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PLAN YOUR JOURNEY

DEPARTS:

  • Horsham /
  • Dorking /
  • Leatherhead /
  • Epsom /
  • Wimbledon /
  • Clapham Junction

This unique tour offers a fascinating adventure across country as we traverse England by steam, travelling past a rich tapestry of intertwined rivers, canals and fields to visit the historic city of Chester where modern life is inextricably linked with its past. The city’s Tudor-and-Victorian heart is justifiably famous as one of Britain’s prettiest town centres.

Our journey begins at Horsham railway station, as our liveried steward welcomes you aboard the sumptuous vintage carriages. Our train will stop at stations across Surrey to pick up passengers before skirting London, where our steam locomotive joins us. From here, our locomotive takes us on an express run along the West Coast Main Line, through the suburbs and out into Warwickshire and Staffordshire. We pass through beautiful countryside as the railway traverses more rural parts before arriving in the lovely city of Chester. After a wonderful break we meet back at the arrival station and will welcome you back on board for our homeward journey by vintage diesel.

Destinations

Chester

Chester’s Tudor-and-Victorian heart is justifiably recognised as one of Britain’s most handsome town centres. This collection of black-and-white timber-framed beauties and red-sandstone buildings surrounded by an original set of Roman-era walls is one of the northwest’s biggest attractions.

The original walls of this historic gem were built by the Romans and offer a two mile walkway around the city, interrupted by ancient towers and gates in the form of imposing stone arches. Chester boasts the most complete city walls, the oldest racecourse, and a 1000 year old Cathedral with Europe’s finest example of medieval carvings. Chester’s other draw is the unique 700 year old Rows, a series of two-level galleried arcades offering an array of independent shops and boutiques.

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 welcomed on board with Bucks Fizz and freshly brewed coffee and tea. You can sink into your seat as scenic vistas unfold beyond the windows or toast your journey in our beautifully restored Buffet Car with its polished marquetry, large picture windows and convivial atmosphere.

PROVISIONAL TRAVEL TIMINGS*

Boarding Stations

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

STATIONDEPARTSRETURNS
Horsham 07.00 22.50
Dorking 07.30 22.30
Leatherhead 07.40 22.15
Epsom 07.50 22.00
Wimbledon 08.00 21.45
Clapham Junction 08.15 21.30
Destinations

The following destination stations are available on this journey

STATIONARRIVESDEPARTS
Chester 14.30 17.30

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

Scheduled locomotive

Britannia

70000

70000 Britannia is a British Railways Standard class 7 engine, alternatively known as the Britannia class, and the first of 55 to be built by British Railways in Crewe.

Completed in January 1951 she was built for express passenger services between London and Norwich.

The BR Standard classes were designed by drawing on the best qualities from several previous locomotives to create an efficient engine that was produced with lower maintenance costs and weight saving measures to enable it to work across a wider geography.

Britannia has 2 cylinders, 6 driving wheels and a firebox of 42ft2 with most of the motion situated on the outside of the frames for ease of maintenance. Whilst limited to 75mph the locomotive is capable of reaching speeds up to 100mph.

For many years Britannia’s cab roof was painted white to commemorate her pulling the funeral train of King George VI from Sandringham to London in 1952. After 15 years of service in May 1966 Britannia was retired and after spells at preserved railways returned to the national network between 1991 and 1997 until major repairs were required and the locomotive was withdrawn for overhaul. In 2010 Britannia was steamed once more and 2011 marked the locomotive’s return to the main line after a 14 year absence.
In one of her most important roles, Britannia hauled The Royal Train from Preston to Wakefield in January 2012.

 

 

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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