Jonathan's Gen
Railtours, Preserved Railway Events, Ferries and Service Trains Gen List
Autumn Steam Gala 11-13 September 2026 Join us for a multi engine event, with tours of some of our normally closed areas We are pleased to announce that the visiting engine for our annual steam gala this year will be 229, The 'Coffee Pot' on loan from The Flour Mill. 229 is a Great Eastern Railway 0-4-0 tank engine built by Neilsons in Glasgow in 1876 and sold by the GER for use in the National Shipyard in Chepstow during the First World War, where it remained until sold by Fairfield Mabey in 1982. After cosmetic restoration it was on display at the North Woolwich Old Station Museum in East London from 1984 until 2008. Upon the shameful closure of the museum by Newham Council the locomotive was returned to the Flour Mill, where it is planned to start a full overhaul to working order in 2013. This fabulous little engine is among the oldest steam locomotives in working order - and one of the smallest, weighing just 21 tons. The name 'Coffee Pot', or 'Flat-Top', is thanks to its unusual flat-shaped water tank and it is Great Eastern Railway '209' class 0-4-0ST no. 229. A truly delightful locomotive, it has been meticulously returned to working order for the first time in nearly 70 years by owner Bill Parker and his team at the Flour Mill workshops in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. Join us for an exciting weekend and celebrate steam with this multi-engine event. See autotrain operations, freight trains, shunting demonstrations, plus tours of our workshop areas, usually closed to the public. See some of the features of our site in operation, including our signal box, traverser, turntable and coal stage. This is a great way to travel back in time to the golden age of the Great Western Railway and savour the sights, sounds and smells of steam as you explore this 24-acre living museum with trains dating from Victorian times to the 1960s. Steam trains will be operating on both demonstration lines, allowing you to take unlimited rides. Check our Locomotive Roster to see what we expect to be running on the date of your visit.
Autumn Steam Gala Friday 11 September to Sunday 13 September 2026 Locomotive Lineup 31806 U Class 31806 Based at the Swanage Railway 34070 Battle of Britain Class 34070 "Manston" Based at the Swanage Railway 563 LSWR T3 Class 563 Based at the Swanage Railway 60163 A1 Class 60163 "Tornado" Owned by The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust First locomotive to reach 100mph since the end of steam on the mainline! 34072 Battle of Britain Class 34072 "257 Squadron" Based at the Swanage Railway
Brake Van Rides Friday 11 September to Sunday 13 September 2026 A fantastic opportunity to travel in our 1950s Brake Van! We are pleased to announce that tickets to ride in one of our brake vans during our Autumn Steam Gala will soon be available - you can travel as part of our engineering train giving you a fantastic point of view of what our guards get to see! The engineering train consists of Turbot and Dogfish wagons, some of which have recently been cosmetically restored by our volunteers and don't they look fantastic! Please note brake van rides may start and finish at different locations and you may need a gala ticket if you need to get back to your starting point. Booking Conditions Persons taking part in these events must: i) be able to climb up to and down from the brake van unaided. ii) be 16 years of age or older. Iii) not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. iv)Please note that there are no seats in the brake van so all the time will be spent standing. v) brake van are drafty places so please wear warm clothing. All bookings are final, no refunds. Ride Options We have three brake van rides available each day 0848 from Norden travels north to the River Frome & south again to finish at Swanage Station. This journey takes just over 1 hour. £20 per person (£22 including gift aid donation) Please book tickets for the 0848 here - please be sure to select the correct date 1510 Starts at Swanage and travels north the whole line to River Frome before returning south to Swanage. This takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes. £25 per person (£27.50 including gift aid donation) Please book tickets for the 1510 here - please be sure to select the correct date 1700 Starts at Swanage and travels north to Corfe Castle. This journey takes around 15 minutes. £10 per person (£11 including gift aid donation) Please book tickets for the 1700 here - please be sure to select the correct date
