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PLAN YOUR JOURNEY

DEPARTS:

  • Southend Central /
  • Leigh-on-Sea /
  • Barking /
  • Stratford

Step aboard for an enchanting steam train journey that blends festive charm with timeless elegance as we travel to two of of the UK’s most beloved seasonal destinations.

Begin your adventure from Essex, where you will be welcomed aboard by our liveried stewards as we make our way, winding around the capital, before the majestic countryside unfolds. The wintry beauty of the Chiltern Hills, with its frosted treetops, come into view on our way to the dreaming spires of Oxford.

From here, you have two magical options: Explore the honey-coloured listed buildings and cobbled, winding lanes of Oxford, where the Christmas Market on Broad Street sparkles with twinkling lights and offers a charming array of handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats and warming mulled wine.  For lovers of luxury shopping, Bicester Village awaits, with over 150 designer boutiques set along twinkling, snow dusted streets, with festive music filling the air.

As twilight falls, rejoin your train for a serene return journey home, wrapped in the warm afterglow of a great day out.

This trip is steam – hauled from and to West London.

Destinations

Oxford

Step into a winter wonderland this festive season as Christmas in Oxford transforms the historic Broad Street into a magical celebration of all things Christmas. Lose yourself in the labyrinth of stalls brimming with everything from handcrafted gifts and unique artisan products to indulgent festive foods and seasonal treats. Savour the tempting aromas of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts as you soak up the seasonal atmosphere and create unforgettable memories.

 

 

 

Bicester Village

When it comes to getting into the Christmas spirit, few destinations make it as easy as Bicester Village. Enjoy a luxury shopping experience with its spacious boulevards twinkling with festive lights and the snow-dusted village square selling designer labels with unmissable offers. Bicester Village is a must visit Christmas shopping experience for all those hard to buy presents or if you simply want to get into the festive spirit and soak up the atmosphere!

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 evening meal, 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).

TRAVEL TIMINGS*

Boarding Stations

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

STATIONDEPARTSRETURNS
Southend Central 08.00 22.40
Leigh-on-Sea 08.10 22.30
Barking 08.50 21.50
Stratford 09.10 21.40
Destinations

The following destination stations are available on this journey

STATIONARRIVESDEPARTS
Bicester Village 12.45 18.45
Oxford 13.00 18.30

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

Scheduled locomotive

Braunton

34046

34046 Braunton is a West Country Class express passenger engine designed by Oliver Bulleid which alongside the Battle of Britain Class locomotives, that shared the same design, were collectively known as ‘Bulleid Light Pacifics’.

The locomotives of the West Country Class were so named after towns on or near the Southern Railway system in the west of England, with the town of Braunton situated in North Devon.

In the post war years of skills shortages and declining maintenance standards, British Railways embarked on a rebuilding programme of the ‘Light Pacifics’ in an attempt to improve reliability. In 1959 the air-smoothed casing and the internal chain drive were removed. By 1965 after accumulating 779,210 miles in service, Braunton was retired from service and sold to Barry Scrapyard. By 1988 the locomotive had moved from Barry but serious restoration did not begin until 1996 and was completed by 2008.

Over the winter of 2011 the locomotive was fitted with all the modern equipment to allow it to be used on the mainline railway network. Although restricted to 75mph, Braunton is capable of speeds in excess of 100mph.

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.
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