3 minute read
The Bath & Bristol Christmas Market
Saturday 10th December 2022
What better way to begin the Christmas season than with a trip by steam train on the ‘Bath & Bristol Christmas Market’? There will be ample time to sample Bath’s award winning Christmas Market, set in the beautiful area between the stunning Bath Abbey and the internationally famous Roman Baths, or to visit Bristol for the ‘best Christmas shopping in the South West’. Join us as we travel by vintage steam train through some superb countryside en route.
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We leave London Victoria early in the morning, steam hauled by Princess Coronation Class locomotive No.46233 Duchess of Sutherland. Running via Clapham Junction, we call at Staines and Woking, before our final pick up is made at Basingstoke. From Basingstoke, we can expect a fast run along the former London & South Western Railway’s route via Andover to the cathedral city of Salisbury. We stop at Salisbury, for the loco to take on water, and then continue along the ‘South West’ main line to Wilton. Here we turn northwards and cross the edge of Salisbury Plain en route to Warminster. We descend steeply to Westbury, with its famous hillside white horse, and then follow the scenic Avon Valley through Bradford on Avon. We shall soon catch sight of the Georgian city of Bath as we approach the well-kept Bath Spa station, which is close to the city centre. The afternoon is free to explore the city, which has gained a reputation not only for its famous Christmas Market but also for its quality independents and favourite high street stores. The essentially ‘British’ Christmas Market is centrally located and has over 170 traditional wooden chalets offering everything you will need for the perfect Christmas celebration. Meanwhile our train continues to Bristol, another fascinating destination for those who wish to explore this fine city instead. It has several world class attractions including Britain’s most acclaimed historic ship, the S.S. ‘Great Britain’; Brunel’s iconic Clifton suspension bridge; the world’s fifth oldest zoo; and an historic harbour-side, the location of the M Shed, an exciting new innovative museum. The city is a Christmas shopper’s haven with all the major retail outlets in the Broadmead and Cabot Circus shopping centres. Our steam locomotive, Duchess of Sutherland, will be serviced at Bristol before we return to Bath and London Victoria steam hauled. We stop to pick up those parcel-laden passengers who opted to visit the Christmas Market in Bath! We return by the route of our outward journey, stopping at the same stations for passengers to alight. 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 London Victoria 08:45 22:15 Staines 09:35 21:15 Woking 10:05 20:30 Basingstoke 10:55 19:20 Bath 12:55 16:55 Bristol 13:15 16:35
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner 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.
