OUR STORY
Born out of a passion for steam trains, The Steam Dreams Rail Co was founded in December 1999, with the ambition of evoking an era of luxury steam travel for all. Over the past 20 plus years Steam Dreams has gone from strength to strength and now welcomes over 20,000 passengers on board each year.
Combining the magic of steam travel with exceptional on-board service, a fabulous array of destinations and glorious views is what makes Steam Dreams so unique, bringing the romance of a bygone era to the modern world.
STEP ON BOARD
DINING ON BOARD
Indulge in the opulence of our Pullman Style Dining experience offering the epitome of vintage steam travel, pairing luxury interiors with the finest regional food and highest level of service and comfort. Alternatively relax in First Class where elegance and comfort take precedence or Premium Standard where simplicity, convenience, the journey and destination all carry equal importance.
CLASSES OF TRAVEL
PULLMAN STYLE DINING
Travel in our beautifully restored wood panelled vintage carriages with armchair style seating at tables for four or two, laid with crisp linen and dressed with fine crockery and glassware, fresh flowers and large plumped cushions. As you settle into your seats, passengers travelling on a day trip will be welcomed on board with a chilled Champagne Bellini followed by a Full English breakfast and morning bakery basket. Late morning pastries with tea and coffee will be served prior to the arrival at our destination. Following an afternoon sightseeing break you will be welcomed back on board by your attentive liveried steward with a refreshing glass of chilled Champagne and a selection of canapes as you relax in anticipation of the gastronomic journey ahead. A sumptuous four course dinner using the finest seasonal ingredients, created by our Executive Chef, will be served. This is followed by our ‘Great British cheese board’ with accompanying biscuits and chutneys. The memorable journey concludes with a service of coffee and petits fours. Passengers will receive half a bottle of wine per person to accompany the evening service.
FIRST CLASS (NON DINING)
Reserved seating is arranged at tables of 4 or 2. Guests will enjoy complimentary tea/coffee and light snacks alongside a morning glass of Buck’s Fizz and evening glass of sparkling wine. A buffet bar is available for the purchase of light refreshments, but customers may also bring their own picnic hamper on board.
PREMIUM STANDARD CLASS
Reserved seating is arranged around tables of four. A buffet bar is available for the purchase of light refreshments, or passengers are welcome to bring their own picnic on board.
CARRIAGES
Travel back in time to the days when railway travel was about comfort and luxury, as well as reaching a destination. All our restored carriages offer levels of comfort not normally experienced on a train journey, combined with superb service and our signature attention to detail. Settle back into your cushioned seat, order a drink and delicious refreshments, and prepare to be looked after by our attentive stewards.
Our beautiful rolling stock has been lovingly refurbished to exceptionally high standards. The smart livery reflects classic railway colours, while inside, our carriages are adorned with traditional wood panelling, neat little table lamps and perfectly set tables. Plush patterned seats make a stunning impression with golden floral detailing emanating the regality of the luxury travel era.
