The Railway Touring Company by LucidSynergy Ltd

The Railway Touring Co. Great Railway Trips 2010

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Welcome

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A warm welcome from Nigel Dobbing, MD, The Railway Touring Company A warm welcome to the 2010 edition of our UK day trips and tours brochure. This year we are again delighted to present a superb range of trips on the UK’s best loved railways. We hope you find this year’s day trips and tours brochure inspiring, and we look forward to treating you to a wonderfully enjoyable railway trip in the near future. Travelling by Steam Travelling by special steam-hauled trains is a relaxing experience, reminding us nostalgically of a bygone age. It provides the perfect escape from all the hustle and bustle of modern day life, a world away from motorway jams and overcrowded commuter trains. Just sit back and relax in your comfortable seats, individually reserved, and watch the countryside slip by. In addition to day trips in the UK, The Railway Touring Company operates its own steam hauled charter trains throughout the world, using good hotels and lasting for up to two weeks duration. Please phone us if you wish to receive the overseas brochure or visit our website for further details. (www.railwaytouring.co.uk) Premier Dining Class This is a luxury experience with spacious, comfortable seats. Onboard chefs prepare fresh food for all your meals for the day and it is professionally silver served to your table commencing with a traditional full English breakfast soon after you board. If you like the full works this is for you. A light lunch will be served before you arrive at your destination and a four course meal on the return journey. Whilst enjoying your meals you will be able to watch the lovely scenery, a rare experience nowadays. A fully licensed bar service is always available. Tables are available for four or two. Our tables for two are the ideal choice for an unusual and memorable excursion for a special occasion like a wedding anniversary or birthday. Tables for two can be guaranteed for an additional charge of £15.00 per person. Both passengers will enjoy window seats. The dress code is smart casual, as we like you to travel in comfort. Premier Dining Class is available up to and including any pick up station before 10:30. Any special dietary requirements can be accommodated so long as we are notified in advance. First Class Accommodation is again arranged around tables for four and two in deep cushioned armchairs with lots of room. Tables for two can be guaranteed for an additional charge of £15.00 per person. Both passengers will enjoy window seats. Coffee and tea with Danish pastries will be served in the morning and afternoon tea and biscuits on the return journey. Standard Class Seats are arranged in groups of four, around a table. All seats are reserved. As in the other classes all seats line up with windows to add to the enjoyment unlike many modern trains. Passengers in First and Standard classes regularly bring hampers and picnics and make the most of it. Booking Arrangements Visit our website, www.railwaytouring.co.uk to book your tickets online or download a booking form to print and post to us at: The Railway Touring Company, 14A Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1JN or alternatively fax the form back to us on 01553 661800. Customers can also book by phone on 01553 661500 Monday to Friday: 08:45 to 17:00 Saturday: 09:00 to 16:00 We accept most major credit and debit cards. If posting your booking form you must enclose your payment (cheques and postal orders payable to The Railway Touring Company), quoting your name, address, telephone number, choice of train, the number of seats you require, class and joining station. We regret that seats cannot be reserved unless we receive payment. Acknowledgements and Boarding Passes Bookings made by telephone will be verbally acknowledged at time of booking. If you require a written confirmation, please request it at the time of booking. Your boarding pass and travel information will usually be despatched at least 5 days before departure. However, the boarding passes cannot be sent until the departure times are confirmed. Please pay particular attention to the arrival and departure times as these may vary from those given in this brochure. Gift Vouchers We are pleased to offer gift vouchers which can be used against any future trip with us. Front cover image: Derek Phillips

Junior Tickets Junior children includes ages 15 and under (children 3yrs and under may travel on your lap but if they do require a seat then a junior ticket price applies). Family Tickets 2 adults & 2 Juniors (aged 15 and under). Standard Conditions of Booking and Travel Every effort will be made to ensure that the locomotive, rolling stock, route and timings which are hired in from third parties, will be run as advertised, but the organisers reserve the right to alter these at any time and shall not incur any liability to any person who has bought, or contacted to buy a ticket (Boarding Pass) or tickets, as a result of any such changes. On the day of the train, again, all reasonable efforts, within the control of the organisers, will be made to ensure that the train runs as planned but we cannot accept any responsibility for delays, mishaps, alterations or curtailment of the tour from situations outside its control. The organisers cannot accept responsibility for the options under the control of third parties and are only responsible for returning passengers to their joining stations. Your booking is taken as constituting acceptance of these conditions. Other than due cancellation by the organisers, no refund is available.

Please note, Approximate timings marked *: All timings shown are approximate and subject to change.

The Railway Touring Company

Day Trips - 2010 Tour Name

Date

The Kentish Belle

31st March, 26th May and 11th November

The Hadrian

Saturday 17th April

The Auld Reekie

Friday 23rd April

The Bury St Edmunds

Tuesday 27th April

The Hook Continental

Tuesday 27th April

The White Rose

Saturday 8th May

The Welshman

Saturday 15th May

The White Rose

Saturday 15th May

The Royal Wessex

Saturday 22nd May

The Southern Irishman

Saturday 22nd May

The Cornishman

Saturday 29th May

The Swanage Belle

31st May, 3rd July, 26th September

The Quantock Hills Express

Saturday 5th June

The Orient Express to Bath

Three trips – June to October

The Cheshireman

Saturday 12th June

The Bath and Bristol

Saturday 19th June

The Central Wales Explorer

Saturday 3rd July

The Dorset Coast Express

9th, 21st, 28th July, 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th August and 1st September

The Heart of Wales

Saturday 10th July

The Cotton Mill Express

Saturday 17th July

The Easterling

Saturday 17th July and Saturday 18th September

The Scarborough Flyer

23rd, 30th July, 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th August, 3rd and 10th September

The Cumbrian Mountain Express

24th July, 7th and 21st August

The Waverley

25th July, 1st, 8th, 15, 22nd, 29th August and 5th September

The Welsh Mountaineer

28th July, 11th, 18th and 25th August

The Cumbrian Mountain Express

31st July, 14th and 28th August

The Summer Highlander

30th July to 3rd August

The North Wales Coast Express

8th and 22nd August

The Tall Ships

Monday 9th August

The Weymouth Seaside Express

Sunday 15th and Sunday 29th August

The Mayflower

Saturday 11th September

The West Highlander Steam Express

3rd to 6th September

The White Rose

Saturday 25th September

The Sussex Belle

29th September and 21st December

The Sou’Western Express

1st to 3rd October

The Hadrian

Saturday 9th October

The Weardale Railway

Saturday 16th October

The Tin Bath “Extra”

Sunday 7th November

The Bath and Bristol Xmas Express

Thursday 25th November

The Capital Christmas Express

Saturday 27th November

The Tynesider

Saturday 27th November

The Lincoln Christmas Fayre

Friday 3rd December

The Bath Christmas Market

Saturday 4th December

The Lindum Fayre

Sunday 5th December

The Christmas White Rose

Saturday 11th December

The Christmas Fenman

Sunday 12th December

The York Yuletide Express

Sunday 12th December

The York Yuletide Express

Thursday 16th December

The Christmas Tynesider

Saturday 18th December

Booking Form and Conditions

Page

29 30-31

35 36-37

40-41

57-58

The Railway Touring Company

John Whitehouse

The Kentish Belle 31st March, 26th May and 11th November Can you imagine a more lovely way to take luncheon than aboard our special steam hauled train 34067 Tangmere running between London and Margate? Sit back, relax and watch the Kent and Sussex countryside go past your window as Bulleid’s great Battle of Britain class 34067 Tangmere goes through its paces.

Tangmere was named after the wartime RAF fighter station near Chichester and was mainly used on trains between London and Kent right up until the 1960s. So why not relive those golden days with this special day out – and have lunch on board as well? On leaving London Victoria at 11:00 34067 Tangmere hauls our train through Dartford and Gravesend continuing on through Chatham and Gillingham. At Fawkham, a village near Sevenoaks in Kent, we take the Whitstable line running close to the Thames Estuary on to Margate. Margate’s history is closely tied to the sea and is described as a ‘limb’ of Dover in the ancient grouping of Cinque Ports. The town itself was first recorded as Meregate as far back as 1264 and as Margate in 1299. Its proud maritime tradition continues today, perhaps more for its attractiveness as a seaside resort for Londoners. From Margate we continue round through Ramsgate, Deal and on to Dover Priory. You’ll see the White Cliffs of Dover and Folkstone before we head inland to Ashford, continuing on through Paddock Wood and Edenbridge to Redhill. From here we join the Brighton Main Line back up to London Victoria.

Approximate Timings* Depart Return London Victoria 11:00 16:20 Margate 13:00 13:20 There are three classes available: • Premier Dining includes full English breakfast, light lunch and four course dinner silver served at your seat. • First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon. • Standard Class includes a reserved seat at a table for four. A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments. Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person. (subject to availability)

Stop Press The train on the 31st March will be hauled by Britannia Pacific 70013 Oliver Cromwell. Fares

UK Tours - The Kentish Belle

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£129

£90

£350

First

£60

£30

£180

Standard

£40

£20

£110

Bob Green

The Hadrian Saturday 17th April Breathtaking landscape and nostalgic steam haulage are combined in one of our most exciting and varied tours. Speed along the East Coast Main Line, travel on the 150-year old Tyne Valley Line and experience the magnificent, world-renowned Settle–Carlisle Line steeped in history – it’s all here for a thrilling day’s excursion.

Our train departs from Stevenage at 06:50 calling to pick up customers at Huntingdon, Peterborough, Grantham and Newark. At Hellifield our diesel is replaced by the Princess Elizabeth. From Hellifield to Carlisle there’s scarcely a level mile. But Princess Elizabeth negotiates the 78 miles of ups and downs like the true classic it is. Soon we come to Settle Junction, the start of one of the UK’s most arduous climbs, 15 miles in total, mainly at a gradients of 1 in 100. A tough test for our locomotive which we will see and hear working very hard! Crossing the breathtaking Ribblehead Viaduct high above the valley floor, the line ends at Blea Moor Tunnel with stunning views of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. From there we run high above valleys, over bridges and through more dramatic tunnels to Dent the highest station in England. Then we take the final climb to Ais Gill Summit, all 1169 feet of it, the dramatic peak of our journey! Travelling high above the valley at Mallerstang, we then drop down through Kirkby Stephen to Appleby where the Princess Elizabeth takes water. We enjoy a fast run downhill from Appleby along Eden Valley to Carlisle where we arrive a little after 13:30. You will have plenty of time to explore the border city with its many attractions including the great medieval fortress. We depart Carlisle around 16:00 and join the scenic Tyne Valley Line which runs close to Hadrian’s Wall. We pass through Haltwhistle and Hexham before joining the East Coast Main line at Low Fell. We head south and enjoy fine views of Durham Cathedral as we pass over the city’s lofty viaduct. From Darlington we are on a racing stretch and a fast run to York. From York a diesel locomotive will take over our run to Stevenage dropping passengers off at Newark, Grantham, Peterborough, Huntingdon and finally Stevenage.

Approximate Timings* Depart Return Stevenage 06:50 22:55 Huntingdon 07:15 22:25 Peterborough 07:30 22:05 Grantham 07:55 21:35 Newark 08:50 21:00 Carlisle 13:40 15:40 There are three classes available: • Premier Dining includes full English breakfast, light lunch and four course dinner silver served at your seat. • First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon. • Standard Class includes a reserved seat at a table for four. A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments. Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person. (subject to availability)

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£179

£112

£525

First

£115

£65

£345

Standard

£78

£39

£210

UK Tours - The Hadrian

Derek Phillips

The Auld Reekie Friday 23rd April A very special trip from Manchester Victoria to Edinburgh, steam hauled from Edinburgh to Manchester. Britannia Pacific 70013 Oliver Cromwell will be hauling our train from Edinburgh to Manchester which involves significant hill climbs by our steam locomotive over Cobbinshaw, Beattock and Shap. It should be a memorable trip!

Our special train will depart from Manchester at around 07:30 and call to pick up further passengers at Bolton, Wigan and Preston. We arrive into Edinburgh at around 11:30 giving you ample time to explore this fine City. With its many places of interest, it would be difficult to choose between such historic landmarks as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Princes Street Gardens to name just a few. Whatever you choose to do, we are sure that your stay in this city will be very enjoyable. At 15:15 Oliver Cromwell will be waiting to depart Edinburgh Waverley with our train. We leave via the Edinburgh Suburban Line at Midcalder Junction. We take the line to Carstairs and begin the long climb up to Cobbinshaw Summit (880ft). From Carstairs, we begin the long climb up to Beattock Summit (1015ft) with superb views over the Scottish hills. After Beattock Summit, it is downhill to the Border City of Carlisle where there should be a short break. On leaving Carlisle, 70013 Oliver Cromwell commences its climb up to Shap Summit. Following completion of our climb we pass through the magnificent Lune Gorge. We call at Preston, Wigan, Bolton and Manchester Victoria to set down customers.

Approximate Timings* Depart Return Manchester Victoria 07:00 22:15 Bolton 07:20 21:50 Wigan Nth. Western 07:30 21:35 Preston 08:00 21:15 Edinburgh Waverley 11:35 15:15 There are three classes available: • Premier Dining includes full English breakfast, light lunch and four course dinner silver served at your seat. • First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon. • Standard Class includes a reserved seat at a table for four. A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments. Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person. (subject to availability)

Fares

UK Tours - The Auld Reekie

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£179

£125

£495

First

£115

£60

£295

Standard

£79

£40

£199

Bob Green

The Bury St Edmunds Tuesday 27th April Join us on this unusual circular tour through East Anglian taking in the glorious scenery of rural Suffolk. Many of you will remember how prominently the landscape featured in the wonderful television series Lovejoy filmed in the late 1990s and starring Ian McShane as a roguish antiques dealer. We will be steam hauled by Britannia Pacific 70013 Oliver Cromwell.

We depart London Liverpool Street mid morning and head north on the Cambridge main line through Harlow and Audley End to Cambridge. From Cambridge we turn sharp right on to the single line railway. It is a steep climb up to the village of Dullingham situated four miles south of Newmarket. We continue on to Newmarket the historic home of British horseracing and then it’s the short run to Bury St Edmunds where we take a short break. Bury St Edmunds is an historic and beautifully preserved market town. It was formerly the county town of west Suffolk and is known particularly for its ruined abbey and spectacular award-winning gardens. There’s plenty to do and see here including museums, the cathedral and a brand new shopping centre right in the heart of the town centre.

Approximate Timings* Depart Return London Liverpool St. 10:20 16:10 Bury St Edmunds 12:25 13:55 There are three classes available: • Premier Dining includes a light breakfast of Bucks Fizz, Scrambled Egg and Smoked Salmon with tea and coffee followed by a four course lunch silver served at your seat. • First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and fresh scones with clotted cream and Engligh tea in the afternoon. • Standard Class includes a reserved seat at a table for four. A Buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

Leaving Bury we continue Eastwards to Haughly Junction. Here we join the main line from Norwich and head South through Ipswich and Colchester where we stop for water. The routing form here to Brentwood has some steep gradients and our locomotive will be working hard. From Brentwood it is mainly down hill to London Liverpool Street where we arrive late afternoon.

Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person. (subject to availability)

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£129

£90

£350

First

£60

£30

£180

Standard

£39

£20

£110

UK Tours - The Bury St Edmunds

Derek Phillips

The Hook Continental Tuesday 27th April Join us for an evening dinner train to Harwich to commemorate the Boat Trains to Hook of Holland. The true rail gateway to most of Europe long before Eurostar days the Boat Trains from Harwich to the Hook of Holland have been a longestablished and traditional part of the communication links between England and Holland. This will be a lovely way to enjoy a four course dinner in premier dining as we are steam hauled to Harwich. Our train will be steam hauled throughout. Hauled by Britannia Pacific 70013 Oliver Cromwell. We depart London Liverpool Street at 18:40 and set out on our non-stop run to Harwich. Harwich has a long history dating back 1238 when the town received its charter although there is evidence of a settlement being there since 1177, perhaps even earlier. The port itself is famous for the phrase “Harwich to the Continent” seen in the evocative advertisements from LNER dating back to the 1930s. On leaving London Liverpool Street, we pass through Stratford. After Harold Wood, we begin our assent of Brentwood Bank and on reaching the summit, it is then downhill to Colchester. At Manningtree, we leave the Norwich Main Line and take the Harwich Branch. On arrival at Parkstone Quay, there will be a short break before our return.

