Jonathan's Gen . uk | Railtours, Preserved Railway Events, Ferries and Service Trains Gen List

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Steam Railtour events - Dec 2026

Wed 02 Dec 2026 The Steam Dreams Rail Company (Steam Railtour) More...
- East Anglia to Highclere or Winchester Christmas Market Wednesday 2 December 2026 DEPARTS: Bury St Edmunds / Ipswich / Colchester North / Witham / Chelmsford / Shenfield This memorable seasonal journey carries us across the country as we steam through winter landscapes towards the historic city of Winchester or, for those wishing to visit Highclere Castle, there will be a brief stop at Basingstoke for an excursion to this world?famous stately home. Our day begins at Bury St Edmunds, where our liveried steward welcomes you aboard the beautifully restored vintage carriages. We make further pick?ups across Essex before threading our way around the capital, where our steam locomotive joins the train for the onward journey. Emerging into Surrey, the pace quickens as we head south?west through Hampshire, passing rolling countryside and treetops on our way to Winchester. This festive day out offers two wonderfully different ways to enjoy your time. Choose a visit to elegant Highclere Castle (supplement applies), famed as the setting of Downton Abbey, or explore Winchester Christmas Market. The journey is steam?hauled from West London in both directions. Destinations Winchester Christmas Market Winchester is a unique heritage city, home to a magnificent cathedral and surrounded by beautiful countryside. Its Christmas Market is recognised as one of the best in Europe, attracting visitors from around the world. Set within the historic grounds of the cathedral, the pretty wooden chalets offer festive food and drink, artisan gifts and locally made crafts, all wrapped in a wonderfully atmospheric winter setting filled with the scent of mulled wine. While in the city, you can also visit The Great Hall and its legendary Arthurian Round Table - the only surviving part of Winchester Castle. Highclere Highclere Castle (supplement applies), famed as the setting of Downton Abbey, offers a truly enchanting festive experience. Set amid sweeping parkland designed by Capability Brown, the iconic house is beautifully dressed for the season, with glittering trees, glowing fires and exquisitely decorated rooms. Visitors can wander through the opulent interiors, explore the fascinating Egyptian Exhibition and enjoy the rare opportunity to experience this remarkable stately home at its most magical time of year. For guests choosing to visit Highclere Castle, the journey will make a brief stop at Basingstoke Station, where you will disembark for a private coach transfer to the Castle. At the end of your visit, a private coach will transfer you directly from Highclere Castle to Winchester, where you will rejoin the train for your onward journey home. JOURNEY ITINERARY Highclere Castle - 02/12/2026 For guests choosing to visit Highclere Castle (supplement applies; details below), the journey will make a brief stop at Basingstoke Station, where you will disembark for a private coach transfer to the Castle. At the end of your visit, a private coach will transfer you directly from Highclere Castle to Winchester, where you will rejoin the train for your onward journey home. Highclere Castle OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS 02/12/2026 Visit to Highclere Castle £78 per person For guests choosing to visit Highclere Castle (supplement applies), the journey begins with a stop at Basingstoke Station, where you will transfer by coach to the Castle. Famous worldwide as the setting of Downton Abbey, Highclere offers an enchanting and truly memorable festive experience. Set within sweeping parkland landscaped by Capability Brown, the iconic house is beautifully adorned for the season. Expect glittering Christmas trees, crackling fires and exquisitely decorated state rooms that capture the magic of an English country Christmas. During your visit, you will have time to wander through the opulent interiors, explore the fascinating Egyptian Exhibition, and enjoy the rare opportunity to experience this remarkable stately home at its most atmospheric time of year. At the end of your visit, a private coach will transfer you directly from Highclere Castle to Winchester, where you will rejoin the train for your onward journey home. Visit to Highclere Castle Book TRAVEL TIMINGS* Boarding Stations The following pick-up and set-down stations are available on this journey STATION DEPARTS RETURNS Bury St Edmunds 06.30 23.30 Ipswich 07.00 23.00 Colchester North 07.25 22.25 Witham 07.45 22.05 Chelmsford 08.05 21.45 Shenfield 08.20 21.30 Destinations The following destination stations are available on this journey STATION ARRIVES DEPARTS Basingstoke 12.15 Winchester 13.00 17.25 Scheduled locomotive Locomotive to be confirmed The steam locomotive for this trip is still to be confirmed but will most likely be one of the following locomotives from our collection. A2 Class 60532 'Blue Peter' A4 Class 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley' B1 Class 61306 'Mayflower' GWR Castle Class 5029 'Nunney Castle' Britannia Class 70000 'Britannia' West Country Class 34046 'Braunton' BR Standard Class 8 Prototype 71000 'Duke of Gloucester' Whilst this locomotive is rostered for the steam hauled sections of the trip listed, it cannot be guaranteed and may be substituted for a different engine.

