may opt to be transferred by coach to Oban to join half of our train, which will steam to Crianlarich and join up with the other Black 5 locomotive for the onward journey to Troon.
Oban
Highlands & Islands Explorer - 5 - 12 May 2016
Day 5 Monday 9 May Inverness to Fort William A magical day for all steam lovers as our two Black 5s 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 Bleak Rannoch Moor before descending down to the shores of Loch Linnhe and the sea. For those who prefer, there will be the option of a 65 mile coach transfer to Fort William.
Day 6 Tuesday 10 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.
Fort William Perth St Andrews
Edinburgh Glasgow
OPTION 1 - KEY ROUTES
Dunrobin Castle
Troon
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3
Carlisle
Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8
Carnforth York
Skye Bridge Kyle of Lochalsh
www.CathedralsExpress.co.uk • Booking Office 01483 209888
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OPTION 2 – Outer Hebrides, Mull and Iona A fabulous tour which includes a stay in The Outer Hebrides; an idyllic island chain of powder white beaches and Atlantic waves, dark moorland and rugged mountains, amazing wildlife and a rich and vibrant culture. • 1 night in St Andrews • 1 night in Inverness • 4 nights in the Islands • 1 night in Troon
Highlands & Islands Explorer - 5 - 12 May 2016
Day 1 Thursday 5 May London to St Andrews In a variation from previous tours to Scotland, we head north quickly from London leaving at around 0900hrs behind modern traction. Once in the North of England, steam takes over for the run across the Tyne and the Border bridges, along the rugged cliffs and coasts of South East Scotland to Edinburgh. Shortly after travelling through the Scottish capital, our train passes over the magnificent Forth Railway Bridge before hugging the coast once again to our finishing point at Leuchars. From Leuchars a short 5 mile coach journey takes us to our hotels in the small but perfectly formed City of St Andrews. Dining passengers will have dinner on the train and we should all be in our hotels by 2100hrs.
Tobermory
Day 2 Friday 6 May St Andrews to Inverness via Aberdeen The morning will be spent at leisure enjoying the sights of the famous University and coastal town that is also the traditional home of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club, the lawmakers of golf. We rejoin the train for an early afternoon departure to Aberdeen and Inverness behind two Black 5 locomotives.
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Days 3 to 6 Saturday 7 May to Wednesday 11 May Inverness to the Outer Hebrides, Mull and Iona This four day visit to the Hebrides 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 2015 but we expect to visit at least four and probably more islands during our time off shore. We spend Days 3 and 4 in the Outer Hebrides – these spectacular British outposts that lie way out in the Atlantic Ocean are bathed in the full warmth of the Gulf stream. First time visitors will be surprised to find miles of beautiful sandy beaches and deep blue sea lochs set alongside the towering hills and mountains with scarcely a house or person to be seen. On Day 5 we transfer across to the Inner Hebridean Island of Mull where we will spend two nights. On day 6 there will be plenty of time to explore this large island and also to make the short trip across to the famous Isle of Iona. Day 7 Mull to Troon An early ferry from Mull will get us into Oban in time to catch our train before we steam to Crianlarich, where we join up with the other half of the train. Together, we travel South along the West Highland Main Line to the outskirts of Glasgow and then on to Troon. Day 8 Thursday 12 May Troon to London Our journey’s end is in sight and both Black 5 locomotives are in charge once more 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, returning to London by around 2000hrs.
