You can now narrow down the list further by month
Railtour events - Aug 2026
- Sat 01 Aug 2026 InterCity (Railtour) More...
- The Avon Gorgeous
Saturday 1 August 2026
Departing from
Crewe, Shrewsbury, Hereford
'On 1st August 1966, two days after England won the World Cup, D1948 entered traffic. Sixty years later Locomotive Services are celebrating its anniversary, to the day, offering a day excursion to the City of Bristol. The train will be operated by what is now 47712 along with another Class 47, in Top & Tail formation, from Crewe to Bristol T.M.
The train will leave Crewe around 08.30 picking up at Shrewsbury (09.00) and Hereford (10.10). From Hereford the train will run via Ledbury, Worcester Shrub Hill and Evesham to Oxford. This route is little used by locomotive hauled trains these days and provides the opportunity to do so. From Oxford we will travel via Foxhall Jn (Didcot), Swindon and Bristol Parkway to Bristol T.M. ( 13.45) where customers can alight if they wish to.
For those wishing to do something a little different the train will then depart Bristol T.M. and head towards Portbury Docks. Leaving the main line at Parson Street Jn we will traverse the Portishead branch as far as the Stop Board for Portbury Docks. On arrival there you will be able to view where the branch to Portishead used to run and which will hopefully reopen in 2028, having closed in 1964. After our reversal we will then head back to Bristol T.M., but not via the direct route as we will traverse the line via St Philips Marsh. On arrival into Bristol there will an opportunity for a 2/3-hour break away from the train.
Once back on the train we will return to Crewe from Bristol T.M. (17.45), this time via the alternative route of Bath Spa, Swindon, Kemble and Cheltenham Spa to Worcester Shrub Hill. From here we will retrace our steps, setting down at Hereford (21.00) and Shrewsbury (22.00) before arriving back in Crewe (22.30).
Intercity | The Avon Gorgeous - 1 August 2026
SOMETHING TO SUIT EVERYONE
CLASSES OF TRAVEL
Intercity | Standard Class
Standard Class
FROM £129
Reserved seating is arranged at tables of 4. A buffet bar is available for the purchase of hot & cold beverages, light refreshments, and alcoholic drinks.
Book
Intercity | First Class
First Class
(non-dining)
FROM £169
Reserved seating is arranged at tables of 4 and 2 with additional legroom, wide seats, and panoramic windows. A buffet bar is available for the purchase of hot & cold beverages, light refreshments, and alcoholic drinks.
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 22.30
Shrewsbury 09.00 22.00
Hereford 10.10 21.00
Destinations
The following destination stations are available on this journey
STATION ARRIVES DEPARTS
Bristol Temple Meads 13.45 17.45
InterCity
- Tue 04 Aug 2026 Midland Pullman (Railtour) More...
- Highland Clansman Pullman
Tuesday 4 August 2026
Departing from
York, Thirsk, Northallerton, Darlington, Durham, Chester-le-Street, Newcastle, Cramlington, Morpeth, Alnmouth, Berwick-upon-Tweed
Step aboard the Midland Pullman for a truly amazing and unusual day tour as we travel over the world-famous Highland line, featuring some of the most dramatic and spectacular scenery in Scotland crossing impressive bridges with views of cascading waterfalls and peaceful lochs to Aviemore for an afternoon sightseeing break.
Following departure from your local station our train travels north through the Scottish Lowlands before joining the Highland line which takes us past Stirling and Perth climbing into magnificent mountain scenery through the Pass of Killiecrankie and over the highest railway summit in Britain at Druimuachdar and Cairngorm National Park for a break of around two hours in the ski capital of Aviemore.
Mobility - This tour may not be suitable for guests requiring the use of a wheelchair or with severe mobility issues.