Wed 02 Dec 2026 Vintage Trains (Steam Railtour) More...
- The Christmas White Rose to York Christmas Market Wednesday 2 December 2026 Overview Meeting point Join at Birmingham New Street, Coleshill Parkway, Tamworth, Burton-on-Trent, Derby Activity details Join us this December for a festive steam-hauled train journey, travelling through the East Midlands to the historic city of York. Visit the medieval city's award-winning Christmas Markets, explore the narrow, cobbled streets or marvel at the wonderful Minster, a beautiful Gothic Cathedral in the heart of the city. Alternatively, explore more of the city's heritage and history, where there is evidence of Roman, Viking and Medieval history within the 13th-century walls. And with attractions including the Jorvik Centre or the superb National Railway Museum, there is plenty to see and do for everyone. What's included Pullman Reserved seats in an original 1960s Pullman Car Full English Breakfast served on the outward journey 4-Course Evening Christmas Dinner served on the return Tea & Coffee served throughout with additional drinks available to purchase from servers First Class Reserved seats in an original 1960s British Railways Mk1 Carriage Bacon Rolls & Pastries served on the outward journey Afternoon Tea served on the return Tea & Coffee served throughout with additional drinks available to purchase from servers Standard Reserved seats in an original 1960s British Railways Mk2 Carriage Bacon Rolls & Afternoon Tea in a Box available to pre-order (subject to additional charge) Light refreshments available from the on-train buffet Family tickets available (2x Adult & 2x Child) Itinerary Birmingham New Street at 08:56 and returning at 21:03 Coleshill Parkway at 09:16 and returning at 20:43 Tamworth at 09:39 and returning at 20:14 Burton-on-Trent at 09:57 and returning at 19:34 Derby at 10:16 and returning at 19:15 Arrive York at 12:26 and departing at 16:15 Please note that these timings are approximate. Final timings will be confirmed 48 hours before departure Pricing Pullman Table for 2 | £826.80 Pullman Seat | £376.30 First Class Table for 2 | £572.40 First Class Seat | £254.40 Private Compartment | £1,144.80 Standard Adult | £132.50 Child | £100.70 Family | £418.70 The prices displayed include a 6% booking fee, which is applied at checkout

Fri 04 Dec 2026 Saphos Trains (Steam Railtour) More...
