London to Cardiff and The Dean Forest Railway

DEPARTS:

London Paddington /
Slough /
Reading

A delightful day out offering two very different but equally fabulous destinations. A trip on the magical Dean Forest Railway for a steam experience through beautiful woodland, or for city lovers and culture vultures, the Capital City of Wales, Cardiff, with its many historical features.

Our journey begins under the overall roof of the Great Western Railway’s London terminus, Paddington station, opened in 1854 and designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Steam hauled, this wonderful journey takes us through the suburbs and along the Thames Valley, following the Great Western Main Line. It’s not long before the glorious Cotswold scenery comes into view as we pass through pretty Bradford-upon-Avon and Bath on our way to the Severn Tunnel. From here, we emerge to Cardiff, our final destination. Our return is truly a sight to behold with breath-taking views of the Severn Estuary, Chepstow Castle, and the magical Cotswolds, blushing prettily in the sunset.

Destinations

Cardiff

Cardiff is a city rich in culture and offers it visitors a smorgasbord of historical and interesting places to visit. From its magnificent castle sitting in the middle of the city, the National Museum which houses the largest collection of Impressionist art outside Paris, to the regenerated waterfront quay in Cardiff Bay, there is plenty to do and see in this historical city.

Optional Excursions

Dean Forest Railway Interest List

Price TBC

Take a steam train ride through the beautiful woodland and countryside of Lydney as you travel through the medieval forest as white steam billows into the canopy above and you embark on a magical 8.5 mile journey. There will be the opportunity to get some lovely photos of the train as it stops for approx. 20 minutes while the engine runs around at both ends of the line.

Please note this excursion has not yet been confirmed and you are booking on to an interest list. Our reservations team will be in touch once the excursion is confirmed.

Undiscovered Cotswolds Interest List

Price TBC

Alight at Bristol for a chance to explore the rolling hills and lively market towns of the Cotswolds. You’ll explore quintessentially English villages of honey-coloured stone and journey through breath-taking landscapes along historic trails before re-joining the train Gloucester for the return journey.

Please note this excursion has not yet been confirmed and you are booking on to an interest list. Our reservations team will be in touch once the excursion is confirmed.

Chavenage House Interest List

Price TBC

Having been regularly used as a filming location, Chavenage is probably best known as Trenwith House in the hugely popular TV adaption of Poldark, starring Aidan Turner. Enjoy a room by room guided tour which is often conducted by a member of the Lowsley-Williams family who own the house. After alighting at Bristol you will transferred by road coach to Chavenage before re-joining the train Gloucester for the return journey.

Please note this excursion has not yet been confirmed and you are booking on to an interest list. Our reservations team will be in touch once the excursion is confirmed.

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

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

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

STATION	DEPARTS	RETURNS
London Paddington	09.15	22.10
Slough	09.55	21.35
Reading	10.25	21.05

Destinations

The following destinations stations are available on this journey

STATION	ARRIVES	DEPARTS
Cardiff	13.30	17.00
Severn Tunnel Junction/Lydney	12.50	17.45
Bristol Parkway/Gloucester	12.30	18.15

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.

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