Midland Pullman | Highland Clansman Pullman - 4 August 2026
JOURNEY
DESTINATIONS
Midland Pullman | Travel on a Luxury Train to Aviemore
Aviemore
Aviemore is a popular holiday resort and ski centre located in the northwest corner of the majestic Cairngorms National Park. Towering mountains, sparkling lochs and dense forests surround this bustling town with a wide range of award winning hotels and restaurants on the high street right outside the railway station, making it a popular year-round destination for a huge range of summer and winter activities.
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIMINGS*
Boarding Stations
The following pick-up and set-down stations are available on this journey
STATION DEPARTS RETURNS
York 05.50 22.30
Thirsk 06.15 22.05
Northallerton 06.25 21.55
Darlington 07.00 21.40
Durham 07.20 21.05
Chester-le-Street 07.40 20.55
Newcastle 07.55 20.40
Cramlington 08.10 20.20
Morpeth 08.20 20.10
Alnmouth 08.40 19.50
Berwick-upon-Tweed 09.10 19.00
Destinations
The following destination stations are available on this journey
STATION ARRIVES DEPARTS
Aviemore 13.05 15.05
PLEASE NOTE *
All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change.
Midland Pullman
- Wed 12 Aug 2026 Midland Pullman (Railtour) More...
- Yorkshire Coast Pullman
Wednesday 12 August 2026
Departing from
Paignton, Torquay, Newton Abbot, Dawlish, Exeter St David's, Tiverton Parkway, Taunton, Bridgwater, Bristol Temple Meads, Bristol Parkway
Enjoy a fabulous day tour travelling through the magnificent scenery of the heart of England on board the Midland Pullman to visit either the beautiful seaside resort of Scarborough, or historic York for a sightseeing afternoon break.
YORK - A city of extraordinary historical wealth with a magnificent circuit of 13th-century walls enclosing a medieval spider's web of narrow streets. At its heart lies the immense, awe-inspiring Minster, one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in the world. The modern, tourist-oriented city has numerous attractions to explore including the Jorvik Centre and superb National Railway Museum.
SCARBOROUGH - Following departure from York we take the picturesque line past Kirkham Abbey to the seaside resort of Scarborough which is regarded as Britain's first resort and has been welcoming visitors for 360 years with two long curved sandy bays, ancient Castle, beautiful gardens, Victorian Cliff Railway, and historic harbour surrounded with numerous fresh seafood stalls there is plenty to see and do.
Mobility - This tour may not be suitable for guests requiring the use of a wheelchair or with severe mobility issues.
Midland Pullman | Yorkshire Coast Pullman - 12 August 2026
JOURNEY
DESTINATIONS
Midland Pullman | 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.
Midland Pullman | Travel on a Luxury Train to Scarborough
Scarborough
Scarborough is regarded as Britain's first resort and has been welcoming visitors for 360 years. There is plenty to see and do, with two long curved sandy bays, ancient Castle, beautiful gardens, Victorian Cliff Railway, and historic harbour surrounded with numerous fresh seafood stalls.
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIMINGS*
Boarding Stations
The following pick-up and set-down stations are available on this journey
STATION DEPARTS RETURNS
Paignton 06.20 22.50
Torquay 06.30 22.40
Newton Abbot 06.45 22.20
Dawlish 06.55 22.10
Exeter St David's 07.15 21.50
Tiverton Parkway 07.30 21.35
Taunton 07.45 21.20
Bridgwater 07.55 21.10
Bristol Temple Meads 08.20 20.40
Bristol Parkway 08.30 20.30
Destinations
The following destination stations are available on this journey
STATION ARRIVES DEPARTS
Scarborough 01.00 16.00
York 12.00 17.00
PLEASE NOTE *
All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change.
Midland Pullman
- Fri 14 Aug 2026 Statesman Rail (Railtour) More...