www.CathedralsExpress.co.uk • Booking Office 01483 209888
Highlands & Islands Explorer - 5 - 12 May 2016
Iona Abbey
Lewis Stornaway North Uist South Uist
Inverness
Skye
Aberdeen
Kyle of Lochalsh Mallaig Fort William
Mull
Oban
Iona
OPTION 2 - KEY ROUTES
Perth St Andrews
Edinburgh Glasgow Troon
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3/4
Carlisle
Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8
Carnforth York
Mull, to the Isle of Iona, Inner Hebrides. © Dave Porter / Scottish Viewpoint
For Prices and Payment Terms – see page 20
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OPTION 3 - Highlands & Isle of Skye Discover Skye, recently voted the 4th Best Island in the world by National Geographic magazine. • 1 night in St Andrews • 2 nights in Inverness • 2 nights in Skye • 1 night in Fort William
Highlands & Islands Explorer - 5 - 12 May 2016
• 1 night in Troon
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Day 1 Thursday 5 May London to St Andrews In a variation from previous tours to Scotland, we head north from London leaving at around 0900hrs behind modern traction. Once in the North of England, steam takes over for the run across the Tyne and the Border bridges, along the rugged cliffs and coasts of South East Scotland to Edinburgh. Shortly after travelling through the Scottish capital, our train passes over the magnificent Forth Railway Bridge before once again hugging the coast to our finishing point at Leuchars. From Leuchars a short coach journey takes us to our hotels in the small but perfectly formed City of St Andrews. Dining passengers will have dinner on the train and we should all be in our hotels by 2100hrs. Day 2 Friday 6 May St Andrews to Inverness via Aberdeen The morning will be spent at leisure enjoying the sights of the famous University and Cathedral City that is also the traditional home of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club, the lawmakers of golf. We rejoin the train for an early afternoon departure to Aberdeen and Inverness behind two Black 5 locomotives. Day 3 Saturday 7 May Inverness to Dunrobin Castle – 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 4 to 6 Sunday 8 May Inverness to Isle of Skye This short break on Skye is the ideal way to enjoy the combination of steam and sight-seeing. On day 4 we are steam hauled along the stunning line from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh. 270 years ago Bonnie Prince Charlie was famously spirited away by that bonny boat Over the Sea to Skye but now our coaches can take the High Road across the magnificent modern bridge over the Sound of Sleat. On day 5 there will be plenty of opportunity to visit the many wonderful attractions of the Isle of Skye that are so steeped in Scottish history. After a leisurely start to Day 6 our coaches take us to the ferry for the short crossing to the West Highland fishing port of Mallaig. Here we will rejoin the Cathedrals Explorer at the most North-Westerly extremity of Britain’s railway system and enjoy the sights and sounds as our Black Five locomotive pounds up the mountainside and over the ‘Harry Potter’ Viaduct at Glenfinnan on the route of The Jacobite to Fort William. Day 7 Wednesday 11 May Fort William to Troon It is time to return South. We retrace our steps across the West Highland Mainline to the outskirts of Glasgow before continuing along the West of Scotland to Troon. In the morning there will be an option for passengers to be transferred by coach to Oban to join half of our train, which will steam to Crianlarich and join up with the other Black 5 locomotive and continue on to Troon. Day 8 Thursday 12 May Troon to London Our journey’s end is in sight and the two Black 5 locomotives are in charge once more 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 returning to London by around 2000hrs.
www.CathedralsExpress.co.uk • Booking Office 01483 209888
Highlands & Islands Explorer - 5 - 12 May 2016
Glenfinnan Viaduct ©Iain McLean / Scottish Viewpoint
Lewis
Dunrobin
Inverness
Skye
Aberdeen
Kyle of Lochalsh Mallaig Fort William
Mull
Oban
Perth St Andrews Edinburgh
Glasgow OPTION 1 - KEY ROUTES
Troon
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3
Carlisle
Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8
Carnforth York
Portree
For Prices and Payment Terms – see page 20
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Cambrian Coast Express 6 - 9 June 2016
Cambrian Coast Express - 6 - 9 June 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.
