+44 (0) 1483 209 888
Brochure
PLAN YOUR JOURNEY

DEPARTS:

  • Colchester North /
  • Ipswich /
  • Bury St Edmunds /
  • Ely /
  • Peterborough

Relive the elegance of yesteryear with an enchanting steam-hauled adventure to York’s renowned Christmas Market.

Sink into your seat as we travel through the tranquil countryside and storied landscapes of East Anglia and Cambridgeshire. From Peterborough, our majestic steam locomotive joins us for a captivating journey along the East Coast Main Line, passing historic Doncaster – the birthplace of the iconic Mallard and Flying Scotsman – before arriving in the historic city of York.

Step into a festive wonderland as the medieval streets of York are adorned with twinkling lights and festive garlands. At the heart of the celebration the renowned Christmas Market, where over 75 exquisitely decorated wooden chalets lining the pedestrianised streets offer a dazzling array of handcrafted treasures, artisanal gifts and gourmet seasonal delicacies.

Take in the sights and sounds of the season as carol singers and street performers entertain the crowds and the scent of spiced wine fills the air. After indulging in the magic and merriment of York, we steam gently homeward, reliving the nostalgic charm of this unforgettable journey.

This trip is steam-hauled from and to Peterborough.

Destinations

York Christmas Market

Step into a festive wonderland as the medieval streets of York are adorned with twinkling lights and festive garlands. At the heart of the celebration the renowned Christmas Market, where over 75 exquisitely decorated wooden chalets lining the pedestrianised streets offer a dazzling array of handcrafted treasures, artisanal gifts and gourmet seasonal delicacies.

SOMETHING TO SUIT EVERYONE

Classes of travel

Pullman Dining

FROM £425
  

A sumptuous culinary experience amidst opulent surroundings, where guests can relax in plush, spacious armchair seating arranged around splendidly dressed tables of two and four. Attentive service adds an ambiance of old-world charm and sophistication, transporting you to a world of nostalgia and comfort.

On a full day journey, guests will be welcomed on board with our signature Champagne cocktail, followed by a multicourse breakfast. On the return journey, wine is served alongside a seasonal ‘carte de jour’, concluding with cheese board, coffee and petit fours.

First Class

FROM £220
 (non-dining) 

First Class offers guests an unparalleled journey into the past aboard elegantly restored carriages with comfortable and spacious seating around tables of two and four.

A sanctuary for those seeking a refined and leisurely journey without dining-on-board, First Class guests are greeted with a welcome drink and freshly brewed coffee and tea. You can sink into your seat as scenic vistas unfold beyond the windows and indulge in your own picnic or our Classic Afternoon Tea (supplement applies).

ESTIMATED TRAVEL TIMINGS

Boarding Stations

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

STATIONDEPARTSRETURNS
Colchester North 07.00 00.30
Ipswich 07.20 00.10
Bury St Edmunds 07.55 23.30
Ely 08.30 22.30
Peterborough 09.10 21.50
Destinations

The following destination stations are available on this journey

STATIONARRIVESDEPARTS
York 14.00 18.00

PLEASE NOTE *
All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change.

Scheduled locomotive


Sir Nigel Gresley

60007

Sir Nigel Gresley is an A4 class locomotive built by the London & North Eastern Railway in 1937.

The locomotive is named after the company’s then Chief Mechanical Engineer. In 1935 the LNER introduced the streamlined A4 Class locomotives to improve the speed of their trains and compete with the increased competition from road transport. Initially introduced to haul the new Silver Jubilee express between London and Newcastle, the class was an instant success, with 2509 Silver Link, setting a new British speed record of 112 mph on the first press run! In 1936 this was bettered by Silver Fox, another A4 Class Locomotive, before in 1938 a further member of the class, number 4468 Mallard, set an all-time world speed record for steam traction of 126 mph.

During its working life Sir Nigel Gresley was mainly allocated to King’s Cross depot, often known as ‘Top Shed’ and worked King’s Cross to York, Leeds, Newcastle & Edinburgh expresses. In the 1960s the locomotive moved to Scotland and hauled the Edinburgh to Aberdeen trains until withdrawal in 1966.

Thirteen years earlier, in 1959 the locomotive had set a post-war world speed record of 112 mph when working a special train from Doncaster to London, and as such was ear marked for preservation. The A4 Preservation Society, now a registered Charity, the Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust, successfully purchased Sir Nigel Gresley and moved the locomotive to Crewe for overhaul.

Sir Nigel Gresley has enjoyed periods of mainline activity from the 1967 onwards and the locomotive hauled its first train for Steam Dreams in 2008.

 

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