Approximate Timings* Depart Return London Liverpool St. 18:40 22:45 Parkstone Quay 20:10 21:15 There are two classes available: • Premier Dining passengers will be served a four course dinner on departure from London Liverpool Street. • First Class passengers will be served tea/ coffee and fresh scones with clotted cream and English jam. Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person. (subject to availability)

We will be diesel hauled back to Manningtree to enable our train to turn but from there it will be steam all the way back to London Liverpool Street and the conclusion of a lovely evening’s outing.

Fares

UK Tours - The Hook Continental

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£99

£70

£290

First

£60

£30

£180

Standard

£35

£20

£100

Bob Green

The White Rose Saturday 8th May We will be in the company of the rebuilt Royal Scot Class locomotive 46115 Scots Guardsman for this lovely day’s excursion. Scots Guardsman will haul this classic East Coast Main Line train from York and Leeds to London King’s Cross, making it the first Royal Scot to venture along the East Coast Main Line for many years. What better way to spend a spring Saturday!

We depart York at around 07:30 hauled by Royal Scot 4-6-0 Scots Guardsman built in 1927. We look forward to a fast run via Church Fenton to Leeds where we call to collect further passengers. On leaving Leeds, our next calling point is Wakefield Westgate. We continue southbound joining the East Coast Main Line at Doncaster. At Retford, we call to fill the locomotive with water. We continue to Newark where we cross one of the last surviving flat crossings in the UK, now modernized to allow a passage of up to 100mph. From Newark, we climb to the Lincolnshire upland and pass Grantham before ascending to Stoke Tunnel, the summit of our journey. As we head down, sit back and take a moment to recall that this is where Mallard broke the world speed record for steam traction. It reached a breathtaking speed of 126mph, a record that, remarkably, still stands to this day. We then pass through Peterborough before calling at Connington, our final water stop of the journey. We continue southwards passing through Huntingdon, Hitchin and Welwyn. Soon we will be arriving at King’s Cross where you will have several hours to enjoy London and some of what it has to offer. We depart King’s Cross around 17:30 and head north diesel hauled setting down at Wakefield, Leeds and York.

Approximate Timings* Depart Return York 07:30 21:30 Leeds 08:10 20:55 Wakefield Westgate 08:30 20:35 London King’s Cross 12:55 17:35 There are three classes available: • Premier Dining includes full English breakfast, light lunch and four course dinner silver served at your seat. • First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon. • Standard Class includes a reserved seat at a table for four. A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments. Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person. (subject to availability)

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£179

£105

£495

First

£115

£65

£315

Standard

£69

£35

£190

UK Tours - The White Rose

Bob Green

The Welshman Saturday 15th May The wonderful cities of Bath and Cardiff await you as you climb aboard our special steam hauled excursion through the Wiltshire hills and under the River Severn. Our steam locomotive will be Britannia Pacific 70013 Oliver Cromwell, a design introduced by British Railways in 1951.

Join us as we head for the historic cities of Bath and Cardiff riding on this varied and interesting steam hauled train. We will be travelling through some wonderful countryside en route hauled by Oliver Cromwell. Arriving at well-kept Bath Spa station, right in the city centre, you will have the day free to explore this historic and beautifully preserved town. Alternatively the train continues through Bristol to the Severn Tunnel, Newport and on to the Welsh capital. Cardiff has been transformed over recent years and is now a wonderful city to explore. With three and a half hours free in Cardiff you’ll be able to enjoy a great deal of what the city has to offer.

Approximate Timings* Depart Return Poole 08:30 20:40 Branksome 08:40 20:30 Bournemouth 08:50 20:20 Southampton 09:30 19:40 Eastleigh 09:40 19:30 Salisbury 10:30 18:45 Bath 11:15 17:30 Cardiff 12:40 16:10 There are three classes available: • Premier Dining includes full English breakfast, light lunch and four course dinner silver served at your seat. • First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon.

At 16:10 we return steam hauled to Bath where we pick up customers who elected to leave our train there and continue back to Poole setting down passengers at their joining stations.

• Standard Class includes a reserved seat at a table for four. A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments. Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person. (subject to availability)

Fares

UK Tours - The Welshman

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£169

£119

£495

First

£106

£58

£320

Standard

£74

£41

£220

Derek Phillips

The White Rose Saturday 15th May This will probably be the first departure of a Royal Scot Class locomotive from London King’s Cross. It will be interesting to see how the locomotive performs along the East Coast Main Line on what promises to be an historic occasion. And we’ll be in safe hands - our train will be steam hauled to York by none other than 46115 Scots Guardsman.

Leaving King’s Cross around 08:15, we follow the route of famous old trains like the Flying Scotsman. Storming up the gradient through Finsbury Park and northwards, we will call at Stevenage and Peterborough to pick up more customers. Taking water at Peterborough, our locomotive tackles the 15 mile climb up the famous Stoke Bank where Mallard achieved a record 126mph flying down in the opposite direction. Once over the summit we should have a good fast run down the 20 mile descent to the Trent Valley through Grantham, Newark (where we pass over the flat crossing of the Nottingham to Lincoln line) and Retford.

Approximate Timings* Depart Return London King’s Cross 08:15 20:40 Stevenage 08:50 20:15 Peterborough 09:45 19:30 York 12:50 17:30 There are three classes available: • Premier Dining includes full English breakfast, light lunch and four course dinner silver served at your seat.

We steam through Doncaster, where Scots Guardsman was built, before proceeding to York on a line built to avoid coal mine subsidence around Selby.

• First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon.

We’ll stop off in York for around four and a half hours – plenty of time to explore this historic city. Why not take in a boat trip down the River Ouse, walk round the ancient city walls or visit York Minster, climbing the tower for magnificent views of the city. You can shop for souvenirs in the Shambles, one of the oldest shopping streets in York, or immerse yourself in local history at the Jorvik Viking Centre. Of course many of you will want to visit the National Railway Museum, and you can combine this with a ride on York’s equivalent of the London Eye. Our train departs York at 17:30 retracing our route along the East Coast Main Line calling at the same stations as northbound before arriving at King’s Cross just before 21:00. The return journey will be diesel hauled.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£179

£112

£495

First

£109

£55

£320

Standard

£79

£39

£215

UK Tours - The White Rose

Bob Green

The Royal Wessex Saturday 22nd May A wonderful day out featuring two former Southern Railway steam locomotives 34067 Tangmere and the 30777 Sir Lamiel. Our destination is Weymouth in Dorset situated on a sheltered bay at the mouth of the River Wey on the Channel coast. Weymouth is also a place that will be familiar to lovers of Thomas Hardy’s novels in which the town featured regularly.

Our journey to Dorset commences at London Paddington station where we shall leave steam hauled by our two steam locomotives, former Southern Railway 4-6-0 no 30777 Sir Lamiel and Bullied Pacific 34067 Tangmere. We shall follow the Great Western Main Line out of London and run along the Thames Valley through Slough and Maidenhead towards Reading. After a brief call at Reading, we join the ‘Berks and Hants’ line through to Newbury and onwards via Hungerford to Savernake Summit, which will test the power of Sir Lamiel and Tangmere.

Approximate Timings* Depart Return London Paddington 08:35 21:35 Slough 09:09 21:10 Reading 09:35 20:45 Newbury 10:50 (21:20) Westbury 11:40 -------Weymouth 13:30 17:30 There are three classes available:

We follow the northern edge of Salisbury Plain through the Vale of Pewsey towards Westbury. Here we shall continue to follow the GWR mainline to Taunton as far as the junction at Castle Cary, where we diverge away southwards towards Yeovil, passing through Yeovil Pen Mill station.

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

After Yeovil we commence our climb through Yetminster up to Evershot Tunnel. It’s a steep climb and our two steam locomotives will be working flat out particularly on the last two miles of line up to the tunnel.

• First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon.

We continue downhill through Maiden Newton (formerly the junction for Bridport) and on to Dorchester. There is a short climb up to Bincombe Tunnel before we descend steeply to Weymouth where we have a four hour break. We depart Weymouth at around 17:30 hauled by 34067 Tangmere. We will be banked up Upwey Bank by 30777 Sir Lamiel, which will remain on the rear of our train as far as Wareham, where it will be detached for its visit to the Swanage Railway. We continue with Tangmere through Bournemouth, the New Forest and Winchester as far as Basingstoke where we stop for water. We continue to Reading to set down passengers. Newbury passengers will return by service train from Reading. We then call at Slough and finally London Paddington after a wonderful day out with two memorable steam locomotives.

Fares

UK Tours - The Royal Wessex

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£179

£120

£550

First

£125

£69

£310

Standard

£79

£40

£195

Bob Green

The Southern Irishman Saturday 22nd May Our steam excursion goes deep into west Wales from the West Midlands to Fishguard Harbour, the traditional port for ferries to Eire. We will be hauled by 5029 Nunney Castle for this lovely day out. South west Wales has wonderful scenery just waiting to be discovered – you will have the perfect view as we make our way west.

Our train departs Birmingham International around 06:30 and picks up further passengers at Birmingham New Street, Worcester Shrub Hill, Cheltenham and Gloucester. It heads southwards skirting the Severn Estuary, passing through Lydney and Chepstow to arrive at Newport about 09:00. Here our steam locomotive 5029 Nunney Castle will replace the diesel on our train. We pass through Cardiff before entering west Wales. At Briton Ferry we take the Swansea District Line to Llangennech. From Llanelli we run by the sea most of the way to Carmarthen where our steam locomotive will be serviced. You will have an opportunity to see the town and perhaps visit the famous castle. A class 47 diesel locomotive will haul our train to Fishguard Harbour where there will be time to explore the harbour area. After we have enjoyed our break the Nunney Castle will haul our train up the steep and twisting gradients into the hills, through Johnston and Haverfordwest to the junction at Clarbeston Road where we join the line from Milford Haven.

Approximate Timings* Depart Return Birmingham Int. 06:30 22:20 Birmingham New St 06:45 22:00 Barnt Green 07:20 21:45 Worcester Shrub Hill 07:30 21:15 Cheltenham Spa 07:55 20:55 Gloucester 08:10 20:45 Newport 09:15 19:40 Cardiff 09:35 19:15 Carmarthen 11:55 13:30 Fishguard Harbour 14:34 15:40 There are three classes available: • Premier Dining includes full English breakfast, light lunch and four course dinner silver served at your seat. • First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon.

We avoid Carmarthen by taking the south curve for Llanelli. Our locomotive takes the main line through the outskirts of Swansea. Our steam locomotive will be tested on the steep ascent of Cockett Bank.

• Standard Class includes a reserved seat at a table for four. A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

Later we should make rapid progress along the South Wales main line and all too soon we reach our first set down stop at Cardiff.

Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person. (subject to availability)

At Newport we say goodbye to Nunney Castle as a class 47 diesel locomotive will take over for the run back to Birmingham International setting down as outwards.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£179

£119

£495

First

£116

£58

£320

Standard

£77

£41

£220

UK Tours - The Southern Irishman

Bob Green

The Cornishman Saturday 29th May Join us for a lovely day out in the Royal Duchy of Cornwall hauled from Bristol by the newly restored Britannia Pacific 70000. Just in case Britannia should not be available we have a wonderful reserve engine for this really special tour - the A4 Pacific 60019 Bittern. If we use the Pacific it will be the first A4 to venture into Cornwall! So either way you’ll have a memorable day. We also offer an optional steam charter on the Bodmin and Wentford Railway. Our special train will depart Bristol Temple Meads at around 08:30 hauled by our steam locomotive. We anticipate a fast run from Bristol across the Somerset levels to Taunton. Following a short water stop our steam locomotive will be fully extended as she tackles the climb to Whiteball Summit on the borders of Somerset and Devon. There is another short break for Britannia to take on water at Exeter St David’s, where you can disembark to take photographs. On leaving Exeter we follow the Exe Estuary and run on to the Seawall near Dawlish, one of the most superb stretches of railway in Britain. At times you almost feel you are floating as the train races through tunnels and rack cuttings right on the edge of the sea all the way to Newton Abbott. From here Britannia will demonstrate her true power as she tackles some of the steepest gradients on main lines in this country. First is the difficult climb of Dainton Bank up to Dainton Tunnel before dropping down to Totnes. Then it is the equally difficult climb to Rattery Bank before descending to Plymouth where we cross the River Tamar on Brunel’s masterpiece the Royal Albert Bridge. Our train continues through the wonderful Cornish countryside and over high slender viaducts before arriving at Bodmin Parkway Station, where our special steam charter should be waiting for those customers opting for this additional trip. Our train continues to Par where there will be a break of around two hours while our steam locomotive is turned and serviced. We depart Par at around 16:30 and call to pick up passengers at Bodmin Parkway. We then steam back to Bristol dropping off our customers as we did on the outward journey.

There are three classes available: • Premier Dining includes full English breakfast, light lunch and four course dinner silver served at your seat. • First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon. • Standard Class includes a reserved seat at a table for four. A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments. Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person. (subject to availability)

Fares

The optional Bodmin steam trip will be £10 per person.

UK Tours - The Cornishman

Approximate Timings* Depart Return Bristol Temple Meads 08:30 21:40 Taunton 09:15 20:40 Exeter 10:45 19:30 Plymouth 12:10 17:20 Bodmin Parkway 13:25 16:40 Par 13:50 16:25

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£199

£132

£525

First

£128

£70

£350

Standard

£88

£49

£250

Bob Green

The Swanage Belle 31st May, 3rd July and 26th September A unique tour awaits you on this trip to Swanage over the newly re-opened rail link from Wareham available only to charter trains. Swanage is a superb seaside destination with the railway station situated right in the centre of town. We are fortunate to have the use of two former Southern Railway locomotives to haul our train – 34067 Tangmere and 30777 Sir Lamiel.

We depart London Victoria Station at around 08:30 hauled by Bullied unrebuilt Pacific 34067 Tangmere. We pause briefly at Clapham Junction before taking the line via Barnes crossing the Thames at Barnes Bridge. We call at Staines to pick up customers and then re-cross the river Thames. We rejoin the South Western Main Line at West Byfleet and call at Woking to pick up further passengers. At Winchfield we pause to take on water for our steam locomotive. Our final calling point is Basingstoke. Soon after we leave the South Western Main Line and head down through Winchester and Southampton to Bournemouth. Then it’s on past Poole Harbour to Wareham. We leave the Weymouth Line at Worgret Junction. We join the newly re-opened link to Norden where the Swanage Railway starts. Look out for the magnificent Corfe Castle as we head towards Swanage. At Swanage we say goodbye to Tangmere. We will have approximately three hours to explore this pleasant seaside resort situated at the end of the Isle of Purbeck and noted for its annual Regatta and Carnival. We depart Swanage around 16:30 hauled by King Arthur 4-6-0 30777 Sir Lamiel. We retrace our outward route setting down at Basingstoke, Woking and Staines. Just after 21:00 Sir Lamiel will bring our train into London Victoria.

Approximate Timings* Depart Return London Victoria 08:30 21:20 Staines 09:25 20:05 Woking 09:40 19:50 Basingstoke 10:30 19:20 Swanage 13:30 16:30 There are three classes available: • Premier Dining includes full English breakfast, light lunch and four course dinner silver served at your seat. • First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon. • Standard Class includes a reserved seat at a table for four. A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments. Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person. (subject to availability)

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£179

£119

£525

First

£109

£55

£320

Standard

£79

£42

£230

UK Tours - The Swanage Belle

Phil Jones

The Quantock Hills Express Saturday 5th June Early summer in the west country is hard to beat! Why not join us on a special steam hauled train from the Dorset Coast and Southampton to the West Somerset Railway and the seaside resort of Minehead. We will be hauled by two former Southern Railway steam locomotives 34067 Tangmere and 30777 Sir Lamiel for what promises to be a lovely day’s excursion.