Barmouth Bridge, Mawddach
Ffestiniog Railway
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The Snowdon Mountain Railway
For Prices and Payment Terms – see page 21
Cambrian Coast Express - 6 - 9 June 2016
Day 1 Monday 6 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 Main route 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 Bodnant Estate and Gardens, Conway Optional Mountains before descending to the famous, but largely unpronounceable town of Machynlleth. Ferry We enjoy the beautiful sights as we approach Lewis Dunrobin Cardigan Bay through the Dovey Valley and then probably the most scenic journey in Wales that Inverness Uist runs close to the sea all the way past Towyn, Skye over the famous Barmouth Trestle Bridge, Aberdeen Harlech, Porthmadog and Pwlhelli. Kyle of Lochalsh Days 2 & 3 Tuesday 7 June - Wednesday 8Mallaig June Fort William Optional Excursions including steam Days 2 and 3 will feature a host of excursions to nearby attractions including castles, gardens, Mull Oban Perth National Trust properties and boat trips along the St Andrews Iona Portmeirion spectacular coastline as well as the narrow gauge railways that Wales is renowned for, including the Edinburgh Ffestiniog Railway, The Snowdon Mountain Railway Glasgow and the Welsh Highland Railway. Troon Day 4 Thursday 9 June Holyhead and Bangor to Chester, Shrewsbury and Paddington by steam Passengers will be taken from their hotels and Carlisle 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 Caernarfon Castle Welsh Marches to South Wales, back across the South Western Mainline to Paddington for Bangor a mid-evening arrival. Holyhead Chester
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 good quality hotels in the historic seaside towns of Llandudno and Caernarfon.
Porthmadog Pwllheli
Shrewsbury
Machynlleth
Day 1
Hereford
Day 4
London Paddington
www.CathedralsExpress.co.uk • Booking Office 01483 209888
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PRICE GUIDE Emerald Isle Explorer Wednesday 17 - Thursday 25 June 2015 Fares
Table for 2
Part of 4 special offer price (double/ twin rooms only)
Single Supplement
Pullman Style Dining
£2,950
£1,000
£9,995
£1,000
Premier Dining
£2,250
-
£7,995
£750
Non Dining
£1,695
-
-
£300
50% to be taken at the time of booking (25% is a non-refundable deposit). Balance to be paid no later than 17 February 2015.
Price Guide
The Cathedrals Express to Edinburgh Sunday 5 - Tuesday 7 July 2015 London to York
London & Peterborough Retford to Edinburgh to Edinburgh
without hotel
with hotels
without hotels
with hotels
without hotels
with hotels
Without hotels
Single Suppl.
Pullman Style Dining
£425
£895
£675
£795
£575
£645
£425
£155
Premier Dining
£349
£729
£549
£649
£469
£529
£349
£150
First Class
£275
£609
£449
£525
£365
£435
£275
£130
Premium Standard
£199
£424
£299
£374
£249
£324
£199
£35
York to Edinburgh
25% non-refundable deposit to be taken at time of booking. Balance to be paid no later than 5 April 2015.
Lakes Express Monday 14 - Thursday 17 September 2015 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
Premier Dining
£849
£75
£100
£549
£75
First Class
£725
-
£75
£425
-
Premium Standard
£499
-
£75
£299
-
25% non-refundable deposit to be taken at time of booking. Balance to be paid no later than 14 June 2015.
Highlands & Islands Explorer Thursday 5 - Thursday 12 May 2016 Supplements
Fares Option1
Option 2
Option 3
Table for 2
Single Suppl.
Pullman Style Dining
£2,695
£3,445
£3,145
£750
£500
Premier Dining
£2,195
£2,845
£2,595
£500
£450
First Class
£1,795
£2,445
£2,145
-
£375
Premium Standard
£1,395
£1,945
£1,695
-
£300
10% non-refundable deposit to be taken at the time of booking. 15% of the total amount to be paid no later than 7 May 2015. Balance to be paid no later than 31 January 2016.
20 2
www.CathedralsExpress.co.uk • Booking Office 01483 209888
PRICE GUIDE Cambrian Coast Express Monday 6 - Thursday 9 June 2016 Fares including Hotel
Fares without Hotel
with Hotel
Table for 2
Single Supp.
without Hotel
Table for 2
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
-
10% deposit to be taken at time of booking (non-refundable) with a further 15% of the total amount to be paid by 6 June 2015. Balance to be paid no later than 6 March 2016.
