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The York Yuletide Express
Saturday 3rd December 2022
This exciting seasonal trip by steam train offers an opportunity for passengers from the Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Sheffield areas to visit the popular city of York at Christmas time. The route cuts across the rugged Pennine terrain of the scenic Hope Valley line to York, and will be steam hauled throughout by a lovingly restored steam locomotive.
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Our train leaves Liverpool Lime Street, hauled by our allocated steam locomotive from the Carnforth based pool. We follow the route of the historic 1830 Liverpool and Manchester Railway across Chat Moss to Manchester Victoria, where we pause to pick up passengers. Leaving Manchester, we climb the formidable 1 in 47 gradient of Miles Platting Bank and make our way towards Denton, where we will pause to water our steam locomotive. We next stop will be at Stockport to pick up passengers before heading towards Chinley and the Hope Valley line to Sheffield.
We join the former Midland Railway line across the Peak District and pass through Cowburn Tunnel into the beautiful Vale of Edale. After Hathersage, we pass through the 3½-mile long Totley Tunnel and arrive at Sheffield, our final pick up station for passengers. We then travel northwards through Swinton and Moorthorpe to York, our destination for the afternoon. There will be plenty of time for passengers to enjoy the city and all it has to offer. York has some major tourist attractions including the National Railway Museum, the largest museum of its type in Britain; the Castle; the Shambles; the splendid Gothic York Minster, one of the largest of its kind in northern Europe; and the city walls. There are a number of other interesting museums, quaint alleyways, and a good variety of shops. Our late afternoon departure from York will be steam hauled back to Liverpool Lime Street. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey, to set down passengers. Look out for Father Christmas and his Elves who will be visiting the train during the day and handing out presents to all children on board. Please let us know your child’s age when making your booking. Approximate Timings Outward Return Liverpool Lime Street 06:45 21:50 Manchester Victoria 08:00 19:45 Stockport 08:45 19:00 Sheffield 10:00 18:00 York 12:40 16:00
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner silver served at your seat. (not available from Sheffield) 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.
