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Wind Up North #415 Thursday 7 May 2026 Oxford Road Tap, Station Approach, Oxford Road, Manchester. M1 6FU
Weekly Wind-Up #2247 2247 ? 7 May 2026 SOUTH WIMBLEDON The Trafalgar, 23 High Path, Wimbledon, London. SW19 2JY We last visited 'The Traf' early last year. This small back street local, dating from 1860, was closed for a while and the future seemed in doubt, but it rose from the ashes in September 2023 and we are delighted that it did. The pub was once given the nickname the 'Threepenny Hop' as it was said that men would occasionally hop over the fence from the former Merton Abbey railway line for a threepenny pint. Mild has been requested (but not at 3p a pint) for our visit tonight. The pub opens at 15:00. South Wimbledon Northern Line is nearby but you could use a class 450 to Wimbledon, from where there are frequent buses.
Diesel Gala and Beer Festival 2026 Friday 8 May - Sunday 10 May 2026 Our much-loved Diesel Gala & Beer Festival returns to the Purbeck line for a long weekend of heritage diesel action and good cheer. From first light to late evening, expect the friendly buzz Swanage Railway is known for - coupled with a cracking beer festival at Corfe Castle station. It's the perfect mix of classic traction, big skies, and time well spent with family and friends. We will have an intensive service in operation on all three days over our full 10-mile line between Swanage and our boundary with Network Rail at 'Bridge 4' over the River Frome on the line towards Wareham. Trains operate from around 09:00 - 23:30 on Friday and Saturday, and 09:00 - 18:00 on Sunday. There will be three carriage sets in service each day, with two sets operating over the full length of the line and a shuttle running between Swanage and Corfe Castle. Visiting locomotives Joining our home fleet Class 33s 33012 & 33053 at this year's event are the following guest locomotives: Class 20 20066 Courtesy of Shaun Wright Class 26 26007 Courtesy of Victor Korzeniewicz Class 33 33025 Courtesy of West Coast Railway Company Class 37 37607 Courtesy of Swietelsky Class 58 58023 'Leicester Depot' Courtesy of Ed Stevenson Class 73 73141 Courtesy of GB Railfreight Class 99 99004 Courtesy of GB Railfreight Class 438 "4TC" Multiple Unit no. 428 Courtesy of London Underground All visiting locomotives are subject to availability. Preview Day On Thursday 7 May, we'll warm things up with our popular mixed traction Preview Day - a relaxed taster that sets the tone for the three days to come. This year's preview day will see Class 45 45041 'Royal Tank Regiment' operating a diesel service alongside our normal steam service between Swanage and Norden. On-Train Bar For the first time at this year's event we will have a bar onboard one of sets of carriages. The bar can be found in the brake coach of our "B" set of carriages - this is marked in the timetable by a "beer glass", and will be the set of carriages in operation both evenings (as well as all three days). The bar will be selling two casks beers and eight ciders, as well as a selection of wines, spirit mixers, soft drinks and snacks. Warm sausage rolls and pasties are also planned to be available too. Beer Festival This year's Beer Festival takes place once again in Corfe Castle Goods Yard adjacent to the Goods Shed. There are planned to be 40 Real Ales and 10 Ciders on offer - all from the Dorset area. The Beer Festival will be open 1100 - 2300 Friday & Saturday, and 1100 - 1800 on Sunday. Entry to the Beer Festival is free. Hot food, hot & cold drinks and ice cream will be available on site all day and into the evenings, and there will be live music on both Friday & Saturday evenings, and Sunday afternoon. Our railway museum and second-hand book sales wagon will also be open all weekend adjacent to the Beer Festival. Evening Services On both Friday and Saturday evenings we will have our 'Beerex' train in operation to get you to and from the Beer Festival at Corfe. Friday evening's trains will be operated by Class 20 20066, whilst Saturday evening's trains will be operated by Class 26 26007. Trade Stands Swanage Station will play host to several trade stands, selling a wide variety of railway related items and railway models. GB Railfreight will have a charity sells stand on Swanage Station selling a wide range of railway memorabilia and train components. GB Railfreight will donate all proceeds from their sales stand to Great Ormond Street Hospital.
08573 Running Day Saturday 9 May 2026 We are delighted to announce for those who missed our fantastic Twin Peaks Gala, that we have another opportunity to travel behind our visiting Class 08, 08573, courtesy of RMS Locotec. The Cloass 08 will be running to our standard diesel timetable with standard fares in operation.
Diesel Gala and Beer Festival 2026 Friday 8 May - Sunday 10 May 2026 Our much-loved Diesel Gala & Beer Festival returns to the Purbeck line for a long weekend of heritage diesel action and good cheer. From first light to late evening, expect the friendly buzz Swanage Railway is known for - coupled with a cracking beer festival at Corfe Castle station. It's the perfect mix of classic traction, big skies, and time well spent with family and friends. We will have an intensive service in operation on all three days over our full 10-mile line between Swanage and our boundary with Network Rail at 'Bridge 4' over the River Frome on the line towards Wareham. Trains operate from around 09:00 - 23:30 on Friday and Saturday, and 09:00 - 18:00 on Sunday. There will be three carriage sets in service each day, with two sets operating over the full length of the line and a shuttle running between Swanage and Corfe Castle. Visiting locomotives Joining our home fleet Class 33s 33012 & 33053 at this year's event are the following guest locomotives: Class 20 20066 Courtesy of Shaun Wright Class 26 26007 Courtesy of Victor Korzeniewicz Class 33 33025 Courtesy of West Coast Railway Company Class 37 37607 Courtesy of Swietelsky Class 58 58023 'Leicester Depot' Courtesy of Ed Stevenson Class 73 73141 Courtesy of GB Railfreight Class 99 99004 Courtesy of GB Railfreight Class 438 "4TC" Multiple Unit no. 428 Courtesy of London Underground All visiting locomotives are subject to availability. Preview Day On Thursday 7 May, we'll warm things up with our popular mixed traction Preview Day - a relaxed taster that sets the tone for the three days to come. This year's preview day will see Class 45 45041 'Royal Tank Regiment' operating a diesel service alongside our normal steam service between Swanage and Norden. On-Train Bar For the first time at this year's event we will have a bar onboard one of sets of carriages. The bar can be found in the brake coach of our "B" set of carriages - this is marked in the timetable by a "beer glass", and will be the set of carriages in operation both evenings (as well as all three days). The bar will be selling two casks beers and eight ciders, as well as a selection of wines, spirit mixers, soft drinks and snacks. Warm sausage rolls and pasties are also planned to be available too. Beer Festival This year's Beer Festival takes place once again in Corfe Castle Goods Yard adjacent to the Goods Shed. There are planned to be 40 Real Ales and 10 Ciders on offer - all from the Dorset area. The Beer Festival will be open 1100 - 2300 Friday & Saturday, and 1100 - 1800 on Sunday. Entry to the Beer Festival is free. Hot food, hot & cold drinks and ice cream will be available on site all day and into the evenings, and there will be live music on both Friday & Saturday evenings, and Sunday afternoon. Our railway museum and second-hand book sales wagon will also be open all weekend adjacent to the Beer Festival. Evening Services On both Friday and Saturday evenings we will have our 'Beerex' train in operation to get you to and from the Beer Festival at Corfe. Friday evening's trains will be operated by Class 20 20066, whilst Saturday evening's trains will be operated by Class 26 26007. Trade Stands Swanage Station will play host to several trade stands, selling a wide variety of railway related items and railway models. GB Railfreight will have a charity sells stand on Swanage Station selling a wide range of railway memorabilia and train components. GB Railfreight will donate all proceeds from their sales stand to Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Spring Gala Saturday 9 May and Sunday 10 May 2026 Start the Season with Steam & History! Kick off the heritage season with a spectacular Spring Railway Gala at Tanfield Railway! Taking place over the weekend of Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th May 2026, this event brings the sights, sounds and smells of a working industrial railway to life. Heritage action is guaranteed as the railway bursts into life with an intensive timetable of lovingly restored locomotives from our home fleet and a soon to be announced special guest locomotive. Join us for an unforgettable weekend as we showcase a visiting locomotive, Victorian carriages, demonstration freight trains and an intensive timetable that will bring steam train travel to life. Whether you're a railway enthusiast, history lover, or simply looking for a fun family day out, there's something for everyone to enjoy! Event Highlights Immerse yourself in the golden age of industrial railways with: Home fleet steam locomotives operating alongside guest star GER 229 (subject to availability). An intensive train timetable, providing non-stop action across the weekend. Arts and craft activities for little ones. Stunning photographic opportunities at historic sites like Marley Hill engine shed and Causey Arch. Join one of our knowledgeable guides on a tour of Marley Hill Engine Shed
Vintage Road & Rail Event Sunday 10 May 2026 We're delighted to announce that we have confirmed a date for the Vintage Road & Rail event, which will take place at Wirksworth Station on Sunday 10 May 2026. This event will feature classic vehicles including cars, lorries, buses and traction engines on display for a nostalgic trip to the past. Steam and diesel trains will also be playing their part to make this truly vintage transport day out. This event is organised by Vallances Coaches, a family-run business based in Mansfield and more information will be added in the future. 33103 will be in operation on this date.