Our train departs Eastleigh around 08:30 hauled by the unrebuilt Battle of Britain class Pacific 34067 Tangmere.We call at Southampton to collect customers and should enjoy a fast run through the New Forest to Bournemouth where we collect further passengers. Then it’s on to Poole past Wareham and Dorchester before arriving at Weymouth. Here 30777 Sir Lamiel is attached to the back of the train and helps haul us northbound up Upway Bank to Dorchester and on to Evershot Summit. 34067 Tangmere will be banking assistance from the rear as we pass through Yeovil Pen Mill and on arrival at Castle Cary our train reverses, 30777 is detached and we head westwards to Taunton where we join the West Somerset Railway. This is the longest preserved line in England and some 25 miles in length. We join the main line at Bishops Lydeard and as we head north through Watchett Blue Anchor and Dunster you will see their regular steam hauled service train. We enjoy fine views of the Brendon Hills and the Bristol Channel from our train. On arrival at Minehead just after 14:00 you will have over two hours to explore this attractive seaside resort. We depart Minehead around 16:30 and retrace our steps along the West Somerset Railway to Taunton and on to Castle Cary hauled by 34067 Tangmere. At Castle Cary 30777 Sir Lamiel will attach to the rear of out train and haul us via Yeovil Pen Mill and then up the very steep climb to Evenshot Tunnel. It’s then mainly downhill to Weymouth where we say goodbye to Sir Lamiel. 34067 Tangmere will haul our train back to Eastleigh setting down as on the outward journey.

Fares

UK Tours - The Quantock Hills Express

Approximate Timings* Depart Return Eastleigh 08:30 21:55 Southampton 08:45 21:45 Bournemouth 09:15 21:15 Poole 09:30 21:00 Weymouth 10:50 20:10 Taunton 12:30 18:30 Minehead 14:15 16:30

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£169

£119

£495

First

£106

£58

£320

Standard

£74

£41

£220

Bob Green

The Orient Express to Bath Three trips June to October Take one of the world’s most luxurious trains to one of the country’s best loved destinations. Board the Orient Express, steam-hauled between London and Westbury by Merchant Navy Pacific 35028 Clanline. Immerse yourself in Bath, a glorious city famous for its Roman Baths and Pump Room, museums and antique shops, ancient Abbey and lovely riverside walks. Then return in sheer luxury with champagne, wine and a four course dinner. The perfect day out! Classic British Pullmans The British Pullman car is a true railway classic. Originally conceived as ‘Palaces on Wheels’ by entrepreneur George Mortimer Pullman, each lavishly appointed carriage is an original masterpiece from the golden age of rail travel. Lovingly restored with breathtaking attention to detail, each car has crafted marquetry, inlaid mosaic floors, sparkling crystal and stylish Art Deco design. The Orient Express carries up to 226 people and seats 20 to 26 per carriage. Passengers either choose coupes - intimate compartments seating up to four people - or seating in the open car, mostly at tables for two. There are also some single tables and tables for three in the open car. Fall in love with beautiful Bath Your steam journey takes you to the ancient and historic city of Bath. On arrival, guides will accompany you on a coach tour of the city. You’ll take in the Museum of Costume as well as the city’s Roman Baths and Pump Room, two of the best preserved Roman sites north of the Alps. Don’t forget to sample the spa water from the Spa Fountain in the Grand Pump Room! Take as much free time as you like Our tour schedule leaves a little free time for you to explore Bath on your own. But if you feel like it you can spend the whole time in Bath at your leisure. Just make your own way back to the station in good time for departure. Champagne and four course supper On your return journey to London Victoria you’ll be served a cold, sparkling glass of refreshing champagne before enjoying a four course supper, complete with half a bottle of good wine. What to wear? Pullman cars are so elegant that you’ll probably want to look the part! If dressing up isn’t your thing, smart day wear is appropriate rather than jeans or trainers.

Approximate Timings* Depart Return London Victoria 08:45 21:00 Wednesday 9th June 2010 Wednesday 14th July 2010 Wednesday 27th October 2010 Price per person:

£385

Please note: The timings we’ve given are just for guidance. We’ll confirm the exact times with your travel documents. You can access a handy recorded message with up to date timings 48 hours prior to departure by calling +(44) 020 7921 4199. Access This journey is rated as difficult if you have special access needs but no carer in tow. Bath Spa Station has a lot of steps but there’s a slope that doesn’t take you too far out of your way. Although the Roman Baths Museum isn’t wheelchair accessible, wheelchair users can enjoy the lovely Terrace that overlooks the Great Bath and Pump room. What’s included? Brunch with Bellini on your outward journey, a guided tour and a delicious four course supper with champagne and wine on your return journey. This tour is operated by the Orient Express. The Railway Touring Company acts as a booking agent.

UK Tours - The Orient Express to Bath

Derek Phillips

The Cheshireman Saturday 12th June Join us on our special steam hauled train and indulge in a nostalgic experience in the comfort of vintage 1950s coaches. Our steam hauled train with its famous locomotive – LMS Black 5 44871 – will take us from North Lincolnshire to the magnificent city of Chester via the Peak District. Reserve your seat now for this special journey that will transport you back in time!

We depart Cleethorpes at 07:15 steam hauled through to Chester by the newly restored former LMS Black 5 44871. Our train will pick up customers at Grimsby Town, Barnetby, Scunthorpe, Crowle and Hatfield. From here it heads for Doncaster and Sheffield, then through the Dore and Totley Tunnel to the scenic Hope Valley, with mountains to our north and hills to the south. Our route skirts Manchester by way of Guide Bridge to Stockport and Altrincham and then takes the old Cheshire Lines Committee line to Chester, passing through Delamere Forest on the way. We will have nearly four hours to explore Chester, one of the most visited places in the UK. Situated on the River Dee it is famous particularly for its walls which date back as far as AD 79. An elevated walk around the walls is recommended taking in other attractions on the way such as the popular River Dee area, the Castle, the Cathedral, historic houses and the Rows. The Rows are galleried walkways, at first floor level, dating back to the 14th century connecting shops and cafes. We return from Chester steam hauled with 44871 as far as Sheffield where a diesel locomotive will return our train to Cleethorpes setting down as outwards.

Approximate Timings* Depart Return Cleethorpes 07:15 21:25 Grimsby 07:24 21:15 Barnetby 07:45 20:55 Scunthorpe 08:04 20:40 Crowle 08:20 20:25 Hatfield 08:30 20:15 Chester 12:30 16:15 There are three classes available: • Premier Dining includes full English breakfast, light lunch and four course dinner silver served at your seat. • First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon. • Standard Class includes a reserved seat at a table for four. A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments. Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person. (subject to availability)

Fares

UK Tours - The Cheshireman

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£169

£119

£495

First

£99

£58

£320

Standard

£69

£41

£220

Bob Green

The Bath and Bristol Saturday 19th June It has been more than 400 years since Bath was granted city status by Elizabeth the First and today this beautiful West Country destination continues to offer a unique combination of history, architecture and more contemporary attractions. The Railway Touring Company has a grand day out planned for you in the company of Battle of Britain Class Pacific 34067 Tangmere. Customers can choose to spend the afternoon in the equally attractive city of Bristol. Our steam tour to Bath and Bristol combines the style of the powerful Pacific 34067 Tangmere with a scenic route from the south coast through lovely countryside to Bath. ‘The Bath and Bristol’ will leave Three Bridges and Haywards Heath early on Saturday morning, steam hauled by Tangmere, as we head south along the Brighton main line towards Preston Park. Our route avoids Brighton and instead takes the south coastal line through Hove and Worthing picking up passengers en route. There are views of the attractive Lancing College and the 1,000 year old Arundel Castle as the train heads westwards towards Chichester and Havant, with the historic naval port of Portsmouth away to the south. Running via Fareham we pass through Eastleigh and then take the Salisbury line into this magical town. The spire of the 750-year old cathedral welcomes us into Salisbury as our locomotive pauses to take on water. Passengers will have an opportunity to photograph the locomotive and perhaps have a chat with our driver.

Approximate Timings* Depart Return Three Bridges 06:55 21:55 Haywards Heath 07:20 21:42 Preston Park 08:11 21:04 Hove 08:16 20:59 Worthing 08:33 20:42 Bath 12:18 16:52 Bristol 12:34 16:35 There are three classes available: • Premier Dining includes full English breakfast, light lunch and four course dinner silver served at your seat. • First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon.

After Salisbury, we take the Yeovil line as far as Wilton, famous for its carpets, and then take the rambling Wiltshire country line to Westbury. We make a steady climb to Warminster on the edge of Salisbury Plain to the north, noted for its army presence, before arriving at Westbury.

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

From Bathampton Junction, where the Great Western Railway’s main line from Swindon converges from the right, it is only a short distance to Bath.

Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person. (subject to availability)

Arriving at the well-kept Bath Spa station, right in the city centre, you will have the afternoon free to explore Bath. Meanwhile our train will continue to Bristol, another fascinating destination. The SS Great Britain, Clifton suspension bridge, the beautiful Abbey or a potter around the shops are just some of the things that might appeal to you in Bristol. After servicing, we pick up our passengers in Bath and retrace our steps back to Haywards Heath with Tangmere still very much in charge.

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

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£179

£119

£550

First

£109

£59

£305

Standard

£74

£39

£195

UK Tours - The Bath and Bristol

Bob Green

The Central Wales Explorer Saturday 3rd July Join us on this lovely circular tour as we travel steam hauled by two Black 5, 4-6-0s 45407 The Lancaster Fusilier and 44871 through central Wales. We start at Leicester in the East Midlands and enjoy the splendour of the Welsh mountains before arriving at Llandrindod Wells. Your circular tour is made all the more enjoyable as you take in the landscape from our authentic 1960s built coaches.

Departing Leicester at around 06:30 our train collects further passengers from Loughborough, East Midlands Parkway and Nottingham. Here our train reverses and heads westwards through Uttoxeter and Stoke to Crewe where our diesel locomotive will be replaced by our two steam locomotives.

Approximate Timings* Depart Return Leicester 06:30 21:30 Loughborough 06:45 21:45 East Mids Parkway 06:55 21:55 Nottingham 07:10 22:15 Llandrindod Wells 11:45 13:30

We should have a fast run to Shrewsbury and Craven Arms where we branch off to join the Central Wales Line. Our train stops at Knighton where we have over an hour to explore this delightful little town. Afterwards we pass over the magnificent Knucklas Viaduct as we enter mid Wales. The scenery is magnificent as we pass through Llangynllo and Pen-y-bont with the line featuring long slender viaducts and high embankments giving superb views of the Welsh mountains. We have an hour at Llandrindod Wells while the steam locomotives are serviced.

There are three classes available:

Soon after leaving Llandrindod our two steam locomotives will be working exceptionally hard as we tackle the long climb up to Sugar Loaf Summit. After descending from the summit we join the Swansea District Line to skirt around Swansea before joining the South Wales main line before Port Talbot. We should enjoy a fast run to Newport where we say goodbye to our two steam locomotives. A class 47 diesel will haul our train back to Nottingham via Gloucester, Birmingham, Nuneaton and Leicester setting down at the same stations as on the outward journey.

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

• Premier Dining includes full English breakfast, light lunch and four course dinner silver served at your seat. • First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon.

A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments. Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person. (subject to availability)

Fares

UK Tours - The Central Wales Explorer

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£179

£129

£550

First

£116

£58

£370

Standard

£76

£41

£250

Bob Green

The Dorset Coast Express 9th, 21st, 28th July, 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th August and 1st September We are offering a number of lovely summer day trips from London to Weymouth and back by steam. The first excursion is on Friday 9th July and the trips continue every Wednesday from 21st July to 1st September. There’s plenty of opportunity to visit the beautiful Dorset coast. Each train features a different steam locomotive in each direction. Trains will be banked by steam from Weymouth up Upwey Bank as far as Dorchester South or Wareham. We depart London Victoria Station just before 09:00 and head south to Clapham Junction where we call to pick up further passengers. We continue westwards crossing the Thames at Barnes Bridge and follow the line through Kew and Felham. We call at Staines and Woking to pick up further passengers. At Winchfield we call for water before continuing on to our final pick up point Basingstoke. We leave the South Western Main Line at Woking Junction, where we join the Bournemouth Line and head south through Winchester and Southampton. We call at Bournemouth and Wareham to set down customers wishing to visit these towns. After leaving Bournemouth look out for spectacular Poole Harbour. From Wareham we travel through classic Dorset scenery and delightful Dorchester. We arrive at Weymouth a little after 13:00 and you will have over three hours to discover much of what Weymouth has to offer. We return from Weymouth a little after 16:30 and will be hauled and banked by two steam locomotives up to Dorchester South. Upwey Bank is a very steep climb and our steam locomotive will be working flat out. We call at Wareham and Bournemouth to collect those passengers who left at these stations on the outward journey. Our next set down station is Basingstoke, where we will take on water for our steam locomotive. From Basingstoke we will be on the Main Line to Woking and London Waterloo hoping for a fast run along this section. Steam Pool for the Dorset Coast Express: N15 King Arthur Class 4-6-0 30777 Sir Lamiel – Built 1925 for the Southern Railway for express passenger services across the Southern Railway. 34067 Unrebuilt Battle of Britain Class Locomotive – Built 1947 at Brighton for the Southern Railway. 70000 Britannia – Bristol Railways designed Standard Pacific – Built 1951 Crewe. 70013 Oliver Cromwell – Bristol Railways Designed Standard Pacific – Built 1951 Crewe. Please note: The Weymouth Carnival is on Wednesday 18th August so the train will be busy on this date.

Approximate Timings* Depart Return London Victoria 08:50 20:48* Clapham Junction 09:00 20:38 Staines 09:40 ------Woking 10:15 20:10 Basingstoke 11:00 19:38 Bournemouth 12:20 17:45 Wareham ------- 17:10 Weymouth 13:25 16:35 *Returns to Waterloo There are three classes available: • Premier Dining includes full English breakfast, light lunch and four course dinner silver served at your seat. • First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon. • Standard Class includes a reserved seat at a table for four. A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments. Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person. (subject to availability)

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£169

£129

£495

First

£105

£69

£275

Standard

£59

£33

£169

UK Tours - The Dorset Coast Express

John Shuttleworth

The Heart of Wales Saturday 10th July Enjoy a very scenic circular journey from the northwest over the remote Central Wales line through Llandrindod Wells steam hauled from Newport to Manchester by two Black 5, 4-6-0s 45407 The Lancaster Fusilier and 44871. Enjoy the wonderful Welsh mountain scenery from the comfort of our train.

Our train departs Manchester Victoria at around 07:30, diesel hauled, and calls to pick up passengers at Warrington, Crewe and Shrewsbury. It continues along the scenic route known as the Welsh Marches line through Craven Arms and Hereford. At Newport our two steam locomotives will be waiting to take over the train and we anticipate a fast run through Cardiff and Port Talbot to Britton Ferry where we join the Swansea District Line. Soon we are on the single track Central Wales line. Our first stop will be Pantyffynnon for water, then continuing northwards through the glorious Welsh countryside passing through Llandeilo and Llandovery. We commence the long tortuous climb up to Sugar Loaf Summit. After descending to Llandrindod Wells there will be a one hour break while our locomotives are serviced. We continue north along the sinuous single track, over high slender viaducts and short tunnels crossing the magnificent turreted Knucklas Viaduct before entering Knighton station where we take water and have a chance to walk around. Leaving Knighton we re-enter England and join the Welsh Marches line at Craven Arms. Our train calls at Shrewsbury and Crewe to set down passengers. From Crewe our two steam locomotives haul us along the West Coast Main Line to Warrington, our penultimate stop. From here we take the line through Newton-le-Willows and steam into Manchester Victoria mid evening, our final destination.

Approximate Timings* Depart Return Manchester Victoria 07:30 21:00 Warrington 08:10 20:20 Crewe 08:30 19:05 Shrewsbury 09:10 18:17 Newport 11:15 ???? Llandrindod Wells 14:40 16:40 There are three classes available: • Premier Dining includes full English breakfast, light lunch and four course dinner silver served at your seat. • First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon. • Standard Class includes a reserved seat at a table for four. A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments. Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person. (subject to availability)

Fares

UK Tours - The Heart of Wales

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£179

£129

£550

First

£112

£58

£370

Standard

£79

£41

£250

Phil Jones

The Cotton Mill Express Saturday 17th July It’s back! Our special Cotton Mill Express train, recalling the great textile heritage around Manchester, returns by popular demand to provide another wonderful day out. The tour has been extended to start and finish in Lancaster and also serves Preston. We pick up the old route at Manchester Victoria.

