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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
SOMETHING TO SUIT EVERYONE

Classes of travel

Pullman Dining

FROM £465
  

Indulge in an exquisite on-board culinary journey, where impeccable service, attention to detail, and ever-changing views combine to create an experience unlike any other.

Inspired by the regions we steam through, our menus are crafted using the finest locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.

Guests are seated in plush armchair-style seats at elegantly dressed tables for two or four, adorned with crisp white linens, fine china, sparkling glassware, fresh flowers, and plump cushions – evoking the grandeur of a more refined era.

On a full-day journey, guests will be welcomed on board with a chilled Champagne Bellini, followed by a multi-course breakfast. On the return journey, they are greeted with a glass of Champagne and canapés followed by a four-course evening meal, complemented by half a bottle of wine per person.

First Class

FROM £245
 (non-dining) 

A sanctuary for those seeking a refined, leisurely experience without formal on-board dining. First Class offers an unparalleled journey into the past aboard elegantly restored carriages, with spacious, cushioned seating arranged around tables for two or four.

Experience classic travel in our First Class carriages, where vintage charm meets modern comfort. Elegant interiors, attentive service and picture windows framing picturesque landscapes make every moment a memory to treasure.

First Class allows guests to bring their own picnic while enjoying complimentary tea and coffee, and a welcome celebratory drink served by our stewards.

Additional drinks and snacks may be purchased to enjoy at your seat, or you can add a traditional Afternoon Tea to your booking (supplement applies) for a touch of indulgence.

TRAVEL TIMINGS*

Boarding Stations

The following pick-up and set-down stations are available on this journey

STATIONDEPARTSRETURNS
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

STATIONARRIVESDEPARTS
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.
VIEW ALL LOCOMOTIVES