Diesel Gala and Beer Festival 2026 Friday 8 May - Sunday 10 May 2026 Our much-loved Diesel Gala & Beer Festival returns to the Purbeck line for a long weekend of heritage diesel action and good cheer. From first light to late evening, expect the friendly buzz Swanage Railway is known for - coupled with a cracking beer festival at Corfe Castle station. It's the perfect mix of classic traction, big skies, and time well spent with family and friends. We will have an intensive service in operation on all three days over our full 10-mile line between Swanage and our boundary with Network Rail at 'Bridge 4' over the River Frome on the line towards Wareham. Trains operate from around 09:00 - 23:30 on Friday and Saturday, and 09:00 - 18:00 on Sunday. There will be three carriage sets in service each day, with two sets operating over the full length of the line and a shuttle running between Swanage and Corfe Castle. Visiting locomotives Joining our home fleet Class 33s 33012 & 33053 at this year's event are the following guest locomotives: Class 20 20066 Courtesy of Shaun Wright Class 26 26007 Courtesy of Victor Korzeniewicz Class 33 33025 Courtesy of West Coast Railway Company Class 37 37607 Courtesy of Swietelsky Class 58 58023 'Leicester Depot' Courtesy of Ed Stevenson Class 73 73141 Courtesy of GB Railfreight Class 99 99004 Courtesy of GB Railfreight Class 438 "4TC" Multiple Unit no. 428 Courtesy of London Underground All visiting locomotives are subject to availability. Preview Day On Thursday 7 May, we'll warm things up with our popular mixed traction Preview Day - a relaxed taster that sets the tone for the three days to come. This year's preview day will see Class 45 45041 'Royal Tank Regiment' operating a diesel service alongside our normal steam service between Swanage and Norden. On-Train Bar For the first time at this year's event we will have a bar onboard one of sets of carriages. The bar can be found in the brake coach of our "B" set of carriages - this is marked in the timetable by a "beer glass", and will be the set of carriages in operation both evenings (as well as all three days). The bar will be selling two casks beers and eight ciders, as well as a selection of wines, spirit mixers, soft drinks and snacks. Warm sausage rolls and pasties are also planned to be available too. Beer Festival This year's Beer Festival takes place once again in Corfe Castle Goods Yard adjacent to the Goods Shed. There are planned to be 40 Real Ales and 10 Ciders on offer - all from the Dorset area. The Beer Festival will be open 1100 - 2300 Friday & Saturday, and 1100 - 1800 on Sunday. Entry to the Beer Festival is free. Hot food, hot & cold drinks and ice cream will be available on site all day and into the evenings, and there will be live music on both Friday & Saturday evenings, and Sunday afternoon. Our railway museum and second-hand book sales wagon will also be open all weekend adjacent to the Beer Festival. Evening Services On both Friday and Saturday evenings we will have our 'Beerex' train in operation to get you to and from the Beer Festival at Corfe. Friday evening's trains will be operated by Class 20 20066, whilst Saturday evening's trains will be operated by Class 26 26007. Trade Stands Swanage Station will play host to several trade stands, selling a wide variety of railway related items and railway models. GB Railfreight will have a charity sells stand on Swanage Station selling a wide range of railway memorabilia and train components. GB Railfreight will donate all proceeds from their sales stand to Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Spring Gala Saturday 9 May and Sunday 10 May 2026 Start the Season with Steam & History! Kick off the heritage season with a spectacular Spring Railway Gala at Tanfield Railway! Taking place over the weekend of Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th May 2026, this event brings the sights, sounds and smells of a working industrial railway to life. Heritage action is guaranteed as the railway bursts into life with an intensive timetable of lovingly restored locomotives from our home fleet and a soon to be announced special guest locomotive. Join us for an unforgettable weekend as we showcase a visiting locomotive, Victorian carriages, demonstration freight trains and an intensive timetable that will bring steam train travel to life. Whether you're a railway enthusiast, history lover, or simply looking for a fun family day out, there's something for everyone to enjoy! Event Highlights Immerse yourself in the golden age of industrial railways with: Home fleet steam locomotives operating alongside guest star GER 229 (subject to availability). An intensive train timetable, providing non-stop action across the weekend. Arts and craft activities for little ones. Stunning photographic opportunities at historic sites like Marley Hill engine shed and Causey Arch. Join one of our knowledgeable guides on a tour of Marley Hill Engine Shed
Spring Diesel Festival Thursday 14 May - Sunday 17 May 2026 The annual Spring Diesel Festival returns - the biggest diesel event around! What to expect at the Spring Diesel Festival? Our four day diesel festival will feature both guest and home-fleet locomotives operating a busy timetable between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth. If you love diesel, this is the place to be! Ride behind every locomotive, visit The Engine House at Highley to break your day, or sample the finest real-ales in our pubs, as you experience the Severn Valley at its loudest! Diesel Depot Tours TMD tours are for a maximum of eight people and cost £10 per person. The tour takes approximately 1 hour, during which time, you will see everything that is in the TMD. TMD and Carriage Shed tours are for a maximum of eight people and cost £20 per person. The tour takes approximately 2 hours and in that time, you will see everything that is in the TMD and in the Carriage Shed. The Carriage Shed is not usually open to the public. Kidderminster TMD and Carriage Shed are working engineering sites with rails and uneven surfaces. The site is often muddy and dirty with frequent vehicle and train movements. Due to the uneven ground and the amount of walking involved, the tour is not accessible to wheelchair users or people who are not fully mobile without assistance. Stout footwear must be worn (sandals or open-toed shoes will not be allowed). Tours can be booked on the day at the Fifty Fund sales stand on Kidderminster Station Concourse (cash only please). Deltic Footplate Experiences! There is nothing quite like the sight and sound of a diesel locomotive in full cry! Climb aboard 55009 'Alycidon' and experience the power and surge of adrenaline as you take the controls on our full day experience, including a tour of Kidderminster Diesel Depot! Taking place 8 & 11 May (fully booked) and 12 June, you can experience the challenge of driving the locomotive hauling a heavy train of carriages in which your 10 guests can travel free of charge. Running over the whole length of the line, you will power through Bewdley Tunnel, glide across Victoria Bridge and storm up Eardington Bank. Book now before it's too late! The stars of the show: Class 35 Hymek D7018, courtesy of DEPG. Class 55 Deltic 55009 'Alycidon', courtesy of The Deltic Preservation Society. Class 56, courtesy of Colas. (56049 expected) Class 57/0, courtesy of West Coast Railways. Class 57/3, courtesy of GBRf. Class 57/6, courtesy of GWR. Class 59, courtesy of Heavy Haul Rail. Class 67, courtesy of DB Cargo. Class 14 D9551 Class 17 D8568 Class 20 20048 Class 33 33108 Class 42 D821 Class 46 46045 Class 50 50033 'Glorious' Class 50 50049 'Defiance' Class 52 D1015 'Western Champion' Class 101 or 108 DMU All locomotives appear subject to availability and traffic requirements, and may be subject to change without notice.