The Waverley Sunday 13 September 2026 This summer series of steam hauled trains provides an opportunity for passengers from York, Leeds and the Aire Valley to travel over the spectacular Settle & Carlisle Railway, probably the most famous railway route in Britain. These day trips revive the nostalgic former days of steam when travel by train through magnificent scenery was an experience to savour. Our steam hauled train leaves York, hauled by a steam locomotive from the Carnforth pool and heads for Church Fenton where we take the direct route to Leeds. We stop to pick up more passengers at Leeds, Keighley, and Skipton. There will be a stop at Hellifield for our steam locomotive to take on water before we join the famous Settle & Carlisle Railway at Settle Junction. Here begins one of the most arduous climbs on Britain's railway network, a total of 15 miles mainly at a gradient of 1 in 100. Once through Settle station, there are magnificent views across the Fells to the Pennine Three Peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. We cross the breathtaking Ribblehead Viaduct, high above the valley floor, and enter Blea Moor Tunnel. We pass through Dent Dale and the highest open station in England at Dent, travelling through tunnels and crossing valleys on numerous lofty viaducts, as we make the final ascent to Ais Gill Summit (1,169 feet). We travel high above the valley at Mallerstang and then drop down through Kirkby Stephen and Appleby, to Lazenby where our locomotive takes on water. We continue to Carlisle and passengers will have about two hours to explore the Border City, possibly visiting the castle, cathedral, Tullie House Museum or the Lanes Shopping Centre. ?Our train leaves Carlisle for the return journey late afternoon and climbs almost continuously for just under 50 miles back up to Ais Gill summit. We stop, en route, at Appleby for our steam locomotive to take on water. We continue to stops at Skipton, Keighley, Leeds, and York, to set down passengers. 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 £240 £1025 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 Map of the UK showing a route through several cities, starting in York and ending in Carlisle. Book Now Approximate timings shown Station Outward Return York 09:50 21:30 Leeds 10:35 20:35 Keighley 11:25 20:05 Skipton* 11:40 19:45 Carlisle 14:10 16:30
European Heritage Open Weekend Saturday 12 September and Sunday 13 September 2026 124 in operation.
Super Power Weekend Friday 11 September to Sunday 13 September 2026
Annual Running Day Sunday 13th September 2026 ANNUAL RUNNING DAY - Details will be published when they are finalised.
Diesel Gala Saturday 12 September and Sunday 13 September 2026 Anticipated visitors: Class 31, 31130 Courtesy of the Suburban Preservation Group. Anticipated home fleet: Class 73, E6003 'Sir Herbert Walker' Courtesy of the Electro-Diesel Locomotive Group. Class 08, 08888 'Postmans Pride' Courtesy of Valley Rail Preservation. Class 09, 09106 Courtesy of Road and Rail Steam Services Ltd. Sadly our previously announced visitor, Class 31 no. 31210, is no longer able to attend our 12th & 13th September Diesel Gala due to operational requirements. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank Hanson & Hall for their assistance so far. We sincerely hope to host the loco here at a future event. We were quite excited to have a 31 back at the DFR and so we've been hard at work sorting a suitable solution. Therefore, we are pleased to announce that the Forest will still reverberate to the sounds of a Railfreight Grey & Yellow Class 31, however the number on the side will read 31130! We're grateful to the Suburban Preservation Group and the Avon Valley Railway for making '130 available for the event, and are looking forward to welcoming her back to the DFR. The loco does not usually venture away from the AVR - the last time was for our 2022 gala, seen below at Upper Forge Crossing - and has not operated a service there since the end of last year, so we are pleased to host its first passenger services of 2026.
Engineering Open Weekend Saturday 12 September and Sunday 13 September 2026
Diesel Pioneers Gala 12 and 13 September 2026 Celebrate the Legacy of Industrial Diesel Power! Join us this September for the Diesel Pioneers Gala. Taking place on the 12th and 13th of September 2026, this gala is a tribute to the industrial diesel locomotives that played a vital role in Britain's railway heritage - featuring STAR guest locomotive soon to be confirmed! What's on over the weekend? Visiting locomotive, (announced later in 2026) in action with a variety of freight and passenger trains. An intensive timetable is in operation with a RARE chance to travel behind our diesel fleet. Visit our 1854 built Marley Hill engine shed, see the work that goes on to keep the railway running. Browse around our well stocked book shop at Andrews House station. Take part in guided tours of the site. Live music across the site & kids activities.