2023 PROGRAMME
DATE
DESTINATION
Wednesday 26th April London Victoria to Chesterfield
Wednesday 24th May
Saturday 27th May
Saturday 27th May
Wednesday 31st May
London Victoria to Bath Spa
London Paddington to Oxford
PICK UPS
London Victoria, Bletchley, Ridgmont, Crich Tram Village and Chesterfield, Barrow Hill
London Victoria, Staines, Woking, Bath
London Paddington
Oxford Countryside Afternoon Tour Oxford
Shoeburyness/Southend to Portsmouth Harbour Shoeburyness, Southend East, Southend Central, Barking, Portsmouth Harbour
Saturday 10th June London Victoria to Portsmouth Harbour
Saturday 10th June
South Coast Scenic Afternoon Tour
Thursday 22nd June London for Kent (Garden of England circular tour)
Thursday 22nd June
Tuesday 27th June
Tuesday 4th July
Tuesday 4th July
Tuesday 11th July
Tuesday 11th July
Saturday 15th July
Tuesday 18th July
Tuesday 18th July
Tuesday 25th July
Tuesday 25th July
Tuesday 8th August
Tuesday 8th August
Tuesday 15th August
Tuesday 15th August
Tuesday 22nd August
Tuesday 22nd August
Tuesday 29th August
Tuesday 29th August
Sunday 10th September
Sunday 10th September
Saturday 16th September
Saturday 23rd September
Wednesday 27th September
Thursday 23rd November –
Sunday 26th November
Sunset Steam Express
London Victoria to Weymouth
London for Kent (Garden of England circular tour)
Sunset Steam Express
London for Kent (Garden of England circular tour)
Sunset Steam Express
Colchester to Carlisle Railway via Settle & Carlisle
London for Kent (Garden of England circular tour)
Sunset Steam Express
London for Kent (Garden of England circular tour)
Sunset Steam Express
London for Kent (Garden of England circular tour)
Sunset Steam Express
London for Kent (Garden of England circular tour)
Sunset Steam Express
London for Kent (Garden of England circular tour)
Sunset Steam Express
London for Kent (Garden of England circular tour)
Sunset Steam Express
London Victoria, Portsmouth Harbour, Isle of Wight
Portsmouth, Southsea
London Victoria
London Victoria
London Victoria, Staines, Woking, Basingstoke, Weymouth
London Victoria
London Victoria
London Victoria
London Victoria
Colchester, Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds, Ely, Peterborough, Carlisle
London Victoria
London Victoria
London Victoria
London Victoria
London Victoria
London Victoria
London Victoria
London Victoria
London Victoria
London Victoria
London Victoria
London Victoria
London Paddington to Chichester /Goodwood Revival Paddington, Slough, Bosham, Chichester
Sussex Coast Scenic Afternoon Tour Chichester
London Paddington to Cardiff Central
Shoeburyness/Southend to York
London Victoria to Bath Spa
London Kings Cross to Edinburgh for Edinburgh Christmas Market
Paddington, Slough, Reading, Bristol Parkway, Severn Tunnel Junction, Cardiff
Shoeburyness, Southend Central, Barking, York
London Victoria, East Croydon, Redhill, Guildford, Bath
London Kings Cross, Edinburgh Waverley
TICKETS & TIMINGS
The departure/arrival times shown in this publication and on our website are approximate, based on the best information available when the tour was first planned so they should be treated as a rough guide only. Please be aware that these timings can vary considerably once the confirmed timings are received from Network Rail.
We are unable to consider a cancellation, refund or transfer due to the confirmed timings being different to the approximate ones previously advised. The tickets, seating information and itinerary for all tours are normally emailed 7 days prior to the date of travel.
DESTINATIONS
BATH
WEDNESDAY 24TH MAY – LONDON VICTORIA TO BATH SPA
Departure/Return: Victoria 08:45/21:45, Staines 09:30/21:15, Woking10:05/20:30, Bath 13:00/17:00
WEDNESDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER – LONDON VICTORIA TO BATH SPA
Departure/Return: Victoria 08:00/22:15, East Croydon 08:30/21:45, Redhill 08:50/21:15, Guildford 09:50/20:15, Bath 13:15/17:00
Steam hauled throughout
Pullman Style Dining £350 - Table for two supplement £80
First Class £185 - Table for two supplement £60
Premium Standard £165
We are delighted to offer 2 fabulous trips to Bath this year, each covering a different season. Early summer with its warmer days and lush countryside views, and autumn as the leaves turn a golden hue. Whatever the season Bath has so much to offer its visitors from its exquisite Roman and Georgian architecture to the wonderfully preserved Roman Bath Houses and of course, Bath Abbey with its panoramic view of the city. For those who prefer to sit and watch the world go by there are many delightful cafes and bars. With two different routes on offer all stunning scenery and some good challenges for our steam locomotive.
CARLISLE RAILWAY VIA SETTLE & CARLISLE
SATURDAY 15TH JULY – COLCHESTER TO CARLISLE
RAILWAY VIA SETTLE & CARLISLE
Departure/Return: Colchester 06:00/23:45, Ipswich 06:15/23:30, Bury St Edmunds 06:50/23:00, Ely 07:20/22:30, Peterborough 08:00/21:50, Carlisle 15:30/17:15
Diesel hauled from Colchester to Crewe, where we pick up our steam locomotive for the outward journey and diesel hauled on the return.