Wind Up North #416 Thursday 14 May 2026 The Chester Station Tap Room, West Wing Unit 1, Chester Railway Station, City Road, Chester. CH1 3DR
Weekly Wind-Up #2248 2248 ? 14 May 2026 WHYTELEAFE The Radius Arms, 205 Godstone Road, Whyteleafe, Surrey. CR3 0EL A new venue today, this micropub opened in former commercial premises in May 2015. Originally it was to be called the Broken Drum, but changed its name shortly before opening. Up to six real ales are served, with 12 ciders and perries and four KeyKeg beers. The range frequently changes, with usually two pale beers, one bitter and a stout or porter. In the bar area are several high tables which are made from Brazilian Sapele wood which has been rescued from display cabinets. Four wooden benches have been recycled from the Olympic Park in London. The pub opens early for us at at 15:00 today. Both Whyteleafe and Upper Warlingham stations are a short walk away.
Spring Diesel Festival Thursday 14 May - Sunday 17 May 2026 The annual Spring Diesel Festival returns - the biggest diesel event around! What to expect at the Spring Diesel Festival? Our four day diesel festival will feature both guest and home-fleet locomotives operating a busy timetable between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth. If you love diesel, this is the place to be! Ride behind every locomotive, visit The Engine House at Highley to break your day, or sample the finest real-ales in our pubs, as you experience the Severn Valley at its loudest! Diesel Depot Tours TMD tours are for a maximum of eight people and cost £10 per person. The tour takes approximately 1 hour, during which time, you will see everything that is in the TMD. TMD and Carriage Shed tours are for a maximum of eight people and cost £20 per person. The tour takes approximately 2 hours and in that time, you will see everything that is in the TMD and in the Carriage Shed. The Carriage Shed is not usually open to the public. Kidderminster TMD and Carriage Shed are working engineering sites with rails and uneven surfaces. The site is often muddy and dirty with frequent vehicle and train movements. Due to the uneven ground and the amount of walking involved, the tour is not accessible to wheelchair users or people who are not fully mobile without assistance. Stout footwear must be worn (sandals or open-toed shoes will not be allowed). Tours can be booked on the day at the Fifty Fund sales stand on Kidderminster Station Concourse (cash only please). Deltic Footplate Experiences! There is nothing quite like the sight and sound of a diesel locomotive in full cry! Climb aboard 55009 'Alycidon' and experience the power and surge of adrenaline as you take the controls on our full day experience, including a tour of Kidderminster Diesel Depot! Taking place 8 & 11 May (fully booked) and 12 June, you can experience the challenge of driving the locomotive hauling a heavy train of carriages in which your 10 guests can travel free of charge. Running over the whole length of the line, you will power through Bewdley Tunnel, glide across Victoria Bridge and storm up Eardington Bank. Book now before it's too late! The stars of the show: Class 35 Hymek D7018, courtesy of DEPG. Class 55 Deltic 55009 'Alycidon', courtesy of The Deltic Preservation Society. Class 56, courtesy of Colas. (56049 expected) Class 57/0, courtesy of West Coast Railways. Class 57/3, courtesy of GBRf. Class 57/6, courtesy of GWR. Class 59, courtesy of Heavy Haul Rail. Class 67, courtesy of DB Cargo. Class 14 D9551 Class 17 D8568 Class 20 20048 Class 33 33108 Class 42 D821 Class 46 46045 Class 50 50033 'Glorious' Class 50 50049 'Defiance' Class 52 D1015 'Western Champion' Class 101 or 108 DMU All locomotives appear subject to availability and traffic requirements, and may be subject to change without notice.
Talyllyn Railway's Greatest Hits Gala Friday 15 May 2026 to Sunday 17 May 2026 Each of those three days will feature recreations of iconic moments from the Talyllyn Railway's 75 year post-preservation era. On Friday 15 May the clock will be turned back to the 1950s and 1960s. FRIDAY - 1950s & 1960s Focusing on those pioneering days, Friday will feature recreations of iconic trains from the period such as Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation Train. No.5 'Midlander' will also be recreating one of it's frequent jobs of the 1960s, hauling a number of trips to Brynglas and back as it did on the market days of the time. Throughout the day a special service entitled 'The Spirit(s) of Titfield' will run, celebrating the 1953 Ealing Comedy Classic 'The Titfield Thunderbolt' which was inspired by the story of our Railway being saved by a plucky band of volunteers. There might even be a duel! The day will end with a double header of No.4 'Edward Thomas' and No.2 'Dolgoch' on the vintage set, re-creating the formers first trip up the Railway!
Spring Diesel Gala Friday 15 May to Sunday 17 May 2026 Loco Roster 37403 'Isle of Mull' 37025 'Inverness TMD' 26038 'Tom Clift' Class 117 DMU set Class 99 - two locos courtesy GB Railfreight Class 56 090 & 56105 courtesy Colas Rail UK All advertised traction appear subjects to availability. Train Timetables (at foot page) We will be running an intensive timetable featuring locomotives and our DMU. Trains will be running between: Friday 15th May 2026 (13:30 - 21:00) Saturday 16th May 2026 (09:00 - 18:50) Sunday 17th May 2026 (09:30 - 18:00) Friday afternoon - DMU, Friday evening - 56090 & 56105. Saturday - 26038, 37025, 37403, Class 117 DMU, Class 99 x 2. Sunday morning Class 99 double header first run, followed by 26038, 37025, 37403, 56090 & 56105.
The Edinburgh Flyer Saturday 16 May 2026 Join us on board this special train for a memorable journey from York to Edinburgh and back. Hauled by a locomotive from the Carnforth pool, you can sit back and enjoy the varied scenery as we travel north over one of Britain's most scenic main lines. Our journey will commence diesel hauled from the historic city of York, with its long association with railways, including the location of the National Railway Museum. Heading north away from York, we will travel down the East Coast main line through to Northallerton. From here we head to Durham to pick up further passengers, before heading towards Tyneside and over the river Tyne to Newcastle. Leaving Newcastle, we head west along the scenic Tyne Valley line via Hexham to Carlisle, passing through some of the North East's most attractive countryside. At Carlisle our steam locomotive will join the train to take over the journey to Edinburgh. You can sit back and enjoy a memorable steam hauled run north through the open landscapes of southern Scotland, travelling via Lockerbie and climbing to the summit at Beattock - one of the most famous stretches of railway in the UK. We expect to arrive into Edinburgh behind steam at approximately 13:00, giving you around three hours to explore the city and its many attractions, located near Princes Street Gardens, whilst our steam locomotive is serviced for the return journey back to York. Apart from its many shops and restaurants along Princes Street, there are many sights to see and visit, including the Palace of Holyrood, the Castle on the Royal Mile, Galleries and Museums and Princes Street Gardens. For the return journey, steam haulage will continue from Edinburgh back to Carlisle, following the same scenic route. At Carlisle, the steam locomotive will be detached and a diesel locomotive will take over for the final leg of the journey, returning via Newcastle and Durham before arriving back into York. Available Classes Premier Dining Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat. First Class First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by scone with butter and jam. Standard Class Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four. Fares Fares Adult Junior Family Premier £335 £245 £1035 First £229 £164 £705 Standard £120 £90 £375 Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £50 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.? catering icon link to catering page On Board Catering Destinations Route Approximate timings shown Station Outward Return York 07:25 22:30 Durham 09:00 20:50 Newcastle 09:25 20:25 Carlisle 10:29 19:27 Edinburgh 13:40 16:50
Spring Diesel Festival Thursday 14 May - Sunday 17 May 2026 The annual Spring Diesel Festival returns - the biggest diesel event around! What to expect at the Spring Diesel Festival? Our four day diesel festival will feature both guest and home-fleet locomotives operating a busy timetable between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth. If you love diesel, this is the place to be! Ride behind every locomotive, visit The Engine House at Highley to break your day, or sample the finest real-ales in our pubs, as you experience the Severn Valley at its loudest! Diesel Depot Tours TMD tours are for a maximum of eight people and cost £10 per person. The tour takes approximately 1 hour, during which time, you will see everything that is in the TMD. TMD and Carriage Shed tours are for a maximum of eight people and cost £20 per person. The tour takes approximately 2 hours and in that time, you will see everything that is in the TMD and in the Carriage Shed. The Carriage Shed is not usually open to the public. Kidderminster TMD and Carriage Shed are working engineering sites with rails and uneven surfaces. The site is often muddy and dirty with frequent vehicle and train movements. Due to the uneven ground and the amount of walking involved, the tour is not accessible to wheelchair users or people who are not fully mobile without assistance. Stout footwear must be worn (sandals or open-toed shoes will not be allowed). Tours can be booked on the day at the Fifty Fund sales stand on Kidderminster Station Concourse (cash only please). Deltic Footplate Experiences! There is nothing quite like the sight and sound of a diesel locomotive in full cry! Climb aboard 55009 'Alycidon' and experience the power and surge of adrenaline as you take the controls on our full day experience, including a tour of Kidderminster Diesel Depot! Taking place 8 & 11 May (fully booked) and 12 June, you can experience the challenge of driving the locomotive hauling a heavy train of carriages in which your 10 guests can travel free of charge. Running over the whole length of the line, you will power through Bewdley Tunnel, glide across Victoria Bridge and storm up Eardington Bank. Book now before it's too late! The stars of the show: Class 35 Hymek D7018, courtesy of DEPG. Class 55 Deltic 55009 'Alycidon', courtesy of The Deltic Preservation Society. Class 56, courtesy of Colas. (56049 expected) Class 57/0, courtesy of West Coast Railways. Class 57/3, courtesy of GBRf. Class 57/6, courtesy of GWR. Class 59, courtesy of Heavy Haul Rail. Class 67, courtesy of DB Cargo. Class 14 D9551 Class 17 D8568 Class 20 20048 Class 33 33108 Class 42 D821 Class 46 46045 Class 50 50033 'Glorious' Class 50 50049 'Defiance' Class 52 D1015 'Western Champion' Class 101 or 108 DMU All locomotives appear subject to availability and traffic requirements, and may be subject to change without notice.