- The Bath Christmas Market Express Friday 4 December 2026 Departing from Three Bridges, Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Hove, Shoreham-by-Sea, Worthing, Barnham, Chichester This is a unique steam hauled tour offering a journey through Brighton and along the south coast railway and gentle scenery of beautiful Wiltshire, then along the glorious countryside of the Avon Valley to visit the elegant Georgian city of Bath for an afternoon break of around three-hours at this festive time of year with the famous Christmas Market in full swing. At Christmas the beautiful Somerset city comes alive with its unique Christmas market where over 150 chalet style stalls offer quality products and brilliant gift ideas. The famous Abbey and Roman Baths provide an amazing backdrop to the city's festive event offering seasonal shopping, fine foods with stalls showcasing the talents of retailers from Britain and the Continent. If Christmas shopping is not your thing there is always the elegant and unforgettable city to discover which has attracted visitors since Roman times the highlights include the Pump Rooms, Carriage Museum and Royal Crescent along with the opportunity to take an open top bus tour. The train is steam hauled throughout by one of our immaculately restored engines which could include the world famous LMS Royal Scot Class, No.46100 'Royal Scot' - West Country Class, No. 34046 'Braunton' - Britannia Pacific Class, No 70000 'Britannia' EXPLORE LOCOMOTIVES Saphos Trains | The Bath Christmas Market Express - 4 December 2026 JOURNEY DESTINATIONS Saphos Trains | Travel on a Luxury Train to Bath Bath At Christmas the beautiful Somerset city comes alive with its unique Christmas market where over 150 chalet style stalls offer quality products and brilliant gift ideas. The famous Abbey and Roman Baths provide an amazing backdrop to the city's festive event offering seasonal shopping, fine foods with stalls showcasing the talents of retailers from Britain and the Continent. Bath Minster also provides regular carol concerts throughout some daytimes. APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIMINGS* Boarding Stations The following pick-up and set-down stations are available on this journey STATION DEPARTS RETURNS Three Bridges 08.00 21.15 Haywards Heath 08.15 20.40 Burgess Hill 08.25 20.30 Hove 08.55 20.00 Shoreham-by-Sea 09.10 19.45 Worthing 09.20 19.35 Barnham 09.40 19.10 Chichester 10.00 18.55 Destinations The following destination stations are available on this journey STATION ARRIVES DEPARTS Bath Spa 13.00 16.00

Fri 11 Dec 2026 Saphos Trains (Steam Railtour) More...
- The Bath Christmas Market Express Friday 11 December 2026 Departing from Peterborough, March, Ely, Cambridge, Royston, Letchworth Garden City, Stevenage, Welwyn Garden City This is a unique steam hauled tour offering a journey through the heart of England and rolling hills and gentle scenery of beautiful Wiltshire, then along the glorious countryside of the Avon Valley to visit the elegant Georgian city of Bath for an afternoon break of around three-hours at this festive time of year with the famous Christmas Market in full swing. At Christmas the beautiful Somerset city comes alive with its unique Christmas market where over 150 chalet style stalls offer quality products and brilliant gift ideas. The famous Abbey and Roman Baths provide an amazing backdrop to the city's festive event offering seasonal shopping, fine foods with stalls showcasing the talents of retailers from Britain and the Continent. If Christmas shopping is not your thing there is always the elegant and unforgettable city to discover which has attracted visitors since Roman times the highlights include the Pump Rooms, Carriage Museum and Royal Crescent along with the opportunity to take an open top bus tour. The train is diesel hauled to West London where one of our immaculately restored steam engines takes over. The featured locomotive could include the world famous LMS Royal Scot Class, No.46100 'Royal Scot' - West Country Class, No. 34046 'Braunton' - Britannia Pacific Class, No 70000 'Britannia' EXPLORE LOCOMOTIVES Saphos Trains | The Bath Christmas Market Express - 11 December 2026 JOURNEY DESTINATIONS Saphos Trains | Travel on a Luxury Train to Bath Bath At Christmas the beautiful Somerset city comes alive with its unique Christmas market where over 150 chalet style stalls offer quality products and brilliant gift ideas. The famous Abbey and Roman Baths provide an amazing backdrop to the city's festive event offering seasonal shopping, fine foods with stalls showcasing the talents of retailers from Britain and the Continent. Bath Minster also provides regular carol concerts throughout some daytimes. APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIMINGS* Boarding Stations The following pick-up and set-down stations are available on this journey STATION DEPARTS RETURNS Peterborough 06.00 23.00 March 06.20 22.40 Ely 07.00 22.20 Cambridge 07.20 22.00 Royston 07.40 21.50 Letchworth Garden City 07.50 21.40 Stevenage 08.05 21.25 Welwyn Garden City 08.20 21.00 Destinations The following destination stations are available on this journey STATION ARRIVES DEPARTS Bath Spa 13.00 16.00 PLEASE NOTE * All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change.

Tue 15 Dec 2026 The Steam Dreams Rail Company (Steam Railtour) More...
