The Railway Touring Company - UK Steam Rail Day Trips - Revised Summer 2021 by LucidSynergy Ltd

The Railway Touring Company UK Steam Rail Day Trips Revised Summer 2021 Edition

Bob Green

Welcome Welcome to our Revised Summer 2021 UK day trip brochure. 2020 saw so many changes to what we all classed as normal but for 2021 our tours will allow us all the chance to enjoy some normality. Of course there are new measures on board to ensure you can travel safely whilst enabling you to still enjoy the wonderful scenery, the great service and of course the wonder that is travelling by steam. Now more than ever we all need that little glimmer of hope with something to look forward to, so take a look at our tours for the Autumn season where you will find some familiar annual trips along with some new attractive days out including two specials hauled by the world famous Flying Scotsman. So you decide, and if it’s a visit to Carlisle, Worcester, York, Skegness or anywhere else that you choose then let us take you on that much needed journey. Not forgetting that for many of us a holiday closer to home, or a staycation as it is known, is long overdue so we have added extra dates to our popular holidays for 2021. Maybe a short break to Scotland or a few nights in the Lake District is on your to-do list so browse our holiday selection and see where we can take you. The team and I hope that you will find all the information you need within this brochure but if you have questions or would like to talk to us about any concerns please give us a call, we are ready to help you. Kelly Osborne Managing Director. The Railway Touring Company.

24 EST. 1997

Front cover image: ???

UK Steam Rail Day Trips 2021 Revised Summer 2021

Day Trips The Royal Duchy

The Royal Duchy

The Dorset Coast Express

The Pennine Limited

The Cumbrian Mountain Express

The Waverley

The West Somerset Express

The Swanage Belle

The Waverley

The Coast to Coast Express

The Dorset Coast Express

The Royal Duchy

The Cotswold Venturer

The Cumbrian Coast Express

The Waverley

The Jolly Fisherman

The Cumbrian Mountain Express

Terms and Conditions UK Day Trip Information

Visit our website, railwaytouring.net for online booking or to download printable booking forms.

THE RAILWAY TOURING COMPANY, 14A TUESDAY MARKET PLACE, KING’S LYNN, NORFOLK, PE30 1JN Phone: 01553 661 500 • Fax: 01553 661 800 • E-mail: enquiries@railwaytouring.co.uk • Website: www.railwaytouring.net

John Cooper-Smith

The Royal Duchy Sunday 1st August 2021 The ‘Royal Duchy’ provides an opportunity to visit the famed Royal Duchy of Cornwall by our special charter train. Highlights of the day will be the steam hauled journey from Taunton to Plymouth along the famous Dawlish sea wall and over the south Devon banks to Plymouth. We cross the Tamar diesel hauled and enter Cornwall and continue to Par, where there will be a number of off-train options for you to join. We return to Taunton steam hauled from Plymouth and then return to Slough by diesel. We leave Slough in the morning, diesel hauled, and stop at Reading to pick up more passengers. After Reading, we join the Berks and Hants line which runs through picturesque rural countryside. We pass the celebrated Newbury Racecourse before making a stop for passengers at Newbury station. We continue westwards, travelling beside the tranquil Kennet & Avon Canal and climbing steadily to Savernake Summit. We pass through the Vale of Pewsey, with views of one of the famous Wiltshire White Horses as we approach Westbury, where we pause to pick up further passengers. We now continue through undulating agricultural countryside to Taunton, where our steam locomotive for the day will be attached. Soon after leaving Taunton, we commence the steep climb of 1 in 80 up Wellington bank as we leave Somerset behind and head for Devon. After Exeter, we will follow the Exe estuary through Starcross and meet up with the ocean at Dawlish Warren for the run along the spectacular Dawlish sea wall. The railway continues along the shoreline through Dawlish and several tunnels before we head inland at Teignmouth. After Newton Abbot, there is a very steep climb to Dainton tunnel, graded as steep as 1 in 36, which will require some hard work from our steam locomotive. Another severe gradient of 1 in 46 in places up Rattery bank follows Totnes before we skirt the edge of Dartmoor and descend to Plymouth. Here our steam locomotive will serviced and turned in preparation for the return journey back to Taunton. From Plymouth, we will continue westwards diesel hauled and cross the Royal Albert Bridge, designed by Brunel and opened in 1859, and enter Cornwall. We now make our way towards Par, where there will be included transfers to either Fowey or Charlestown, both set in idyllic settings. The latter is a working port and home to the Shipwreck, Rescue & Heritage Centre. Time will be available to explore these interesting and typical Cornish villages, complete with their pretty houses and fishing harbours. Our return journey retraces the outward route, with our steam locomotive returning from Plymouth to Taunton. Highlights of the return journey will be the formidable climb out of Plymouth up Hemerdon bank, graded at 1 in 42 for nearly two miles. After Totnes, we are faced with another severe climb up to Dainton tunnel, graded as steep as 1 in 38 in places. The famous sea wall at Dawlish appears once again as we head for Exeter. A long, 20 mile steady climb, follows to Whiteball summit before we reach Taunton, after a locomotive change over here, we continue diesel hauled back to Slough, setting down at our earlier pick up stations, and ending a wonderfully varied day out by steam train. 4

Approximate Timings Outward Return Slough Reading Newbury Westbury Taunton Exeter Plymouth Par

08:46 00:03 09:07 23:40 09:34 23:17 10:16 22:34 11:26 21:51 12:25 20:07 13:34 18:56 14:52 17:29

There are three classes available: Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and a three course dinner served at your seat. First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll, a Danish pastry and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam. Standard Class includes a reserved seat

usually at a table for four.

Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £25 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£269

£185

£816

First

£169

£122

£521

Standard

£119

£86

£367

Michael Anderson

The Dorset Coast Express Thursday 5th August 2021 We are offering a number of attractive summer day trips from London to Weymouth by steam train. These trains provide plenty of opportunity to visit the beautiful Dorset coast and relive the ‘golden age’ of steam. Passengers have the option of spending time at the celebrated seaside resorts of either Bournemouth or Weymouth, where both have fine sandy beaches. Each train will be hauled by a steam locomotive that was built for express passenger train work. Our train leaves London Victoria station at around 08:45 steam hauled by steam locomotive No.45596 Bahamas, and travels westwards, crossing the river Thames at Barnes Bridge, through Kew and Feltham. We stop at Staines and Woking to pick up further passengers. At Winchfield, we pause for our steam locomotive to take on water before continuing to our final pick up point at Basingstoke. We leave the South Western Main Line at Worting Junction and take the Bournemouth Line, heading south through Winchester and Southampton. We stop at Bournemouth to set down those passengers wishing to visit this coastal resort, a spa town famous for its parks and pine trees. After leaving Bournemouth, there are spectacular views of Poole Harbour. We continue to Wareham and Dorchester travelling through classic Dorset countryside and delightful scenery. We arrive at Weymouth around 13:45 and have almost three hours there to discover much of what this seaside town has to offer. The railway station is close to the beach and shops. We return from Weymouth hauled by U Class steam locomotive No.31806 at around 16:35 as far as Southampton* with our main steam locomotive banking on the rear, from here the main steam locomotive will take over for the remainder of the return journey. We continue through Andover to Basingstoke, where we stop to set down passengers and for our steam locomotive to take on water. We then continue to Woking and Staines, where we stop to set down passengers, and on to our final destination at London Victoria. *In the event of a high fire risk the section from Weymouth to Southampton on the return leg would be diesel hauled.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Victoria Staines Woking Basingstoke Bournemouth Weymouth