Talyllyn Railway's Greatest Hits Gala Friday 15 May 2026 to Sunday 17 May 2026 Each of those three days will feature recreations of iconic moments from the Talyllyn Railway's 75 year post-preservation era. On Saturday 16 May the clock will be turned back to the 1970s and 1980s. Furthermore, for the first time in eleven years, the railway will run overnight trains from Saturday into Sunday, offering an opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere of steam through the Fathew Valley in the dark. SATURDAY - 1970s & 1980s If one big anniversary wasn't enough for you, it's also 50 Years since the Railway extended to the current Terminus of Nant Gwernol - a recreation of the opening train will run on this day, garland and all! You might even see No.5 'Midlander' out and about on some tipper wagons, re-creating the extensive works trains that were constantly to-ing and fro-ing between Abergynolwyn and the new terminus. There will be double headed trains and even some trains banked to Pendre, re-creating the busy periods where the trains were longer than could be handled up the steep Wharf cutting! The Railway had its first visit from one of the Reverend Wilbert Awdry's famous Little Engines during the 1980s, and from what we hear a certain engine is very keen to be the centre of attention - so who knows what might happen! As the light starts to fade on Saturday, that doesn't mean the fun is over - it's time for? OVERNIGHT STEAM No.4 'Edward Thomas' and No.1 'Tal-y-llyn' at Pendre Sheds - Luke Ryan Saturday will also see the return of Overnight Steam to the Railway for the first time in 11 years, with steam hauled services running throughout the night and straight through into Sunday morning! There will be two trains running overnight, providing chance to change trains and really explore the Railway under the cover of darkness. If you only want to ride on the overnight trains and none during the day, we've a special ticket just for that too!
Spring Diesel Gala Friday 15 May to Sunday 17 May 2026 Loco Roster 37403 'Isle of Mull' 37025 'Inverness TMD' 26038 'Tom Clift' Class 117 DMU set Class 99 - two locos courtesy GB Railfreight Class 56 090 & 56105 courtesy Colas Rail UK All advertised traction appear subjects to availability. Train Timetables (at foot page) We will be running an intensive timetable featuring locomotives and our DMU. Trains will be running between: Friday 15th May 2026 (13:30 - 21:00) Saturday 16th May 2026 (09:00 - 18:50) Sunday 17th May 2026 (09:30 - 18:00) Friday afternoon - DMU, Friday evening - 56090 & 56105. Saturday - 26038, 37025, 37403, Class 117 DMU, Class 99 x 2. Sunday morning Class 99 double header first run, followed by 26038, 37025, 37403, 56090 & 56105.
Class 37 to the SVR Spring Diesel Festival Sunday 17 May 2026 Heading to the Severn Valley Railway's Spring Diesel Festival on Sunday 17th May? Why not add a bit of excitement to your journey to Kidderminster and travel behind a Class 37 on board Mk2 carriages instead! Each ticket offers a return journey behind 37240, from Birmingham Snow Hill to Kidderminster and back, in one of the first 3 carriages directly behind the locomotive, all with opening windows. Please note these tickets do not include entry to the Severn Valley Railway's Spring Diesel Festival. Tickets for that event must be purchased separately. Departing From Birmingham Snow Hill Approximate Travel Timings Station Departs Arrives Birmingham Snow Hill 08:54 20:13 Approximate Destination Timings Station Arrives Departs Kidderminster (Mainline Station) 09:22 19:40 Please Note All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change.
Mixed Traction Day Sunday 17 May 2026 Mixed Traction Day - NEW for 2026! As part of the programme of events for 2026 ticket for our Mixed Traction Day on Sunday 17th May are available now at the link below. As well as our usual steam services our really useful diesel locomotives will be in passenger service or hauling brake van rides. For those travelling to the AGM the day before, the Sunday offers something never seen at the L&BR before, the chnace to ride behind some rare engines!
Spring Diesel Festival Thursday 14 May - Sunday 17 May 2026 The annual Spring Diesel Festival returns - the biggest diesel event around! What to expect at the Spring Diesel Festival? Our four day diesel festival will feature both guest and home-fleet locomotives operating a busy timetable between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth. If you love diesel, this is the place to be! Ride behind every locomotive, visit The Engine House at Highley to break your day, or sample the finest real-ales in our pubs, as you experience the Severn Valley at its loudest! Diesel Depot Tours TMD tours are for a maximum of eight people and cost £10 per person. The tour takes approximately 1 hour, during which time, you will see everything that is in the TMD. TMD and Carriage Shed tours are for a maximum of eight people and cost £20 per person. The tour takes approximately 2 hours and in that time, you will see everything that is in the TMD and in the Carriage Shed. The Carriage Shed is not usually open to the public. Kidderminster TMD and Carriage Shed are working engineering sites with rails and uneven surfaces. The site is often muddy and dirty with frequent vehicle and train movements. Due to the uneven ground and the amount of walking involved, the tour is not accessible to wheelchair users or people who are not fully mobile without assistance. Stout footwear must be worn (sandals or open-toed shoes will not be allowed). Tours can be booked on the day at the Fifty Fund sales stand on Kidderminster Station Concourse (cash only please). Deltic Footplate Experiences! There is nothing quite like the sight and sound of a diesel locomotive in full cry! Climb aboard 55009 'Alycidon' and experience the power and surge of adrenaline as you take the controls on our full day experience, including a tour of Kidderminster Diesel Depot! Taking place 8 & 11 May (fully booked) and 12 June, you can experience the challenge of driving the locomotive hauling a heavy train of carriages in which your 10 guests can travel free of charge. Running over the whole length of the line, you will power through Bewdley Tunnel, glide across Victoria Bridge and storm up Eardington Bank. Book now before it's too late! The stars of the show: Class 35 Hymek D7018, courtesy of DEPG. Class 55 Deltic 55009 'Alycidon', courtesy of The Deltic Preservation Society. Class 56, courtesy of Colas. (56049 expected) Class 57/0, courtesy of West Coast Railways. Class 57/3, courtesy of GBRf. Class 57/6, courtesy of GWR. Class 59, courtesy of Heavy Haul Rail. Class 67, courtesy of DB Cargo. Class 14 D9551 Class 17 D8568 Class 20 20048 Class 33 33108 Class 42 D821 Class 46 46045 Class 50 50033 'Glorious' Class 50 50049 'Defiance' Class 52 D1015 'Western Champion' Class 101 or 108 DMU All locomotives appear subject to availability and traffic requirements, and may be subject to change without notice.