- The White Cliffs Christmas Lunch Tuesday 15 December 2026 DEPARTS: London Victoria / Bromley South Capture the magic of Christmas as you settle into our beautifully decorated vintage steam train, adorned with twinkling lights, festive garlands and all the charm of a bygone era. With exquisite marquetry, sumptuous interiors and attentive service throughout, this enchanting circular lunchtime journey offers a wonderfully nostalgic way to celebrate the season. We depart London Victoria steam?hauled, leaving the bustle of the capital behind as we head towards the Kent border. The route carries us through the North Downs, across the River Medway and along the North Kent Coast towards Canterbury, before climbing the southern tip of the Kent Downs and descending to the South Coast at Dover, where we steam beneath the famous White Cliffs beside the Channel. Turning northwards, we travel through the heart of Kent as the afternoon light softens, the festive glow inside the train becoming ever more captivating. Winter landscapes unfold beyond your window - from rolling fields and quiet woodland to dramatic coastal views ? while the warmth and elegance of the train create a truly memorable Christmas escape. This circular tour is steam?hauled throughout. TRAVEL TIMINGS* Boarding Stations The following pick-up and set-down stations are available on this journey STATION DEPARTS RETURNS London Victoria 11.00 16.35 Bromley South 11.30 16.00 PLEASE NOTE * All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change. Scheduled locomotive Locomotive to be confirmed The steam locomotive for this trip is still to be confirmed but will most likely be one of the following locomotives from our collection. A2 Class 60532 'Blue Peter' A4 Class 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley' B1 Class 61306 'Mayflower' GWR Castle Class 5029 'Nunney Castle' Britannia Class 70000 'Britannia' West Country Class 34046 'Braunton' BR Standard Class 8 Prototype 71000 'Duke of Gloucester' Whilst this locomotive is rostered for the steam hauled sections of the trip listed, it cannot be guaranteed and may be substituted for a different engine.

Thu 17 Dec 2026 Saphos Trains (Steam Railtour) More...
- The Pennine Peaks Christmas Explorer - Thursday 17 December 2026 Departing from Rugby, Coventry, Birmingham International, Birmingham New Street, Wolverhampton, Penkridge, Stafford, Crewe We are pleased to present a truly memorable steam hauled circular tour through the magnificent Pennines and the spectacular Yorkshire Dales offering outstanding views and steep climbs to make the engine work hard. Following the last passenger boarding station at Crewe our train joins the West Coast Main line and passes through Preston, then travelling north past imposing Lancaster Castle we cross the River Lune and at Bolton-le-Sands there are spectacular views across Morecambe Bay toward the Lakeland mountains. At Carnforth we pass the famous station used in the 1945 movie 'Brief Encounter' and take the secondary line into open countryside and through dramatic scenery on the edge of the forest of Bowland towards the beautiful Yorkshire Dales crossing rivers and moorland as we climb through Wennington and Gigglewick to Settle Junction with amazing views of the three peaks. At Hellifield we join the normally freight only line along the Ribble Valley with Pendle Hill, home to the Lancashire witches, towering over the route. Passing historic Clitheroe we cross the 48-arch viaduct, and the engine works hard to climb the taxing Wilpshire Bank with the sounds echoing back from the surrounding hills. Travelling onward through Blackburn we take the line to Leyland and re-join the West Coast main line to our homeward stations. The train is steam hauled from Crewe by BR Pacific class No 71000 'Duke of Gloucester' (subject to availability) EXPLORE LOCOMOTIVES Saphos Trains | The Pennine Peaks Christmas Explorer - 17 December 2026 APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIMINGS* Boarding Stations The following pick-up and set-down stations are available on this journey STATION DEPARTS RETURNS Rugby 09.00 20.00 Coventry 09.10 19.50 Birmingham International 09.30 19.30 Birmingham New Street 10.00 19.00 Wolverhampton 10.15 18.45 Penkridge 10.30 18.30 Stafford 10.45 18.15 Crewe 11.45 17.15 PLEASE NOTE * All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change.

Mon 21 Dec 2026 Saphos Trains (Steam Railtour) More...