Pullman Style Dining £350 - Table for two supplement £80
First Class £185 - Table for two supplement £60
Premium Standard £165
If you are hankering after some stunning scenery this trip is for you! This picturesque route never fails to impress, with its dramatic backdrop, amazing views and the many viaducts we cross. The highlight of this trip has to be the steam hauled section journey over the famous Settle & Carlisle Railway, which carves its way through the Cumbrian Mountains.
One not to be missed!
DESTINATIONS
CHESTERFIELD
WEDNESDAY 26TH APRIL – LONDON VICTORIA TO CHESTERFIELD
Departure/Return: Victoria 08:00/22:30, Bletchley 09:20/21:00, Ridgmont 09:40/20:40, Crich Tram Village 13:05/18:00 and Chesterfield 13:15/18:00, Barrow Hill 13:30/17:45
Steam hauled throughout on the outward journey and diesel hauled on the return.
Pullman Style Dining £350 - Table for two supplement £80
First Class £185 - Table for two supplement £60
Premium Standard £165
Our route sees us head out of London on the West Coast Main Line as far as Bletchley before we take the rarely used Marston Vale Line (which at the time of writing has no regular passenger services) to join the Midland Main Line at Bedford. From Bedford we continue northwards to Chesterfield for road connections to various exciting excursions including Chatsworth House and Crich Tram Village. For those wishing to, they can remain on the train to our final destination Barrow Hill.
OXFORD
SATURDAY 27TH MAY – LONDON PADDINGTON TO OXFORD
Departure/Return: Paddington 08:45/22:15, 11:10/18:30
Steam hauled throughout
Pullman Style Dining £259 - Table for two supplement £80
First Class £159 - Table for two supplement £60
Premium Standard £109
Enjoy a day out to the City of Dreaming Spires. Oxford itself has world-wide acclaim with its prestigious University and distinctive honey-coloured buildings. Whilst visiting Oxford, passengers also have the opportunity to visit Blenheim Palace with its many attractions and stunning gardens or take a gentle river boat cruise around the waterways of Oxford whilst admiring this stunning city.
PORTSMOUTH HARBOUR
WEDNESDAY 31ST MAY – SHOEBURYNESS/SOUTHEND TO PORTSMOUTH HARBOUR
Departure/Return: Shoeburyness 06:50/23:20, Southend East
07:00/23:10, Southend Central NA/23:00, Barking 08:35/22:25, Portsmouth Harbour 12:50/17:10
Steam hauled throughout except between West London and Shoeburyness on the return
SATURDAY 10TH JUNE – LONDON WATERLOO TO PORTSMOUTH HARBOUR
Departure/Return: Waterloo 08:30/22:45, Portsmouth Harbour
11:45/19:30, Isle of Wight 13:00/18:00
Steam hauled throughout
Pullman Style Dining £259 - Table for two supplement £80
First Class £159 - Table for two supplement £60
Premium Standard £109
The perfect destination for a summer’s day. Enjoy time exploring the vibrant island city of Portsmouth or catch a ferry to the Isle of Wight. From the naval and maritime heritage, to towering world-class visitor attractions, museums and galleries and miles of beautiful waterfront there is plenty to do and see in Portsmouth. We are running excursions to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway or the magnificent Osbourne House.
WEYMOUTH
TUESDAY 27TH JUNE – LONDON VICTORIA TO WEYMOUTH
Departure/Return: Victoria 08:45/22:20, Staines 09:30/21:45, Woking 10:05/21:00, Basingstoke 10:50/20:30, Weymouth
15:00/18:00
Diesel hauled between Yeovil Junction and Weymouth in one direction.
Pullman Style Dining £350 - Table for two supplement £80
First Class £185 - Table for two supplement £60
Premium Standard £165
Explore this pretty harbour town and watch the luxury yachts, fishing trawlers, ferries and tall ships. For history enthusiasts Nothe Fort is a must! Built by the Victorians to protect Portland Harbour, this unique attraction houses a network of underground passages and provides stunning views of Weymouth Bay.