Price Guide
Hotels 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.
www.CathedralsExpress.co.uk • Booking Office 01483 209888
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Day Trips 2015
2015 Day Trips - Boarding Stations
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Addlestone Aldermaston Andover Arlesey Ascot Banbury Barking Barnes Basildon Basingstoke Bat and Ball Beaconsfield Biggleswade Bluebell Railway Bournemouth Bracknell Bromley South Brookwood Bury St. Edmunds Cheam Chippenham Chiswick Colchester Cranmore Crewe Crowthorne Dorking (Main) Ealing East Croydon Eastleigh Edenbridge Effingham Jct Egham Ely Epsom Farnborough Main Feltham Gerrards Cross Goring & Streatley Grantham Gravesend Guildford Hatfield Havant Haywards Heath Hertford North Hockley Holmwood Horley Horsham Hounslow Hungerford Huntingdon Ipswich Leamington Spa Leatherhead Lichfield Trent Valley London Clapham Junction London Euston London Kings Cross London Liverpool Street London Paddington
London Victoria London Waterloo Maidenhead Maidstone West March Melksham Merstham Milton Keynes Newbury Northampton Norwich Nuneaton Ockley Oxford Pangbourne Penshurst Peterborough Petersfield Potters Bar Preston Park Princes Risborough Purley Radley Reading Redhill Reigate Retford Richmond Romsey Rugby Salisbury Shalford Shenfield Slough Snodland Southampton Central Southend Airport Southend East St Margarets Stanford-le-Hope Staines on Thames Stevenage Stratford (London) Strood Swindon Thame Tonbridge Twickenham Twyford Upminster Virginia Water Watford Junction West Brompton West Hampstead West Ruislip Westbury Whitchurch Wickford Woking Yalding
York
London
Bath
Kingswear
Sheffield Park
Destinations
Carlisle
Scarborough
York
Day Trips 2015
Holyhead Bangor
Chester
Norwich
Ely Cambridge
Warwick Stratford-upon-Avon Worcester Cheltenham Gloucester Dean Forest Railway - Lydney Oxford Chepstow Cardiff West Somerset Coast Minehead Dunster
Plymouth
Paignton
Bristol Bath
Windsor
London
Bluebell Railway
Salisbury Taunton Sherborne Southampton Yeovil Corfe Castle Bournemouth Exeter Swanage Isle of Wight Weymouth
Whitstable Margate Faversham Canterbury White Cliffs
Brighton
Kingswear
www.CathedralsExpress.co.uk • Booking Office 01483 209888
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Day Trips 2015 including pick up stations FEBRUARY WINDSOR Wednesday 11 February Norwich, Ipswich & Colchester
VALENTINE’S LUNCHTIME TOUR OF THE SOUTH DOWNS Saturday 14 February London Victoria, Clapham Junction, Twickenham, Staines, Addlestone & Woking
VALENTINE’S EVENING TOUR TO BRIGHTON for Brief Encounter Saturday 14 February London Victoria
APRIL EXETER, PAIGNTON & KINGSWEAR Wednesday 1 April Oxford, Goring, Theale, Aldermaston, Newbury, Hungerford & Westbury
CANTERBURY Wednesday 8 April Salisbury, Andover, Whitchurch, Basingstoke, Farnborough, Woking, Hounslow, Clapham Junction & Bromley South
SETTLE & CARLISLE Thursday 16 April Colchester, Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds, Ely, March, Peterborough & Grantham
EXETER, PAIGNTON & KINGSWEAR Sunday Luncheon Sunday 19 April London Paddington, Slough, Maidenhead, Reading & Newbury
WARWICK & STRATFORD-UPON-AVON Thursday 23 April Day Trips 2015
Southend Airport, Hockley, Wickford, Shenfield & London Stratford
BATH & BRISTOL Tuesday 28 April Horsham, Ockley, Holmwood, Dorking, Leatherhead & Cheam
MARCH GLOUCESTER, LYDNEY (DEAN FOREST RAILWAY), CHEPSTOW & CARDIFF – Sunday Luncheon Sunday 1 March London Paddington, Slough, Maidenhead, Twyford, Reading, Goring & Swindon
