2 minute read
The Royal Duchy
Sunday 30th April 2023
2023 is the Centenary Year for Flying Scotsman, join us to celebrate this on a day trip by steam train from Bristol Temple Meads, Yatton and Taunton to Devon & Cornwall. The route includes travelling along the internationally famous sea wall at Dawlish, crossing Brunel’s famous Saltash Bridge into Cornwall, and some of the most varied and exciting scenery in the country. Passengers can choose to spend time in Plymouth or travel on to Par.
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Our train leaves Bristol Temple Meads steam hauled by locomotive No.60103 Flying Scotsman at around 08:45 and stops to pick up further passengers at Yatton and Taunton. Almost immediately on departure from Taunton, our steam locomotive will be working hard as it tackles the climb to Whiteball Summit. We stop at Exeter St. David’s station for our locomotive to take on water and for more passengers to join the train. We leave Exeter and follow the Exe Estuary to the seaside. We then travel along the famous sea wall between Dawlish and Teignmouth, an experience not to be missed. After Newton Abbot, our steam locomotive will demonstrate her real strength as she powers up some of the steepest main line gradients in the country. First there is the difficult climb to the summit at Dainton Tunnel, followed by a dramatic drop down to Totnes, then an equally difficult climb up Rattery Bank before descending to Plymouth. Passengers have the option to alight at Plymouth or remain on the train to Par. There will be over five hours free time to explore the historic maritime city of Plymouth which includes the Hoe, the ancient Barbican and seafront areas, and the National Marine Aquarium. We leave Plymouth, diesel hauled, and cross the river Tamar on Brunel’s masterpiece, the Royal Albert Bridge, to enter Cornwall. Our train continues through the magnificent Cornish countryside to Par, where there will be a break of more than three hours. Buses will take passengers from Par, at no extra charge, to visit either the picturesque seaside town of Fowey or the harbour village of Charlestown. The latter is a working port and home to the Shipwreck, Rescue & Heritage Centre. We leave Par steam hauled by Flying Scotsman at around 17:45 and stop at Plymouth to pick up those passengers who chose to alight there. Our train then returns to Bristol, stopping to set down passengers at Exeter, Taunton and Yatton enroute. Approximate Timings Outward Return Bristol Temple Meads 08:45 22:45 Yatton 09:05 22:25 Taunton 09:40 21:15 Exeter St. David’s 11:30 20:15 Plymouth 12:45 19:00 Par 14:00 17:45
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.