DESTINATIONS
CHICHESTER
SUNDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER – LONDON PADDINGTON TO CHICHESTER (GOODWOOD REVIVAL)
Departure/Return: Paddington 08:15/22:15, Slough 08:40/21:40, Bosham 11:20/NA, Chichester 11:30/18:40
Steam hauled throughout.
Pullman Style Dining £259 - Table for two supplement £80
First Class £159 - Table for two supplement £60
Premium Standard £109
Delight in a day from a bygone era as we head by steam train to the world renowned Goodwood Revival Meeting where glamour and motorsport come together. Enjoy the thrills and spills as pre 1966 cars take to the track vying for the coveted trophies. Alternatively spend time in the beautiful Cathedral City of Chichester or visit the stunning Arundel Castle (supplement applies for Arundel Castle and Goodwood Revival).
CARDIFF
SATURDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER – LONDON PADDINGTON TO CARDIFF CENTRAL
Departure/Return: Paddington 09:00/22:30, Slough 09:35/22:00, Reading 10:00/21:30, Bristol Parkway 12:00/NA, Severn Tunnel Junction 12:40/NA, Cardiff 13:15/16:30
Steam hauled throughout
Pullman Style Dining £350 - Table for two supplement £80
First Class £185 - Table for two supplement £60
Premium Standard £165
Steaming out of London we take the Great Western Main Line to South Wales where we run along the Severn Estuary down to Cardiff. Passengers can explore the rich culture and diverse influences on offer with the imposing Castle, beautiful Llandaff Cathedral alongside the modern shopping district and picturesque Harbour. For those who are ‘green fingered’ or even not there is an excursion option to Highgrove, the private residence of Their Majesties The King Charles III and The Queen. Join an experienced guide on a 1 ½ hour tour of the magnificent gardens including the Stumpery, the whimsical Thyme Walk and the Chelsea award-winning Carpet Garden. Alternatively opt for a trip to the Dean Forest Railway. This 90 minute journey runs along part of the old Severn & Wye Railway lines, which were first built as a tramroad over 200 years ago.
Our return sees us head out towards Gloucester and the Gold Valley Lane before climbing to the summit at Sapperton then re-joining the Great West Main Line back to London.
YORK
SATURDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER – SHOEBURYNESS/SOUTHEND TO YORK
Departure/Return: Shoeburyness 05:50/23:00, Southend Central 06:00/22:45, Barking 06:50/22:00, York 12:30/16:40
Diesel hauled between Shoeburyness & Peterborough in both directions
Pullman Style Dining £350 - Table for two supplement £80
First Class £185 - Table for two supplement £60
Premium Standard £165
Explore this extraordinary Cathedral City, full of culture, art, history and heritage. History lovers will enjoy visiting the stunning Minster with its renowned Rose window, the Jorvik Viking Centre, medieval Guildhalls or Georgian town houses. For steam enthusiasts the National Railway Museum is a must-see. A walk around the 13th century walls and through the medieval Shambles also comes highly recommended.
CREAM TEAS
Take a step back in time as you join us for a leisurely afternoon tour whilst soaking up the picturesque views and passing countryside from the comfort of your seat in our luxury vintage carriages. For passengers travelling in Pullman Style Dining a Champagne cream tea awaits and those in First Class will receive a glass of sparkling wine and slice of cake.
SATURDAY 27TH MAY – OXFORDSHIRE COUNTRYSIDE CIRCULAR TOUR
Departure/Return: Oxford 13:30/16:30
SATURDAY 10TH JUNE - SOUTH COAST AFTERNOON TOUR
Departure/Return: Portsmouth & Southsea 13:45/17:00
SUNDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER – SUSSEX COAST AFTERNOON TOUR
Departure/Return: Chichester 13:40/15:50
Pullman Style Dining £159 - Table for two supplement £50
First Class £109 - Table for two supplement £30
Premium Standard £69
WEEKLY PROGRAMMES
GARDEN OF ENGLAND LUNCHTIME TOURNEW FOR 2023
Join us on this new series of lunchtime trips, our first weekly summer foray to the ‘Garden of England’. Sit back and relax as our train steams out of London across the beautiful Kent countryside before heading along the foot of the White Cliffs offering passengers views of the English Channel and Dover Castle. Pullman Style Dining passengers will receive a glass of Champagne, selection of canapes followed by a seasonal 3 course menu with a half bottle of wine per person.