08:45 22:00 09:35 21:15 10:05 20:40 10:55 19:50 12:50 17:45 13:45 16:40

There are three classes available: Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner served at your seat. First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll, a Danish pastry and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam. Standard Class includes a reserved seat

usually at a table for four.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£259

£175

£781

First

£159

£102

£471

Standard

£99

£70

£303 5

Bob Green

The Pennine Limited Saturday 7th August 2021 Join us on this varied and interesting tour from East Anglia to the border town of Carlisle. We shall feature steam haulage by a Carnforth pool locomotive from Hellifield to Carlisle and return. This will include the world famous Settle & Carlisle Railway, one of the great railway journeys in Britain. There will be time in Carlisle before returning to Hellifield, steam hauled, with diesel haulage back to Norwich. We leave Norwich early in the morning and make our way across rural Norfolk to York dieselhauled, calling at Wymondham, Attleborough, Thetford, March and Peterborough to pick up passengers. We shall then make our way northwards towards the Leeds area where we pick up the Aire Valley line through Skipton to Hellifield. Here we will attach our Carnforth pool steam locomotive for the run to Carlisle over the famous 72-mile long Settle to Carlisle line. Passing over Settle Junction, we begin one of the most arduous climbs on Britain’s railway network, a total of 15 miles mainly at a gradient of 1 in 100. Once through Settle station, there are magnificent views across the Fells to the Pennine Three Peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. We cross the breathtaking Ribblehead Viaduct, high above the valley floor, and enter Blea Moor Tunnel. We pass through Dent Dale and the highest station in England at Dent, travelling through tunnels and crossing valleys on lofty viaducts. There are as we make the final ascent to Ais Gill Summit (1,169 feet). We travel high above the valley at Mallerstang and then drop down through Kirkby Stephen to Appleby, where our locomotive takes on water. Appleby is a historic market town, which lies in a loop of the picturesque river Eden. Continuing through the meandering Eden Valley to Carlisle will have around two hours to explore the Border City, possibly visiting the castle, cathedral, Tullie House Museum or the Lanes Shopping Centre. Our train leaves Carlisle for the return journey at around 16:15 and climbs almost continually for just under 50 miles back up to Ais Gill summit. We stop, en route, at Appleby for our steam locomotive to take on water ready for the arduous climb to Ais Gill Summit. Once through Garsdale and spectacular Dent Dale, we pass through Blea Moor tunnel and cross Ribblehead Viaduct once again. We shall now retrace our earlier route back to Hellifield, where we shall reluctantly have to say goodbye to our steam locomotive.

Approximate Timings Outward Return Norwich Wymondham Attleborough Thetford Brandon March Peterborough Carlisle

07:00 23:20 07:20 23:10 07:30 23:00 07:45 22:35 07:55 22:25 09:00 21:30 09:20 21:10 14:15 16:15

There are three classes available: Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner served at your seat. First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll, a Danish pastry and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam. Standard Class includes a reserved seat

usually at a table for four.

We now continue our journey back to Norwich with a diesel locomotive, setting down at our earlier calling points.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£269

£181

£809

First

£169

£110

£503

Standard

£119

£84

£364

Bob Green

The Waverley Sunday 8th August 2021 This summer series of steam hauled trains provides an opportunity for passengers from York, Leeds and the Aire Valley to travel over the spectacular Settle & Carlisle Railway, probably the most famous railway route in Britain. There will be time to visit the border city of Carlisle. These day trips revive the nostalgic former days of steam when travel by train through magnificent scenery was an experience to savour. Our steam hauled train leaves York, hauled by a steam locomotive from the Carnforth pool, at 09:30 and heads for Church Fenton where we take the direct route to Leeds. We stop to pick up more passengers at Leeds, Shipley, Keighley, and Skipton. There will be a stop at Hellifield for our steam locomotive to take on water before we join the famous Settle & Carlisle Railway at Settle Junction. Here begins one of the most arduous climbs on Britain’s railway network, a total of 15 miles mainly at a gradient of 1 in 100. Once through Settle station, there are magnificent views across the Fells to the Pennine Three Peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. We cross the breathtaking Ribblehead Viaduct, high above the valley floor, and enter Blea Moor Tunnel. We pass through Dent Dale and the highest open station in England at Dent, travelling through tunnels and crossing valleys on numerous lofty viaducts, as we make the final ascent to Ais Gill Summit (1,169 feet). We travel high above the valley at Mallerstang and then drop down through Kirkby Stephen to Appleby, where our locomotive takes on water. Passengers will have over one and a half hours to explore the Border City of Carlisle, possibly visiting the castle, cathedral, Tullie House Museum or the Lanes Shopping Centre. Our train leaves Carlisle for the return journey at around 16:15 and climbs almost continuously for just under 50 miles back up to Ais Gill summit. We stop, en route, at Appleby for our steam locomotive to take on water and to pick up those passengers who spent the afternoon there. We continue to stops at Skipton, Keighley, Shipley, Leeds, and York, to set down passengers.

Approximate Timings Outward Return York Leeds Shipley Keighley Skipton Carlisle

09:45 20:20 10:34 19:35 11:04 19:13 11:18 18:59 11:38 18:45 14:03 16:12

usually at a table for four.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£259

£175

£781

First

£159

£102

£471

Standard

£99

£70

£303 7

Bob Green

The West Somerset Steam Express Saturday 14th August 2021 This series of trains from London Paddington to Minehead features haulage by two steam locomotives in one day. An express steam locomotive will haul our train from London Paddington to the West Somerset Railway at Bishops Lydeard. The Heritage Railway will then provide two steam locomotives to haul our train to Watchet and back. This provides a truly fascinating day out travelling through beautiful scenery to the Bristol Channel coast. We leave London Paddington at around 08:05, steam hauled by Jubilee class steam locomotive No.45596 Bahamas and stop at Slough and Reading to pick up more passengers. At Reading we join the Berks and Hants line which runs through picturesque rural countryside. We pass the celebrated Newbury Racecourse before making our final stop for passengers at Newbury station. We continue westwards, travelling beside the tranquil Kennet & Avon Canal, and climbing steadily to Savernake Summit. We pass through the Vale of Pewsey, with views of one of the famous Wiltshire White Horses as we approach Westbury and continue through undulating agricultural countryside to Taunton. Soon after leaving Taunton, we arrive at Norton Fitzwarren, where we transfer to the West Somerset Railway (WSR), the longest Heritage Railway in the country. We continue to Bishops Lydeard, where two WSR steam locomotive will take over our train for the remainder of the journey to Watchet. The WSR runs along the edge of the Quantock Hills between Bishops Lydeard and Watchet where it meets the coast. From here passengers will have the option of remaining in Watchet for the afternoon, or travelling to either Dunster or Minehead by coach. On arrival at Minehead, there will be around two hours to explore this delightful Bristol Channel seaside resort, where the railway station is close to the beach. Passengers will then return by coach to Watchet from where two WSR steam locomotives will haul our train back to Bishops Lydeard, where our main line steam locomotive will take over for the return journey to London Paddington. The train will stop at Newbury, Reading and Slough to set down passengers.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Paddington Slough Reading Newbury Bishops Lydeard Minehead