- Sussex Coast Statesman
Friday 14 August 2026
Departing from
Derby, Long Eaton, East Midlands Parkway, Loughborough, Melton Mowbray, Oakham, Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough, Bedford, Luton
This is a day out not to be missed as we travel from your local station through the heart of England to Eastbourne on the sunny Sussex coast where the biggest annual air show in Britain is staged on the promenade and seashore. Our train takes the North London line to Clapham Junction where we join the Brighton line for a fast run past Gatwick Airport and towards the lovely Sussex Downs National Park and through the pretty town of Lewes prior to our arrival in the elegant resort of Eastbourne. Around three hours will be available at your leisure to view the spectacle of 'Airbourne 2026'.
Held to be one of the sunniest resorts in England award winning Eastbourne, which nestles at the foot of the south downs next to the national beauty spot Beachy Head, owes much to the Victorians who laid out many beautiful parks and gardens and built the pier. This elegant town has many charms awaiting discovery including an excellent shopping centre and traditional seaside bandstands.
Mobility: This tour may not be suitable for guests requiring the use of a wheelchair or with serious mobility issues.
Statesman Rail | Sussex Coast Statesman - 14 August 2026
JOURNEY
DESTINATIONS
Statesman Rail | Travel on a Luxury Train to Eastbourne
Eastbourne
The beautiful coastal town of Eastbourne is known for its stunning beaches, picturesque landscapes and Victorian architecture the most famous of which is the Eastbourne Pier, which was built in 1870 and is one of the most iconic landmarks in the town. Other notable examples of Victorian architecture in Eastbourne include the Grand Hotel, the Devonshire Park Theatre, and the Towner Art Gallery. A popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. Also home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and theatres to compliment an extensive selection of eateries and an intriguing selection of shops to browse.
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIMINGS*
Boarding Stations
The following pick-up and set-down stations are available on this journey
STATION DEPARTS RETURNS
Derby 05.45 23.20
Long Eaton 05.55 23.10
East Midlands Parkway 06.05 23.00
Loughborough 06.15 22.50
Melton Mowbray 07.05 22.15
Oakham 07.20 22.00
Corby 07.35 21.45
Kettering 08.00 21.20
Wellingborough 08.15 21.10
Bedford 08.45 20.45
Luton 09.20 20.15
Destinations
The following destination stations are available on this journey
STATION ARRIVES DEPARTS
Eastbourne 13.15 16.55
PLEASE NOTE *
All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change.
Statesman Rail
- Sat 15 Aug 2026 UK Railtours (Railtour) More...
- By Routemaster to the Lost Village of Imber
Saturday 15th August 2026
Our last visit to Imber for the Imberbus event was way back in 2024, and since then we've been itching to return. With the support of our friends at GB Railfreight and Hastings Diesels Ltd, we are delighted to announce that it's finally happening!
Hidden from view on Salisbury Plain, the village of Imber is no longer inhabited as the residents were evicted just before Christmas 1943 by the MoD, in order to step up army training in advance of D-Day. The villagers were promised that their village would be returned to them after the war but this was not to be and over seventy-five years on it is still uninhabited, much of it having been destroyed. It remains in use for army training purposes but the connecting road over the Plain is open to the public on a very limited number of occasions each year.
Imberbus is an unusual event by any standards. Since 2009, on just one day a year, an intensive service of London Routemaster Buses has operated between Warminster and Imber, continuing to remote spots such as New Zealand Farm and the curiously-named Brazen Bottom.
The annual event has raised many thousands of pounds for the British Legion and for the upkeep of Imber Church, one of the very few buildings to survive intact. The event has grown and the 2024 running hosted up to 40 buses in operation, wit thousands of visitors carried and more tens of thousands raised for charity.
As we did in 2024, we will be using the Hastings DEMU 1001. This means we will have a buffet car onboard as well as providing excellent capacity to what is sure to be a popular railtour.
Our special train will run from Tonbridge, pausing to pickup passengers at South Croydon and London Waterloo before heading west calling at Woking and Basingstoke en-route to Warminster via Salisbury. On the way home we take a slightly longer route, travelling via Romsey, Southampton and Winchester before our first set down at Basingstoke.
