2 minute read
The Windsor Flyer
Saturday 2nd September 2023
Why not join us for a classic day out by steam train that combines exciting main line running, varied landscapes, and time at Windsor, famed for its royal connections. We will be steam hauled outwards from Norwich to Windsor by LMS Princess Coronation Class ‘Pacific’ No.6233.
Advertisement
Our day out begins early in the morning when we leave Norwich station, hauled by 6233 Duchess of Sutherland, and cross the Trowse swing bridge over the river Wensum. We stop to pick up more passengers Thetford enroute. Approaching Ely, our final pick up station, we cross the River Great Ouse where there are fine views of Ely Cathedral. We now head southwards and pass through Cambridge, famous for its many Universities including King’s and Trinity. We make our way via Royston to Hitchin where we join the East Coast Main Line and head southwards towards Stevenage. We will be able to get up speed along the main line to London King’s Cross as we pass through Potters Bar towards Finsbury Park, where there will be a set down should you wish to spend the day in London sightseeing, it is 15 minutes by underground into central London from Finsbury Park. From here we will follow the interesting North London suburban line via Hampstead Heath to Willesden and Acton. We thread our way towards Brentford and follow the Hounslow loop line through to Staines. From Staines, we join the former London & South Western Railway’s Windsor branch and make our way to Windsor & Eton Riverside station, conveniently located near to the town and its many attractions. Windsor sits on the banks of the Thames and is home to Windsor Castle, a residence of the British Royal Family. Built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, and it is still the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world, being the home of 39 monarchs. Other famous sites include Eton College, Windsor Great Park, and the Thames heritage path. The town also has an abundance of shops and restaurants to cater for the many tourists who visit the town each year. After our break in Windsor, we will return to Norwich diesel hauled, retracing our earlier route with a pick up stop at Finsbury Park for those who chose to alight there earlier. We continue back to Norwich setting down at our outward calling stations. Approximate Timings Outward Return Norwich 07:00 22:15 Thetford 07:55 21:20 Ely 08:40 20:25 Finsbury Park 11:00 18:45 Windsor 12:45 17:15
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.