08:05 23:20 08:40 22:35 09:15 22:10 10:05 21:40 13:00 19:05 14:40 17:15

usually at a table for four.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£259

£175

£781

First

£159

£102

£471

Standard

£99

£70

£303

Bob Green

The Waverley Sunday 15th August 2021 This summer series of steam hauled trains provides an opportunity for passengers from York, Leeds and the Aire Valley to travel over the spectacular Settle & Carlisle Railway, probably the most famous railway route in Britain. There will be time to visit the border city of Carlisle. These day trips revive the nostalgic former days of steam when travel by train through magnificent scenery was an experience to savour. Our steam hauled train leaves York, hauled by a steam locomotive from the Carnforth pool, at 09:30 and heads for Church Fenton where we take the direct route to Leeds. We stop to pick up more passengers at Leeds, Shipley, Keighley, and Skipton. There will be a stop at Hellifield for our steam locomotive to take on water before we join the famous Settle & Carlisle Railway at Settle Junction. Here begins one of the most arduous climbs on Britain’s railway network, a total of 15 miles mainly at a gradient of 1 in 100. Once through Settle station, there are magnificent views across the Fells to the Pennine Three Peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. We cross the breathtaking Ribblehead Viaduct, high above the valley floor, and enter Blea Moor Tunnel. We pass through Dent Dale and the highest open station in England at Dent, travelling through tunnels and crossing valleys on numerous lofty viaducts, as we make the final ascent to Ais Gill Summit (1,169 feet). We travel high above the valley at Mallerstang and then drop down through Kirkby Stephen to Appleby, where our locomotive takes on water. Passengers will have over one and a half hours to explore the Border City of Carlisle, possibly visiting the castle, cathedral, Tullie House Museum or the Lanes Shopping Centre. Our train leaves Carlisle for the return journey at around 16:15 and climbs almost continuously for just under 50 miles back up to Ais Gill summit. We stop, en route, at Appleby for our steam locomotive to take on water and to pick up those passengers who spent the afternoon there. We continue to stops at Skipton, Keighley, Shipley, Leeds, and York, to set down passengers.

Approximate Timings Outward Return York Leeds Shipley Keighley Skipton Carlisle

09:45 20:20 10:34 19:35 11:04 19:13 11:18 18:59 11:38 18:45 14:03 16:12

usually at a table for four.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£259

£175

£781

First

£159

£102

£471

Standard

£99

£70

£303 9

Steve Precious

The Dorset Coast Express Thursday 19th August 2021 We are offering a number of attractive summer day trips from London to Weymouth by steam train. These trains provide plenty of opportunity to visit the beautiful Dorset coast and relive the ‘golden age’ of steam. Passengers have the option of spending time at the celebrated seaside resorts of either Bournemouth or Weymouth, where both have fine sandy beaches. Each train will be hauled by a steam locomotive that was built for express passenger train work. Our train leaves London Victoria station at around 08:45 steam hauled by a Black V, and travels westwards, crossing the river Thames at Barnes Bridge, through Kew and Feltham. We stop at Staines and Woking to pick up further passengers. At Winchfield, we pause for our steam locomotive to take on water before continuing to our final pick up point at Basingstoke. We leave the South Western Main Line at Worting Junction and take the Bournemouth Line, heading south through Winchester and Southampton. We stop at Bournemouth to set down those passengers wishing to visit this coastal resort, a spa town famous for its parks and pine trees. After leaving Bournemouth, there are spectacular views of Poole Harbour. We continue to Wareham and Dorchester travelling through classic Dorset countryside and delightful scenery. We arrive at Weymouth around 13:45 and have almost three hours there to discover much of what this seaside town has to offer. The railway station is close to the beach and shops. We return from Weymouth hauled by U Class steam locomotive No.31806 at around 16:35 as far as Southampton* with our main steam locomotive banking on the rear, from here the main steam locomotive will take over for the remainder of the return journey. We continue through Andover to Basingstoke, where we stop to set down passengers and for our steam locomotive to take on water. We then continue to Woking and Staines, where we stop to set down passengers, and on to our final destination at London Victoria. *In the event of a high fire risk the section from Weymouth to Southampton on the return leg would be diesel hauled.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Victoria Staines Woking Basingstoke Bournemouth Weymouth

08:45 22:00 09:35 21:15 10:05 20:40 10:55 19:50 12:50 17:45 13:45 16:40

usually at a table for four.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£259

£175

£781

First

£159

£102

£471

Standard

£99

£70

£303

Bob Green

The Cotswold Venturer Saturday 21st August 2021 Join us on this scenic rail tour by steam train through the beautiful Cotswold Hills. Our destination is the cathedral city of Worcester, located on the banks of the River Severn and internationally famous as the home of Worcestershire Sauce. We travel outward via the Golden Valley line through Stroud and Kemble and also return the same way, which will include the steep climb up to Sapperton tunnel. Our steam hauled train leaves London Paddington at around 07:40 and heads down the ex-Great Western Railway (GWR) main line. We stop at Slough, Reading and Didcot to pick up more passengers. Our journey continues through the Vale of White Horse to Swindon, where we take the Golden Valley line through Kemble and up the climb to Sapperton Tunnel. We bypass Gloucester and head northwards through Cheltenham to Abbotswood Junction, were we leave the main line to Birmingham and head for Worcester Shrub Hill. There will be more than three hours to explore the fine city of Worcester. The river Severn runs through the city and is overlooked by the 12th century Worcester Cathedral. The site of the final battle of the Civil War between Oliver Cromwell and King Charles II was here. It is also the home of Royal Worcester Porcelain, and the birthplace of the composer Sir Edward Elgar is nearby at Lower Broadheath. Our steam hauled train leaves Worcester Shrub Hill in the late afternoon and returns to London via the Golden Valley line. We follow the former Great Western Railway route from Standish Junction and climb steadily through Stroud before the gradients increase dramatically to 1 in 74 at Chalford. We continue to climb through the Golden Valley at a gradient of 1 in 60 prior to entering Sapperton tunnel at the summit of the climb.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Paddington Slough Reading Didcot Worcester

07:40 20:10 08:10 19:35 08:35 19:05 09:00 18:35 11:50 16:30

usually at a table for four.