An Imberbus rover ticket is included in your fare so you can travel to each of the Imberbus destinations aboard your choice of Routemasters - old and new, long and short, red and green! You can access parts of Imber itself, and the church will be open. Click HERE to visit the Imberbus website and learn more about the event and its history.
All timings are provisional and intended only as a guide.
Station Depart Arrive
Tonbridge 08.00 21.15
South Croydon 08.55 20.25
London Waterloo 09.55 19.30
Woking 10.20 19.00
Basingstoke 10.45 18.40
There is no First Class Dining available on this train.
Class Fare Availability
Standard £139 Good
Standard Junior £119 Good
First Class Non Dining £179 Good
UK Railtours
- Sat 15 Aug 2026 Railway Touring Company (Railtour) More...
- The Slate Miner
Saturday 15 August 2026
Our journey commences at Oxford where we will head northwards towards Banbury along the GWR main line to Birmingham. After picking up passengers at Banbury, we continue through Oxfordshire and enter Warwickshire at Fenny Compton and pass through the Spa town of Leamington. Calling at Warwick Parkway, with its good road connections serving the surrounding area, we will then tackle the steep climb of Hatton Bank before arriving at Dorridge in the West Midlands for a further pick up. We then make our way through the southern Birmingham suburbs to Birmingham New Street, where our locomotive hauled train will make an unfamiliar appearance amongst the usual electric and diesel units.
Following the Stour Valley route, we head through the industrial Black Country towards Wolverhampton where we again make a pick-up stop. A quick dash now follows through Penkridge to Stafford, our final pick-up point. It is now northwards we head, away from Stafford and follow the West Coast Main Line with an expected lively climb up to Whitmore Summit before descending into Crewe, a delight for those who enjoy spotting the various locomotives and traction that appear in Basford Hall freight yards. From Crewe, we leave the WCML and head across the fertile Cheshire Plain through Beeston Castle towards Chester. Negotiating the tracks that pass beneath the famous city walls of Roman Chester, we cross the border and enter North Wales, running along the coastal route through Shotton, where we will soon have some pleasant views across the Dee Estuary as we follow it as far as Prestatyn. With the Welsh hills prominent inland, the coastal vista now turns to wide sweeping views over Liverpool Bay as we follow the line through to Rhyl. Further attractive scenery continues as the railway hugs the coastal cliffs through Colwyn Bay on the approach to Llandudno Junction. Here we reverse our direction of travel to access the 28-mile-long Blaenau Ffestiniog branch, known as the Conwy Valley Line.
Leaving Llandudno Junction, we follow closely the banks of the Afon Conwy through Llanwrst as far as the major tourist town of Betws-y-Coed, complete with its railway museum next to the tracks. Beyond Betws-y-Coed, the single line enters the Lledr Valley where the gradients increase substantially, requiring some very hard work from our locomotives for several miles through its many twists and turns. We cross the Lledr on the spectacular 24-arch Pont Gethin Viaduct, followed by narrow tunnels and a glimpse of Dolwyddelan castle as we climb through Roman Bridge to the summit at the Blaenau tunnel. The 2.5-mile-long tunnel is the longest unlined tunnel in the UK, which took 6 years to complete. Exiting the tunnel on the Blaenau side, the landscape changes dramatically from lush Snowdonia scenery to a total domination of slate quarry waste, which leads us to our destination of Blaenau Ffestiniog. Time will be available here to visit this historic slate town, with its number of traditional shops and cafes to cater for visitors.
After our break in Blaenau Ffestiniog, we will return along the Conwy Valley Line to Llandudno Junction, where we will reverse once again and retrace our way back to Oxford via our outward route.