Road, Rail & Ale Steam Rally Saturday 12 September and Sunday 13 September 2026 Time: 10:00-16:00 This family event promises to be one of our most spectacular events in the calendar. Statfold will be joined by a whole host of things Road, Rail and Ale. From vintage trucks, tractors, and cars to steam traction engines, a whole host of visiting exhibitors will be joining us for this steam-tastic weekend! As well as a whole host of visiting exhibitors, families can enjoy: Train Rides on our 2ft Narrow Gauge Enjoy unlimited rides around our award-winning railway and taking in stunning Staffordshire countryside views. Train Rides on the Mease Valley Light Railway Take a ride on our Mease Valley Light Railway. This miniature railway is the newest 12 1/4 gauge in existence. Roundhouse Museum View our world-renowned locomotive collection inside the museum and learn about the history of these magnificent engines
The Swanage Belle Wednesday 16 September 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 our steam locomotive, and cross the river Thames at Battersea and at Barnes. ?We 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 bus from the railway station or 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, and Staines, to set down passengers. The train is due to arrive in London Victoria late evening. 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 £240 £1025 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 Book Now Approximate timings shown Station Outward Return London Victoria 08:45 22:10 Staines 09:35 21:10 Woking 10:05 20:25 Basingstoke 10:55 19:40 Swanage 13:50 16:40
Legendary Journey with Flying Scotsman Derby to York and Scarborough Mainline Tour Wednesday 16 September 2026 Sold Out!
The Imperial Frontier Wednesday 16 September 2026 Departing from Crewe, Warrington Bank Quay, Wigan North Western, Preston Locomotive Services present an opportunity to travel behind 2 x Class 37s (37401 & 37402) in the splendour of our beautifully refurbished Mark 1 carriages. On departure from Crewe the train is routed via the West Coast line over Shap Summit to Carlisle where we divert onto the scenic Tyne Valley through Hexham to Newcastle and around the Durham Coast through Sunderland and Hartlepool to historic York for a break of around two hours. On departure from York the return journey is routed via Church Fenton, Castleford, Wakefield Kirkgate, Hebden Bridge & Copy Pit to Blackburn (19.30), where passengers who joined at Preston may alight. On leaving Blackburn the train will take the Farington Curve to set down at Wigan North Western, Warrington Bank Quay and finally Crewe. The train is hauled throughout by our vintage Class 37 locomotives 37401 'Mary Queen of Scots' and 37402 'Oor Wullie' (subject to availability) Intercity | The Imperial Frontier - 16 September 2026 JOURNEY DESTINATIONS Intercity | Travel on a Luxury Train to York York Nowhere in England says 'medieval' quite like York. A magnificent circuit of 13th-century walls encloses a medieval spider's web of narrow streets. At its heart lies the immense, awe-inspiring York Minster, one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in the world. York's long history and rich heritage is woven into virtually every brick and beam, and the modern, tourist-oriented city - with attractions including the Jorvik Centre and superb National Railway Museum. SOMETHING TO SUIT EVERYONE CLASSES OF TRAVEL Intercity | First Class First Class (non-dining) FROM £149 Seating at a private window table for two is available at a supplement of £25 per person. Seating is at tables of 4 or 2 with large picture windows, wide seats, and plenty of room for comfort. A buffet car is available for the purchase of hot & cold drinks and light refreshments. You may bring on board your own picnic hamper and drinks for consumption during the journey. Book APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIMINGS* Boarding Stations The following pick-up and set-down stations are available on this journey STATION DEPARTS RETURNS Crewe 08.30 21.00 Warrington Bank Quay 08.50 20.35 Wigan North Western 09.10 20.15 Blackburn N/A 19.30 Preston 09.30 N/A Destinations The following destination stations are available on this journey STATION ARRIVES DEPARTS York 13.00 15.00 PLEASE NOTE * All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change.
Penzance - Paddington Part 4: Exeter - ? Speaker - Richard Binding Thursday 17 September 2026 Featuring steam and diesel traction from the 1890s to 2000s, broad gauge to HST - no Hitachi IETs or Voyagers to be seen. As well as the varied motive power we will look at the structures and signalling. The journey continues from Exeter towards London, including Kingswear and Ilfracombe. All presentations are held in the Roundhouse lecture theatre commencing at 19.30 and finishing between 21.45 and 22.00. Doors open at 19.00. Entry is via the Commercial entrance (electric gate), which is open between approximately 19.00 and 19.25 to allow a prompt start at 19.30. Presentations are held on the third Thursday of every month unless otherwise indicated. Hot and cold drinks are available from the buffet before 19.30 and during the interval. Admission is normally £3.00 for members and £5.00 for non-members. Free parking on site.