BATH & BRISTOL Saturday 7 March Southend East, Basildon, Upminster, Barking, West Hampstead, Slough & Reading
YORK Thursday 12 March London Kings Cross, Hertford North, Stevenage, Arlesey, Huntingdon, Peterborough & Retford
CAMBRIDGE & ELY Saturday 21 March The Bluebell Railway
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MAY VE DAY CELEBRATIONS 70th ANNIVERSARY SURREY HILLS - Lunchtime Tour Friday 8 May Clapham Junction, Twickenham, Egham, Addlestone, Woking & Shalford
WHITE CLIFFS EVENING - Evening Tour Friday 8 May London Victoria, Bromley South, Bat & Ball & Tonbridge
SOUTHAMPTON for THE ISLE OF WIGHT Sunday 10 May London Waterloo & Wokinjg
BATH & BRISTOL Sunday 10 May Eastleigh, Southampton, Romsey & Salisbury
www.CathedralsExpress.co.uk • Booking Office 01483 209888
Day Trips 2015 including pick up stations MAY
JUNE
SALISBURY & SHERBORNE Thursday 14 May
CHESTER Tuesday 2 June
Preston Park, Haywards Heath, Horley, Redhill, East Croydon & West Brompton
London Paddington, Slough, Maidenhead, Reading, Pangbourne, Oxford, Banbury, Leamington & Nuneaton
SETTLE & CARLISLE Saturday 16 May
OXFORD & WORCESTER Sunday Luncheon Sunday 7 June
London Euston, Watford Junction, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Rugby, Lichfield Trent Valley & Crewe
CORFE CASTLE & SWANAGE Tuesday 19 May London Victoria, Clapham Junction, Twickenham, Staines, Brookwood, Basingstoke & Bournemouth
YORK & SCARBOROUGH Thursday 21 May London Kings Cross, Hertford North, Stevenage, Arlesey, Huntingdon, Peterborough & Retford
London Victoria, Clapham Junction, Feltham, Staines, Ascot, Reading & Maidenhead
EXETER, PAIGNTON & KINGSWEAR Thursday 11 June Cheam, Epsom, Leatherhead, Effingham Junction, Guildford, Petersfield, Havant & Salisbury
Tuesday 30 June Southend Airport, Wickford, Shenfield, Stratford, Slough & Reading
JULY WEYMOUTH Thursday 9 July London Waterloo & Woking
WEST SOMERSET COAST - Diesel hauled Tuesday 14 July Gravesend, Strood, Snodland, Maidstone West, Yalding, Tonbridge, Edenbridge, Redhill, Dorking & Guildford
Day Trips 2015
THE WEST SOMERSET COAST & MINEHEAD Thursday 28 May
London Paddington, Slough, Maidenhead, Twyford, Reading & Goring
TAUNTON (WEST SOMERSET RAILWAY), EXETER, NEWTON ABBOTT (PAIGNTON TO KINGSWEAR) & PLYMOUTH Saturday 18 July London Paddington, Slough, Maidenhead, Reading, Newbury & Taunton
CANTERBURY, WHITSTABLE OYSTER FESTIVAL, MARGATE & FAVERSHAM Sunday Luncheon Sunday 26 July London Victoria, East Croydon, Merstham, Redhill & Penshurst
www.CathedralsExpress.co.uk • Booking Office 01483 209888
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Day Trips 2015 including pick up stations AUGUST
OCTOBER
SETTLE & CARLISLE Tuesday 11 August
THE BLUEBELL RAILWAY Thursday 8 October
West Ruislip, Gerrards Cross, Beaconsfield, Princes Risborough, Thame & Banbury
YORK – Sunday Luncheon Sunday 16 August London Kings Cross, Hatfield, Biggleswade, Huntingdon & Newark
WEYMOUTH CARNIVAL (Diesel Hauled) Wednesday 19 August Southend Central, Standford-le-Hope, Barking, West Hampstead, Ealing Broadway, Slough & Reading
DARTMOUTH REGATTA (Diesel Hauled) Thursday 27 August London Victoria, Barnes, Richmond, Virginia Water, Ascot, Bracknell & Reading
Cranmore, Westbury, Pewsey, Hungerford, Newbury & Reading
CAMBRIDGE & ELY Saturday 10 October Warminster, Salisbury, Andover, Basingstoke, Bramley, Reading, Maidenhead & West Hampstead
WARWICK & STRATFORD Sunday Luncheon Sunday 18 October London Paddington & Gerrards Cross
NORWICH Saturday 24 October London Liverpool Street, Shenfield & Colchester (RETURN via Lowestoft)