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 £230 £995
First £225 £160 £690
Standard £115 £85 £358
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
Oxford 07:15 22:30
Banbury 07:45 22:00
Leamington Spa 08:00 21:45
Warwick Parkway 08:15 21:35
Dorridge 08:30 21:25
Birmingham New Street 09:00 20:45
Wolverhampton 10:45 19:30
Stafford 11:46 18:30
Blaenau Ffestiniog 14:30 16:20The Slate Miner
Saturday 15 August 2026
Book Now
Our journey commences at Oxford where we will head northwards towards Banbury along the GWR main line to Birmingham. After picking up passengers at Banbury, we continue through Oxfordshire and enter Warwickshire at Fenny Compton and pass through the Spa town of Leamington. Calling at Warwick Parkway, with its good road connections serving the surrounding area, we will then tackle the steep climb of Hatton Bank before arriving at Dorridge in the West Midlands for a further pick up. We then make our way through the southern Birmingham suburbs to Birmingham New Street, where our locomotive hauled train will make an unfamiliar appearance amongst the usual electric and diesel units.
Following the Stour Valley route, we head through the industrial Black Country towards Wolverhampton where we again make a pick-up stop. A quick dash now follows through Penkridge to Stafford, our final pick-up point. It is now northwards we head, away from Stafford and follow the West Coast Main Line with an expected lively climb up to Whitmore Summit before descending into Crewe, a delight for those who enjoy spotting the various locomotives and traction that appear in Basford Hall freight yards. From Crewe, we leave the WCML and head across the fertile Cheshire Plain through Beeston Castle towards Chester. Negotiating the tracks that pass beneath the famous city walls of Roman Chester, we cross the border and enter North Wales, running along the coastal route through Shotton, where we will soon have some pleasant views across the Dee Estuary as we follow it as far as Prestatyn. With the Welsh hills prominent inland, the coastal vista now turns to wide sweeping views over Liverpool Bay as we follow the line through to Rhyl. Further attractive scenery continues as the railway hugs the coastal cliffs through Colwyn Bay on the approach to Llandudno Junction. Here we reverse our direction of travel to access the 28-mile-long Blaenau Ffestiniog branch, known as the Conwy Valley Line.
Leaving Llandudno Junction, we follow closely the banks of the Afon Conwy through Llanwrst as far as the major tourist town of Betws-y-Coed, complete with its railway museum next to the tracks. Beyond Betws-y-Coed, the single line enters the Lledr Valley where the gradients increase substantially, requiring some very hard work from our locomotives for several miles through its many twists and turns. We cross the Lledr on the spectacular 24-arch Pont Gethin Viaduct, followed by narrow tunnels and a glimpse of Dolwyddelan castle as we climb through Roman Bridge to the summit at the Blaenau tunnel. The 2.5-mile-long tunnel is the longest unlined tunnel in the UK, which took 6 years to complete. Exiting the tunnel on the Blaenau side, the landscape changes dramatically from lush Snowdonia scenery to a total domination of slate quarry waste, which leads us to our destination of Blaenau Ffestiniog. Time will be available here to visit this historic slate town, with its number of traditional shops and cafes to cater for visitors.
After our break in Blaenau Ffestiniog, we will return along the Conwy Valley Line to Llandudno Junction, where we will reverse once again and retrace our way back to Oxford via our outward route.
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 £230 £995
First £225 £160 £690
Standard £115 £85 £358
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
Oxford 07:15 22:30
Banbury 07:45 22:00
Leamington Spa 08:00 21:45
Warwick Parkway 08:15 21:35
Dorridge 08:30 21:25
Birmingham New Street 09:00 20:45
Wolverhampton 10:45 19:30
Stafford 11:46 18:30
Blaenau Ffestiniog 14:30 16:20
Railway Touring Company
- Wed 19 Aug 2026 Midland Pullman (Railtour) More...
- Torbay Riviera Pullman
Wednesday 19 August 2026
Departing from
Chester, Wrexham General, Ruabon, Chirk, Gobowen, Shrewsbury, Wellington, Telford Central, Codsall, Wolverhampton
Join us for a wonderful day out with a journey through beautiful Somerset and around the stunning Devon coast with time available to discover the many charms of the 'English Riviera' for an afternoon sightseeing break in the seaside resorts of either Torquay or Paignton.