Dorset Coast Statesman Thursday 17 September 2026 Departing from Ludlow, Leominster, Hereford, Abergavenny, Cwmbran, Severn Tunnel Junction, Chepstow, Lydney, Gloucester, Stroud, Kemble The celebrated 'Statesman' land cruise train travels direct from your local station to the south coast for a memorable journey through the beautiful New Forest with the opportunity to visit either Bournemouth, Poole, or Weymouth. We pass through maritime Southampton and across the beautiful New Forest to our first optional stop at Bournemouth where around four hours will be available to enjoy the elegant seaside resort with seven miles of golden sands, a vast variety of shops and beautiful award-winning gardens. Alternatively, alight at Poole where we offer a break of around three hours - with its bustling Quay and stunning natural harbour there are beautiful views across to the Isle of Purbeck. Perhaps take a boat trip to Brownsea Island, rich in wildlife and history or take a Jurassic coastal cruise. There are a multitude of eateries along the harbour where the local seafood is a speciality. The last destination of our train for a break of around two hours is the ancient seaside town of Weymouth and was a favourite haunt of King George III with historical buildings and Georgian seafront, a modern town centre complemented by quaint side streets, all of which is connected by over three miles of level promenade. The picturesque leisure harbour boasts fishing boats, yachts, and catamarans. Mobility: This tour may not be suitable for guests requiring the use of a wheelchair or with serious mobility issues. Statesman Rail | Dorset Coast Statesman - 17 September 2026 JOURNEY DESTINATIONS Statesman Rail | Travel on a Luxury Train to Bournemouth Bournemouth Nestled in a sheltered bay on the South Coast of England in the picturesque county of Dorset is the elegant seaside resort of Bournemouth. With seven miles of golden sands, a vast variety of shops, bars, public houses and restaurants and beautiful award-winning gardens to explore, may be even experience the famous cliff lifts to the beach. . The town centre and promenade are all with in a short walking distance of the railway station Statesman Rail | Travel on a Luxury Train to Poole Poole The bustling tourist resort of Poole is well known for being Europe's largest natural harbour, with blue flag beaches including the world famous 'Sandbanks Beach'. An intriguing and historic old town and its vibrant quayside areas. Statesman Rail | Travel on a Luxury Train to Weymouth Weymouth Sandwiched between it's award winning blue flag beaches and historic working harbour, the town centre of Weymouth has something to offer for everyone and with in easy walking distance of the railway station. Take a gentle stroll along the harbour front and take in the atmosphere or indulge in a wide variety of eateries or quaint local watering holes. A comprehensive selection of interesting shops provide for a little retail browsing as well. APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIMINGS* Boarding Stations The following pick-up and set-down stations are available on this journey STATION DEPARTS RETURNS Ludlow 06.10 22.15 Leominster 06.20 22.00 Hereford 06.35 21.45 Abergavenny 06.55 21.25 Cwmbran 07.15 21.05 Severn Tunnel Junction 07.35 20.45 Chepstow 07.50 20.30 Lydney 08.00 20.20 Gloucester 08.20 19.55 Stroud 08.35 19.40 Kemble 08.50 19.25 Destinations The following destination stations are available on this journey STATION ARRIVES DEPARTS Bournemouth 12.45 16.30 Poole 13.00 16.15 Weymouth 13.40 15.35 PLEASE NOTE * All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change.
Beer, Cider & Gin Festival Thursday 17 September to Sunday 20 September 2026 The true rail ale experience Starting: 17/09/2026 12:00 pm Finishing: 20/09/2026 6:00 pm Tickets from: £15.00 Join us for a celebration of real ales, ciders and speciality gins along the line, where you can travel between stations by train and sample some truly unique guest beers across the railway. The festival kicks off midday on Thursday at Loughborough, with diesel trains, draught ales and snacks to get the weekend started. The Loughborough bar will also be open from 15:00. Friday and Saturday see over 80 different beers, 30 ciders and a selection of spirits available across the line, with live music from local bands and steam and diesel trains running all day - and late into the night - for a proper rail ale experience. On Sunday, wind down with a lazy pint as all four bars stay open into the afternoon - the perfect way to round off the weekend. A wide range of tickets are available for this event, including our popular 2, 3 and 4 day tickets for those wishing to enjoy more than 1 day of the festival. Group discounts are also available by enquiry, to the booking office, for groups of 10 or more. The event itself is free to attend, but tickets are required for travel on the trains. Come along and enjoy the perfect combination of heritage trains, great drinks, and live entertainment.