On easier gradients, we descend through Kemble and onwards through Wiltshire to the former railway town of Swindon. We will now retrace our earlier route through the Vale of White Horse back to Didcot and Reading. Our final part of the journey calls at Reading and Slough before arriving back in London Paddington in the evening.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£259

£175

£781

First

£159

£102

£471

Standard

£99

£70

£303 11

Bob Green

The Waverley Sunday 22nd August 2021 This steam hauled train provides an opportunity for passengers from York, Leeds and the Aire Valley to travel over the spectacular Settle & Carlisle Railway, probably the most famous railway route in Britain. There will be time to visit the border city of Carlisle. These day trips revive the nostalgic former days of steam when travel by train through magnificent scenery was an experience to savour. Our steam hauled train leaves York hauled by No.60103 Flying Scotsman at 09:30 and heads for Church Fenton where we take the direct route to Leeds. We stop to pick up more passengers at Leeds, Shipley, Keighley and Skipton. There will be a stop for our steam locomotive to take on water before we join the famous Settle & Carlisle Railway at Settle Junction. Here begins one of the most arduous climbs on Britain’s railway network, a total of 15 miles mainly at a gradient of 1 in 100. We cross the breathtaking Ribblehead Viaduct, high above the valley floor, and enter Blea Moor Tunnel. We pass through the highest station open in England at Dent, travelling through tunnels and crossing valleys on numerous viaducts. There are magnificent views across the Fells to the Pennine Three Peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough as we make the final ascent to Ais Gill Summit (1,169 feet). We travel high above the valley at Mallerstang and then drop down through Kirkby Stephen to Appleby, where our locomotive takes on water.

Approximate Timings Outward Return York Leeds Shipley Keighley Skipton Carlisle

09:45 20:20 10:34 19:35 11:04 19:13 11:18 18:59 11:38 18:45 14:03 16:12

Passengers will have over one and a half hours to explore the Border City of Carlisle, possibly visiting the castle, cathedral, Tullie House Museum or the Lanes Shopping Centre.

Standard Class includes a reserved seat

Our train leaves Carlisle for the return journey at around 16:15 and climbs almost continuously for just under 50 miles back up to Ais Gill summit. We stop, en route, at Appleby for our steam locomotive to take on water and to pick up those passengers who spent the afternoon there. We continue our journey back to York, stopping at Skipton, Keighley, Shipley, Leeds, and York, to set down passengers.

usually at a table for four.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£310

£205

£928

First

£210

£135

£623

Standard

£144

£110

£453

Bob Green

The Cumbrian Mountain Express Saturday 28th August 2021 This is a wonderful opportunity for those from the Crewe and Manchester areas to travel by steam train over two of England’s most scenic railway routes. We travel north to Carlisle by the West Coast Main Line over Shap and return via the famous Settle & Carlisle Railway Line. Both routes pass through spectacular mountain scenery. A magnificent steam locomotive will haul these trains, which recall the glorious days of steam travel. Our train, which is hauled by a steam locomotive from the Carnforth pool, leaves Crewe at around 06:00 and calls at Wilmslow, Stockport, Manchester Victoria and Bolton to pick up passengers. We join the West Coast Main Line (WCML) and travel north to Preston, our final stop to pick up passengers. We continue through Lancaster and Carnforth, where beyond our steam locomotive will be working hard when we climb the first severe gradient up to Grayrigg. We then travel through the beautiful Lune Gorge to Tebay, gaining speed for the ascent to Shap. This well-known section of the WCML has a gradient of 1 in 75 and, in the former days of steam locomotives, banking engines from Tebay were often used to assist trains. After crossing the Cumbrian Fells we descend to Penrith, and then head for Carlisle. There will be around three hours in Carlisle, providing time to explore this ancient ‘Border’ city with its castle, cathedral, Tullie House Museum, and shopping centre. Our return train, hauled by our steam locomotive, leaves Carlisle and joins the Settle & Carlisle Railway, one of the most well known and best loved stretches of railway line in Britain. We soon begin climbing and then at Appleby, we stop for our steam locomotive to take on water. The climbing continues through scenic Kirkby Stephen towards the highest railway summit in England at Ais Gill, 1,169 feet above sea level. We pass over high viaducts, including the famous one at Ribblehead, and through numerous tunnels. There are magnificent views across the Fells and to the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. We should have a fast run out of the hills, through Settle, until we stop again at Hellifield for our locomotive to take on water. Our journey continues from Hellifield to Clitheroe and Blackburn, where passengers for Preston leave the train. We join the WCML at Farington Junction and, shortly afterwards, take the Manchester line, stopping at Bolton and Manchester Victoria to set down passengers. We continue our journey to Crewe stopping at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers.

Approximate Timings Outward Return Crewe Wilmslow Stockport Manchester Victoria Bolton Preston* Blackburn Carlisle

06:05 22:20 06:35 21:50 06:50 21:25 08:00 20:15 08:10 19:50 08:30 ------------- 19:15 12:55 16:00

There are three classes available: Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner served at your seat. (Not available from Preston) First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll, a Danish pastry and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam. Standard Class includes a reserved seat

usually at a table for four.

*Passengers for Preston travel by service train from Blackburn on the return journey.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£259

£175

£781

First

£159

£102

£471

Standard

£99

£70

£303 13

Bob Green

The Royal Duchy Sunday 29th August 2021 The ‘Royal Duchy’ provides an opportunity to visit the famed Royal Duchy of Cornwall by our special charter train. Highlights of the day will be the steam hauled journey from Taunton to Plymouth along the famous Dawlish sea wall and over the south Devon banks to Plymouth. We cross the Tamar diesel hauled and enter Cornwall and continue to Par, where there will be a number of off-train options for you to join. We return to Taunton steam hauled from Plymouth and then return to Slough by diesel. We leave Slough in the morning, diesel hauled, and stop at Reading to pick up more passengers. After Reading, we join the Berks and Hants line which runs through picturesque rural countryside. We pass the celebrated Newbury Racecourse before making a stop for passengers at Newbury station. We continue westwards, travelling beside the tranquil Kennet & Avon Canal and climbing steadily to Savernake Summit. We pass through the Vale of Pewsey, with views of one of the famous Wiltshire White Horses as we approach Westbury, where we pause to pick up further passengers. We now continue through undulating agricultural countryside to Taunton, where our steam locomotive for the day will be attached. Soon after leaving Taunton, we commence the steep climb of 1 in 80 up Wellington bank as we leave Somerset behind and head for Devon. After Exeter, we will follow the Exe estuary through Starcross and meet up with the ocean at Dawlish Warren for the run along the spectacular Dawlish sea wall. The railway continues along the shoreline through Dawlish and several tunnels before we head inland at Teignmouth. After Newton Abbot, there is a very steep climb to Dainton tunnel, graded as steep as 1 in 36, which will require some hard work from our steam locomotive. Another severe gradient of 1 in 46 in places up Rattery bank follows Totnes before we skirt the edge of Dartmoor and descend to Plymouth. Here our steam locomotive will serviced and turned in preparation for the return journey back to Taunton. From Plymouth, we will continue westwards diesel hauled and cross the Royal Albert Bridge, designed by Brunel and opened in 1859, and enter Cornwall. We now make our way towards Par, where there will be included transfers to either Fowey or Charlestown, both set in idyllic settings. The latter is a working port and home to the Shipwreck, Rescue & Heritage Centre. Time will be available to explore these interesting and typical Cornish villages, complete with their pretty houses and fishing harbours. Our return journey retraces the outward route, with our steam locomotive returning from Plymouth to Taunton. Highlights of the return journey will be the formidable climb out of Plymouth up Hemerdon bank, graded at 1 in 42 for nearly two miles. After Totnes, we are faced with another severe climb up to Dainton tunnel, graded as steep as 1 in 38 in places. The famous sea wall at Dawlish appears once again as we head for Exeter. A long, 20 mile steady climb, follows to Whiteball summit before we reach Taunton, after a locomotive change over here, we continue diesel hauled back to Slough, setting down at our earlier pick up stations, and ending a wonderfully varied day out by steam train. 14