Travelling alongside the stunning Exe Estuary past Powderham Castle there are magnificent views across to the Jurassic coast as our train takes the exciting sea wall line racing through tunnels and cuttings of red rock and along beaches and coves at Dawlish with the sea keeping company all the way to Newton Abbot.
There is a choice of two destinations in which to relax before our return in the late afternoon.
Mobility - This tour may not be suitable for guests requiring the use of a wheelchair or with severe mobility issues.
Midland Pullman | Torbay Riviera Pullman - 19 August 2026
JOURNEY
DESTINATIONS
Midland Pullman | Travel on a Luxury Train to Torquay
Torquay
One of Britain's top tourist resorts and a jewel in the English Rivera's crown made popular by the Victorians with sparkling white Villas perched on verdant hilltops overlooking pure sandy beaches and an azure sea it matches anything you'll find on the French Riviera. There are beautiful gardens and a palm tree lined promenade leading to a lively harbour and international marina with an abundance of pavement cafes, pubs, shops, and quality restaurants.
Midland Pullman | Travel on a Luxury Train to Paignton
Paignton
With gorgeous long sandy blue flag beaches, paddler friendly waters, a traditional pier and seafront alive with holiday fun there is no shortage of things to do, alternatively take a steam train ride (payable locally) along one of the most idyllic stretches of coastline in the country and through the woodland estate once owned by Agatha Christie to the riverside station at Kingswear where it's a short ferry crossing to historic Dartmouth.
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIMINGS*
Boarding Stations
The following pick-up and set-down stations are available on this journey
STATION DEPARTS RETURNS
Chester 06.20 22.50
Wrexham General 06.40 22.30
Ruabon 06.50 22.20
Chirk 07.00 22.10
Gobowen 07.05 22.05
Shrewsbury 07.25 21.45
Wellington 07.45 21.20
Telford Central 07.55 21.10
Codsall 08.15 20.55
Wolverhampton 08.25 20.45
Destinations
The following destination stations are available on this journey
STATION ARRIVES DEPARTS
Torquay 12.50 16.10
Paignton 13.00 16.00
PLEASE NOTE *
All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change.
Midland Pullman
- Sat 22 Aug 2026 UK Railtours (Railtour) More...
- The Ancient Kingdom
Saturday 22nd August 2026
Taking full advantage of a long midsummer day we venture north to the Kingdom of Northumbria. We have three very different options for you to choose from - the wonderful Holy Island of Lindisfarne, the delightfully quaint Heatherslaw Light Railway or a visit to picturesque Alnwick.
Our journey takes us through York, past Durham Castle and Cathedral and we glimpse Antony Gormley's extraordinary 'Angel of the North' as we approach Newcastle. After pausing at Alnmouth we reach Berwick-upon-Tweed, the border town still redolent of centuries of conflict between the English and the Scots. Those who choose to remain in Berwick will have around three and a half hours to explore, or choose from one of the three off train options below!
OFF TRAIN OPTION - ALNWICK AT LEISURE
The town of Alnwick dates back to AD600 and retains much of its original character. Alnwick Castle, the second largest inhabited castle after Windsor, is popular with film makers; Blackadder, Robin Hood Prince of Thieves and Harry Potter were all made here.
Alnwick Garden is a complex of formal gardens, featuring various themed plantings designed around a central water cascade. It is the most ambitious garden created in the UK post war. The old Alnwick station is now home to Barter Books, one of England's largest and most famous secondhand bookshops.
This option includes a brief coach transfer between Alnmouth Station and Alnwick. Because there is such a choice of things to do we have not included any admission charges. You will have around four hours to explore.
OFF TRAIN OPTION - THE HOLY ISLAND OF LINDISFARNE
Perched tantalisingly just off the Northumberland coast and cut off by the tide twice a day, Holy Island and its Priory are considered one of the holiest sites in Britain.