- The Pennine Moors Christmas Express Monday 21 December 2026 Departing from Leicester, Narborough, Hinckley, Nuneaton, Tamworth, Lichfield Trent Valley, Rugeley Trent Valley, Crewe We are pleased to present a truly memorable steam hauled circular tour as we travel in vintage carriages through deep valleys and over wild Pennine moors with taxing climbs to make the engine work hard - Our train crosses Chat Moss heading toward Manchester and after passing Victoria station there is the first of two steep inclines as the engine opens up to climb the 1 in 48 Miles Platting bank with the sounds echoing back from the surrounding buildings. Travelling through Stalybridge we continue into true Pennine scenery with the rugged and steep sided Diggle Valley towering over the train with its stone architecture clinging to the hillside as we pass through the 3-mile long Standedge Tunnel and past historic Hebden Bridge to commence the taxing 1 in 65 climb crossing viaducts and bridges, passing former Victorian textile mills. Our driver and fireman work hard to haul the heavy train as we climb over the Pennines to the summit at Copy Pit, located some 749 feet above sea level. On more favourable gradients, we continue westward along the former Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway through Burnley and Accrington to Blackburn, where we take the line via Hoghton Bank to Leyland onto the West Coast main line for an anticipated fast run through Wigan on this varied and interesting circular tour across the spectacular Pennines. The train is steam hauled from Crewe by LNER Pacific class No 60532 'Blue Peter'' (subject to availability) EXPLORE LOCOMOTIVES Saphos Trains | The Pennine Moors Christmas Express - 21 December 2026 SOMETHING TO SUIT EVERYONE CLASSES OF TRAVEL Saphos Trains | Pullman Dining Pullman Dining FROM £395 Seating at a private window table for two is available at a supplement of £60 per person or £150 per person at a 'superior' private window table for two Bookings for parties of three passengers are accommodated at an 'exclusive table for three' with the fourth seat being unoccupied for your added privacy. A total supplement of £280 is applicable for this seating type CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 12 YEARS ARE NOT PERMITTED FOR TRAVEL IN PULLMAN DINING View Seating Plans Seating is at tables of 4 or 2 laid with crisp linen and fully dressed in fine crockery, fresh flowers, and glassware. After being welcomed aboard by your attentive liveried steward you will be served a glass of chilled champagne and selection of canapes as you relax in anticipation of the gastronomic journey ahead. A sumptuous six course seasonal luncheon created by our Executive Chef will be served including the Great British cheese board, biscuits, and chutney - all accompanied by our Sommelier's choice of a half bottle of wine per person. The memorable journey will conclude with service of coffee and homemade petits fours as you arrive back relaxed and refreshed. Book Saphos Trains | First Class First Class (non-dining) FROM £185 Seating at a private window table for two is available at a supplement of £60 per person or £150 per person at a 'superior' private window table for two Bookings for parties of three passengers are accommodated at an 'exclusive table for three' with the fourth seat being unoccupied for your added privacy. A total supplement of £180 is applicable for this seating type View Seating Plans Seating is at tables of 4 or 2 with wide seats and panoramic windows and includes complimentary tea/coffee and light snacks. You may bring on board your own picnic hamper and drinks for consumption during the journey. Book Saphos Trains | Standard Class Standard Class (non-dining) FROM £135 Seating is around a table of four with bookings for two persons seated side by side with one window and one aisle seat, bookings for one person are normally allocated an aisle seat. Enjoy complimentary tea and coffee throughout your journey whilst items including light snacks, wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks may be purchased from the buffet bar. View Seating Plans Book APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIMINGS* Boarding Stations The following pick-up and set-down stations are available on this journey STATION DEPARTS RETURNS Leicester 09.00 19.50 Narborough 09.15 19.35 Hinckley 09.30 19.20 Nuneaton 09.40 19.10 Tamworth 09.55 18.55 Lichfield Trent Valley 10.05 18.45 Rugeley Trent Valley 10.25 18.35 Crewe 11.45 17.15 PLEASE NOTE * All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change.