Day Trips 2015
SEPTEMBER CHESTER, BANGOR & HOLYHEAD Saturday 5 September London Euston, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Rugby, Nuneaton & Crewe
GLOUCESTER, LYDNEY & CARDIFF Thursday 10 September London Victoria, Chiswick, Staines, Reading & Swindon
CHELTENHAM & WORCESTER Thursday 24 September London Victoria, Purley, Reigate, Dorking Deepdene, Shalford, Guildford & Crowthorne
TAUNTON, EXETER & KINGSWEAR Tuesday 29 September Banbury, Radley, Swindon, Chippenham & Melksham
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www.CathedralsExpress.co.uk • Booking Office 01483 209888
Terms & Conditions of Travel General Conditions 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. 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 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 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, very occasionally Network Rail’s final timings do not include one 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). 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. Gift Vouchers, Credit Notes & Discounts 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 for use against another Steam Dreams trip.
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. Deposits All deposits are non-transferable or 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: Up to 2 months before travel - 10% fee (or loss of deposit) Between 2 months and 1 month before travel - 20% fee (or loss of deposit) Between 1 month and 14 days before travel - 30% fee (or loss of deposit) Between 14 days and 48 hours of travel - 50% fee Within 48 hours of travel - 75% fee 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) 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 4 months and 3 months before travel - 15% fee (or loss of deposit) Between 3 months and 2 months before travel - 40% fee (or loss of deposit for deposits of 50%) Between 2 months and 1 month before travel - 75% fee Within 1 month of travel - 100% fee All hotel payments are non-refundable within 3 months of travel. Outstanding balances should be paid in full 3 months before departure to ensure your booking is not cancelled. Terms & Conditions for Holidays (8-9 Days) Customer Cancellation Should the customer choose to cancel their booked holiday on The Cathedrals Explorer for whatever reason, the following charges will apply: Prior to 4 months before departure date - 10% fee (or loss of deposit) Between 4 months and 3 months before the departure date - 25% fee (or loss of deposit) Between 3 months and 2 months before the departure date - 50% fee Between 2 months and 1 month before the departure date - 75% fee Within 1 month of the departure date - 100% fee Outstanding balances should have been paid in full 4 months before the departure date to ensure your booking is not cancelled. Customer Transfers for all Multi-Day Tours Should the customer choose to transfer from one booked multi-day tour to another trip(s) or tour(s) for whatever reason, the following charges will apply: Up to 3 months before travel - 10% fee (or loss of deposit) Between 3 months and 2 months before travel - 30% fee (or loss of deposit) Between 2 months and 1 month before travel - 50% fee Between 1 month and 14 days before travel - 75% fee Within 14 days of travel - 100% fee All hotel payments are non-transferable within 3 months before travel. 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 Atlantic Coast 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