We leave the train at Alnmouth where coaches will be waiting for the journey to Lindisfarne which includes the narrow causeway that connects the island with the mainland. We can assure potential participants that we have checked the tide tables! We have some three hours here, time to take a walk to the castle or just explore this extraordinary place. Don't forget to purchase a bottle of the local produce, Lindisfarne Mead.
OFF TRAIN OPTION - THE HEATHERSLAW LIGHT RAILWAY
One of England's lesser known minor railways, this fifteen inch gauge line runs for two miles, following the River Till through an area rich in wildlife, set between the Cheviot Hills and the border with Scotland.
Coaches meet the train at Berwick for the twelve mile run to the Heatherslaw Light Railway where we will enjoy a break of about three hours. Your supplement for this option includes coach transfers and a return journey on the railway.
First Class Dining includes The Great British Breakfast and a four course dinner, served at your seat by The Railway Diners. First Class Dining is not available from, or back to Doncaster due to time constraints.
A well stocked buffet car serving a range of snacks and drinks will be available for those travelling in First Class Non Dining and Standard Class.
Please select your chosen off train option at the time of booking to avoid disappointment.
Class Fare Availability
Standard Class £149 Good
Standard Class Junior £129 Good
First Class Non Dining £249 Good
First Class Dining £359 Good
First Class Dining Party of Four £1416 Good
Off Train Option - Alnwick at Leisure (coach transfer) £10 Good
Off Train Option - Holy Island (coach transfer) £20 Good
Off Train Option - Heatherslaw Light Railway (coach transfer and return fare on railway) £30 Good
All timings are provisional and intended only as a guide.
Station Depart Arrive
London Kings Cross 06.00 22.50
Potters Bar 06.20 22.20
Stevenage 06.40 22.00
Peterborough 07.30 21.00
Doncaster 09.00 19.40
UK Railtours
- Sat 22 Aug 2026 Scottish Railway Preservation Society Railtours (Railtour) More...
- The Thistle and Dragon
Saturday 22 August 2026
Step aboard our special train, running exclusively on Saturday 22nd August, for a memorable day excursion to the historic city of Chester and the seaside town of Llandudno. This train features a number of firsts for locomotive fans, along with locomotives returning to former stamping grounds.
Following on from the sucess of our first Leven start we are delighted to offer this again. Starting in Leven we head south with convenient pick-ups at Kirkcaldy, Inverkeithing, Edinburgh, Lockerbie and Carlisle, it's easy to step aboard and let the adventure begin.
Travel together in beautifully restored British Rail Mk1 carriages, where spacious seating and large windows make it easy to relax and enjoy the views. Our train is hauled south by British Rail Class 40 D213 (40013) 'Andania', a first visit for this class of locomotive to Leven. On our return at Chester we see a change of traction as our Class 40 is replaced by Locomotive Services Limited beautifully restored Class 45, 45118 'The Royal Artilleryman'. This locomotive will also be breaking new ground as it heads north to back to Leven.
On board, there's something for everyone. Enjoy the comfort of at-seat dining with a hearty breakfast on the outward journey and a delicious three-course evening dinner on the way home. Prefer something more casual? Our buffet car offers hot and cold drinks, morning rolls and plenty of snacks to keep little travellers smiling throughout the day.
Spend time exploring Chester's fascinating streets and historic attractions, or head to Llandudno for sandy beaches, traditional seaside fun and fresh sea air. However you choose to spend your time, this relaxed and enjoyable rail tour offers a wonderful way to travel creating memories that will last long after the journey ends.
Our journey begins in the town of Leven, Scotland's newly reopened route, where we warmly welcome our first passengers on board before heading south into the Kingdom of Fife.
We arrive at Kirkcaldy, gathering more guests as we make our way along Scotland's scenic east coast.
Our journey then takes us to Inverkeithing, a convenient boarding location with a large free car park and easy access from the M90. Soon after, we cross the magnificent Forth Bridge ? a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Scotland's most recognisable landmarks. This iconic Victorian engineering masterpiece is always a highlight, offering breathtaking views across the Firth of Forth and an unforgettable sense of history.