Approximate Timings Outward Return Slough Reading Newbury Westbury Taunton Exeter Plymouth Par

08:46 23:56 09:07 23:37 09:34 23:17 10:16 22:34 11:26 21:51 12:25 20:07 13:34 18:56 14:52 17:29

usually at a table for four.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£269

£185

£816

First

£169

£122

£521

Standard

£119

£86

£367

Bob Green

The Dorset Coast Express Thursday 2nd September 2021 We are offering a number of attractive summer day trips from London to Weymouth by steam train. These trains provide plenty of opportunity to visit the beautiful Dorset coast and relive the ‘golden age’ of steam. Passengers have the option of spending time at the celebrated seaside resorts of either Bournemouth or Weymouth, where both have fine sandy beaches. Each train will be hauled by a steam locomotive that was built for express passenger train work. Our train leaves London Victoria station at around 08:45 steam hauled by a Black V, and travels westwards, crossing the river Thames at Barnes Bridge, through Kew and Feltham. We stop at Staines and Woking to pick up further passengers. At Winchfield, we pause for our steam locomotive to take on water before continuing to our final pick up point at Basingstoke. We leave the South Western Main Line at Worting Junction and take the Bournemouth Line, heading south through Winchester and Southampton. We stop at Bournemouth to set down those passengers wishing to visit this coastal resort, a spa town famous for its parks and pine trees. After leaving Bournemouth, there are spectacular views of Poole Harbour. We continue to Wareham and Dorchester travelling through classic Dorset countryside and delightful scenery. We arrive at Weymouth around 13:45 and have almost three hours there to discover much of what this seaside town has to offer. The railway station is close to the beach and shops. We return from Weymouth hauled by U Class steam locomotive No.31806 at around 16:35 as far as Southampton* with our main steam locomotive banking on the rear, from here the main steam locomotive will take over for the remainder of the return journey. We continue through Andover to Basingstoke, where we stop to set down passengers and for our steam locomotive to take on water. We then continue to Woking and Staines, where we stop to set down passengers, and on to our final destination at London Victoria. *In the event of a high fire risk the section from Weymouth to Southampton on the return leg would be diesel hauled.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Victoria Staines Woking Basingstoke Bournemouth Weymouth

08:45 22:00 09:35 21:15 10:05 20:40 10:55 19:50 12:50 17:45 13:45 16:40

usually at a table for four.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£259

£175

£781

First

£159

£102

£471

Standard

£99

£70

£303 15

Bob Green

The Cumbrian Mountain Express Saturday 4th September 2021 The Cumbrian Mountain Express provides a wonderful opportunity to get out and about during the spring, summer and autumn months, with the added bonus of steam haulage over the Northern Fells, including the spectacular Settle & Carlisle Railway. We have a high speed journey down the West Coast Main Line to Carnforth, hauled by a blue class 86 electric locomotive. We then enjoy a circular steam tour outwards via Shap to Carlisle and back via the Settle and Carlisle line. We return from Preston to London behind our blue electric locomotive. We leave London Euston at around 07:10 with electric traction, and speed north along the West Coast Main Line (WCML). We stop to pick up passengers at Milton Keynes (where passengers from Watford Junction join by service train), Rugby (where passengers from Northampton join by service train), Nuneaton and Crewe. We continue north along the WCML to Preston, our final stop to pick up passengers.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Euston Watford Junction* Milton Keynes Northampton** Rugby Nuneaton Crewe Preston Carlisle

07:10 22:05 06:40 21:50 08:00 21:15 07:40 21:30 08:25 20:38 08:45 20:20 09:45 19:15 10:30 18:00 12:40 14:40

There are three classes available:

We pass through Lancaster and along the edge of Morecambe Bay before we arrive at Carnforth. Here, we will change over our electric locomotive for today’s steam locomotive, taken from the Carnforth pool. Leaving Carnforth, we pass the Brief Encounter café and commence the climb of our first severe gradient up to Grayrigg. We then travel through the beautiful Lune Gorge to Tebay, gaining speed for the ascent to Shap. This well-known section of the WCML has a gradient of 1 in 75 and in the former days of steam locomotives banking engines from Tebay were often used to assist trains. After crossing the Cumbrian Fells we descend to Penrith, and then head for Carlisle. There will be time available in Carlisle to explore this ancient city with its cathedral and castle, plus an assortment of shops and cafes.

Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner served at your seat. (Not available from Preston)

We leave Carlisle and join the Settle & Carlisle Railway, one of the most well known and best loved stretches of railway line in Britain. We soon begin climbing, and then at Appleby, we stop for our steam locomotive to take on water. The climbing continues through scenic Kirkby Stephen towards the highest railway summit in England at Ais Gill, 1169 feet above sea level. We pass over high viaducts, including the famous one at Ribblehead, and through many tunnels. There are magnificent views across the Fells and to the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. We should have a fast run out of the hills, through Settle, until we stop again for our locomotive to take on water.

Standard Class includes a reserved seat

First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll, a Danish pastry and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.

usually at a table for four.

Our journey continues through Hellifield, Clitheroe to Preston where we say goodbye to our steam locomotive. We pass though Wigan and Warrington en route to Crewe hauled by our blue class 86 electric locomotive with a fast run following to London. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers. *Passengers from Watford Junction will travel to Milton Keynes by service train to join our train. **Passengers from Northampton will travel to and from Rugby by service train to join our train.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£259

£175

£781

First

£159

£102

£471

Standard

£99

£70

£303

Bob Green

The Waverley Sunday 5th September 2021 This summer series of steam hauled trains provides an opportunity for passengers from York, Leeds and the Aire Valley to travel over the spectacular Settle & Carlisle Railway, probably the most famous railway route in Britain. There will be time to visit the border city of Carlisle. These day trips revive the nostalgic former days of steam when travel by train through magnificent scenery was an experience to savour. Our steam hauled train leaves York, hauled by a steam locomotive from the Carnforth pool, at 09:30 and heads for Church Fenton where we take the direct route to Leeds. We stop to pick up more passengers at Leeds, Shipley, Keighley, and Skipton. There will be a stop at Hellifield for our steam locomotive to take on water before we join the famous Settle & Carlisle Railway at Settle Junction. Here begins one of the most arduous climbs on Britain’s railway network, a total of 15 miles mainly at a gradient of 1 in 100. Once through Settle station, there are magnificent views across the Fells to the Pennine Three Peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. We cross the breathtaking Ribblehead Viaduct, high above the valley floor, and enter Blea Moor Tunnel. We pass through Dent Dale and the highest open station in England at Dent, travelling through tunnels and crossing valleys on numerous lofty viaducts, as we make the final ascent to Ais Gill Summit (1,169 feet). We travel high above the valley at Mallerstang and then drop down through Kirkby Stephen to Appleby, where our locomotive takes on water. Passengers will have over one and a half hours to explore the Border City of Carlisle, possibly visiting the castle, cathedral, Tullie House Museum or the Lanes Shopping Centre. Our train leaves Carlisle for the return journey at around 16:15 and climbs almost continuously for just under 50 miles back up to Ais Gill summit. We stop, en route, at Appleby for our steam locomotive to take on water and to pick up those passengers who spent the afternoon there. We continue to stops at Skipton, Keighley, Shipley, Leeds, and York, to set down passengers.

