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

DEPARTS:

  • London Victoria /
  • Staines /
  • Woking

A firm favourite in the Steam Dreams calendar, a trip to Bath is exceptional in its own right but couple that with a steam train and you have a match made in heaven. Step back in time and luxuriate in the splendour of our lovingly restored vintage carriages each with their own unique personality.

We depart London Victoria station, steam hauled, leaving the stress of the hustle and bustle behind as we make our way over the River Thames, out through the suburbs of London before heading through Surrey and Hampshire and briefly flirting with the magnificent North Wessex Downs as we head towards Salisbury. After Salisbury we brush once again with a great British Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the verdant rolling hills of Cranbourne Chase, before heading to the historic city of Bath. After a break in beautiful Bath, we will resume our journey steam hauled back to London.

Destinations

Bath

Travel to the stunning roman city of Bath and explore its many museums and places of interest. Exquisite Roman and Georgian architecture, a remarkable collection of museums and galleries and fantastic independent shops await you here. It has some of the very finest architectural sights in Europe including the Roman Baths and Pump Room, Pulteney Bridge, the Abbey and Royal Crescent. Bath’s compact, visitor-friendly city centre is overflowing with places to eat and drink, plus some of the finest independent shops in Britain, making it the ideal destination.

SOMETHING TO SUIT EVERYONE

Classes of travel

Pullman Dining

FROM £395
  

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 £195
 (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.

Premium Standard

FROM £165
 (non-dining) 

Premium Standard offers a nostalgic and authentic journey onboard a beautifully restored carriage that embodies the charm of a bygone era, with its classic decor and comfortable seating around tables for four.

Passengers can enjoy the sights and sounds of steam travel and the camaraderie of fellow travellers, whilst enjoying complimentary tea and coffee. Passengers are invited to treat themselves at our Buffer Car where they will find a selection of hot and cold snacks and a selection of wine, beer, spirits, and cold drinks available for purchase.

TRAVEL TIMINGS*

Boarding Stations

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

STATIONDEPARTSRETURNS
London Victoria 08.45 21.40
Staines 09.30 20.50
Woking 10.05 20.15

Destinations

The following destinations stations are available on this journey

STATIONARRIVESDEPARTS
Bath Spa 13.05 16.55

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.

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