Autumn Steam Gala Thursday 17 - Sunday 20 September 2026 The annual Autumn Steam Gala returns in September! What to expect at the Autumn Steam Gala? Our four day festival of steam will feature both guest and home-fleet locomotives operating a busy timetable between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth. If you love steam, 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 steamiest! We have our fingers crossed for the anticipated gala debut of newly restored Prairie tank GWR No 4150. Joining the line-up will be Ivatt Class 2 tank locomotive No 41313, appearing courtesy of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. The visit marks several notable milestones, including the locomotive's first-ever appearance at the Severn Valley Railway and the first visit by an Isle of Wight-based locomotive to the line. It will also become only the third member of the Ivatt Class 2 2-6-2 tank family to visit the SVR in preservation. We're pleased that BR(W) Pannier Tank 9681 will also be joining us for the Autumn Steam Gala (17-20 September). With the chance to pair up with our own BR Pannier Tank 7714, we are sure that 9681 is going to be a real draw for our passengers. We are grateful to the Dean Forest Locomotive Group for the hire of their locomotive, and to Dean Forest Railway for making the locomotive available. Our final two visitors to the event will be LMS 'Royal Scot' 46115 Scots Guardsman and GWR '2884' 3850. We are incredibly grateful to West Coast Railways, the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway, and Dinmore Manor Locomotive Ltd for making the locomotives available at such short notice.
Weekly Wind-Up #2266 2266 ? 17 September 2026 STROOD (SOO) 10:50 from Victoria, 37-39 North St, Strood, Kent. ME2 4SJ A third visit to this micropub in a railway arch, with a vast array of railway memorabilia and other bric-a-brac throughout. Local CAMRA branch Pub of the Year 2019 & 2022 and CAMRA West Kent Pub of the Year 2019, with up to six gravity dispensed real ales and six ciders on offer. Opens at 15:00. Cash payment only, please. No mobile phones inside. Access is via a signed wooden gate on North Street See map. Food is not available - please make your own arrangements.
Wind Up North #434 Thursday 17 September 2026 The Victoria Inn, 12 Midland Place, Derby. DE1 2RR
The Slate Trail September 17, 2026 All day Experience the beauty of a World Heritage Site in our original Victorian-Era Carriages One of the two locomotives that could haul your train - 'Talyllyn', built in 1864 for the Talyllyn Railway and named after the nearby lake. Enjoy a Victorian day out and travel in style in our original Vintage Carriages, hauled by one of our original Victorian Locomotives, with this chance to spend the day exploring the beautiful Fathew Valley. With guides travelling with you on the train, learn about the rich history of the railway, the quarry it served and its part in the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales UNESCO World Heritage Site. Included in the trip are photographic stops, a chance to see Ty Dwr water column, a guided tour of the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum and the opportunity to see Pendre Works - all topped off with a cream tea at Wharf Station. Your day begins at Tywyn Wharf from 10:30am! ADULT - £45 | CHILD - £21 | TRPS MEMEBERS - £35
Sir Nigel Gresley: The Legend Returns 18th - 20th Sept 2026: 09:55 - 15:00 17th - 20th Oct 2026: 09:55 - 15:00 Rock Star Locomotive No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley Pre-booked Return Journey Seat-allocated Services Don't miss your chance to ride behind one of Britain's icons from the golden age of steam, No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley, courtesy of the Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust. In action at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway between Pickering and Grosmont this autumn. Join us as we celebrate 150 years since the birth of visionary railway engineer Sir Nigel Gresley. Whether you're a devoted enthusiast or looking for a unique day out, this event promises an unforgettable experience. Book now to travel behind Sir Nigel Gresley.
Autumn Diesel Gala Friday 18 September and Saturday 19 September 2026 Autumn Diesel Gala This Autumn, we're hosting an all-diesel 'Traction and Track extravaganza'! Join us for another celebration of all things diesel powered! Iconic locomotives, shunters and railcars from our highly regarded home fleet will also be running. The event will see diesel services running an intensive passenger timetable throughout. The line-up is currently as follows: Class 20 D8069 Class 24 D5054 (as D5053) Class 25 25279 Class 37 37109 (subject to completion of repairs) Class 40 40106 Atlantic Conveyor (subject to completion of repaint) Class 42 'Warship' D832 'Onslaught' Class 50 50015 'Valiant' (subject to completion of repairs) Class 56 56006 Class 58 58023 'Leicester Depot' visiting courtesy of Ed Stevenson All trains and workings are subject to availability.
