2 minute read
The Stratford Flyer
Saturday 11th March 2023
Join us on this special day out, steam hauled from Manchester to Stratford upon Avon, by a steam locomotive from the Carnforth pool. Our train will have the added excitement of a fast run up the West Coast Main Line from Crewe as we make our way towards the internationally popular destination of Stratford-upon -Avon, visited from far and wide by many to see its Shakespeare attractions.
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Our special train starts at the cosmopolitan northern city of Manchester, and we will be steam hauled through the suburbs to Stockport, where we will pause briefly to pick up passengers. We now head for Crewe across the Cheshire Plain, calling to pick up at Wilmslow en route, before we continue southwards along the WCML towards Stafford. One of the highlights of the day will be the long climb up to Whitmore Summit as our steam locomotive takes on the rising gradients. Formerly the preserve of the LMS Pacifics on the Anglo-Scottish expresses, the WCML will be a challenge and will also provide an opportunity for it to stretch its legs with some fast running, At Stafford we will leave the Trent Valley line and take the Birmingham route via Wolverhampton. We will run through the industrial heartlands of the Midlands and make our way towards Birmingham New Street, our second major city of the day. We will thread our way through the suburbs of Birmingham and make our way steadily to join the former Great Western Railway’s route from Birmingham to Stratford-upon-Avon. The Warwickshire countryside will provide a pleasant outlook from your carriage window as we approach our destination for today at Stratford-upon-Avon. There will be ample time in the town to take in all the famous sights, including the birthplace of William Shakespeare and his New Palace home, possibly the most famous writer in the English language. Explore the other sites, including the Memorial Theatre, the Bancroft Gardens and the river Avon and Stratford Canal. The town offers many interesting shops and is well provided for with pubs and restaurants. All in all, a very pleasant place to spend an afternoon.
During our stay in Stratford, our steam locomotive will be turned and serviced for the journey back to Manchester. We will retrace our earlier route back through Birmingham, Stafford and Crewe before arriving back in Manchester in the evening, ending what promises to be an interesting and varied day out to Shakespeare country. Approximate Timings Outward Return Manchester Piccadilly 08:30 21:15 Stockport 08:50 21:00 Wilmslow 09:00 20:45 Crewe 09:45 20:15 Stratford-upon-Avon 13:00 16:50
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat. First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin 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 £30 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