Talyllyn Railway's Greatest Hits Gala Friday 15 May 2026 to Sunday 17 May 2026 Each of those three days will feature recreations of iconic moments from the Talyllyn Railway's 75 year post-preservation era. Finally, Sunday 17 May will take up the story from the 1990s through to the present day. SUNDAY - 1990s & The Present Day Sunday brings us through the 1990s and into the present day, where we are now a key component part of the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales UNESCO World Heritage Site - as such it is hoped that we will run the very same slate train up the Railway as we did on the day we were inscribed as a part of World Heritage! Our two Baguley diesels will also take to the passenger stock, with a train formed of some of the most recent vehicles to run on TR metals.
Spring Diesel Gala Friday 15 May to Sunday 17 May 2026 Loco Roster 37403 'Isle of Mull' 37025 'Inverness TMD' 26038 'Tom Clift' Class 117 DMU set Class 99 - two locos courtesy GB Railfreight Class 56 090 & 56105 courtesy Colas Rail UK All advertised traction appear subjects to availability. Train Timetables (at foot page) We will be running an intensive timetable featuring locomotives and our DMU. Trains will be running between: Friday 15th May 2026 (13:30 - 21:00) Saturday 16th May 2026 (09:00 - 18:50) Sunday 17th May 2026 (09:30 - 18:00) Friday afternoon - DMU, Friday evening - 56090 & 56105. Saturday - 26038, 37025, 37403, Class 117 DMU, Class 99 x 2. Sunday morning Class 99 double header first run, followed by 26038, 37025, 37403, 56090 & 56105.
The Swanage Belle Wednesday 20 May 2026 A unique experience awaits those who join this day trip by steam train to Swanage. It uses the re-opened rail link from Wareham to the 'Heritage' Swanage Railway, which is available only to specially chartered trains. Swanage is a superb seaside destination where the railway station is situated close to the town centre. We leave London Victoria station hauled by the iconic No. 34028 Eddystone steam locomotive, and cross the river Thames at Battersea and at Barnes. We head to Brentford for our second pick up of passengers, we then pass through Feltham and stop at Staines to pick up more passengers and then re-cross the river Thames. We join the South Western Main Line at Byfleet Junction and stop at Woking to pick up further passengers. At Winchfield, we stop for our steam locomotive to take on water. Our final stop to pick up passengers is at Basingstoke. We leave the West of England Main Line at Worting Junction and head through Winchester and Southampton to Bournemouth. We pass through Poole, where there are spectacular views of Poole Harbour, and continue to Wareham. We leave the Weymouth Line at Worgret Junction and take the re-opened link to Norden and the Swanage Railway. There are magnificent views of Corfe Castle as we head towards Swanage along this attractive Heritage Railway. There will be around three hours for passengers to explore the pleasant seaside resort of Swanage, with its sandy beach and Victorian pier. Durlston Castle is in Durlston Country Park & Nature Reserve from where there are stupendous views along the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Park contains Anvil Point Lighthouse, the 40-ton stone Great Globe, fascinating artefacts from London, and an amazing diversity of wildlife. The Park is one mile from the town and can be reached by walking via public footpaths. Our train leaves Swanage for the return journey late afternoon and is diesel hauled to Southampton where our steam locomotive takes over. We then take a different route from the outward journey, via Romsey to the outskirts of Salisbury where we join the West of England Main Line at Laverstock North Junction. We travel up the main line through Andover and then stop at Basingstoke, Woking, Staines, Brentford and Clapham Junction to set down passengers. The train is due to arrive in London Victoria late evening. *Clapham Junction is an option to disembark on the return only. Available Classes Premier Dining Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat. First Class First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by scone with butter and jam. Standard Class Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four. Fares Fares Adult Junior Family Premier £329 £235 £1010 First £225 £160 £690 Standard £120 £90 £375 Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £50 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments. catering icon link to catering page On Board Catering Destinations Route route map Book Now Approximate timings shown Station Outward Return London Victoria 08:45 22:10 Clapham Junction* ----- 21:47 Brentford 09:18 21:28 Staines 09:35 21:10 Woking 10:05 20:25 Basingstoke 10:55 19:40 Swanage 13:50 16:40
The Gosh Ness Monster Friday 22nd May 2026 to Sunday 24th May 2026 Take a Hastings DEMU to Scotland?... it will never happen, they said! Well, with thanks to GBRf and Hastings Diesels Limited (HDL), we are pleased to present this exciting opportunity to travel on the Hastings DEMU on an exploration from the Southern extremities of Tonbridge, all the way to Inverness, and back again! A first-time visit of a Hastings DEMU unit to Scotland... it's going to be an experience that will stay with you forever. And in true BLS Style, we will be covering a number of loops and items of rare track, which we are sure a Hastings unit has never frequented before. The Hastings DEMUs are from a class of 23 diesel-electric trains built in the late 1950s to replace steam-hauled stock operating between London and Hastings via Tunbridge Wells. The six-coach units, incorporating diesel generators at each end, were unique in having especially narrow bodies which enabled them to pass through the unusually narrow tunnels on the Hastings line. We are very lucky to still be able to travel on one of these beautifully maintained units, after they were finally withdrawn in 1986. With a number of convenient boarding points from Tonbridge, all the way up the WCML, you are sure to be able to join us for this fantastic weekend away. We will have numerous photo stop opportunities as we head North to enable you to capture that unique and priceless photo, and make sure you wave at the numerous photographers who will be out to see this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. After our trip up the WCML, covering a number of rare and sought after loops, we expect to arrive in Edinburgh in the early evening on your first night, allowing time for some socialising with friends, or to explore this spectacular City. On Saturday, you have time for breakfast before we leave the rather unusual platform 0 at Haymarket for our scenic journey to Inverness, via the Highland Main Line. Inverness, a large city on Scotland's northeast coast, where the River Ness meets the Moray Firth, is the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands, and, of course, the home of the Loch Ness Monster! You will have a couple of hours' break here to enjoy the crisp, clear Scottish air and maybe a meal and drink in one of the many local restaurants and pubs near the station. We leave Inverness around 15.00, heading for Haymarket, but this time via Elgin, Keith and Aberdeen, before heading south along the spectacular coastline, finally crossing both the Tay and Forth Bridges, arriving back into Haymarket for more time at leisure in Edinburgh. Sunday is of course our day to head home, but again, you will have time for breakfast before joining us at Edinburgh Waverley this time for our run via the WCML, crossing London via Kensington Olympia and finally arriving at Tonbridge in the late evening. As you would expect, and to keep out of the way of a significant number of faster services, we will cover a number of rare loops and crossovers on our route south. We are working in partnership with the fantastic team at HDL, who will provide their famous buffet service and souvenir sales stand. There will be a charity raffle each day supporting our amazing good cause. The Buffet car, accessible to passengers in DEMU 1013 will be open throughout for the sale of hot and cold food & drink at reasonable prices. In addition, a mini-counter service will operate from one of the van ends in DEMU 1001. Standard Plus guarantees a seat in a DMBS vehicle, so you are in prime position to hear the English Electric engine working hard! And for those of you that love a good table, convenient for your maps, snacks and well-earned refreshing drinks, we will be delighted to confirm that table seating will be allocated strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. This charter will be raising funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity. All times and routing are indicative until confirmed by Network Rail. Final routing and timings are usually confirmed by Network Rail five days before travel and will be enclosed with your e-ticket. Day One - Friday: Tonbridge (PU 08:12) - Bromley South (PU 08:42) - Kensington Olympia (PU 09:19) - Up and Dn SW Goods - Acton Lane Reception No 1 - Watford Junction (PU 10:15) - Milton Keynes Central (PU 11:00) - Northampton Down Goods - Rugby P6 (PU 11:30) - Up & Dn Through Siding - Nuneaton (PU 11:50) - Stafford (PU 12:45) - Crewe Up & Dn Loop - Warrington Bank Quay - Wigan North Western (PU 13:50) - Preston - Lancaster - Grayrigg DPL - Penrith P3 - Carlisle (PU 15:45 / 20 