Approximate Timings Outward Return York Leeds Shipley Keighley Skipton Carlisle

09:45 20:20 10:34 19:35 11:04 19:13 11:18 18:59 11:38 18:45 14:03 16:12

usually at a table for four.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£259

£175

£781

First

£159

£102

£471

Standard

£99

£70

£303 17

Bob Green

The Swanage Belle Thursday 9th September 2021 A unique experience awaits those who join this day trip by steam train to Swanage. It uses the re-opened rail link from Wareham to the ‘Heritage’ Swanage Railway, which is available only to specially chartered trains. Swanage is a superb seaside destination where the railway station is situated close to the town centre.

We leave London Victoria station at around 08:45, hauled by our steam locomotive, and cross the river Thames at Battersea and at Barnes. We pass through Feltham and stop at Staines to pick up more passengers and then re-cross the river Thames. We join the South Western Main Line at Byfleet Junction and stop at Woking to pick up further passengers. At Winchfield, we stop for our steam locomotive to take on water. Our final stop to pick up passengers is at Basingstoke. We leave the West of England Main Line at Worting Junction and head through Winchester and Southampton to Bournemouth. We pass through Poole, where there are spectacular views of Poole Harbour, and continue to Wareham. We leave the Weymouth Line at Worgret Junction and take the re-opened link to Norden and the Swanage Railway. There are magnificent views of Corfe Castle as we head towards Swanage along this attractive Heritage Railway. There will be more than three hours for passengers to explore the pleasant seaside resort of Swanage, with its sandy beach and Victorian pier. Durlston Castle is in Durlston Country Park & Nature Reserve from where there are stupendous views along the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Park contains Anvil Point Lighthouse, the 40-ton stone Great Globe, fascinating artefacts from London, and an amazing diversity of wildlife. The Park is one mile from the town and can be reached by bus from the railway station or by walking via public footpaths.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Victoria Staines Woking Basingstoke Swanage

08:45 23:10 09:35 22:20 10:10 21:35 10:40 20:50 14:15 16:55

usually at a table for four.

Our train leaves Swanage for the return journey at around 16:55 and is diesel hauled to Southampton where our steam locomotive takes over. We then take a different route from the outward journey, via Romsey to the outskirts of Salisbury where we join the West of England Main Line at Laverstock North Junction. We travel up the main line through Andover and then stop at Basingstoke, Woking, and Staines, to set down passengers. The train is due to arrive in London Victoria soon after 23:00.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£259

£175

£781

First

£159

£102

£471

Standard

£99

£70

£303

Bob Green

The Coast to Coast Express Saturday 11th September 2021 The Coast to Coast Express is a day trip by special train travelling from Liverpool to Scarborough and back, thus linking the Irish Sea with the North Sea. The journey includes some spectacular scenery crossing the Pennines and the option of visiting either York or Scarborough. The train will be hauled by a steam locomotive from the Carnforth pool. At around 06:15 the Coast to Coast Express will leave Liverpool Lime Street, hauled by a powerful steam locomotive. We travel via Edge Hill and Rainhill. Heading eastwards, we run via Chat Moss to Manchester Victoria, where we stop to pick up further passengers. From Manchester we now run via Guide Bridge and Woodley, where we will pause to take on water. Running via New Mills, we now head for Chinley and join the former Midland Railway’s ‘Hope Valley’ line to Sheffield, our final pick up station. We pass through Hathersage, a charming village associated with Robin Hood and the Eyre family of Bronte fame. This route is spectacularly scenic and encompasses a number of long tunnels, including the passage through the 3½ mile-long Totley Tunnel, first opened in 1892, before arrival at Sheffield. On leaving Sheffield we head northwards through Meadowhall, adjacent to the famous Meadowhall Shopping Centre, and onwards, avoiding Rotherham, towards Swinton. We make our way northwards through Church Fenton and follow the East Coast Main Line towards York. Passengers may leave the train at York or continue to Scarborough. York is a fascinating city to visit at any time of the year, with a huge variety of interesting places to see. It has some of the best preserved historical buildings in Europe, the city walls, Minster, Shambles, Jorvik Centre and the superb National Railway Museum. Open-topped buses leave from York Railway Station for tours around the city.

Approximate Timings Outward Return Liverpool Lime Street Manchester Victoria Sheffield York Scarborough

06:15 22:00 07:15 20:45 09:00 19:15 11:30 17:00 12:30 16:00

usually at a table for four.

For those passengers who choose to travel to Scarborough, we leave York and take the Scarborough line, immediately crossing the River Ouse, with views of the Minster. We should have a fast run through the Vale of York before slowing for the curves that follow the River Derwent past Kirkham Abbey. We pass through Malton and Seamer before arriving in Scarborough. Scarborough is a Victorian spa town and the largest holiday resort on the Yorkshire coast. It has been named as the most enterprising town in Britain and provides all the facilities you would expect at an established seaside resort. It has two beautiful bays, the North Bay and South Bay, providing safe sandy beaches, and a busy harbour with an active fish quay. Our train leaves Scarborough, steam hauled, at around 16:00 and stops at York to pick up those passengers who chose to visit the city. We change motive power at Milford Loop and return to Liverpool, diesel hauled, stopping at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£259

