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PLAN YOUR JOURNEY

DEPARTS:

  • Haywards Heath /
  • Three Bridges /
  • Redhill /
  • East Croydon

Step back in time as you board our exquisite vintage carriages offering the highest level of comfort in sumptuous surroundings.

Settle into your seats as our liveried stewards take care of your every need as we traverse mile after mile of scenic countryside on our way to the beautiful city of Cambridge, renowned for its ancient colleges and architecture as well as the picturesque ‘Backs’ along the River Cam. Alternatively, travel a little further to Ely with its majestic Cathedral and quaint independent shops.

This trip will be steam-hauled between West London and Cambridge/Ely in both directions.

Destinations

Cambridge

Cambridge is a city of timeless beauty and academic prestige, nestled along the tranquil River Cam. Its historic colleges, cloistered courtyards, and soaring spires reflect centuries of scholarly tradition and architectural grace. Visitors can stroll the cobbled lanes, admire the intricate façades of King’s College Chapel, or enjoy a leisurely punt past the leafy gardens of the ‘Backs’. Independent bookshops, artisan cafés, and riverside walks offer moments of quiet charm, while the city’s vibrant cultural scene adds a modern flourish to its storied past. Cambridge invites exploration, reflection, and a touch of inspiration at every turn.

 

Ely

Perched above the surrounding fenland, Ely is a hidden gem of historic charm and quiet elegance. Dominated by its magnificent cathedral—often called the ‘Ship of the Fens’—the city offers a rich sense of heritage and tranquillity. Wander through cobbled streets lined with independent shops, explore the riverside meadows, or visit the former home of Oliver Cromwell. With its welcoming atmosphere, scenic walks, and striking architecture, Ely provides a peaceful escape where history and countryside meet in perfect harmony.

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.

TRAVEL TIMINGS*

Boarding Stations

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

STATIONDEPARTSRETURNS
Haywards Heath 08.30 20.45
Three Bridges 08.45 20.30
Redhill 09.05 20.15
East Croydon 09.30 19.50
Destinations

The following destination stations are available on this journey

STATIONARRIVESDEPARTS
Cambridge 12.00 17.20
Ely 12.25 17.00

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

Scheduled locomotive

Duke of Gloucester

71000

71000, Duke of Gloucester is a British Railways Standard Class 8P built at Crewe works in 1954.

Designed by Robert Riddles to work the heavy express trains between Euston and Scotland, Duke of Gloucester was a prototype for the BR Standard Class 8 express passenger locomotives but was the only one of the class ever to be built.

Previously, Riddle’s Britannia class 7 had been highly successful and the Standard Class 8 was intended to be an enlarged version of the Britannia class, with a three-cylinder layout instead of two worked by the more steam efficient Caprotti valve gear. However, certain design and construction errors meant the locomotive failed to achieve its expected performance in service and in 1962, after only 8 years of operation, Duke of Gloucester was withdrawn for scrap.

Sent to Barry scrapyard it languished until rescued by the Duke of Gloucester Steam Locomotive Trust in 1974. A thirteen year restoration project began, during which time the initial faults were corrected to transform the locomotive into the free steaming, powerful engine it was designed to be.

After being withdrawn from service 2012 the Duke has been through a long extensive overhaul before its return to hauling trips on the mainline in 2024.

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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