2 minute read
The York Yuletide Express
Saturday 17th December 2022
Why not join us for a classic day out by steam train that combines exciting main line running, varied landscape, and the special atmosphere of York at Christmas time? The York Yuletide Express will be steam hauled from Norwich to York by Princess Coronation class steam locomotive No.46233 Duchess of Sutherland. York is the second most visited city in England with varied attractions to suit all tastes.
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Our day out begins at around 08:00 when we leave Norwich Station, hauled by 46233 Duchess of Sutherland, and cross the Trowse swing bridge over the River Wensum. We stop to pick up more passengers at Thetford. Approaching Ely we take the avoiding line which curves very sharply round onto the Peterborough line. We stop at March for further passengers, before continuing to Peterborough, our final pick up point. We head northwards on the East Coast Main Line from Peterborough and commence the climb to Stoke Summit. This was the location of the famous record breaking run by Mallard, an A4 class Pacific, when it achieved a staggering 126 mph on the 3rd July 1938 when travelling in the opposite direction. We pass through Grantham, Newark and Retford with our steam locomotive cruising along at speeds just a little less than Mallard’s! We stop at Babworth Loop for our steam locomotive to take on water and then make a fast run along the ECML to York. Passengers will have plenty of time in York to enjoy the city and all it has to offer. It has a number of major tourist attractions including the National Railway Museum, claimed to be one of the largest railway museums in the world. It also boasts many shops, quaint alleyways, a Castle, and the splendid Gothic cathedral York Minster, one of the largest of its kind in Northern Europe. We leave York at around 16:35 for the return journey, diesel hauled this time stopping at Peterborough, March, Thetford and Norwich to set down passengers. We expect to meet up with Santa and his Elves during the journey, so presents will be handed out to all the children on our train! Please let us know your child’s age when booking. The York Yuletide Express promises to provide a memorable day out behind classic traction over a classic and popular route. Approximate Timings Outward Return Norwich 08:00 23:10 Thetford 08:45 22:20 March 10:15 21:20 Peterborough 10:40 21:00 York 13:20 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.