Departure/Return: London Victoria 10:00/15:00
THURSDAY 22ND JUNE
TUESDAY 4TH JULY
TUESDAY 11TH JULY
TUESDAY 18TH JULY
TUESDAY 25TH JULY
TUESDAY 8TH AUGUST
TUESDAY 15TH AUGUST
TUESDAY 22ND AUGUST
TUESDAY 29TH AUGUST
Pullman Style Dining £195 - Table for two supplement £50
First Class £125 - Table for two supplement £30
Premium Standard £79
SUNSET STEAM EXPRESS
Our ever popular Sunset Steam Express trips return for another season. Enjoy a nostalgic steam train trip through the Surrey Hills, designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Soak up the stunning views as we head out through the suburbs of London before beginning our steep climb through the Surrey Hills as the sun sets on these glorious surroundings. Pullman Style Dining passengers will enjoy a glass of Champagne on boarding followed by a delicious 3 course evening meal.
Departure/Return: London Victoria 18:15/21:45
THURSDAY 22ND JUNE
TUESDAY 4TH JULY
TUESDAY 11TH JULY
TUESDAY 18TH JULY
TUESDAY 25TH JULY
TUESDAY 8TH AUGUST
TUESDAY 15TH AUGUST
TUESDAY 22ND AUGUST
TUESDAY 29TH AUGUST
Pullman Style Dining £155 - Table for two supplement £50
First Class £119 - Table for two supplement £30
Premium Standard £69
HOLIDAYS
EDINBURGH
THURSDAY 23RD NOVEMBER – SUNDAY 27TH NOVEMBER
Departure/Return: London Kings Cross 09:00 to Edinburgh
Waverley 20:00
Departure/Return: Edinburgh Waverley 09:00 to Kings Cross 21:00
Join us for a festive trip to one of the most magical Christmas Markets when we steam to Edinburgh for a 3 night stay in the Scottish Capital while the world famous Market is in full swing. Enjoy the magical atmosphere as this capital city rings with Christmas cheer. From the extensive array of stalls selling wares from unique gifts to festive foods, the scent of cinnamon and mulled wine fill the air. For those feeling more adventurous this enchanting market also boasts an ice skating rink and ferris wheel.
For passengers wishing to book hotels as part of the package will be staying at the Waldorf Astoria and The Scotsman for Pullman Style Dining passengers, The Carlton Hilton and Raddison Blu for First Class passengers and the Premier Inn (Leigh Waterfront). Alternatively passengers can make their own hotel arrangements for their stay in Edinburgh.
Day one we start our journey from London Kings Cross behind a vintage Deltic Diesel locomotive. Designed to replace the steam locomotives on the prestigious named express services, such as the Coronation & Flying Scotsman running from London to Edinburgh the Deltics are capable of speeds of up to 100mph. This quick turn of speed helps us progress rapidly northwards up the East Coast Main Line to York. At York our Deltic detaches and stables to await our return journey and A4 60007 “Sir Nigel Gresley” our steam locomotive for the holiday is attached. Leaving York at a more relaxed pace with wisps of steam passing the window we continue on the East Coast Main Line over the viaducts above Durham with views down onto the city and then further north cross the Tyne at Newcastle on the impressive King Edward Bridge in the low afternoon sun. We cross the border under the cover of darkness as we make our way up the North Sea coastline to Edinburgh.
Day Two at leisure to explore this wonderful Georgian city and festive Christmas Market to find that perfect Christmas gift.
Day Three Optional excursion to join a magnificent 5 hour lunchtime steam-hauled trip across The Forth Bridge and along the Fife Coast with its stunning scenery before heading inland up the Firth of the Forth and along the rarely used line to Alloa before making our way back via Stirling. Alternatively, you can choose to spend an additional day enjoying all Edinburgh has to offer.