We depart Lancaster around 08:15 hauled by Royal Scot class 46115 Scots Guardsman and head south along the West Coast Main Line to Preston where we collect passengers. We continue south through Chorley to Bolton and on to our main pick-up station – Manchester Victoria. On leaving Manchester we climb steeply up Miles Platting Bank. We continue through Stalybridge with its famous Buffet Bar first opened in 1885. Then we climb up to Standedge Tunnel, the highest, longest and deepest canal tunnel in the UK, stretching for 5,029 metres (3.25 miles) through the Pennines. We drop down to Huddersfield to pick up customers. At Braden Junction we turn sharp left to Brighouse where we stop to take on water. We continue through West Yorkshire to Sowerby Bridge and Hebden Bridge at Hall Royd Junction. Then it’s the difficult climb to Copy Pit Summit (749 ft). On reaching the summit we drop down through Burnley and Accrington to Blackburn, from where we head south starting the long ascent up to Sough Summit which will give the Scots Guardsman plenty of opportunity to show its capabilities.

Approximate Timings* Depart Return Lancaster 08:12 19:05 Preston 08:41 18:34 Wigan 09:00 18:09 Manchester Victoria 10:02 ------Blackburn 12:42 13:28 Manchester Victoria 14:43 17:31 There are three classes available: • Premier Dining includes full English breakfast, light lunch and four course dinner silver served at your seat. • First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon. • Standard Class includes a reserved seat at a table for four. A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

After Entwistle we descend to Bolton. We will then call at Manchester Victoria before retracing our steps up to Standedge tunnel and Brighouse. After passing through Hebden Bridge we head south through Rochdale to Manchester Victoria. After a brief stop we continue via Eccles to Wigan. Here we join the West Coast Main Line and continue to Preston and Lancaster where our train terminates.

Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person. (subject to availability)

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£139

£99

£420

First

£90

£60

£250

Standard

£60

£40

£175

UK Tours - The Cotton Mill Express

Bob Green

The Easterling Saturday 17th July and 18th September Join us as we recreate the classic summer holiday express, The Easterling, which ran over the East Suffolk line from 1950 to 1958. The Easterling ran non-stop from London Liverpool Street to Beccles, whence portions continued to Yarmouth South Town and Lowestoft. This was a classic 1950s holiday train that transported many thousands of Londoners to the popular Norfolk Broads and the seaside during the summer months. This lovely, evocative trip will bring back many memories for some of our older customers. Hauled by a former British Railways Britannia Pacific Class No. 70013 Oliver Cromwell we go back in time to those heady days of the 1950s when taking the holiday train to the coast was the highlight of the year. Our special steam hauled train will depart from London Liverpool Street at around 09:40 and call to pick up passengers at Norwich and Lowestoft, the terminal junction for the East Suffolk line and the most easterly point of the British Isles. Here we shall reverse and make a further pick up at Beccles.

Approximate Timings* Depart Return London Liverpool St 09:40 21:40 Colchester 11:25 19:44 Norwich 12:48 14:26 Lowestoft 15:15 17:15 There are three classes available: • Premier Dining includes full English breakfast, light lunch and four course dinner silver served at your seat.

From Beccles we will steam along the 49 mile-long scenic East Suffolk line through Saxmundham and Woodbridge, famous for having the only working Tide Mill in the UK, dating from 1793.

• First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon.

We join the main line from Norwich at Ipswich before calling for water at Colchester. A fast run will then follow along the Great Eastern Railway’s main line to London, passing through Romford and Stratford. We arrive back at London Liverpool Street station at around 21:40.

Fares

UK Tours - The Easterling

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£174

£112

£550

First

£99

£65

£310

Standard

£74

£49

£210

Phil Jones

The Scarborough Flyer 23rd, 30th July, 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th August, 3rd and 10th September What could be better than spending a beautiful summer’s day aboard the Scarborough Flyer? Running between Crewe and Scarborough our train will be steam hauled in both directions using one of our pool of three magnificent Pacifics all restored to top operating condition – 6201 Princess Elizabeth, 60019 Bittern and 6233 Duke of Sutherland. The Scarborough Flyer will steam out of Crewe at around 07:30 and head north along the main line. After picking up further passengers at Wilmslow we leave the main line at Stockport at which point our steam locomotive immediately has to work hard to climb Miles Platting Bank. We continue through Stalybridge with its famous Buffet Bar, first opened in 1885, and continue climbing up to Standedge tunnel, the highest, longest and deepest canal tunnel in the UK. From the tunnel we drop down to pick up further customers at Huddersfield then join the Old Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway at Wakefield Kirkgate, first opened by the Manchester and Leeds Railway in 1840. Then it’s on through Castleford to York where our steam locomotive takes on much needed water. You are welcome to either leave the train at York or carry on to the journey’s end at Scarborough. (Those customers alighting at York will be able to make the most of this fascinating city, with such sights as the Minster, The Shambles, the Jorvik Viking Centre and, of course the superb National Railway Museum.) On departure from York, we take the Scarborough line and immediately cross the River Ouse with its lovely views of the Minster. We should have a fast run along the Vale of York before slowing for the curves that follow the river past Kirkham Abbey, opened on 5th July 1845 by the York and North Midland Railway and serving the local community until 1930. Soon after Kirkham we pass through Malton. From Malton it’s on through Seamer to our final destination Scarborough. Scarborough is the most popular seaside resort in Yorkshire and perhaps the whole of the East Coast. It has everything you would expect from an established seaside resort, with two stunning bays and a host of things to do and see.

Fares from Huddersfield and Wakefield

Approximate Timings* Depart Return Crewe 07:30 21:35 Wilmslow 08:00 21:05 Stockport 08:20 20:55 Huddersfield 09:40 19:45 Wakefield Kirkgate 10:20 19:15 York 12:00 18:30 Scarborough 13:00 17:00 There are three classes available: • Premier Dining includes full English breakfast and a four course dinner silver served at your seat. • First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon. • Standard Class includes a reserved seat at a table for four. A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments. Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person. (subject to availability)

Fares

Fares from York

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£159

£120

£468

First

£69

£39

£184

First

£64

£33

£180

First

£79

£40

£224

Standard

£47

£24

£120

Standard

£39

£24

£110

Standard

£57

£30

£158

Adult

Junior

Family

Adult

Junior

Family

UK Tours - The Scarborough Flyer

Derek Phillips

The Cumbrian Mountain Express 24th July, 7th and 21st August This is a wonderful opportunity for passengers from Liverpool to travel with us over Shap to Carlisle, returning by the spectacular Settle–Carlisle line. We have a pool of three magnificent Pacific steam locomotives – 6201 Princess Elizabeth, 6233 Duchess of Sutherland and 60019 Bittern – all restored to top operating condition for hauling. This fine and venerable trio promises to provide a memorable day out.

Our train departs from Liverpool Lime Street at around 08:00. We collect passengers at St. Helens then join the West Coast Main Line stopping at Wigan and Preston, our final pick up point before heading north for the steep climbs ahead. We should have a fast run along the West Coast Main Line to Carnforth where our engine takes water. We will ascend the first severe gradient up to Grayrigg then travel through the beautiful Lune Valley, gaining speed for the ascent of Shap. After crossing the Fells of Cumbria we descend to Penrith and head onwards to the border city of Carlisle. We stay in Carlisle for almost three hours, giving you the opportunity to explore the ancient castle, cathedral, museum and shops. Then it’s time for the inimitable Settle–Carlisle line, possibly the best known and most dramatic stretch of railway line in the country. The climb begins soon after leaving Carlisle. We stop to take water again at Appleby then steam past scenic Kirkby Stephen towards the highest railway summit in England, Ais Gill, at 1,169 feet.

Approximate Timings* Depart Return Liverpool Lime Street 08:00 20:38 St Helens Central 08:20 19:58 Wigan N’rth Western 08:35 19:40 Preston 09:00 ------Blackburn ------- 18:10 Carlisle 11:40 14:30 There are three classes available: • Premier Dining includes full English breakfast, light lunch and four course dinner silver served at your seat. • First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon. • Standard Class includes a reserved seat at a table for four. A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

We cross magnificent viaducts including the famous Ribblehead, steam through long tunnels with Pen-yghent, Whernside and Ingleborough providing an ever-shifting backdrop. A fast run out of the hills through Settle sees us in Long Preston where we take on more water. From here we travel through Hellifield, Clitheroe and Blackburn, taking the direct line to Wigan* then St. Helens and Lime Street, arriving around 20:38.

Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person. (subject to availability)

(*Passengers for Preston change at Wigan). Fares

UK Tours - The Cumbrian Mountain Express

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£179

£112

£475

First

£109

£55

£295

Standard

£74

£39

£195

John Shuttleworth

The Waverley 25th July, 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th August and 5th September This summer the Railway Touring Company is operating a series of steam hauled trains from York, Leeds and the Aire Valley over the spectacular Settle–Carlisle line, probably the most famous rail route in the UK. We have four very powerful express locomotives for these trains, representing the advances and achievements of UK steam power between 1930 and the 1950s.

Our train will set out from York at 09:00 gaining immediate high speeds along the long, flat, straight stretch to Church Fenton. Here our train takes the Leeds route, where we stop to pick up customers. From Leeds to Carlisle there’s scarcely a level mile; 113 miles of ups and downs! Our train follows the Aire Valley, calling to pick up more customers at Shipley, Keighley and Skipton in the Yorkshire Dales, through beautiful countryside. After taking water we come to Settle Junction, the start of one of the UK’s most arduous climbs, totalling 15 miles, mainly at a gradient of 1 in 100. A tough test for our locomotive which we will see - and hear - working very hard! Crossing the breathtaking Ribblehead Viaduct high above the valley floor, the line ends at Blea Moor Tunnel with stunning views of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. From there we run high above valleys, over bridges and through more dramatic tunnels to the highest station in England, Dent. Then, the dramatic peak of our journey, we take the final climb to Ais Gill Summit, all 1169 feet of it! Travelling high above the valley at Mallerstang, we then drop down through Kirkby Stephen to Appleby where our locomotive takes water and where we will spend the afternoon in this historic and very pretty place. Customers continuing to Carlisle will enjoy a swift downhill run through the Eden Valley, arriving at 14:25. We will have three hours in Carlisle, plenty of time to explore this ancient border city. On departure we climb almost continually for just under 50 miles back up to Ais Gill, tackling gradients as steep as 1 in 100. Our locomotive will take water at Appleby and pick up the people who spent the afternoon there. From Ais Gill our engine takes a breather as it rushes back down the hill. After stopping for water our train continues to our setting down points at Skipton, Keighley, Shipley and Leeds, before arriving in York arriving at about 21:45. Steam Locomotive Pool Royal Scot 4-6-0 – 46115 Scots Guardsman Jubilee 4-6-0 – 5690 Leander Black 5 4-6-0 – 45305 Black 5 4-6-0 – 45231 Sherwood Forester

Approximate Timings* Depart Return York 09:00 21:45 Leeds 09:50 21:10 Shipley 10:10 20:45 Keighley 10:25 20:35 Skipton 10:45 20:19 Appleby 12:55 17:55 Carlisle 13:55 16:55 There are three classes available: • Premier Dining includes full English breakfast, light lunch and four course dinner silver served at your seat. • First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon. • Standard Class includes a reserved seat at a table for four. A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments. Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person. (subject to availability)

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£159

£99

£459

First

£89

£44

£250

Standard

£65

£35

£170

UK Tours - The Waverley

Phil Jones

The Welsh Mountaineer 28th July, 11th, 18th and 25th August The Railway Touring Company is proud to present a brand new destination Blaenau Ffestiniog in the heart of the spectacular Snowdonia National Park. Customers will travel steam hauled by a Powerful LMS Black 5 Locomotive through stunning countryside including the scenic north Wales coast, the beautiful Conwy Valley and on to Blaenau Ffestiniog. This is a journey that you will remember for a long time! Departing Preston at 08:30 hauled by a LMS Black 5 locomotive we head down the West Coast Main Line calling at Warrington Bank Quay to pick up further customers. We also call at Frodsham for water before continuing on to Chester. On leaving Chester we pass the famous Roman Wall and cross the River Dee into Wales. Running alongside the lovely Dee Estuary and the Irish Sea, we’ll steam past Prestatyn and Rhyl along a delightful coastline known for its beaches. At Colwyn Bay we enjoy wonderful views of the Great Orme before arriving at Llandudno Junction. We set off for Blaenau Ffestiniog behind our steam locomotive, following the pretty Conwy Valley through Llanrwst into the Snowdonia National Park and Betws-y-Coed. The next part of our journey is extra special; we enter the very heart of the Welsh mountains as our train climbs up to Blaenau Ffestiniog Tunnel. At over two miles long, this impressive piece of engineering is the longest single track tunnel in the country. We pass through the old slate quarry before arriving at our terminus, where you have a choice. You can either visit the famous narrow gauge Ffestiniog Railway*, 177 years old and still going strong or you can choose to brave the dramatic Llechwedd Slate Caverns for a trip on the 800m battery locomotive-hauled Miners’ Tramway. You can even descend into the Deep Mine via a funicular railway, Britain’s steepest passenger line with a very challenging gradient of 1 in 1.8.

Approximate Timings* Depart Return Preston 08:30 20:25 Warrington 09:00 19:50 Frodsham 09:35 19:15 Chester 10:35 18:55 Llandudno Junction 12:00 17:20 Blaenau Ffestiniog 13:15 16:10 There are three classes available: • First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon. • Standard Class includes a reserved seat at a table for four. A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments. Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person. (subject to availability)

Our train departs Blaenau, steam hauled, at about 17:00 and retraces its steps back to Llandudno Junction before proceeding to Chester, still steam hauled. On departure from Chester we call at Frodsham and Warrington Bank Quay to set down passengers. Our final calling point is Preston where we bid farewell to our steam locomotive. *We have arranged a steam journey (extra cost) from Blaneau Ffestiniog to Ddault and back over the most scenic section of the line. This train will be hauled in turn by two narrow gauge locomotives.

Fares Fares Premier

UK Tours - The Welsh Mountaineer

Adult Adult

Junior Junior

Family Family

First

£119

£75

£315

Standard

£79

£50

£210

John Shuttleworth

The Cumbrian Mountain Express 31st July, 14th and 28th August This is a wonderful opportunity for customers from Crewe and Manchester to travel with us over Shap to Carlisle, returning by the spectacular Settle–Carlisle line. We have a pool of three magnificent steam locomotives, all Pacifics and restored to top operating condition for hauling these trains. They are 6201 Princess Elizabeth, 60019 Bittern and 6233 Duchess of Sutherland.

Our steam hauled train departs Crewe around 06:30 and takes the line over Chat Moss to join the West Coast Main Line near Golborne calling at Wigan and Preston for customers. This will be our last pick up point before we head north to face the steep climbs ahead. We should have a fast run along the West Coast Main Line to Carnforth where our locomotive takes water. It climbs the first severe gradient up to Grayrigg, then travels through the beautiful Lune Valley, gaining speed for the ascent of Shap. Perhaps we will beat the record time up these gradients! After crossing the Fells of Cumbria we descend to Penrith, then head onwards to Carlisle. We stay at this border city for nearly three hours allowing us the opportunity to visit the castle, the cathedral or the museum, or visit the shops and restaurants. We set off on the Settle– Carlisle line, probably the best known and most beautiful stretch of railway line in the country. The climb begins soon after leaving Carlisle, stopping to take water at Appleby. Leaving here we pass Kirkby Stephen and reach the highest railway summit in England, Ais Gill at 1,169 feet above sea level. We pass over high viaducts, including the famous Ribblehead, through tunnels and see Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. Our train should have a fast run out of the hills, through Settle, until our locomotive stops to take water. From here we will travel through Hellifield, Clitheroe and Blackburn taking the direct line to Wigan and Manchester Victoria arriving about 20:00. Customers for Preston change at Wigan. Our train continues steam hauled back to Crewe.