£175

£781

First

£159

£102

£471

Standard

£99

£70

£303 19

Bob Green

The Royal Duchy Sunday 12th September 2021 The ‘Royal Duchy’ provides an opportunity to visit the famed Royal Duchy of Cornwall by our special charter train. Highlights of the day will be the steam hauled journey from Taunton to Plymouth along the famous Dawlish sea wall and over the south Devon banks to Plymouth. We cross the Tamar diesel hauled and enter Cornwall and continue to Par, where there will be a number of off-train options for you to join. We return to Taunton steam hauled from Plymouth and then return to Slough by diesel. We leave Slough in the morning, diesel hauled, and stop at Reading to pick up more passengers. After Reading, we join the Berks and Hants line which runs through picturesque rural countryside. We pass the celebrated Newbury Racecourse before making a stop for passengers at Newbury station. We continue westwards, travelling beside the tranquil Kennet & Avon Canal and climbing steadily to Savernake Summit. We pass through the Vale of Pewsey, with views of one of the famous Wiltshire White Horses as we approach Westbury, where we pause to pick up further passengers. We now continue through undulating agricultural countryside to Taunton, where our steam locomotive for the day will be attached. Soon after leaving Taunton, we commence the steep climb of 1 in 80 up Wellington bank as we leave Somerset behind and head for Devon. After Exeter, we will follow the Exe estuary through Starcross and meet up with the ocean at Dawlish Warren for the run along the spectacular Dawlish sea wall. The railway continues along the shoreline through Dawlish and several tunnels before we head inland at Teignmouth. After Newton Abbot, there is a very steep climb to Dainton tunnel, graded as steep as 1 in 36, which will require some hard work from our steam locomotive. Another severe gradient of 1 in 46 in places up Rattery bank follows Totnes before we skirt the edge of Dartmoor and descend to Plymouth. Here our steam locomotive will serviced and turned in preparation for the return journey back to Taunton. From Plymouth, we will continue westwards diesel hauled and cross the Royal Albert Bridge, designed by Brunel and opened in 1859, and enter Cornwall. We now make our way towards Par, where there will be included transfers to either Fowey or Charlestown, both set in idyllic settings. The latter is a working port and home to the Shipwreck, Rescue & Heritage Centre. Time will be available to explore these interesting and typical Cornish villages, complete with their pretty houses and fishing harbours. Our return journey retraces the outward route, with our steam locomotive returning from Plymouth to Taunton. Highlights of the return journey will be the formidable climb out of Plymouth up Hemerdon bank, graded at 1 in 42 for nearly two miles. After Totnes, we are faced with another severe climb up to Dainton tunnel, graded as steep as 1 in 38 in places. The famous sea wall at Dawlish appears once again as we head for Exeter. A long, 20 mile steady climb, follows to Whiteball summit before we reach Taunton, after a locomotive change over here, we continue diesel hauled back to Slough, setting down at our earlier pick up stations, and ending a wonderfully varied day out by steam train. 20

Approximate Timings Outward Return Slough Reading Newbury Westbury Taunton Exeter Plymouth Par

08:46 00:03 09:07 23:40 09:34 23:17 10:16 22:34 11:26 21:51 12:25 20:07 13:34 18:56 14:52 17:29

usually at a table for four.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£269

£185

£816

First

£169

£122

£521

Standard

£119

£86

£367

Bob Green

The Cumbrian Coast Express Saturday 18th September 2021 Our journey will combine the scenic grandeur of the Cumbrian Fells with the exposed Cumbrian coastline that skirts the western edge of the Lake District. We have a high-speed journey down the West Coast Main Line to Carlisle, hauled by a blue Class 86 electric locomotive. We then enjoy a steam tour from Carlisle back to Carnforth via the Cumbria Coast. We return from Carnforth to London behind our blue electric locomotive. We leave London Euston at around 07:00 with electric traction, and speed north along the West Coast Main Line (WCML). We stop to pick up passengers at Milton Keynes (where passengers from Watford Junction join by service train), Rugby (where passengers from Northampton join by service train), Nuneaton and Crewe. We continue north along the WCML to Preston, our final stop to pick up passengers. We pass through Lancaster and along the edge of Morecambe Bay before we arrive at Carnforth. Leaving Carnforth, we pass the Brief Encounter café and commence the climb up to Grayrigg. We then travel through the beautiful Lune Gorge to Tebay, before the ascent to Shap. After crossing the Cumbrian Fells we descend to Penrith, and then head for Carlisle. There will be time available in Carlisle to explore this ancient city with its cathedral and castle, plus an assortment of shops and cafes. We leave Carlisle steam hauled and our return steam hauled journey to Carnforth takes the scenic coastal route around the Cumbrian Coast. After Maryport, we run along the shoreline through to the industrialised district of Workington, once a centre for the production of iron and steel. There are spectacular cliff edge views as we journey southwards from Workington through to Whitehaven, with the Isle of Man visible on a clear day across the Irish Sea. We run very close to the shoreline for several miles prior to St Bees, famous for its priory and school. We pass Sellafield, where the British Nuclear Fuels plant dominates the landscape. At Ravenglass, we meet up with the narrow gauge Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway which is normally steam operated. At Millom, we head inland and follow the sweeping estuary through Foxfield and Kirkby in Furness. We continue on this route and travel through Barrow in Furness. After Ulverston, we cross Leven Viaduct and curve along the edge of the bay through to Grange-over-Sands. There are more views across Morecambe Bay as we cross the lengthy Kent Viaduct at Arnside and approach Carnforth. Here, we shall say farewell to our gallant steam locomotive and our blue Class 86 electric locomotive will take over for a fast run to London Euston. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers. *Passengers from Watford Junction will travel to Milton Keynes by service train to join our train. **Passengers from Northampton will travel to and from Rugby by service train to join our train.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London Euston Watford Junction* Milton Keynes Northampton** Rugby Nuneaton Crewe Preston Carlisle

07:10 23:15 06:40 22:40 08:00 22:00 07:40 21:30 08:25 21:00 08:45 20:35 09:45 19:35 10:30 18:30 12:40 14:40

usually at a table for four.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£259

£175

£781

First

£159

£102

£471

Standard

£99

£70

£303 21

Bob Green

The Jolly Fisherman Saturday 25th September 2021 Join us on this unusual tour to the east coast of England and the popular seaside resort of Skegness. We plan to recreate the Jolly Fisherman experience that was a popular excursion planned by the Great Northern Railway. We will head northwards from London’s King’s Cross station with the world famous Flying Scotsman hauling us along the East Coast main line to Peterborough, Boston and then to Skegness. With contrasting scenery all the way, what better way to spend the day than travelling on a traditional seaside express to the bracing east coast. We leave London King’s Cross in the morning, and head northwards along the ECML, picking up at Potters Bar, Stevenage and Peterborough. Here, we leave the ECML at Werrington Junction and head across rural Lincolnshire along the former Great Northern line towards Spalding, a town noted for its flower growing industry. We continue along the Great Northern & Great Eastern Joint line via Helpringham to the market town of Sleaford, where we will pause to run round our steam locomotive. Following a reversal, we now head eastwards along the former Great Northern line towards Boston, noted for its famous landmark of St Botolph’s church, otherwise known as the Boston Stump. We take the remaining section of the former East Lincolnshire line that once went through to Louth and Grimsby, but now it only runs as far as the junction at Firsby with the Skegness line. The line is very straight and flat for miles and is pleasantly rural in outlook as we head for Firsby, where there is a sharp curve towards Skegness all that is left of the remaining side of a former triangular junction. We will make a stop at Wainfleet should you wish to visit this attractive town with its interesting Batemans Brewery visitors centre. It is then just a short distance to our afternoon destination at Skegness. Time will be available to visit the resorts many attractions, including the promenade, the clock tower and the Jolly Fisherman statue and fountain. There are ample restaurants and many typical seaside shops to visit, or just have a quiet stroll along the sea front.

Approximate Timings Outward Return London King’s Cross Potters Bar Stevenage Peterborough Wainfleet Skegness

07:55 21:15 08:25 20:45 08:50 20:20 10:00 19:00 12:05 16:40 12:15 16:30

usually at a table for four.