Beer, Cider & Gin Festival Thursday 17 September to Sunday 20 September 2026 The true rail ale experience Starting: 17/09/2026 12:00 pm Finishing: 20/09/2026 6:00 pm Tickets from: £15.00 Join us for a celebration of real ales, ciders and speciality gins along the line, where you can travel between stations by train and sample some truly unique guest beers across the railway. The festival kicks off midday on Thursday at Loughborough, with diesel trains, draught ales and snacks to get the weekend started. The Loughborough bar will also be open from 15:00. Friday and Saturday see over 80 different beers, 30 ciders and a selection of spirits available across the line, with live music from local bands and steam and diesel trains running all day - and late into the night - for a proper rail ale experience. On Sunday, wind down with a lazy pint as all four bars stay open into the afternoon - the perfect way to round off the weekend. A wide range of tickets are available for this event, including our popular 2, 3 and 4 day tickets for those wishing to enjoy more than 1 day of the festival. Group discounts are also available by enquiry, to the booking office, for groups of 10 or more. The event itself is free to attend, but tickets are required for travel on the trains. Come along and enjoy the perfect combination of heritage trains, great drinks, and live entertainment.
Autumn Steam Gala Thursday 17 - Sunday 20 September 2026 The annual Autumn Steam Gala returns in September! What to expect at the Autumn Steam Gala? Our four day festival of steam will feature both guest and home-fleet locomotives operating a busy timetable between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth. If you love steam, 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 steamiest! We have our fingers crossed for the anticipated gala debut of newly restored Prairie tank GWR No 4150. Joining the line-up will be Ivatt Class 2 tank locomotive No 41313, appearing courtesy of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. The visit marks several notable milestones, including the locomotive's first-ever appearance at the Severn Valley Railway and the first visit by an Isle of Wight-based locomotive to the line. It will also become only the third member of the Ivatt Class 2 2-6-2 tank family to visit the SVR in preservation. We're pleased that BR(W) Pannier Tank 9681 will also be joining us for the Autumn Steam Gala (17-20 September). With the chance to pair up with our own BR Pannier Tank 7714, we are sure that 9681 is going to be a real draw for our passengers. We are grateful to the Dean Forest Locomotive Group for the hire of their locomotive, and to Dean Forest Railway for making the locomotive available. Our final two visitors to the event will be LMS 'Royal Scot' 46115 Scots Guardsman and GWR '2884' 3850. We are incredibly grateful to West Coast Railways, the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway, and Dinmore Manor Locomotive Ltd for making the locomotives available at such short notice.
Cornish Riviera Pullman Friday 18 - Sunday 20 September 2026 Departing from Lancaster, Preston, Wigan North Western, Warrington Bank Quay, Crewe, Stafford, Tamworth, Nuneaton, Rugby, Milton Keynes Central, Leighton Buzzard, Watford Junction We are pleased to present a relaxing weekend break to Cornwall the land of myths and legends. With rugged coastlines, quaint fishing villages, sparkling blue sea and sandy beaches you will savour some of the most unspoilt countryside in Britain basking in milder temperatures warmed by the Gulf Stream and offering an unforgettable three-day break. Hotels: No overnight accommodation is included allowing you the freedom and flexibility to arrange your own hotels in Cornwall. For further advise and a list of recommended hotels please email our office. Mobility: This tour is not suitable for guests requiring the use of a wheelchair or with severe mobility issues as the platforms at some remote stations in the highlands are much shorter than our train, low, or accessible only by a footbridge or steps. Midland Pullman | Cornish Riviera Pullman - 18 - 20 September 2026 JOURNEY DESTINATIONS Midland Pullman | Travel on a Luxury Train to Truro & Falmouth Truro & Falmouth The first stop is historic Truro with its magnificent Cathedral and bustling shopping centre and vibrant selection of eateries and choice of hotels. Here can can also access the local branch line service to maritime Falmouth (payable locally) with its deep-water harbour, curio shops, castles, hotels and eateries and perhaps even a