Approximate Timings* Depart Return Crewe 06:40 22:05 Wilmslow 07:00 21:32 Stockport 07:20 21:20 Manchester Victoria 08:00 20:20 Wigan Nth. Western 08:40 19:49 Preston 09:15 18:45 Carlisle 11:45 14:50 There are three classes available: • Premier Dining includes full English breakfast, light lunch and four course dinner silver served at your seat. • First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon. • Standard Class includes a reserved seat at a table for four. A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments. Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person. (subject to availability)

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£169

£112

£475

First

£104

£55

£295

Standard

£74

£39

£195

UK Tours - The Cumbrian Mountain Express

Derek Phillips

The Summer Highlander Friday 30th July to Tuesday 3rd August This tour allows us to explore Scotland, avoiding busy roads by making the journeys to and from the north by fast trains, made even more enjoyable by travelling first class. Highlights of the tour include preserved steam railways, the spectacular train journeys from Inverness to Kyle and from Mallaig to Fort William and the Isle of Skye. We are accompanied throughout Scotland by a coach that will handle our luggage. Last but not least you’ll enjoy the sheer quality of the two hotels we stay at, both of which provide food and accommodation to a very high standard. Friday 30th July Highland Chieftain to Scotland At midday the Highland Chieftain train leaves London King’s Cross bound for Inverness, stopping at Peterborough and York to collect further passengers. As we glide along the East Coast Main Line a two course lunch will be served at our seats. Continuing northwards we pass through Newcastle, Edinburgh and Perth to Aviemore where we transfer by road coach to our hotel in Fort William. Dinner will be served as we cruise through Scotland. (L D) Saturday 31st July The Jacobite and over the Sea to Skye Described as one of the great railway journeys of the world, the Jacobite steam train takes us for 42 miles through some of the most magnificent scenery that Scotland has to offer. Apart from stunning mountain and sea views, it crosses the world famous twenty one arch Glenfinnan Viaduct. The final destination is Mallaig, where we have an hour to explore this attractive fishing port and board the ferry for the Isle of Skye. At Armadale we rejoin our coach which, as always, has followed us with our luggage. We travel through the picturesque Isle of Skye through Kyleakin and Broadford before crossing the famous Skye Bridge, which links Skye to the Kyle of Lochalsh. At Kyle of Lochalsh we board the late afternoon service train to Inverness along one of Europe’s most scenic lines. Running alongside

Loch Carron, enjoying superb views of the Loch and mountains, we pass through forests and beside delightful lakes before arriving in Inverness around 19:00, we will transfer to our hotel which will be our base for three nights. Dinner will be served at our hotel. (B D) Sunday 1st August The Far North Breakfast is served in the hotel restaurant before we depart by coach to Dunrobin Castle, where a piper will greet us and lead us to the castle perched high above the seashore. A tour of the castle and its grounds with a falconry display awaits us before we enjoy lunch in a local restaurant in Wick. We continue northbound to John O’Groats with its tiny harbour and views over the Orkneys. Then we visit the Castle of Mey before continuing on board our coach to Thurso Station. Here we join our Scotrail service train to Inverness. Because it runs on a different route to the coach, you’ll enjoy a fresh perspective on the region’s wonderful scenery. On arrival at Inverness we transfer back to our hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D) Monday 2nd August The Strathspey and Keith & Dufftown Railways Our coach takes us to Aviemore where we join a steam hauled train on the Strathspey Railway to Broomhill and back. Our steam locomotive will UK Tours - The Summer Highlander

take us slowly through the countryside, with the Cairngorm Mountains in view; an area famous for its stunning natural beauty. On arriving back at Aviemore, our coach takes us to Dufftown where lunch will be served in the Buffer Stop, a restaurant car. The Keith and Dufftown Railway, also known as The Whisky Line, runs for eleven miles through some of Scotland’s most picturesque scenery with forest and farmland, lochs and glens, castles and distilleries. We make the return trip in a vintage diesel multiple unit. To wind up the day, we have a visit to a traditional Highland whisky distillery before returning to our hotel in Inverness. (B L D) Tuesday 3rd August The Highland Chieftain back to London The Highland Chieftain leaves around 08:00. We have first class seats, and we will be served a hearty Scottish breakfast as we pass through the Highlands, a wonderful experience. Our train continues through Perth, Edinburgh and Newcastle back to York and London arriving in King’s Cross just before 16:00. A three-course lunch will also be served on our journey south. (B L)

Approximate Timings* London King’s Cross Peterborough York Aviemore Inverness

Depart Return 12:00 15:50 12:47 15:45* 14:02 13:52 19:29 ------20:08 07:55

Tour Summary

*Change at York

Price per person Single supplement

Please note: Although The Railway Touring Company makes every effort to ensure that its trips run to schedule, all times above are approximate and subject to change without prior notice.

£799 £160

Price includes: • First class rail travel in the Highland Chieftain and on the Jacobite Steam train • Standard class rail travel between Kyle of Lochalsh and Inverness and between Thurso and Inverness • 4 nights accommodation in a twin, double or single room • 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners (1 breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner will be served on the train, other breakfasts and dinners will be served in the hotels.) Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D= Dinner August 2010 M

UK Tours - The Summer Highlander

Bob Green

The North Wales Coast Express 8th and 22nd August Exactly 40 years since British Railways ran its last steam hauled trains, The Railway Touring Company is proud to present the North Wales Coast Express. A regular summer steam service from Liverpool and Chester to Holyhead, trains will be hauled by engines from our pool of three steam locomotives, all Pacifics restored to top operating condition – 6201 Princess Elizabeth, 60019 Bittern and 6233 Duchess of Sutherland. Our train leaves Liverpool Lime Street station around 10:00, steam hauled by a magnificent Pacific locomotive in a highly atmospheric departure up through the deep cutting to Edge Hill. We stop to pick up passengers at Broad Green station, which has a large car park, before calling at Warrington Bank Quay, Frodsham and Chester. On leaving Chester we pass through the city’s roman walls crossing the River Dee into Wales. Running alongside the Dee Estuary and the Irish Sea, we pass Prestatyn and Rhyl along a delightful coastline known for its stunning beaches. At Colwyn Bay we’ll enjoy fantastic views of the Great Orme and the Creuddyn Peninsula. You can choose to leave the train at Llandudno Junction and spend the day in Llandudno, taking one of the regular service trains that run between the Junction and Llandudno town. If you prefer to continue with us, we will depart as soon as the locomotive has taken water. Crossing the Conwy Harbour Bridge over the Conwy Estuary, with more fantastic views of the Great Orme, we call at Conwy Station to set down people who have chosen to visit this picturesque town. Next we run very close to the Irish Sea, passing through pretty little seaside resorts like Penmaenmawr and Llanfairfechan before arriving in Bangor. From Bangor you can either continue on our steam journey to Anglesey and Holyhead, where you’ll have time to explore the town, or take one of two optional excursions. Our train departs Holyhead at around 16:30, calling to collect passengers at Bangor, Conwy, Llandudno Junction and Colwyn Bay. Then we set down passengers at Chester, Frodsham, Warrington Bank Quay and Broad Green before finally steaming into Liverpool Lime Street.

Fares from Liverpool, Warrington and Chester to Colwyn Bay and Llandudno

*by connecting train from Llandudno Junction

Fares from Llandudno to Holyhead

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£159

£100

£495

First

£79

£42

£210

First

£64

£33

£180

First

£89

£47

£239

Standard

£55

£29

£144

Standard

£39

£24

£110

Standard

£65

£35

£165

Adult

Junior

Family

Adult

Junior

Family

UK Tours - The North Wales Coast Express

Approximate Timings* Depart Return Liverpool Lime Street 10:05 20:40 Broad Green 10:23 20:30 Warrington Bank Quay 10:50 20:00 Frodsham 11:30 19:15 Chester 12:00 19:00 Colwyn Bay 13:00 18:10 Llandudno Junction 13:15 18:00 Llandudno* 13:30 17:35 Bangor 14:15 16:55 Holyhead 14:30 16:30

John Shuttleworth

The Tall Ships Monday 9th August This is a wonderful opportunity to visit the Tall Ships in their ‘host port’ of Hartlepool. Our trip is right in the middle of 2010’s Tall Ships Races and you will be able to see some of the 100 or so tall ships taking part. We travel to Hartlepool on board our special vintage steam train hauled by the wonderful former L.M.S Jubilee 4-6-0 5690 Leander.

Our special steam hauled train departs York at 09:20 and calls at Knaresborough to collect further customers. Further stops will be made at Harrogate and Leeds. We return along the main line to York and pick up customers again at York. From York we enjoy a fast run up the East Coast Main Line to Northallerton where we turn off towards Thornaby. During the journey we pass over the impressive Yarm Viaduct. After crossing the River Tees we pass through Stockton and then on to Hartlepool. On arrival at Hartlepool you will be able to join in the Tall Ships celebrations and view some of the magnificent sailing ships. Hartlepool will be centre stage when it welcomes up to 100 tall ships from around the world and up to one million visitors for the finale of this prestigious sailing event. The ships are expected to arrive in Hartlepool on Saturday 7 August after sailing from Kristiansand in Norway in the second and final race. They will stay until Tuesday 10 August when they will bid a grand farewell in an impressive parade of sail. Three of the latest ships to confirm that they will be competing are Class A square-rigged vessels, the largest of the ships in the races at over 160ft in length. They are the Pogoria, a 154 ft Polish ship built in 1980, the Portsmouth-based Stavros S Niarchos and the stunning 300 ft Mir from Russia. We return in the early evening to York, Harrogate and Leeds steam hauled with Leander.

Approximate Timings* Depart Return York 09:20 21:25 Knaresborough 10:10 20:47 Harrogate 10:20 20:35 Leeds 11:00 19:55 York 12:00 19:00 Hartlepool 13:20 17:30 There are three classes available: • First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon. • Standard Class includes a reserved seat at a table for four. A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments. Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person. (subject to availability)

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

First

£69

£35

£179

Standard

£39

£20

£109

UK Tours - The Tall Ships

Bob Green

The Weymouth Seaside Express Sunday 15th and Sunday 29th August A trip down memory lane awaits you on this special train harking back to the days of seaside excursion trains run by Bristol Railways in the 1950s. Our destination is the lovely seaside town of Weymouth – a true English seaside resort that has managed to preserve much of its charm. This a lovely summer day’s outing.

Our special train departs Bristol Temple Meads around 09:15 and heads eastwards hauled by a Britannia Pacific, either 7000 Britannia or 70013 Oliver Cromwell, picking up passengers at Keynsham, Bath, Trowbridge, Westbury and Frome along the way. From Westbury we head westwards along the Berks and Hants route through Bruton to Castle Cary. After leaving Castle Cary we head south on the Weymouth Branch passing through Yeovil Pen Mill. From Yeovil it is a long steep climb through the Dorset Hills up to Evershot Tunnel. From this point our Britannia will have to work flat out on the exhilarating climb. From Evershot Summit it is mainly down hill through Maiden Newton and picturesque Dorchester down to Weymouth where there will be over four hours to soak up the atmosphere (and hopefully sun) at this much-loved south coast seaside resort.

Approximate Timings* Depart Return Bristol T’ple Meads 09:15 19:30 Keynsham 09:25 19:15 Bath 09:40 19:05 Trowbridge 09:55 18:50 Westbury 10:05 18:40 Frome 10:25 18:30 Weymouth 11:55 17:00 There are three classes available: • First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon. • Standard Class includes a reserved seat at a table for four. A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

We depart Weymouth at 17:00 and head north. We first of all have to tackle the steep Bincombe Bank (1 in 50) up to Dorchester, and later we climb up to Evershot Summit from the south side. We continue through Yeovil Pen Mill, Frome and Westbury where we set down passengers.

Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person. (subject to availability)

We call at Trowbridge, Bath and Keynsham to set down further passengers. Finally we arrive at Bristol Temple Meads where we say goodbye to our Britannia Pacific.

Fares

UK Tours - The Weymouth Seaside Express

Adult

Junior

Family

First

£74

£38

£199

Standard

£48

£25

£125

Bob Green

The Mayflower Saturday 11th September Join us on this very special tour featuring over 440 miles of steam in one day. The magnificent A4 Pacific 60019 Bittern will haul our train from London to Plymouth and back made possible by taking its second tanker and cutting out the water stops. This will be a really exciting day so don’t miss the opportunity to be part of a memorable experience.

We depart London Paddington at 08:00 steam hauled by A4 Pacific 60019 Bittern. We call at Slough and Reading to collect further passengers. From Reading we join the very attractive Berks and Hants route which runs through picturesque rural countryside. We make a final stop for passengers at Newbury. From Newbury we make a steady climb up to Savernake Summit, and then it is fairly undulating to Taunton.

Approximate Timings* Depart Return London Paddington 08:00 21:30 Slough 08:20 21:10 Reading 08:45 20:50 Newbury 09:10 20:30 Plymouth 13:00 16:30

From Taunton we tackle our first major bank at Whiteball and our A4 Pacific should make an impressive climb to the summit. From Dawlish Warren we run along the magnificent sea wall over bridges, viaducts and short tunnels carved through the rock.

There are three classes available:

After Newton Abbot we take the difficult climb up to Dainton Summit, and then it is downhill to Totnes, before we take the longer climb up to Rattery. The Devonshire countryside should look magnificent. Bittern will haul our train in to Plymouth a little after lunch having run 223 miles from London. You will have over three hours to explore historic Plymouth with its many attractions.

• First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon.

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

• Standard Class includes a reserved seat at a table for four. A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

We depart Plymouth about 16:30. Bittern, having been turned and serviced, will be eager to haul our train onwards. On leaving Plymouth we are immediately climbing up to Hemerdon – a very difficult bank with a ruling gradient of 1 in 41. At Hemerdon the gradient evens but we still climb all the way up to Wrangton. From here we descend down to Totnes before we start the climb to Dainton from the other side, then it’s back to the sea wall at Exeter.

Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person. (subject to availability)

We call at Newbury, Reading and Slough to set down passengers before arriving into Paddington at around 21:30.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£199

£132

£525

First

£128

£70

£350

Standard

£88

£49

£250

UK Tours - The Mayflower

Bob Green

The West Highlander Steam Express Friday 3rd September to Monday 6th September Join us for an exhilarating three day steam hauled tour around the Western Highlands of Scotland, featuring three different steam locomotives – LMS Royal Scot, LNER K4 and K1. Beginning in Liverpool and picking up at Preston (with good connections from the South) and exploring the Western Highlands of Scotland, this three day tour takes in the majestic scenery of Ben Nevis, the idyllic Loch Lomond and the fabulous land and seascapes of the beautiful Mallaig line and for the first time for The Railway Touring Company the Oban Line. Friday 3rd September A Royal Scot from Liverpool to Glasgow Around 09:00 we steam out of Liverpool’s Lime Street Grand Terminus hauled by 46115 Scots Guardsman. It is a quick pull through the tunnel and deep cutting up to Edge Hill. We call to pick up more passengers at St Helens and Wigan before arriving at Preston. Here there are good connections from London, Birmingham, The Midlands and North of England. We depart Preston after a short water stop and head north. After Oxenholme the gradient begins to increase, providing quite a climb up to Grayrigg Summit. Passing through the scenic Lune gorge, we pass through Tebay before commencing our assault on dramatic Shap fell, a major obstacle in the days of steam. On arrival in Carlisle there will be a break while our steam locomotive is serviced. We cross the border into Scotland at Gretna and, after Lockerbie, face a formidable climb up to Beattock Summit before dropping down through Carstairs to the Grand Terminus of Glasgow Central. Saturday 4th September The spectacular West Highland Line After an early start, around 06:30, our special steam hauled train leaves Glasgow Queen Street and immediately begins the steep 1 in 45 climb up to Cowlairs Summit. Running close to the famous River Clyde at Craigendoran, we veer right to join the West Highland line itself. After a brief stop at Arrochar Station we witness the tranquil beauty of Loch Lomond. After leaving

Crainlarich, the Oban line branches off and we find ourselves on the wild and desolate Rannoch Moor. Loch Treig comes into view, and we travel through The Monessie Gorge. Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles, looms above us at 4418ft as we approach Fort William around lunchtime. Here we take a short break where you can soak up the local atmosphere. We steam out of Fort William under the shadow of Ben Nevis, bound for Mallaig. Here, we will cross the impressive Caledonian Canal at Banavie and travel across the splendid elevated curved viaduct at Glenfinnan. Have your cameras ready as we cross, it’s a fabulous sight. Once across we travel through some of the most breathtaking scenery that Scotland has to offer. As the beautiful colours of glens and lochs contrast against the grey stone of Scottish castles, we see the mountains meet the western shore at Mallaig. Here we have a long break, when you can take a leisurely stroll to breathe the highland air, or spend some time sightseeing or shopping. Alternatively why not enjoy the excellent traditional fish and chips! On arrival back at pretty Fort William we make our way to the hotel to relax and enjoy a delicious evening meal and maybe even a wee dram or two! Sunday 5th September Fort William, Oban and Glasgow At 09:00, after a hearty traditional Scottish breakfast, we leave Fort William steam hauled by K4 2-6-0 61994. Climbing out of Fort William UK Tours - The West Highlander Steam Express

through the spectacular scenery of the Monessie Gorge, we cross Roy Bridge then tackle the steepest part of the climb up to Corrour summit. This is the second highest summit on British railways, so you could say it’s all downhill from here! Steaming through Tyndrum, we return over Rannoch Moor after we take on water at Crainlarich. The Great Marques runs around our train and we set off for Oban tender first. Passing through Tyndrum Lower and continuing through the magnificent scenery of Loch Awe and the Falls of Cruachan. Soon after passing through Taynuilt we arrive in Oban where there will be a break for lunch. We depart Oban and immediately start an awesome climb as we arrive around the mountain slope. As we climb out of Oban 61994 will be working flatout before we start our decent to Connel Ferry and Taynuilt. We continue to retrace our steps to Crainlarich where we call for water. We face another stiff climb up to Arrochar and Tarbet. Finally we return southwards through Helensborough and along the Clyde estuary, through Dumbarton and Springburn to Glasgow Queen Street. Monday 6th September Journey home We depart Glasgow Central at 09:30 hauled by 46115 Scots Guardsman westwards on the Glasgow and South Western route through Paisley and Dalry to Newton on Ayr where we turn left on to the freight only line to Mauchline Junction. There we join the Glasgow and South

Western Main Line, through Kirkconnel and Dumfries to Carlisle. We continue steam hauled through Carnforth and Lancaster to Preston. At Preston a diesel locomotive takes over our train for the run back to Liverpool Lime Street. The locomotives: The West Highlander Steam Express will be hauled in turn by three different steam locomotives. LMS Royal Scot 46115 Liverpool – Glasgow – Preston LNER K4 61994 The Great Marquess Glasgow – Fort William – Oban – Glasgow LNER K1 2-6-0 62005 Fort William – Mallaig – Fort William A Black 5 may be used on the Crainlarich – Oban – Crainlarich section if we deem it necessary.