After an afternoon in Skegness, we will retrace our earlier route back to Sleaford, where we will continue to Grantham and join the ECML. After a spirited climb up to Stoke tunnel, we now head for Peterborough, before heading back to London, setting down at our outward calling points. We can expect some fast running from Flying Scotsman as she runs up to her maximum speed along the ECML. Our arrival back in London King’s Cross will reluctantly bring to an end a splendid day out to the seaside on the Jolly Fisherman Express.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£310

£205

£928

First

£210

£135

£623

Standard

£144

£110

£453

UK Day Trip Information Travelling by Steam Train Our Day Trips and Tours almost exclusively make use of specially chartered trains hauled by steam locomotives. The trains offer a choice of types of seating to suit your particular requirements. Each passenger is allocated their own reserved seat ensuring that travel on these special trains is a relaxing experience providing the perfect escape from all the hustle and bustle of modern day life. All of the seats on our trains line up with the carriage windows, unlike many modern trains, and thus provide the maximum viewing area to add to the enjoyment of your journey. In addition to our UK Day Trips and Tours, the Railway Touring Company has a programme of tours using steam hauled charter trains in many other countries of the world. These tours can be for a few days duration or last for up to two weeks, with overnight accommodation provided in good quality hotels. Please visit our website www.railwaytouring.net for further details and to request an overseas brochure; or contact us by telephone if you prefer. Premier Dining Class Premier Dining Class on our trains is a luxury experience providing a full meals service at tables with spacious comfortable seating. This service usually includes a traditional full English breakfast soon after you board the train, and a four course meal on the return journey. A light lunch may also be included on some trips. Onboard chefs prepare fresh food for all of the meals and it is professionally served to your table. We are able to offer vegetarian options but cannot meet other dietary requests. A fully licensed bar service is always available, we kindly ask passengers to not consume their own alcoholic drinks. The dress code is smart casual, as we like our passengers to be relaxed and travel in comfort. Tables are available for four or two in Premier Dining Class. Our tables for two are the ideal choice for an unusual and memorable celebration, for a special occasion like a wedding anniversary or birthday. Tables for two, where both passengers have window seats, can be guaranteed for an additional charge of £25.00* per person, subject to availability. Premier Dining Class is available up to and including any pick up station before 10:30. *prices shown as per individual tour page. First Class First Class accommodation on our trains is provided at tables for four or for two in deep cushioned armchair seats with plenty of room. Tables for two, where both passengers have window seats, can be guaranteed for an additional charge of £25.00 per person, subject to availability. First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a Danish pastry and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by scone with butter and jam. Standard Class Standard Class seats are usually arranged in groups of four around a table. All seats are reserved. Passengers in First and Standard classes regularly bring hampers and picnics. Booking Arrangements Passengers can book their tickets online by visiting our website www.railwaytouring.net or by downloading a booking form which can be printed and sent by post to:- The Railway Touring Company, 14A Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1JN. A completed booking form can also be sent to us by fax on 01553 661 800. Passengers can also book by telephone during office hours on 01553 661 500. Office hours are Monday to Friday: 09:00 to 17:00 and Saturday: 09:00 to 16:00. We accept most major credit and debit cards. There are no charges for paying with a credit card. When posting a booking form please enclose the full payment by cheque or postal order made payable to The Railway Touring Company, and, 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 full payment is received. Organisers arranging group travel for ten or more persons on a UK Day Trip are invited to contact the office, details above, regarding discounts where a single booking is to be made. Acknowledgements and Tickets Bookings made by telephone will be verbally acknowledged at the time of booking and a written confirmation sent within 7 days. Tickets and travel information will usually be despatched at least 5 days before the date of travel. However, this information and the tickets cannot be sent until the departure times are confirmed by the train operator which may be at shorter notice. Please pay particular attention to the departure and arrival times sent with your tickets as these may vary from the approximate timings given in this brochure. Gift Vouchers We are pleased to offer gift vouchers which can be used against any future trip with us. Please contact the office to purchase these. 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 and 2 Juniors (aged 15 and under). Covid-19 In order to minimise the risks to our passengers and on-board crew/stewards there will potentially be some changes made to the seating arrangements on board, i.e. we may need to seat all bookings solely with members of their own party. Any passenger who is feeling unwell immediately prior to travelling with ourselves is requested NOT to travel. We request that all passengers wear face masks while on board our trains and whilst hand sanitiser will be available we recommend that passengers also bring their own supply with them to use regularly whilst on board. As has always been the case regular hand washing/sanitising is advised throughout the journey. For Premier dining passengers there may be some changes required to the food service on board and we may be running a plated service rather than silver served at your seat for the time being, to reduce risks to passengers and catering staff. It is therefore very important that any vegetarians travelling inform us beforehand so that they can be accommodated. No other dietary requests will be possible at present. 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 run as advertised. However, the organisers reserve the right to alter these details at any time and shall not incur any liability to any person who has bought, or contracted to buy a ticket or tickets, as a result of any such changes. There may be occasional re-scheduling or re-routing of a train. Please note whilst every effort will be made to ensure the use of the advertised steam locomotive the organisers reserve the right to substitute a different steam locomotive on occasions should it be required, for operational reasons, which would have to be accepted, no refunds will be offered for changes to advertised locomotives. All reasonable efforts, within the control of the organisers, will be made to ensure that on the day of the trip, the train runs as planned. However, we cannot accept any responsibility for delays, mishaps, alterations or curtailment of the tour from situations outside of our control. Please note all timings shown in the brochure are approximate and subject to change. In adverse conditions the train operating company, West Coast Railways, may feel the need to run with a diesel locomotive attached to the rear as a precaution. The nature of steam trains is that breakdowns, delays and substitutions have to be accepted. Every genuine effort will be made to ensure that the tour runs as planned and advertised, or as close to it as possible. In the event of a failure of the scheduled steam locomotive prior to departure of the trip, every best effort will be made to find a suitable steam locomotive as a replacement. However, if this is not possible and if there is insufficient time available to cancel or postpone the trip, then a diesel may be used as substitute. In such circumstances, outside of our control, acceptance of these terms signifies your acceptance of such a change and no refund will be due. 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. No refund or substitutions are available, other than due to cancellation by the organisers, which can happen on occasions. We will not be liable for any consequential loss you may suffer or pay any compensation to you. Due to the age and construction of our trains it is not possible to board whilst seated in a wheelchair, however we will be pleased to convey passengers of limited mobility whenever possible, provided they can step onto the train from the platform and move to their reserved seats with the help of an able-bodied carer, the wheelchair then being folded by you and stored at the end of the carriage. We are unable to convey mobility scooters or non-folding wheelchairs due to the age and design of the trains used. We are limited to only being able to provide a vegetarian dietary alternative, all other diet request are not available. We recommend that during the winter months you travel wearing suitable layered clothing as the carriages on occasion can be cold. Although they are heated, unforeseen complications along with the nature of travelling by steam in vintage carriages can result in cooler conditions for passengers than modern trains. N.B. – All timings shown are approximate and subject to change unless otherwise shown.

The Railway Touring Company 14a Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 1JN Phone: 01553 661 500 – Fax: 01553 661 800 Web: www.railwaytouring.net – E-mail: enquiries@railwaytouring.co.uk Design and Artwork - LucidSynergy Ltd - www.lucidsynergy.com