memorable boat trip? Midland Pullman | Travel on a Luxury Train to St Ives St Ives Our next optional stop is St Erth, where you may join the regular service train (payable locally) on the beautiful journey around the Hayle Estuary with magnificent views of Godrevy Lighthouse to the ancient fishing town of St Ives - considered to be the prettiest holiday resort in Britain with beaches, quaint cobbled streets, Tate Gallery, sub-tropical gardens, and historic harbour. Midland Pullman | Travel on a Luxury Train to Penzance Penzance The final stop is Penzance with spectacular views of St Michaels Mount as we arrive at the most westerly station in England. Discover the charms of this famous Cornish port and enjoy a stroll along the promenade or coastal path towards Marazion in one direction or Newlyn in the other. JOURNEY ITINERARY Friday - 18/09/2026 Our train travels through beautiful Somerset before passing historic Exeter with spectacular views across the River Exe as we follow the coastline and dash through cuttings of red rock and around the sea wall at Dawlish prior to climbing the Devon banks with views of Dartmoor, then into Cornwall over Brunel's famous Royal Albert Bridge. You may choose to alight at the county town of Truro for the regular rail service to beautiful Falmouth offering a wide choice of top-quality hotels overlooking the harbour or seafront, alternatively continue to St Erth and board the local train for the short journey through Carbis Bay to St Ives, the dazzling Jewel in Cornwall's crown and voted Britain's best holiday destination. Our final destination is the historic seafaring town of Penzance, offering numerous hotels and guest houses, where we are due to arrive around 18.00. Friday Saturday - 19/09/2026 The day is at leisure to relax and enjoy your chosen resort, or venture further afield with perhaps a day's sail from Penzance on 'Scillonian III' to the beautiful and unspoilt Isles of Scilly, or visit the quaint fishing villages of Newlyn and Mousehole, or take a walk along the cliff top and coastal paths offering stunning views across unspoilt beaches and coves - Whatever you choose don't forget to include a sumptuous cream tea or freshly made Cornish Pasty. Saturday Sunday - 20/09/2026 Departing from Penzance late morning we call at St Erth and Truro and then retrace our outward journey through maritime Plymouth and around the Devon coastline. Sunday APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIMINGS* Boarding Stations The following pick-up and set-down stations are available on this journey STATION DEPARTS RETURNS Lancaster 06.30 21.00 Preston 06.50 20.45 Wigan North Western 07.10 20.25 Warrington Bank Quay 07.20 20.05 Crewe 07.40 19.45 Stafford 08.10 19.15 Tamworth 08.40 18.45 Nuneaton 08.55 18.30 Rugby 09.15 18.05 Milton Keynes Central 09.40 17.35 Leighton Buzzard 09.55 17.20 Watford Junction 10.15 17.00 Destinations The following destination stations are available on this journey STATION ARRIVES DEPARTS Truro 16.40 10.40 St Erth 17.10 10.10 Penzance 17.20 10.00 PLEASE NOTE * All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change.
The Dawn of the Railway Friday 18 September 2026 , 7:30pm Tickets Standard: £16.00 The Tung Concession (65+, Students, JSA and UC): £12.80 Booking fee applies Book tickets Programme includes: Robert W Smith The Great Locomotive Chase Scott Watson Extraordinary Machines of Clockwork and Steam Matthew Holroyd Dawn of the Iron Road 1826 (new commission) Celebrating the start of work on the Liverpool and Manchester railway 1826 - 1830 Join us for a unique celebration in words and music of the beginning of work, exactly 200 years ago, on the Liverpool and Manchester Railway. Starting in Crown Street, just round the corner from the Tung Auditorium, this world changing project was built with pickaxes, wheelbarrows and the occasional bit of gunpowder. Well known broadcaster Roger Phillips will be our compère for this unforgettable journey, including a specially commissioned piece of music from young Merseyside composer and University of Liverpool Music graduate Matt Holroyd; railway poetry from Alison Schultz and historic speeches and insights from Dr David Gwyn OBE, author of The Coming of the Railway (Harvard University Press). Music will be performed by Heswall Concert Band, one of Merseyside's most engaging wind bands under musical director Greg Williams. ---- This musical commission has been kindly funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund/ Rocket: All Aboard and sponsored by Greengauge 21 and the Night Shift Jazz Collective