Approximate Timings* Liverpool Lime Street 09:00 St Helens 09:20 Wigan 09:35 Preston 10:20 Glasgow Central 17:55 Glasgow Queen Street 06:30 Crainlarich 10:35 Fort William 12:50 – 13:15 Mallaig 15:00 – 17:00 Fort William 18:50 Fort William 09:00 Crainlarich 12:00 – 12:30 Oban 14:00 – 15:00 Crainlarich 16:30 Glasgow Queen Street 19:30 Glasgow Central 09:30 Preston 16:00 Wigan 16:40 St Helens 16:55 Liverpool Lime Street 17:20

Tour Summary Price per person Premier Class First Class Standard Class

£799 £599 £449

Premier Class price includes: • 3 nights hotel accommodation in Glasgow and Fort William • 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners silver served at your seat on the train • First class accommodation on the train Single supplement £90.00 Table for two supplement £50.00 per person First Class price includes • 3 nights hotel accommodation and breakfast in Glasgow and Fort William All rooms have private facilities • Dinner in Fort William

Bob Green

• First class accommodation on the train Single supplement £ 90.00 Table for two supplement £50.00 per person Standard Class price includes • 3 nights hotel accommodation and breakfast in Glasgow and Fort William All rooms have private facilities • Dinner in Fort William • Standard class accommodation on the train Single supplement £69.00 Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D= Dinner September 2010

Derek Phillips

UK Tours - The West Highlander Steam Express

Derek Phillips

The White Rose Saturday 25th September This is one of the Railway Touring Company’s favourite trips combining a comfortable, speedy run on the East Coast Main Line behind an A4. With ample time to explore York before relaxing on the fast return journey to King’s Cross this is a terrific way to spend an early autumn day. Our steam locomotive is the marvellous Gresley-designed A4 Pacific 60019 Bittern, one of a class 35 built in the 1930s that operated out of King’s Cross until 1963. Our train will be steam hauled from London King’s Cross to York and back by 60019 Bittern. Bittern will run with its two tenders cutting out the water stops and speeding up the journey considerably. Leaving King’s Cross around 09:15 we follow the route of famous old trains like the Flying Scotsman. Storming up the gradient through Finsbury Park and northwards we call at Potters Bar, Stevenage and Peterborough to pick up more passengers. Our locomotive tackles the 15 mile climb up the famous Stoke Bank where Mallard achieved a record 126mph flying in the opposite direction. Once over the summit we should have a good, fast run down the 20 mile descent to the Trent Valley through Grantham, Newark (where we pass over the flat crossing of the Nottingham to Lincoln line) and Retford. We steam through Doncaster, where Bittern was built, before proceeding to York on a line built to avoid local coal mine subsidence around Selby. We’ll stop off in York for three and a half hours of exploration. Take in a boat trip down the River Ouse, walk round the ancient city walls or visit York Minster, climbing the tower for magnificent views over the city. Shop for souvenirs in the Shambles, one of the oldest shopping streets in York, or immerse yourself in local history at the Jorvik Viking Centre. Many of you will want to visit the National Railway Museum, of course, and you can combine this with a ride on York’s equivalent of the London Eye.

Our train departs York at about 16:40, retracing the route along the East Coast Main Line and calling at the same stations as northbound, arriving at King’s Cross around 20:30. Bittern will make a fine sight at the buffers at King’s Cross recalling the glorious days of steam in the 1950s.

Fares

UK Tours - The White Rose

Approximate Timings* Depart Return London King’s Cross 09:15 20:30 Potters Bar 09:25 20:20 Stevenage 09:55 19:40 Peterborough 10:45 18:40 York 12.50 16:40

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£179

£112

£495

First

£109

£55

£320

Standard

£79

£39

£215

The Sussex Belle 29th September and 21st December Join us on our special train from London Victoria to the lovely Kent and Sussex coast hauled by former Southern Railway Battle of Britain Class Locomotive 34067 Tangmere. This is also a perfect way for customers to really get into the Christmas spirit and experience this delightful part of England!

Our day starts when we depart London Victoria Station at 10:30 and head through Bromley South, Otford and Maidstone East. From Ashford we take the scenic line to Hastings across ancient Romney Marsh and on through Appledore to the historic town and one time seaport of Rye. With its cobbled streets, medieval church and beautifully preserved historic houses Rye feels like it is suspended in time. Rye was also the station port of the old Rye and Camber Tramway, a narrow gauge railway that operated from 1895 to 1939 connecting Rye to the nearby coast at Camber.

Approximate Timings* Depart Return London Victoria 10:30 16:15 Bromley South 10:50 15:55 Ashford 12:10 ------Rye 13:30 ------Hastings 13:50 14:10 There are three classes available: • Premier Dining includes Buck’s Fizz, morning tea or coffee and Danish pastries and a four course lunch silver served at your seat. • First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon.

From Rye we continue southbound reaching the coast at Hastings before heading north through Crowhurst and Battle. We pass through Mountfield Tunnel and Robertsbridge station on Colonel Stephens’ famous old Kent and East Sussex Light Railway.

Finally we pass through delightful Tunbridge Wells and then on to Sevenoaks where we take the line through Bat and Ball (part of the line named after a nearby pub) and Swanley. Our tour ends when we arrive back at London Victoria by late afternoon.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£129

£90

£330

First

£60

£30

£180

Standard

£40

£20

£120

UK Tours - The Sussex Belle

Bob Green

The Sou’Western Express Friday 1st October to Sunday 3rd October An unusual three day tour to the little visited South West Scotland. You will be in an area of outstanding natural beauty featuring scenic railways that twist their way through the hills of South West Scotland. This is a tour that is really not to be missed. We will be in the company of three special locomotives – 70013 Oliver Cromwell, 45305 Black 5 and 5690 Leander – for this special tour.

Friday 1st October Steam to Glasgow Our train departs Manchester Victoria diesel hauled. We call at Huddersfield and Leeds to collect further passengers before arriving at York where 70013 Oliver Cromwell will be waiting to take over our train. We leave York and head north along the East Coast Main Line. We anticipate a fast run along the racy stretch of the East Coast Main Line to Darlington where we call to collect further passengers. Then it’s north through County Durham, past Ferryhill and on to Durham City, where we enjoy fine views of the Cathedral as we pass over the city’s lofty viaduct. We call at Durham station to collect further passengers. Our final pick up point will be Newcastle. On leaving here we join the scenic Tyne Valley line, which runs close to Hadrian’s Wall. We pass through Hexham and Haltwhistle before arriving at Carlisle. On leaving Carlisle we soon enter Scotland at Gretna Junction. Then we commence our climb to Beattock Summit, one of the most difficult climbs on British railways. Spectators will be out in their hundreds to watch 70013 Oliver Cromwell breast Beattock Summit (1015 ft)! Then it’s mainly downhill to Carstairs continuing on to Caledonian Railway’s Grand Terminus at Glasgow Central. On arrival we check into our hotel for the next two nights in Glasgow.

Saturday 2nd October Steam over the South Western to Stranraer Glasgow Central is our starting point for today’s leg. We are hauled by 70013 Oliver Cromwell crossing the Clyde on departure and taking the GSWR route at Bridge Street Junction. We pass through Paisley, Dalry and Troon before arriving at the resort of Ayr. Here 45305 Black 5 couples to the front of the train and we continue double headed up to Girvan. It is a terrific climb out of Girvan up to Pinmore Tunnel, from where we descend to Pinwherry before taking the steep climb through Barnhill. From the summit it is downhill all the way to Stranraer. We return from Stranraer double headed with 70013 and 45305 over the steeply graded switchback of a line to Ayr, where we detach 45305 leaving 70013 to haul us back to Glasgow via Irvine and Paisley. Sunday 3rd October Steam home again We depart Glasgow Central in the morning hauled by 70013 and 45305 double headed. On leaving Glasgow Central we cross the River Clyde and almost immediately we pass the delightfully named Crossmyloof Station. We are now on the South Western Main Line. It is a steep climb through Barrhead and on through Neilston, on a ruling gradient of 1 in 67. It’s a single track on this section until we reach Kilmarnock. From Kilmarnock we climb for 15 miles up to New Cumnock, and then it is mainly downhill to UK Tours - The Sou’Western Express

Dumfries, a delightful Scottish market town. From here it is all flat passing through the famous Gretna Green, before we join the West Coast Main Line at Gretna Junction. There will be a break at Carlisle, where we say goodbye to Oliver Cromwell and 45305 and welcome 5690 Leander. We leave Carlisle on the Tyne Valley line. It is a fairly steep climb up to Brampton then it’s mainly downhill. We call at Newcastle to set down passengers and then join the East Coast Main Line setting down passengers at Durham and Darlington from where we look forward to a fast run to York. At York we say goodbye to Leander and a diesel locomotive will take over for the run back to Manchester. We set down passengers at Leeds and Huddersfield before arriving into Manchester Victoria.

Derek Phillips

Tour Summary Premier Class First Class Standard Class

£699 £489 £309

Price includes: Premier Class • 2 nights hotel accommodation in a 3 or 4-star hotel • 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners and an afternoon tea served on the train Single supplement £49 First Class • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in a 3 or 4-star hotel • Morning coffee and afternoon tea served on the train Single supplement £44

Bob Green

Standard Class • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in a 2-star hotel Single supplement £35 Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D= Dinner

Approximate Timings* Depart Return Manchester Victoria 09:30 19:30 Huddersfield 10:00 19:00 Leeds 10:35 18:30 York 11:30 17:30 Darlington 12:25 16:50 Durham 12:50 16:30 Newcastle 13:45 15:30 Carlisle 15:30 14:00 Glasgow Central 19:30 09:00 Derek Phillips

October 2010 M

UK Tours - The Sou’Western Express

Bob Green

The Hadrian Saturday 9th October Breathtaking landscape and nostalgic steam hauling combine in one of our most exciting and varied tours. Speed along the East Coast Main Line, travel on the 150-year old Tyne Valley Line and experience the magnificent and world famous Settle–Carlisle line steeped in history – it’s all here for a thrilling day’s excursion.

Our train departs from Leicester at 06:30 to pick up customers at Loughborough, Nottingham, Grantham and Doncaster. and stations to Hellifield, from where it will be steam hauled to Carlisle by the famous 46115 Scots Guardsman, built in Glasgow in 1927 by the North British Locomotive Company. We travel back to York via a different route to maximise the effect of the wonderful scenery you will experience. From Hellifield to Carlisle there’s scarcely a level mile. But the Scots Guardsman negotiates the 78 miles of ups and downs like the true classic it is. Soon we come to Settle Junction, the start of one of the UK’s most arduous climbs, 15 miles in total, mainly at a gradient of 1 in 100. A tough test for our locomotive which we will see – and hear – working very hard! Crossing the breathtaking Ribblehead Viaduct high above the valley floor, the line ends at Blea Moor Tunnel with stunning views of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. From there we run high above valleys, over bridges and through more dramatic tunnels to Dent the highest station in England. Then we take the final climb to Ais Gill Summit, all 1,169 feet of it, the dramatic peak of our journey! Travelling high above the valley at Mallerstang, we then drop down through Kirkby Stephen to Appleby where the Scots Guardsman takes water. We enjoy a fast run downhill from Appleby along the Eden Valley to Carlisle where we arrive a little after 13:00. You will have plenty of time to explore the border city with its many attractions including the great medieval fortress. We depart Carlisle around 16:00 and join the scenic Tyne Valley Line which runs close to Hadrian’s Wall. We pass through Haltwhistle and Hexham before joining the East Coast Main Line at Low Fell. We head South and enjoy fine views of Durham Cathedral as we pass over the city’s lofty viaduct. From Darlington we are on a racing stretch and a fast run to York. From York a Diesel locomotive will take over for our run back to Leicester dropping passengers off at Doncaster, Newark, Grantham, Nottingham, Loughborough and Leicester.

Fares

UK Tours - The Hadrian

Approximate Timings* Depart Return Leicester 06:30 23:00 Loughborough 06:40 22:45 Nottingham 07:00 22:30 Grantham 07:35 21:50 Newark 07:50 21:30 Doncaster 08:20 20:55 Carlisle 13:15 16:00

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£179

£112

£525

First

£115

£65

£345

Standard

£78

£39

£210

Derek Phillips

The Weardale Railway Saturday 16th October This is an unusual tour by Main Line steam hauled train travelling over the Blyth and Tyne Line and the Weardale Railway to Stanhope. Neither of these lines is open to regular traffic or passenger trains so this is an extra special occasion. We will pass through scenic and interesting areas along the route in the company of our locomotive for the day – the former LMS Jubilee 5690 Leander.

Our train departs Newcastle Central at 09:00 and heads north to Benton Junction, where we leave the East Coast Main Line and head north eastwards to Northumberland Park. We continue on this single track freight only line past Newsham North Junction to Bedlington, where we take the left spur and head for Morpeth. At Morpeth we join the East Coast Main Line passing through Newcastle Central Station and immediately crossing the River Tyne on the King Edward Bridge. We pause at Tyne Yard for water, before heading south down the East Coast Main Line to Ferryhill. At this point we leave the East Coast Main Line and take the freight only line to Norton South Junction. We continue through Stockton and on to Darlington, where we take the Bishop Auckland Branch passing the new Railway Museum at Shildon. We leave the Bishop Auckland branch just before Bishop Auckland Station and continue along the currently mothballed line to Wolsingham. From here the Weardale Railway operates a regular steam service to Stanhope mainly at weekends. We continue through Weardale to Stanhope and enjoy a two hour break to explore this small town with its lovely cobbled market place and noted railway station, home of the Weardale Railway Trust.

Approximate Timings* Depart Return Newcastle 09:00 18:00 Darlington 12:15 17:15 Stanhope 13:30 15:30 There are three classes available: • Premier Dining includes Buck’s Fizz, full English breakfast and a three course late lunch silver served at your seat. • First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon. • Standard Class includes a reserved seat at a table for four. A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments. Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person. (subject to availability)

We leave Stanhope mid afternoon hauled by our Jubilee Class Express passenger locomotive. We retrace our steps back to Darlington where our train reverses and Leander runs round and leads our train back to Newcastle. It will have been quite a day!