Our next pick-up is at Edinburgh Waverley railway station, located in the heart of the capital, with excellent public transport connections for our guests. After a pick up at Lockerbie, we then arrive into the Border City of Carlisle to welcome our last guests on board our special train. We then head south along the West Coast Main Line, where high speed running is guaranteed to make the locomotive work hard.
Arriving in the historic city of Chester, we bid farewell to some of our guests.
Our train then continues towards the beautiful seaside town of Llandudno.
Chester and Llandudno - Free Time
We hope to be able to provide approximately 4 hours of free time in Chester, allowing plenty time to experience everything that Chester has to offer. For those who choose to stay on board for Llandudno, we hope to have 2 hours of free time allowing adequate time to wander down to the sea front.
Return Journey
Our return journey retraces our route north back to Leven. At Chester on the return the Class 40 locomotive will be replaced by a Class 45 locomotive.
The train is operated by our Partners at Locomotive Services Limited.
Fares;
Estimated Timings;
Timings above are estimated timings and should only be taken as a guideline. Finalised timings will be released with tickets in advance of the Railtour.
Scottish Railway Preservation Society Railtours
- Tue 25 Aug 2026 Midland Pullman (Railtour) More...
- Settle to Carlisle & Coastal Pullman
Tuesday 25 August 2026
Departing from
Gerrards Cross, Beaconsfield, High Wycombe, Princes Risborough, Haddenham and Thame Parkway, Bicester North, Banbury, Leamington Spa, Warwick Parkway, Dorridge, Solihull
This special tour includes a journey over the entire majestic route of the famous Settle to Carlisle railway, with great limestone peaks and deep valleys we travel over viaducts and through tunnels on this masterpiece of Victorian engineering - including the famous Ribblehead Viaduct. Following a break in the historic border city of Carlisle our journey continues along the scenic Cumbrian coastal line.
Our train heads into the Yorkshire Dales for a spectacular journey over the magnificent high Pennines. The sheer scale of the scenery is apparent as we pass such famous landmarks as Ribblehead Viaduct with stunning views of the three peaks. One magnificent sight follows another before we gradually descend into the tranquil Eden Valley and the border city of Carlisle for a break of around two hours.
We return around the longest and most scenic coastal line in England - the beautiful twisting Cumbrian coast route hugs the coastline offering spectacular views across the Solway Firth and towards the Isle of Man, passing historic Whitehaven, pretty Ravenglass and around Morecambe Bay with the background of the Lake District Mountains aglow with the setting sun.
Mobility - This tour may not be suitable for guests requiring the use of a wheelchair or with severe mobility issues.
Midland Pullman | Settle To Carlisle & Coastal Pullman - 25 August 2026
JOURNEY
DESTINATIONS
Midland Pullman | Travel on a Luxury Train to Carlisle
Carlisle
Once in the ancient city, which dates back to Roman times, there is much to see and do. Highlights include the magnificent castle founded in 1092 and nearby citadel built by Henry VIII, as well as the beautiful cathedral with its famous 14th Century stained glass window. For art lovers, there is no better place to begin exploring the city's fascinating past than the award winning Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery. The classical Grade One Listed Jacobean building is full of exciting exhibits and interactive displays.
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIMINGS*
Boarding Stations
The following pick-up and set-down stations are available on this journey
STATION DEPARTS RETURNS
Gerrards Cross 06.40 00.00
Beaconsfield 06.50 23.50
High Wycombe 07.00 23.40
Princes Risborough 07.10 23.30
Haddenham and Thame Parkway 07.20 23.20
Bicester North 07.30 23.10
Banbury 07.50 22.50
Leamington Spa 08.00 22.40
Warwick Parkway 08.20 22.20
Dorridge 08.30 22.10
Solihull 08.40 22.00
Destinations
The following destination stations are available on this journey
STATION ARRIVES DEPARTS
Carlisle 13.00 15.00
PLEASE NOTE *
All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change.
Midland Pullman