Day Four we begin our return journey steam hauled from Edinburgh behind Sir Nigel Gresley once again. Leaving Edinburgh behind we retrace the route of our outward journey back down the East Coast Main Line. The rugged Scottish coastline is now visible in the winter morning sun and we head through East Lothian and Berwickshire back to the border near Berwick. Crossing the Tweed on the Royal Border Bridge we continue south through Northumberland still hugging the North Sea coast then onwards back through Newcastle and Durham to York. At York we once again change locomotive waving goodbye to Sir Nigel as the Deltic takes over for the final leg of the journey. From York we make our way back as swiftly as possible to London Kings Cross where our journey ends.
CLASS OF TRAVEL PRICE INCLUDING ACCOMMODATION based on 2 sharing
SUPPLEMENT FOR SOLE OCCUPANCY OF DOUBLE ROOM
Pullman Style Dining £1548pp £589pp
First Class £898pp £429pp
Premium Standard £598pp £169pp
TRAIN ONLY PRICE
Pullman Style Dining £799
First Class £399
Premium Standard £349
LUNCHTIME FIFE TOUR (Supplement applies for table for 2)
Pullman Style Dining £259
First Class £159
Premium Standard £109
LOCOMOTIVES – OUR FLEET
61306 MAYFLOWER
Built for the London & North Eastern Railway, 61306 is one of two surviving B1 Class locomotives.
The B1’s were designed as mixed traffic locomotives capable of hauling express passenger trains as well as freight traffic. As powerful, go anywhere engines, the B1’s worked across most of the UK rail network from East Anglia to Scotland.
Mayflower was built in 1948 by the North British Locomotive Company in Glasgow but was delivered post-nationalisation and acquired the number 61306 by British Railways.
45231 SHERWOOD FORESTER
Stanier Class no. 45231 Sherwood Forester was built in 1936 for the London, Midland & Scottish Railway.
Since then it has worked all over the country, from routes in Wales and Northern England in its working life, to heritage railways in Southern England to the beautiful Mallaig line in Scotland, where Harry Potter was filmed.
46100 ROYAL SCOT
Royal Scot was built in 1927 for the fastest trains on the London Midland & Scottish Railway.
46100 Royal Scot was the first in a new breed of steam locomotives, built by the LMS for their fastest passenger services from London to Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow.
She was chosen to appear on behalf of Britain at the 1933 ‘Century of Progress’ exhibition in Chicago, USA. The locomotive as well as a full rake of carriages were shipped to the United States and appeared not only at the exhibition, but also toured the USA and Canada, even crossing the Rocky Mountains!
34046 BRAUNTON
34046 Braunton is a ‘Bulleid Light Pacific’ express passenger engine designed by Oliver Bulleid.
The locomotives were so named after towns on or near the Southern Railway system in the west of England, with the town of Braunton situated in North Devon.
70000 BRITANNIA
70000 Britannia was the first of 55 Standard class 7 engines to be built in Crewe by British Railways.
Completed in January 1951 she was built for express passenger services between London and Norwich.
The BR Standard classes were designed by drawing on the best qualities from several previous locomotives to create an efficient engine that was produced with lower maintenance costs and weight saving measures to enable it to work across a wider geography.
A4 60007 SIR NIGEL GRESLEY
Sir Nigel Gresley is an A4 class locomotive built by the London & North Eastern Railway in 1937.
The locomotive is named after the company’s then Chief Mechanical Engineer. In 1935 the LNER introduced the streamlined A4 Class locomotives to improve the speed of their trains and compete with the increased competition from road transport. Initially introduced to haul the new Silver Jubilee express between London and Newcastle, the class was an instant success, with 2509 Silver Link, setting a new British speed record of 112 mph on the first press run! In 1936 this was bettered by Silver Fox, another A4 Class Locomotive, before in 1938 a further member of the class, number 4468 Mallard, set an all-time world speed record for steam traction of 126 mph.
Follow us on: The Steam Dreams Rail Co. @Steam_Dreams@steamdreamsrailco The Steam Dreams Rail Co, Albury Lodge, The Street, Albury, Guildford, Surrey GU5 9AE. Registered in England No. 4036827 01483 209 888 • www.SteamDreams.co.uk • info@steamdreams.co.uk