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£139

£99

£410

First

£89

£60

£250

Standard

£59

£40

£175

UK Tours - The Weardale Railway

Bob Green

The Tin Bath “Extra” Sunday 7th November Who can forget Compo, Clegg and Foggy rolling down a Yorkshire hillside in a tin bath for the long-running TV series Last of the Summer Wine? In honour of this immortal moment in one of the great TV comedies we have named this tour The Tin Bath “Extra”. Taking in the railways of the South Pennines and the Peak District The Tin Bath route encompasses Derbyshire, Lancashire and South Yorkshire visiting some rarely used routes for steam along the way. Our train will depart Manchester Victoria Station hauled by the former L.M.S Black 5 45407 and 44871. On departure we climb Miles Platting Bank and on through to Denton, once famed for its hat making, and then to Stockport where we collect further passengers. We then take the Hazel Grove Chord, built by British Rail between the former MR and LNWR lines and opened in 1986, to the New Mills Line. Then it’s on to the Midland Railway across the Peak District to Sheffield. We call at charming Hathersage, with its associations with Robin Hood and the Eyre family of Brontë fame, to collect furthur passengers. Then it’s on through the 3.5 mile long Totley Tunnel, first opened in 1892, before descending into Sheffield where we enjoy an hour’s break. On leaving Sheffield we head northwards to Wincobank Junction where we join the Barnsley Line. It is a long climb from here up to Chapeltown, passing through Wombwell along the way and continuing our climb up to Barnsley. But it doesn’t end there! From Barnsley there is a very steep climb on leaving the station continuing at a 1 in 50 gradient to 1 in 57 up to Dodworth, where the gradient eases to 1 in 100. Soon after we approach the former junction at Penistone where we steam over the magnificent 29-arch viaduct (bigger than Ribblehead) before entering Penistone Station. Then it’s on past Denby Dale (famous for its huge meat pies!) and the junction for the Kirklees Railway. We will probably cross a service train at Stocksmoor before we descend to Huddersfield crossing many fine bridges and viaducts including the lengthy Lockwood Viaduct. As our journey continues we depart Huddersfield for Brighouse where we pause for water, head on to Holroyd Junction where we take the steeply graded line to Copy Pit and then descend to Blackburn before taking the steeply graded line to Sough Tunnel and Bolton. We will arrive back in Manchester Victoria by 18:00.

There are three classes available: • Premier Dining includes Buck’s Fizz, morning tea or coffee and Danish pastries and a four course lunch silver served at your seat. • First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon. • Standard Class includes a reserved seat at a table for four. A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments. Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person. (subject to availability)

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UK Tours - The Tin Bath “Extra”

Approximate Timings* Depart Return Manchester Victoria 10:00 17:55 Stockport 10:45 -----Hathersage 11:25 -----Sheffield 12:50 -----Huddersfield 15:00 -----Bolton 17:30 ------

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£139

£99

£420

First

£90

£60

£250

Standard

£60

£40

£175

Bob Green

Bath and Bristol Xmas Express Thursday 25th November What better way to launch the Christmas season than with a trip on the wonderful Bath and Bristol Christmas Express? You will even have time to sample Bath’s annual Christmas market set in a stunning setting overlooked by the Abbey and the ancient Roman Baths.

Join us as we head for the historic cities of Bath and Bristol riding on this varied and interesting steam hauled train travelling through some wonderful countryside en route. We will be hauled by the former Southern Railway Battle of Britain class locomotive No.34067 Tangmere. Departing from Poole around 09:30 Tangmere climbs steeply up Parkstone Bank working hard as it performs in the way you expect. We will call to collect passengers at Branksome, Bournemouth and Christchurch before continuing along the Waterloo Main Line, skirting the New Forest at pretty Brockenhurst, making two final pick ups at Southampton and Eastleigh. Then it’s along the single-track line to Romsey where we join the Westbury Salisbury line stopping to take on water at Salisbury. From here it’s on through Wilton, up to Warminster and down the steep bank to Westbury with its famous hillside white horse, through Bradford (Wiltshire) and the scenic Avon valley. Arriving at well-kept Bath Spa station, right in the city centre, you will have the afternoon free to explore the Bath Christmas Market with over 120 stalls to satisfy even the most discerning Christmas shopper.

Approximate Timings* Depart Return Poole 09:30 19:30 Branksome 09:40 19:20 Bournemouth 09:50 19:10 Christchurch 10:00 19:00 Southampton 13:30 18:25 Eastleigh 10:40 18:15 Salisbury 11:30 17:30 Bath 12:15 16:15 Bristol 12:35 16:00 There are three classes available: • Premier Dining includes full English breakfast, light lunch and four course dinner silver served at your seat. • First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon. • Standard Class includes a reserved seat at a table for four.

Our train will then continue to Bristol for those who wish to explore this fine city instead.

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

With Tangmere turned and fully serviced for the return run from Bristol, we pick up those parcel laden passengers who stayed for the Christmas Market in Bath!

Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person. (subject to availability)

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

Fares

We shall retrace our journey, calling to set down passengers as outwards.

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£169

£119

£495

First

£106

£58

£320

Standard

£74

£41

£220

UK Tours - The Bath and Bristol Xmas Express

Bob Green

The Capital Christmas Express Saturday 27th November Can you think of a better way to travel from Dorset to London than in 50-year old coaches steam hauled by the remarkable Battle of Britain Class Locomotive No. 34067 Tangmere? That’s exactly what The Railway Touring Company has lined up for its customers in the West Country who want to spend the afternoon in the capital enjoying the myriad attractions on offer – and do some Christmas shopping, too! Our day starts early with departure from Swanage scheduled for around 08:00 when Tangmere will steam haul passengers all the way to London. After Swanage we stop to pick up passengers at Poole and then steam on to Bournemouth. On leaving Bournemouth we should enjoy a fast run through the New Forest to Southampton where we pick up more passengers and do the same at Eastleigh. We carry on northwards along the South Western Main Line through Winchester joining the main line from Exeter at Worting Junction. From Basingstoke we join the Reading line and pass through Mortimer and Bramley. From Reading we hope for a fast run along the Great Western main line all the way in to Paddington. Once in London you will have more than four and a half hours to enjoy everything London has to offer. With just a few weeks to go before Christmas the capital will be in true festive mood and anything from a trip to Hamley’s famous toy shop or Madame Tussauds to the Tower of London and Covent Garden can be experienced before we depart again from Paddington at 17:30.

Approximate Timings* Depart Return Swanage 08:00 21:55 Poole 08:50 21:10 Bournemouth 09:10 20:45 Southampton 09:40 20:10 Eastleigh 09:55 19:40 London Paddington 12:45 17:30 There are three classes available: • Premier Dining includes full English breakfast, light lunch and four course dinner silver served at your seat. • First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon. • Standard Class includes a reserved seat at a table for four. A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments. Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person. (subject to availability)

We retrace our steps back to the West Country with Tangmere ready to round off the day in true historic steam train style. During the journey, we expect to meet up with Santa and his Elves, so presents for all children on board will be handed out! Please let us know your child’s age on booking.

Fares

UK Tours - The Capital Christmas Express

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£179

£112

£495

First

£115

£55

£335

Standard

£79

£39

£220

Bob Green

The Tynesider Saturday 27th November Why not relive the glory days of steam travel on the East Coast Main Line by joining us in Newcastle for a nostalgic day out to London in the company of former LNER Streamliner 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley? The locomotive was built in Doncaster in 1937 to haul the great express trains between London–Newcastle and Edinburgh and the Tynesider aims to bring back all of the nostalgia of those golden years. As we haul south from Newcastle, Sir Nigel first takes us across the 100-year old King Edward Bridge with its fine views over the River Tyne and the city. It’s then on to Durham where we stop to collect passengers. On leaving Durham we cross Durham Viaduct with lovely views of the city and its magnificent Cathedral. Soon after we will call at Darlington to pick up more passengers.

Approximate Timings* Depart Return Newcastle 07:00 22:25 Durham 07:22 22:10 Darlington 07:45 21:50 York 08:55 21:10 London King’s Cross 13:40 17:50

After Darlington it’s on to the East Coast Main Line Racetrack where we power onwards arriving soon after at York’s magnificent station complete with its superb ‘over all’ roof. York, of course, is the home of the National Railway Museum, believed to be the largest of its kind in the world.

There are three classes available:

From York, we head south passing our locomotive’s birthplace at Doncaster. After the well known Newark flat crossing, the fastest flatcrossing in the UK, where trains travelling north-south are allowed to cross the junction at 100mph, we climb to the Lincolnshire upland and pass Grantham to Stoke Tunnel the summit of our journey. As we haul down Stoke Bank take a moment to recall that this is where Sir Nigel’s sister Mallard broke the world speed record for steam when it achieved 126mph near Essendine. Extraordinarily, the record set by Mallard remains unbroken to this day.

• First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon.

We call for water near Peterborough and then continue southwards passing through Huntingdon, Hitchin and Welwyn. During this part of the journey Santa’s Elves will bring you mulled wine and mince pies to help get you in the Christmas spirit. Once we arrive at London King’s Cross you will have more than four hours to enjoy the capital and indulge in some Christmas shopping.

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

We depart King’s Cross just before 18:00 and head northeast diesel hauled. To round off the day, Santa will be on the train with presents for the children. Please let us know your child’s age on booking.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£189

£115

£550

First

£125

£75

£350

Standard

£79

£40

£210

UK Tours - The Tynesider

John Shuttleworth

The Lincoln Christmas Fayre Friday 3rd December Britannia Pacific 780013 Oliver Cromwell will be steam hauling us from the north east to Lincoln and its famous Christmas market for a wonderful pre-Christmas day out. Lincoln Christmas Fayre is now the largest event of its type in Europe. Why not travel there in comfort aboard our steam hauled train and avoid the traffic?

We leave Newcastle Station at around 08:00 steam hauled by Britannia Pacific Locomotive 70013 Oliver Cromwell. We pass over the King Edward Bridge with fine views over the River Tyne and the city. It is then on to Durham where we stop to collect further passengers. On leaving Durham we cross Durham viaduct with lovely views of the city and its magnificent Cathedral. Soon after we call at Darlington to pick up more passengers. After Darlington we are on the East Coast Main Line rail track where we speed on to York to collect more passengers and water for our steam locomotive. On leaving York we head for Leeds and Wakefield where further passengers join us. We join the East Coast main Line again briefly at Doncaster before we join the GN and GE Joint Line at Bessacar Junction. We continue through Gainsborough and on to Lincoln. Lincoln Market is a huge festive market that takes over the grounds of the Norman Castle and most of the streets, with black and white timber-framed buildings surrounding the fine Norman Cathedral. Brightly coloured stalls, decorated with lights, sell every conceivable Christmas gift and traders are in Victorian costume. Enjoy the smell of chestnuts roasting, mince pies and hot mulled wine, and the sound of hand bell ringers or local choirs singing carols, street theatre and perhaps a beautiful service in the majestic Cathedral. These are just some of the reasons people flock to this lovely City at this special time of year.

Approximate Timings* Depart Return Newcastle 08:00 21:55 Durham 08:22 21:35 Darlington 08:45 21:10 York 09:55 20:30 Leeds 10:30 19:40 Wakefield 10:50 19:20 Lincoln 12:15 16:40 There are three classes available: • Premier Dining includes full English breakfast, light lunch and four course dinner silver served at your seat. • First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon. • Standard Class includes a reserved seat at a table for four. A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments. Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person. (subject to availability)

Our train departs Lincoln at 16:40 steam hauled by Oliver Cromwell. We retrace our steps back to Newcastle setting down passengers as outward. Fares

Cedric Spiller

UK Tours - The Lincoln Christmas Fayre

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£179

£115

£550

First

£115

£60

£350

Standard

£79

£40

£210

Bob Green

The Bath Christmas Market Saturday 4th December It has been more than 400 years since Bath was granted city status by Elizabeth the First and today this beautiful West Country destination continues to offer a unique combination of history, architecture and a wide range of shopping and more contemporary attractions. The Railway Touring Company has a grand day out planned for you as we head for this spectacular destination steam hauled by the powerful Bullied Pacific 34067 Tangmere. Our special Christmas tour to Bath takes a scenic route from the south coast through lovely countryside. The famous Bath Christmas Market will be in full swing and passengers will have almost five hours to explore the market and the city once there. The Christmas lights will be on and the city will be alive with the sound of Christmas music and festive mood. We leave Haywards Heath early on Saturday morning, steam hauled by Tangmere, heading south along the Brighton main line towards Preston Park. Our route avoids Brighton and instead takes the south coastal line through Hove and Worthing. Picking up passengers en route, there are views of the attractive Lancing College and the 1,000-year old Arundel Castle as the train heads westwards towards Chichester and Havant, with the historic naval port of Portsmouth away to the south. Running via Fareham we pass through Eastleigh and then take the Salisbury line into this magical town. The spire of the 750-year old cathedral welcomes us into Salisbury as our locomotive pauses to take on water. Passengers will have an opportunity to photograph the locomotive and perhaps have a chat with our driver. After Salisbury, we take the Yeovil line as far as Wilton and then the rambling Wiltshire country line to Westbury. We make a steady climb to Warminster on the edge of Salisbury Plain to the north before arriving at Westbury. From Bathampton Junction, where the Great Western Railway’s main line from Swindon converges from the right, it is only a short distance to Bath where the Christmas market and other attractions await you.

Approximate Timings* Depart Return Haywards Heath 07:50 21:15 Preston Park 08:20 21:00 Hove 08:33 20:45 Worthing 08:52 19:50 Chichester 09:30 19:20 Bath 12:30 17:25 There are three classes available: • Premier Dining includes full English breakfast, light lunch and four course dinner silver served at your seat. • First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon. • Standard Class includes a reserved seat at a table for four. A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments. Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person. (subject to availability)

After servicing, we pick up our passengers in Bath and retrace our steps back to Haywards Heath with Tangmere still very much in charge. Fares

Don’t forget you will need to look out for Father Christmas and his Elves who will be visiting the train during the day handing out presents for all children. Please let us know your child’s age on booking.

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£179

£119

£550

First

£109

£59

£305

Standard

£74

£39

£195

UK Tours - The Bath Christmas Market

Bob Green

The Lindum Fayre Sunday 5th December It is one of the largest events of its kind in Europe. The Lincoln Christmas Market – otherwise known as the Lindum Fayre – is a truly unforgettable experience and we will steam haul you there in style in the company of Pacific A4 No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley. What a day you will have! With Christmas only a few weeks away this really is a special trip.

Our day begins when we leave London King’s Cross station at 09:30 on Sunday morning. Sir Nigel Gresley then makes its way down the East Coast Main Line, a former stamping ground for this class of locomotive in the days of express trains to Newcastle and Edinburgh. We hope for some fast running along the main line, when Sir Nigel will have a chance to show us its paces between stops as we pick up further passengers en route to Peterborough. Leaving Peterborough and its famous Cathedral behind, we continue along the ECML and begin the long climb to Stoke Summit. It was here – the highest point on the line – in 1938 that fellow A4 Pacific class member Mallard made its famous record-breaking run when it achieved 126 mph on the 3rd July 1938. Once over the summit, we will continue through Grantham to Newark and then diverge away to the right to take the Lincoln line. We follow the former Midland Railway route through Collingham and Swinderby to Lincoln. Spread across the wonderful Cathedral quarter of Lincoln, within the courtyard of the 12th Century castle and along the medieval cobbled streets of the city, the Fayre has everything you need for those special Christmas gifts. Around 350 stalls selling everything from crafts and books to locally produced cheeses, meats and festive foods tempt you in. When you add to that the traders dressed in period costume as well as traditional fairground entertainments it’s easy to see why the Lindum Fayre is so special.

Approximate Timings* Depart Return London King’s Cross 09:30 21:30 Potters Bar 10:00 21:00 Stevenage 10:30 20:30 Peterborough 11:20 18:55 Lincoln 13:15 17:15 There are three classes available: • Premier Dining includes full English breakfast, light lunch and four course dinner silver served at your seat. • First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon. • Standard Class includes a reserved seat at a table for four. A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments. Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person. (subject to availability)

Then it’s back to London King’s Cross on Sir Nigel Gresley replicating our outward route. Presents for all children from Santa and the Elves please let us know your child’s age on booking.