Wed 23 Dec 2026 Saphos Trains (Steam Railtour) More...
- The Pennine Peaks Christmas Explorer Wednesday 23 December 2026 Departing from Bangor, Llandudno Junction, Colwyn Bay, Rhyl, Flint, Chester, Crewe We are pleased to present a truly memorable steam hauled circular tour through the magnificent Pennines and the spectacular Yorkshire Dales offering outstanding views and steep climbs to make the engine work hard. Following the last passenger boarding station at Crewe our train joins the West Coast Main line and passes through Preston, then travelling north past imposing Lancaster Castle we cross the River Lune and at Bolton-le-Sands there are spectacular views across Morecambe Bay toward the Lakeland mountains. At Carnforth we pass the famous station used in the 1945 movie 'Brief Encounter' and take the secondary line into open countryside and through dramatic scenery on the edge of the forest of Bowland towards the beautiful Yorkshire Dales crossing rivers and moorland as we climb through Wennington and Gigglewick to Settle Junction with amazing views of the three peaks. At Hellifield we join the normally freight only line along the Ribble Valley with Pendle Hill, home to the Lancashire witches, towering over the route. Passing historic Clitheroe we cross the 48-arch viaduct, and the engine works hard to climb the taxing Wilpshire Bank with the sounds echoing back from the surrounding hills. Travelling onward through Blackburn we take the line to Leyland and re-join the West Coast main line to our homeward stations. The train is steam hauled from Crewe by LNER Pacific class No 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley' (subject to availability) EXPLORE LOCOMOTIVES Saphos Trains | The Pennine Peaks Christmas Explorer - 23 December 2026 SOMETHING TO SUIT EVERYONE CLASSES OF TRAVEL Saphos Trains | Pullman Dining Pullman Dining FROM £395 Seating at a private window table for two is available at a supplement of £60 per person or £150 per person at a 'superior' private window table for two Bookings for parties of three passengers are accommodated at an 'exclusive table for three' with the fourth seat being unoccupied for your added privacy. A total supplement of £280 is applicable for this seating type CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 12 YEARS ARE NOT PERMITTED FOR TRAVEL IN PULLMAN DINING View Seating Plans Seating is at tables of 4 or 2 laid with crisp linen and fully dressed in fine crockery, fresh flowers, and glassware. After being welcomed aboard by your attentive liveried steward you will be served a glass of chilled champagne and selection of canapes as you relax in anticipation of the gastronomic journey ahead. A sumptuous six course seasonal luncheon created by our Executive Chef will be served including the Great British cheese board, biscuits, and chutney - all accompanied by our Sommelier's choice of a half bottle of wine per person. The memorable journey will conclude with service of coffee and homemade petits fours as you arrive back relaxed and refreshed. Book Saphos Trains | First Class First Class (non-dining) FROM £185 Seating at a private window table for two is available at a supplement of £60 per person or £150 per person at a 'superior' private window table for two Bookings for parties of three passengers are accommodated at an 'exclusive table for three' with the fourth seat being unoccupied for your added privacy. A total supplement of £180 is applicable for this seating type View Seating Plans Seating is at tables of 4 or 2 with wide seats and panoramic windows and includes complimentary tea/coffee and light snacks. You may bring on board your own picnic hamper and drinks for consumption during the journey. Book Saphos Trains | Standard Class Standard Class (non-dining) FROM £135 Seating is around a table of four with bookings for two persons seated side by side with one window and one aisle seat, bookings for one person are normally allocated an aisle seat. Enjoy complimentary tea and coffee throughout your journey whilst items including light snacks, wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks may be purchased from the buffet bar. View Seating Plans Book APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIMINGS* Boarding Stations The following pick-up and set-down stations are available on this journey STATION DEPARTS RETURNS Bangor 09.20 19.40 Llandudno Junction 09.40 19.20 Colwyn Bay 09.50 19.10 Rhyl 10.05 18.55 Flint 10.25 18.35 Chester 10.45 18.15 Crewe 11.45 17.15 PLEASE NOTE * All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change.