minute photo stop) - Lockerbie DPL - Beattock Summit DPL - Carstairs - Slateford - Edinburgh (SD 19:30) Day Two - Saturday: Haymarket P0 (PU 08:00) - Haymarket North Goods Loop - Inverkeithing - Kirkcaldy - Ladybank - Perth P4 (South) - Perth UPL - Pitlochry - Kingussie - Aviemore (20-minute photo stop) - Inverness (2 hour break) - Elgin - Keith - Aberdeen (20-minute photo stop) - Craiginches Loop No 2 - Dundee Up Through - Tay Bridge - Ladybank - Kirkcaldy - Forth Bridge - Haymarket P0 (SD 20:00) Day Three - Sunday: Edinburgh (PU 09:00) - Haymarket - Carstairs - Carlisle (SD 10:45 / 20-minute photo stop) - Penrith - Lancaster - Preston Up Goods - Wigan North Western (SD 12:30) - Warrington Bank Quay - Crewe Up & Dn Loop - Stafford (SD 13:45) - Nuneaton (SD 14:45) - Rugby (SD 15:15) - Northampton Reception line - Milton Keynes Central P2 (SD 16:30) - Bletchley Relief No 2 - Tring P4 - Watford Junction (SD 18:00) - Acton Lane Reception No 2 - Kensington Olympia (SD 19:30) - Bromley South (SD 20:30) - Tonbridge (SD 22:00) A few important details: The train is formed of 6 car unit 201013 and 3 car unit 201001 coupled together to make a 9 car train. There is no access between the 2 units in transit. This fixture will initially open for bookings from Branch Line Society Members only to give them first priority on seating. If you are not already a member, you can join online via the link on the BLS website homepage for as little as £12 per year. Please state where you intend to join on Friday and alight on Sunday (this is for coach stewarding purposes and can be changed subsequently by notification). The prices shown below are exclusive of accommodation. Passengers will be required to arrange their own overnight accommodation. Motor coach bookings and requests for seats with a full table are expected to be extremely popular. In addition, if you specifically wish to request seating in the 3 car unit or the standard width 4-CEP and 4-BIG trailer coaches, please state in your booking notes and we will do our very best to accommodate your preferences strictly on a first come, first served basis. FARES: Standard Class £349.00 Standard Class (Motor Coach) £399.00 All fares are per person. No part fares or pay on the day are available for this charter. There is no reduction for under 18s. Please note that we are unable to accept bookings from under 18s unless accompanied by an adult. Children under five years of age may accompany fare-paying adult passengers free of charge. However, children under five years of age who are travelling free may only occupy a seat which is not required by a fare-paying passenger. Please do NOT email the organiser or the Bookings Officer to try and book or save spaces on our fixtures. Bookings CANNOT be made by email and must be booked online here using the 'Book online' button below. Any booking queries may be directed to the Bookings Officer, by email bookings.officer@branchline.uk Note that tickets are NOT transferable and smoking/vaping is not permitted on the train. The Society will not accept any liability arising from changes imposed by any third parties (either before or on the day) or any consequences of any late running that may occur. Please be cautious about connections and buying advance train tickets. Please note no refunds will be entertained on cancellations within ten days of the fixture. Tickets will be sent out approximately five days before the fixture - this will be an e-ticket. Standard Branch Line Society Terms and Conditions apply to all participants (these can be viewed from the online booking form)
Sulzer Running Day Friday 22 May 2026 Join us on 22nd May for our Sulzer Running Day. It's a thrilling high mileage running day where you can rack up plenty of miles with our home fleet engines. With an intense timetable running into the evening, this event is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a busy timetable dedicated to the Sulzer's at our normal fares! Guest Locomotives Class 26 26043 We're delighted to announce that Class 26 26043 will be joining our line-up for our Sulzer Running Day, this will be its last appearance before returning to Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Steam Railway. GCR Home Fleet Class 27 - 27056 Class 33 - D6535 Class 45 - D123
The Golden Hind Saturday 23rd May Destination: Plymouth Departing from: Birmingham Snow Hill, Widney Manor, Warwick Parkway, Banbury, Oxford, London Paddington Classes of Travel: Pullman, First Class & Standard (Non-Dining) We journey across the Midlands, Great Western Mainline and the South West with Western Champion, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the end of her working career under the Western Region of British Railways.
The Gosh Ness Monster Friday 22nd May 2026 to Sunday 24th May 2026 Take a Hastings DEMU to Scotland?... it will never happen, they said! Well, with thanks to GBRf and Hastings Diesels Limited (HDL), we are pleased to present this exciting opportunity to travel on the Hastings DEMU on an exploration from the Southern extremities of Tonbridge, all the way to Inverness, and back again! A first-time visit of a Hastings DEMU unit to Scotland... it's going to be an experience that will stay with you forever. And in true BLS Style, we will be covering a number of loops and items of rare track, which we are sure a Hastings unit has never frequented before. The Hastings DEMUs are from a class of 23 diesel-electric trains built in the late 1950s to replace steam-hauled stock operating between London and Hastings via Tunbridge Wells. The six-coach units, incorporating diesel generators at each end, were unique in having especially narrow bodies which enabled them to pass through the unusually narrow tunnels on the Hastings line. We are very lucky to still be able to travel on one of these beautifully maintained units, after they were finally withdrawn in 1986. With a number of convenient boarding points from Tonbridge, all the way up the WCML, you are sure to be able to join us for this fantastic weekend away. We will have numerous photo stop opportunities as we head North to enable you to capture that unique and priceless photo, and make sure you wave at the numerous photographers who will be out to see this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. After our trip up the WCML, covering a number of rare and sought after loops, we expect to arrive in Edinburgh in the early evening on your first night, allowing time for some socialising with friends, or to explore this spectacular City. On Saturday, you have time for breakfast before we leave the rather unusual platform 0 at Haymarket for our scenic journey to Inverness, via the Highland Main Line. Inverness, a large city on Scotland's northeast coast, where the River Ness meets the Moray Firth, is the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands, and, of course, the home of the Loch Ness Monster! You will have a couple of hours' break here to enjoy the crisp, clear Scottish air and maybe a meal and drink in one of the many local restaurants and pubs near the station. We leave Inverness around 15.00, heading for Haymarket, but this time via Elgin, Keith and Aberdeen, before heading south along the spectacular coastline, finally crossing both the Tay and Forth Bridges, arriving back into Haymarket for more time at leisure in Edinburgh. Sunday is of course our day to head home, but again, you will have time for breakfast before joining us at Edinburgh Waverley this time for our run via the WCML, crossing London via Kensington Olympia and finally arriving at Tonbridge in the late evening. As you would expect, and to keep out of the way of a significant number of faster services, we will cover a number of rare loops and crossovers on our route south. We are working in partnership with the fantastic team at HDL, who will provide their famous buffet service and souvenir sales stand. There will be a charity raffle each day supporting our amazing good cause. The Buffet car, accessible to passengers in DEMU 1013 will be open throughout for the sale of hot and cold food & drink at reasonable prices. In addition, a mini-counter service will operate from one of the van ends in DEMU 1001. Standard Plus guarantees a seat in a DMBS vehicle, so you are in prime position to hear the English Electric engine working hard! And for those of you that love a good table, convenient for your maps, snacks and well-earned refreshing drinks, we will be delighted to confirm that table seating will be allocated strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. This charter will be raising funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity. All times and routing are indicative until confirmed by Network Rail. Final routing and timings are usually confirmed by Network Rail five days before travel and will be enclosed with your e-ticket. Day One - Friday: Tonbridge (PU 08:12) - Bromley South (PU 08:42) - Kensington Olympia (PU 09:19) - Up and Dn SW Goods - Acton Lane Reception No 1 - Watford Junction (PU 10:15) - Milton Keynes Central (PU 11:00) - Northampton Down Goods - Rugby P6 (PU 11:30) - Up & Dn Through Siding - Nuneaton (PU 11:50) - Stafford (PU 12:45) - Crewe Up & Dn Loop - Warrington Bank Quay - Wigan North Western (PU 13:50) - Preston - Lancaster - Grayrigg DPL - Penrith P3 - Carlisle (PU 15:45 / 20 minute photo stop) - Lockerbie DPL - Beattock Summit DPL - Carstairs - Slateford - Edinburgh (SD 19:30) Day Two - Saturday: Haymarket P0 (PU 08:00) - Haymarket North Goods Loop - Inverkeithing - Kirkcaldy - Ladybank - Perth P4 (South) - Perth UPL - Pitlochry - Kingussie - Aviemore (20-minute photo stop) - Inverness (2 hour break) - Elgin - Keith - Aberdeen (20-minute photo stop) - Craiginches Loop No 2 - Dundee Up Through - Tay Bridge - Ladybank - Kirkcaldy - Forth Bridge - Haymarket P0 (SD 20:00) Day Three - Sunday: Edinburgh (PU 09:00) - Haymarket - Carstairs - Carlisle (SD 10:45 / 20-minute photo stop) - Penrith - Lancaster - Preston Up Goods - Wigan North Western (SD 12:30) - Warrington Bank Quay - Crewe Up & Dn Loop - Stafford (SD 13:45) - Nuneaton (SD 14:45) - Rugby (SD 15:15) - Northampton Reception line - Milton Keynes Central P2 (SD 16:30) - Bletchley Relief No 2 - Tring P4 - Watford Junction (SD 18:00) - Acton Lane Reception No 2 - Kensington Olympia (SD 19:30) - Bromley South (SD 20:30) - Tonbridge (SD 22:00) A few important details: The train is formed of 6 car unit 201013 and 3 car unit 201001 coupled together to make a 9 car train. There is no access between the 2 units in transit. This fixture will initially open for bookings from Branch Line Society Members only to give them first priority on seating. If you are not already a member, you can join online via the link on the BLS website homepage for as little as £12 per year. Please state where you intend to join on Friday and alight on Sunday (this is for coach stewarding purposes and can be changed subsequently by notification). The prices shown below are exclusive of accommodation. Passengers will be required to arrange their own overnight accommodation. Motor coach bookings and requests for seats with a full table are expected to be extremely popular. In addition, if you specifically wish to request seating in the 3 car unit or the standard width 4-CEP and 4-BIG trailer coaches, please state in your booking notes and we will do our very best to accommodate your preferences strictly on a first come, first served basis. FARES: Standard Class £349.00 Standard Class (Motor Coach) £399.00 All fares are per person. No part fares or pay on the day are available for this charter. There is no reduction for under 18s. Please note that we are unable to accept bookings from under 18s unless accompanied by an adult. Children under five years of age may accompany fare-paying adult passengers free of charge. However, children under five years of age who are travelling free may only occupy a seat which is not required by a fare-paying passenger. Please do NOT email the organiser or the Bookings Officer to try and book or save spaces on our fixtures. Bookings CANNOT be made by email and must be booked online here using the 'Book online' button below. Any booking queries may be directed to the Bookings Officer, by email bookings.officer@branchline.uk Note that tickets are NOT transferable and smoking/vaping is not permitted on the train. The Society will not accept any liability arising from changes imposed by any third parties (either before or on the day) or any consequences of any late running that may occur. Please be cautious about connections and buying advance train tickets. Please note no refunds will be entertained on cancellations within ten days of the fixture. Tickets will be sent out approximately five days before the fixture - this will be an e-ticket. Standard Branch Line Society Terms and Conditions apply to all participants (these can be viewed from the online booking form)
The West Midlands Deviator Saturday 23rd May 2026 With 2026 close to yielding the maximum daylight, we are delighted to offer you an opportunity to explore the railways of the West Midlands in some depth. That's not all - included is some sought after track that is very likely to be required (Burton Wetmore Depot) and a line up of splendid English Electric heritage traction. For those wishing to maximise their mileage - the day starts early. We have opened up what otherwise would have been an empty coaching stock move to our passengers - affording you the opportunity to enjoy Romic Class 20 haulage from Derby (or East Midlands Parkway) to Bedford, where our tour proper will begin. Our return journey to East Midlands Parkway will be behind a splendid Class 50 locomotive provided by the Class 50 Alliance. We deviate via Castle Donington to approach Burton on Trent from the East. We will need to cross the entire ladder at Wetmore Junction so as to gain access to Nemesis Rail Depot. Here we will negotiate at least one of the roads adjacent to the shed building and, subject to the usual operational caveats, we may receive a little traction assistance from a resident locomotive. On departure, and after further navigation of the crossovers that form Wetmore Junction, we head west passing Lichfield City and following the Sutton Coldfield line. At Aston, we are routed via the diversionary line to Stechford and on to Leamington Spa via the Kenilworth Branch. After what we hope will be a quick reversal, and with the Class 20 locomotives once again at the helm, we proceed to the historic town of Stratford upon Avon. For some, the opportunity of a two hour lunchtime break perhaps to visit one of the many public houses and restaurants will prove compelling. For others however, the opportunity to further explore the local railways will take precedence as we embark on a lunchtime mini tour to Birmingham Moor Street via Whitlocks End and back. Our second departure from Stratford upon Avon once again takes us to central Birmingham - this time New Street station and pathed routed the alternative route via Dorridge. We climb through the tunnels to the west of New Street station, invariably a test for most diesel locomotives on long passenger trains and the acoustic performance can be eagerly anticipated. We veer right at Soho South Junction so as to route us towards Bescot and Walsall where we reverse. Once again the Class 20's lead and we take the route via Darlaston Jn as far as the goods loop at Bushbury Jn, where again we reverse so as to join the Oxley Chord towards Alstom's Oxley Traincare Centre, which we pass. However, we journey only as far as Codsall. Here another reversal uses the crossover outside of the station - most uncommon for a locomotive hauled passenger train. We continue via Wolverhampton station, Bescot and Aston into Birmingham New Street allowing those who wish to do so an opportunity to alight. For those who remain, our class 50 locomotive is now employed to take us back across the Sutton Coldfield line and via Castle Donington for set down stations south as far as Bedford. UK Railtours would like to thank our operator Hanson and Hall Rail Services, the Class 50 Alliance and Romic Group for the provision of today's locomotives. We would also like to thank Nemesis Rail for the provision of Mk3 rolling stock and their invaluable contribution towards today's train. All timings are provisional and intended only as a guide. Station Depart Arrive Derby 05.30 N/A East Midlands Parkway 05.50 N/A Bedford 07.00 20.50 Kettering 07.30 20.30 Leicester 08.00 20.00 East Midlands Parkway 08.20 19.40 Lichfield Trent Valley High Level 10.30 N/A Burton on Trent N/A 19.00 Lichfield City N/A 18.40 Birmingham New Street N/A 17.50 This train will feature a well stocked buffet car serving a range of snacks and drinks. This train does not include a First Class Dining option. Class Fare Availability Standard Class £119 Good Standard Class Junior £99 Good First Class Non Dining £239 Fully Booked
The Gosh Ness Monster Friday 22nd May 2026 to Sunday 24th May 2026 Take a Hastings DEMU to Scotland?... it will never happen, they said! Well, with thanks to GBRf and Hastings Diesels Limited (HDL), we are pleased to present this exciting opportunity to travel on the Hastings DEMU on an exploration from the Southern extremities of Tonbridge, all the way to Inverness, and back again! A first-time visit of a Hastings DEMU unit to Scotland... it's going to be an experience that will stay with you forever. And in true BLS Style, we will be covering a number of loops and items of rare track, which we are sure a Hastings unit has never frequented before. The Hastings DEMUs are from a class of 23 diesel-electric trains built in the late 1950s to replace steam-hauled stock operating between London and Hastings via Tunbridge Wells. The six-coach units, incorporating diesel generators at each end, were unique in having especially narrow bodies which enabled them to pass through the unusually narrow tunnels on the Hastings line. We are very lucky to still be able to travel on one of these beautifully maintained units, after they were finally withdrawn in 1986. With a number of convenient boarding points from Tonbridge, all the way up the WCML, you are sure to be able to join us for this fantastic weekend away. We will have numerous photo stop opportunities as we head North to enable you to capture that unique and priceless photo, and make sure you wave at the numerous photographers who will be out to see this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. After our trip up the WCML, covering a number of rare and sought after loops, we expect to arrive in Edinburgh in the early evening on your first night, allowing time for some socialising with friends, or to explore this spectacular City. On Saturday, you have time for