Fares

UK Tours - The Lindum Fayre

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£179

£112

£525

First

£115

£65

£345

Standard

£78

£39

£210

Bob Green

The Christmas White Rose Saturday 11th December Why not join us for a classic day out combining exciting main line running, varied landscape and the special atmosphere of York at Christmas time? We will be steam hauled from Cambridge to York by former LNER A4 Pacific No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley. This locomotive was one of a class of 35 Pacifics built by the London & North Eastern Railway between 1935 and 38 and still looks just as wonderful today as it did when it was built! Our day begins at 08:30 when we leave Cambridge station and head northwards picking up passengers at Ely and Peterborough along the way. Sir Nigel Gresley should soon feel at home on the East Coast Main Line as we leave Peterborough and commence the climb to Stoke Summit, the scene of fellow class member Mallard’s famous run when it achieved a staggering 126 mph on the 3rd July 1938. Incredibly this world speed record for steam traction still remains unbeaten today. With Sir Nigel Gresley cruising along at speeds just a little less than Mallard’s we pass through Newark and Retford before pausing in Doncaster to take on water. The Great Northern Railway opened its railway workshops in Doncaster in 1853 and, as we pass through the station, the birthplace of Sir Nigel Gresley can be seen to the left. A fast run along the ECML will bring us to York where there will be plenty of time for customers to enjoy the city and all it has to offer. York has a number of major tourist attractions including the National Railway Museum, claimed to be the largest railway museum in the world. The City of York also offers a number of interesting museums, many shops, quaint alleyways, a Castle and the splendid Gothic Cathedral of York Minster, the largest of its kind in Northern Europe.

Approximate Timings* Depart Return Cambridge 08:30 20:55 Ely 08:50 20:35 March 09:10 20:15 Peterborough 09:30 19:50 York 12:40 17:00 There are three classes available: • Premier Dining includes full English breakfast, light lunch and four course dinner silver served at your seat. • First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon. • Standard Class includes a reserved seat at a table for four. A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

Refreshed after your time in York, we return steam hauled to Cambridge once again with Sir Nigel Gresley powering us on. En route we will be setting down at Peterborough, Ely and finally Cambridge arriving there just before 21:00.

Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person. (subject to availability)

And don’t forget – you will also need to look out for Father Christmas and his Elves who will be visiting the train during the day and handing out presents for all children. Please let us know your child’s age on booking. Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£179

£112

£550

First

£109

£55

£295

Standard

£79

£39

£215

UK Tours - The Christmas White Rose

Bob Green

The Christmas Fenman Sunday 12th December Why not combine some last minute Christmas shopping in London with a trip aboard our special train from King’s Lynn steam hauled by Britannia Pacific 70013 Oliver Cromwell? Dating back to 1951, Oliver Cromwell was the first British Railways Standard steam locomotive to be built and was originally based at Norwich in Norfolk.

Our day begins at 09:30 when we depart King’s Lynn stopping to pick up passengers at Watlington, Downham Market and Cambridge. A full English breakfast will be served to Premier Dining customers on departure from Downham Market. To help you get into the Christmas spirit, mulled wine and mince pies will be served later by Santa’s Elves! En route we will call at Royston to take on water and then continue southwards joining the East Coast Main Line at Hitchin. We hope for a fast run along the main line to King’s Cross where we arrive a little after 12:30. Once there you will have more than five hours to buy all of those last minute Christmas gifts and sample some of the many delights of the capital.

Approximate Timings* Depart Return King’s Lynn 09:30 20:44 Watlington 09:40 20:27 Downham Market 09:48 20:20 Ely 10:10 20:00 Cambridge 10:30 19:30 London King’s Cross 12:30 17:45 There are three classes available: • Premier Dining includes full English breakfast and four course dinner silver served at your seat. • First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon. • Standard Class includes a reserved seat at a table for four.

We depart King’s Cross steam hauled at around 17:45. A three-course Christmas dinner will be served to Premier Dining passengers soon after departure on the return journey which takes us via the Hertford Loop. We will drop off passengers at the outward stations.

And just to round off the day with a real sense of Christmas, Santa and his Elves will distribute presents to all the children on the return journey. Please let us know your child’s age on booking.

Fares

UK Tours - The Christmas Fenman

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£139

£99

£420

First

£79

£50

£210

Standard

£49

£30

£130

Bob Green

The York Yuletide Express Sunday 12th December Liverpool Lime Street is our start point for a fun-packed day that will provide our customers in the Merseyside and Manchester areas a pre-Christmas treat as we make the nostalgic journey to festive York steam-hauled by special train – former LMS Jubilee 5690 Leander.

We depart on Sunday morning and make our way up the testing climb of Olive Mount Cutting, one of the major problems that George Stephenson had to overcome when building the Liverpool & Manchester line in the 1820s. We then head through a series of subterranean tunnels and steep sided sandstone cuttings towards the summit at Edge Hill. Leander will be on easier gradients as we pick up speed along the alignment of the original Liverpool & Manchester line. Then it’s across Chat Moss and on to the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway’s Manchester Victoria station. On leaving Manchester we take the Rochdale line with Leander leading us through the depths of Summit Tunnel, built in the late 1830s, to emerge at Todmorden in West Yorkshire.

Approximate Timings* Depart Return Liverpool Lime St. 10:15 21:27 St Helens Jct. 10:38 20:56 Manchester Victoria 11:19 20:21 Rochdale 11:44 20:00 York 14:20 17:30 There are three classes available: • Premier Dining includes full English breakfast, light lunch and four course dinner silver served at your seat. • First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon.

After Mirfield, Leander will head through Healey Mills freight yards and Wakefield Kirkgate, formerly a Yorkshire coal-mining town, and on to York. We pass Normanton and Castleford before we join the line from Leeds at Church Fenton. From here, it will be a fast run into York, where customers will have time to visit the city and its many attractions not least of which is the marvellous Festival of Angels.

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

York’s Festival of Angels is a winter wonderland of ice-sculptures, stalls, outdoor food and drink, street entertainment and snow showers. If your taste is a little less seasonal, the National Railway Museum is a must, along with the many shops and museums offering something for everybody.

Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person. (subject to availability)

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

It will soon be time to return to the station for our steam hauled journey with Leander back to Liverpool Lime Street. We will retrace our earlier steps through Wakefield, Rochdale and Manchester Victoria before arriving back in Liverpool at about 21:30. Fares

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

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£169

£112

£475

First

£104

£55

£295

Standard

£74

£39

£195

UK Tours - The York Yuletide Express

John Shuttleworth

The York Yuletide Express Thursday 16th December Why not join us for a classic day out combining exciting main line running, varied landscape and the special atmosphere of York at Christmas time? The York Yuletide Express will be steam hauled from Norwich to York and back to Ely by Britannia Pacific 70013 Oliver Cromwell. This locomotive was one of several Britannia Pacifics based at Norwich in the 1950s to work the London Express.

Our day begins at around 08:00 when we leave Norwich station and cross the Trowse swing bridge over the River Wensum. Our first stop is Wymondham a beautifully kept rural Norfolk station. We call to collect further passengers at Attleborough, Thetford and Brandon. Approaching Ely we take the avoiding line which curves very sharply onto the Peterborough line. Next we call at March to collect further passengers before arriving at Peterborough our final pick up point. Oliver Cromwell should feel at home on the East Coast Main Line as we leave Peterborough and commence the climb to Stoke Summit, the scene of Mallard’s famous run when it achieved a staggering 126 mph on the 3rd July 1938. With Oliver Cromwell cruising along at speeds just a little less than Mallard’s we pass through Newark and Retford before pausing in Doncaster to take on water. A fast run along the East Coast Main Line will bring us to York where there will be plenty of time for customers to enjoy the city and all it has to offer. York has a number of major tourist attractions including the National Railway Museum, claimed to be the largest railway museum in the world. York boasts many shops, quaint alleyways, a Castle and, of course, the splendid Gothic Cathedral of York Minster, the largest of its kind in Northern Europe. Refreshed after your time in York, we shall return steam hauled to Ely, once again with Oliver Cromwell powering us on. En route we will be setting down at Peterborough, March, Ely, Brandon, Thetford, Attleborough, Wymondham and Norwich. Our train will be diesel hauled from Ely to Norwich. The York Yuletide Express promises to be a memorable day behind classic traction over a classic route.

There are three classes available: • Premier Dining includes full English breakfast and a four course dinner silver served at your seat. • First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon. • Standard Class includes a reserved seat at a table for four. A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments. Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person. (subject to availability)

Fares

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

UK Tours - The York Yuletide Express

Approximate Timings* Depart Return Norwich 08:00 22:35 Wymondham 08:10 22:25 Attleborough 08:22 22:15 Thetford 08:35 22:00 Brandon 08:45 21:50 Ely ------- 21:10 March 09:15 20:50 Peterborough 09:40 20:30 York 12:50 17:00

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£179

£112

£550

First

£109

£55

£295

Standard

£79

£39

£215

Bob Green

The Christmas Tynesider Saturday 18th December The Railway Touring Company proudly presents a truly memorable day out for lovers of the great and powerful Pacifics. We will be steam hauled from London King’s Cross to Newcastle by the former LNER A4 Pacific No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley. And we follow the route that they were built for – the East Coast Main Line. There is also an option to visit York or Newcastle where the Christmas festivities will be in full swing. We leave King’s Cross station at 08:00 and make our way northwards along the East Coast Main Line through Stevenage to Peterborough. Sir Nigel should soon feel at home as we leave Peterborough and commence the climb to Stoke Summit, the scene of fellow class member Mallard’s famous run when it achieved a staggering 126 mph on the 3rd July 1938. Remarkably, this world speed record for steam traction still stands unbeaten today. With Sir Nigel cruising along at speeds only a little less than Mallard’s we pass through Newark and Retford before pausing in Doncaster to take on water. A fast run along the ECML will bring us to York where customers may leave the train to visit this fine city. Why not do some last minute Christmas shopping or visit any one of the numerous museums and historic landmarks? After York, Sir Nigel continues northwards on the famous East Coast racing stretch where it will cruise at 75 mph for part of the route passing through Darlington, birthplace of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. We pause at Durham around 14:00 where customers may leave the train to visit this fine city dominated by its elevated cathedral. Then it’s on to the vibrant city of Newcastle where you will find much of interest during your short stay here.

Approximate Timings* Depart Return London King’s Cross 08:00 21:50 Stevenage 08:40 21:10 Peterborough 09:30 20:20 York 12:30 18:50 Durham 14:00 17:25 Newcastle 14:30 17:00 There are three classes available: • Premier Dining includes full English breakfast, light lunch and four course dinner silver served at your seat. • First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon. • Standard Class includes a reserved seat at a table for four. A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments. Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person. (subject to availability)

Of course we will be steam hauled back to King’s Cross, setting down at our outward calling points. We will also collect passengers who left the train at Durham and York. Sir Nigel’s arrival back at King’s Cross will conclude what promises to be a memorable day behind classic traction over a classic route. You will also need to look out for Father Christmas and his Elves who will be visiting the train during the day and handing out presents for all children. Please let us know your child’s age on booking.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£189

£119

£550

First

£129

£65

£350

Standard

£79

£39

£215

UK Tours - The Christmas Tynesider

Phil Jones

Booking Form Tour:..................................................................................................................................Date:................................................................... Name:................................................................................................................................Phone No:.......................................................... Address:........................................................................................................................................................................................................ ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ..........................................................................................................................................Postcode:............................................................ E-mail:.......................................................................................................................................................................................................... Price Each

Number Required

Total Price

Premier Dining Adult

Premier Dining Junior

Premier Dining Family

Supplement for table for two*

£15 per person

1st Class Adult

1st Class Junior

1st Class Family

Standard Class

Standard Class Junior

Standard Class Family

*Supplement for table for two is available in Premier Dining and First Class.

Total Price £

I enclose a cheque for the full balance (made payable to THE RAILWAY TOURING COMPANY) Please charge my credit or Switch card for the full balance. Card Number:.......................................................................................... Start Date:........................................................Expiry Date:.......................................................... Issue Number(Switch):.......................... Please sign and date:...................................................................................................................................................................................

THE RAILWAY TOURING COMPANY, 14A TUESDAY MARKET PLACE, KING’S LYNN, NORFOLK, PE30 1JN Phone: 01553 661500 – Fax: 01553 661800 – E-mail: enquiries@railwaytouring.co.uk – Web: www.railwaytouring.co.uk

The Railway Touring Company

Booking Conditions

Junior Tickets

Booking Arrangements Credit card holders can book by phone: or by fax:

01553 661500 01553 661800

Junior fares cover children aged 5 to 16 years inclusive.

Monday to Friday: 08:45 to 17:30

Family Tickets

Saturday

Family fares are based on two adults and two children.

09:00 to 16:00

We accept most major credit and debit cards.

Gift Vouchers

You can also book by post by writing to:

We are pleased to offer gift vouchers which can be used against any future trip with us.

The Railway Touring Company 14A Tuesday Market Place, Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1JN

Standard Conditions of Booking and Travel Every effort will be made to ensure that the locomotive, rolling stock, route and timings which are hired in from third parties, will be run as advertised, but the organisers reserve the right to alter these at any time and shall not incur any liability to any person who has bought, or contacted to buy a ticket (Boarding

You must enclose your payment (cheques and postal orders payable to The

Pass) or tickets, as a result of any such changes.

Railway Touring Company), quoting your name, address, telephone number, choice of train, the number of seats you require, class and joining station.

On the day of the train, again, all reasonable efforts, within the control of the

We regret that seats cannot be reserved unless we receive payment.

organisers, will be made to ensure that the train runs as planned but we cannot accept any responsibility for delays, mishaps, alterations or curtailment of the

Acknowledgements and Boarding Passes

tour from situations outside its control.

Bookings made by telephone will be verbally acknowledged at time of booking. If you require a written confirmation, please request it at the time of booking.

The organisers cannot accept responsibility for the options under the control of

Your boarding pass and travel information will usually be despatched at least 5

third parties and are only responsible for returning passengers to their joining

days before departure. However, the boarding passes cannot be sent until the

stations. Your booking is taken as constituting acceptance of these conditions.

departure times are confirmed. Please pay particular attention to the arrival and

Other than due cancellation by the organisers, no refund is available.

departure times as these may vary from those given in this booklet.

Great Railway Adventures in 2010 with

The Railway Touring Company Co. The Railway Touring2010 es Great Railway Adventur Cover Image

Our 80 page brochure packed with exciting railway adventures is available now! To order your copy please phone us on 01553 661500 or visit our website.

The Great Britain III

April

The Western Isles

June and August

The Cock O’The North

July and September

The Summer Highlander

July – August

Snowdonia and the Northern Fells

August

The West Highlander Steam Express

September

Europe

Steam in Tuscany

April – May

Europe

The Bebra Steam Festival

April – May

Europe

Sardinia and the Emerald Coast

May and October

Europe

Steam in Slovenia, Bosnia and Serbia

May – June

Europe

Sweden Steam Safari

July

Europe

Rail and Fjords of Norway

July

Europe

Classic Trains of Switzerland

August

Europe

The Austrian Steam Safari

August

Europe

The Black Sea Express

September

Europe

Steam and Christmas Markets in the Harz Mountains

December

Europe

Snow, Ice and Steam in Switzerland

January – February 2011

Europe

Snow, Ice and Steam in the Balkans

March 2011

World

The China Orient Express

March

World

The Canadian and Inside Passage Cruise

May – June

World

Java

July

World

Steam in the Andes of Equador

September

World

Galapagos Islands (extension to the Andes tour)

September

World

Hedjaz Railways

September

World

Eritrea

October

World

New Zealand Steam

October

World

Peru and Bolivia

October

World

The Old Patagonian Express

November

World

The Hill Stations of India

February 2011

World

The Zambezi Steam Express

May 2011

The Railway Touring Company 14a Tuesday Market Place, Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 1JN Phone: 01553 661500 Fax: 01553 661800 Web: www.railwaytouring.co.uk E-mail: enquiries@railwaytouring.co.uk Design and Artwork - Millmouse Design - www.millmouse.com