breakfast before we leave the rather unusual platform 0 at Haymarket for our scenic journey to Inverness, via the Highland Main Line. Inverness, a large city on Scotland's northeast coast, where the River Ness meets the Moray Firth, is the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands, and, of course, the home of the Loch Ness Monster! You will have a couple of hours' break here to enjoy the crisp, clear Scottish air and maybe a meal and drink in one of the many local restaurants and pubs near the station. We leave Inverness around 15.00, heading for Haymarket, but this time via Elgin, Keith and Aberdeen, before heading south along the spectacular coastline, finally crossing both the Tay and Forth Bridges, arriving back into Haymarket for more time at leisure in Edinburgh. Sunday is of course our day to head home, but again, you will have time for breakfast before joining us at Edinburgh Waverley this time for our run via the WCML, crossing London via Kensington Olympia and finally arriving at Tonbridge in the late evening. As you would expect, and to keep out of the way of a significant number of faster services, we will cover a number of rare loops and crossovers on our route south. We are working in partnership with the fantastic team at HDL, who will provide their famous buffet service and souvenir sales stand. There will be a charity raffle each day supporting our amazing good cause. The Buffet car, accessible to passengers in DEMU 1013 will be open throughout for the sale of hot and cold food & drink at reasonable prices. In addition, a mini-counter service will operate from one of the van ends in DEMU 1001. Standard Plus guarantees a seat in a DMBS vehicle, so you are in prime position to hear the English Electric engine working hard! And for those of you that love a good table, convenient for your maps, snacks and well-earned refreshing drinks, we will be delighted to confirm that table seating will be allocated strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. This charter will be raising funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity. All times and routing are indicative until confirmed by Network Rail. Final routing and timings are usually confirmed by Network Rail five days before travel and will be enclosed with your e-ticket. Day One - Friday: Tonbridge (PU 08:12) - Bromley South (PU 08:42) - Kensington Olympia (PU 09:19) - Up and Dn SW Goods - Acton Lane Reception No 1 - Watford Junction (PU 10:15) - Milton Keynes Central (PU 11:00) - Northampton Down Goods - Rugby P6 (PU 11:30) - Up & Dn Through Siding - Nuneaton (PU 11:50) - Stafford (PU 12:45) - Crewe Up & Dn Loop - Warrington Bank Quay - Wigan North Western (PU 13:50) - Preston - Lancaster - Grayrigg DPL - Penrith P3 - Carlisle (PU 15:45 / 20 minute photo stop) - Lockerbie DPL - Beattock Summit DPL - Carstairs - Slateford - Edinburgh (SD 19:30) Day Two - Saturday: Haymarket P0 (PU 08:00) - Haymarket North Goods Loop - Inverkeithing - Kirkcaldy - Ladybank - Perth P4 (South) - Perth UPL - Pitlochry - Kingussie - Aviemore (20-minute photo stop) - Inverness (2 hour break) - Elgin - Keith - Aberdeen (20-minute photo stop) - Craiginches Loop No 2 - Dundee Up Through - Tay Bridge - Ladybank - Kirkcaldy - Forth Bridge - Haymarket P0 (SD 20:00) Day Three - Sunday: Edinburgh (PU 09:00) - Haymarket - Carstairs - Carlisle (SD 10:45 / 20-minute photo stop) - Penrith - Lancaster - Preston Up Goods - Wigan North Western (SD 12:30) - Warrington Bank Quay - Crewe Up & Dn Loop - Stafford (SD 13:45) - Nuneaton (SD 14:45) - Rugby (SD 15:15) - Northampton Reception line - Milton Keynes Central P2 (SD 16:30) - Bletchley Relief No 2 - Tring P4 - Watford Junction (SD 18:00) - Acton Lane Reception No 2 - Kensington Olympia (SD 19:30) - Bromley South (SD 20:30) - Tonbridge (SD 22:00) A few important details: The train is formed of 6 car unit 201013 and 3 car unit 201001 coupled together to make a 9 car train. There is no access between the 2 units in transit. This fixture will initially open for bookings from Branch Line Society Members only to give them first priority on seating. If you are not already a member, you can join online via the link on the BLS website homepage for as little as £12 per year. Please state where you intend to join on Friday and alight on Sunday (this is for coach stewarding purposes and can be changed subsequently by notification). The prices shown below are exclusive of accommodation. Passengers will be required to arrange their own overnight accommodation. Motor coach bookings and requests for seats with a full table are expected to be extremely popular. In addition, if you specifically wish to request seating in the 3 car unit or the standard width 4-CEP and 4-BIG trailer coaches, please state in your booking notes and we will do our very best to accommodate your preferences strictly on a first come, first served basis. FARES: Standard Class £349.00 Standard Class (Motor Coach) £399.00 All fares are per person. No part fares or pay on the day are available for this charter. There is no reduction for under 18s. Please note that we are unable to accept bookings from under 18s unless accompanied by an adult. Children under five years of age may accompany fare-paying adult passengers free of charge. However, children under five years of age who are travelling free may only occupy a seat which is not required by a fare-paying passenger. Please do NOT email the organiser or the Bookings Officer to try and book or save spaces on our fixtures. Bookings CANNOT be made by email and must be booked online here using the 'Book online' button below. Any booking queries may be directed to the Bookings Officer, by email bookings.officer@branchline.uk Note that tickets are NOT transferable and smoking/vaping is not permitted on the train. The Society will not accept any liability arising from changes imposed by any third parties (either before or on the day) or any consequences of any late running that may occur. Please be cautious about connections and buying advance train tickets. Please note no refunds will be entertained on cancellations within ten days of the fixture. Tickets will be sent out approximately five days before the fixture - this will be an e-ticket. Standard Branch Line Society Terms and Conditions apply to all participants (these can be viewed from the online booking form)
Reunification Evening Thursday 28 May 2026 You are invited to a Reunification Fundraising Evening Starting: 28/05/2026 4:30 pm Finishing: 29/05/2026 12:00 am Tickets from: £145.00 You are warmly invited to our Reunification Fundraising Gala Dinner on Thursday, 28th May at the Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre (Ruddington), where the legendary Flying Scotsman and magnificent Tornado steam engines will take centre stage. Your evening will include: A unique journey along the scenic Great Central Railway, Nottingham, courtesy of the powerful steam engine Tornado. A delicious four-course dining experience alongside the world-famous Flying Scotsman. Rare footplate access and unforgettable photo opportunities with these two distinguished locomotives. Live entertainment and dancing to round off the evening in style. An inspiring talk from our guest speaker, BBC Correspondent, Tom Ingall. A raffle and auction featuring exclusive, one-of-a-kind prizes to help support the railway's future. By joining us, you are not just attending a special event - you are helping to write the next chapter of the Great Central Railway's story. We look forward to welcoming you. What to Expect Start Time Guests are asked to arrive by 16:30 to begin the experience. Tornado Journey Depart behind Tornado from Ruddington Fields Station at 17:00. Sparkling Reception Return to Ruddington at 18:15 for a sparkling wine reception. Pre-Dinner Enjoy a relaxed interval before dinner is served at 19:30. Dress Code Dress code for the evening is lounge suits. A Night To Remember A memorable evening of fine dining and heritage railway travel awaits.
The Royal Duchy Sunday 31 May 2026 These ever-popular summer day trips by steam train run 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, where buses are provided for visits to Fowey or Charlestown. Our train leaves Bristol Temple Meads steam hauled by the iconic No. 34028 Eddystone 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, steam 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. Our locomotive will turn and service at St Blazey's before we embark on our return journey. We leave Par steam hauled by our locomotive 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. Available Classes Premier Dining Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat. First Class First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by scone with butter and jam. Standard Class Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four. Fares Fares Adult Junior Family Premier £349 £265 £1096 First £249 £195 £791 Standard £149 £125 £486 Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £50 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments. catering icon link to catering page On Board Catering Destinations Route Map of southwest England and Wales, with locations labeled. Approximate timings shown Station Outward Return Bristol Temple Meads 08:50 22:10 Yatton 09:10 21:45 Taunton 10:00 21:10 Exeter St. Davids 11:30 19:55 Plymouth 12:40 18:30 Par 14:00 16:50