London to Castle Howard, Durham, Beamish & Newcastle

DEPARTS:

London Kings Cross /
Potters Bar /
Stevenage /
Peterborough

A delightful day out offering four very different but equally fabulous destinations. Uncover the region’s rich history at Durham or Beamish Museum, marvel at the treasures of Castle Howard or indulge your love for the arts in Newcastle.

Our journey begins at the Great Northern Railway’s London terminus, Kings Cross station, opened in 1852. We set out, diesel or electric hauled, for an express run up the East Coast Main Line to York.

Upon arrival in York, visitors to Castle Howard will be transferred there for an afternoon to admire the stunning property. Those continuing their journey on board the train will be treated to views of Durham Cathedral, the Angel of the North and Tyne Bridges and have the option to visit the famous Beamish Museum or the cities of Durham or Newcastle.

After a wonderful break we meet back at the arrival station and will welcome you back on board for our steam hauled homeward journey.

Destinations

Durham

This ‘perfect little city’ offers not only a rich history, with the Castle and Cathedral forming a UNESCO World Heritage site, but also a lively atmosphere, with a cascade of meandering, cobbled streets that lead down to riverside bars in the shadow of a spectacular Norman Castle. Don’t miss the array of shops and markets, the Oriental Museum and medieval Crook Hall and Gardens.

Newcastle

Against its dramatic backdrop of Victorian elegance and industrial grit, this compact city harbours a spirited mix of heritage and urban sophistication, with excellent art galleries and some exceptional restaurants. Wander down to the transformed waterfront, now lined with designer bars, restaurants and public art. From here you can view the Gateshead Millennium which arches across the Tyne to link the city to Gateshead’s quays and the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art. Castle Keep is worth a visit as is the Life Science Centre in Times Square.

Optional Excursions

Castle Howard, Interest List

Price TBC

Immerse yourself in the glamour of yesteryear with an elegant steam hauled journey to Castle Howard. Set in a thousand acres of sweeping parkland dotted with statues, temples, lakes and fountains, Castle Howard is renowned as one of the world’s most beautiful buildings. Inside, discover world-renowned collections gathered by succeeding generations of the Howard family. Built over 300 years ago, today it remains a family home.

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.

Beamish Living Museum

£34.00 per person

Take a tram ride back in time and become immersed in real, living history. Award-wining Beamish Museum is a must-see part of any visit to the North of England. Take a walk down an Edwardian cobbled street, try tasty food from times gone by and chat to cheerful costumed engagers. Experience life as a ‘Land Girl’, explore the 1820s landscape or have a go at fun 50s activities in the welfare hall.

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 Kings Cross	08.15	22.35
Potters Bar	08.30	22.15
Stevenage	08.50	21.50
Peterborough	09.35	20.30

Destinations

The following destinations stations are available on this journey

STATION	ARRIVES	DEPARTS
Newcastle	12.25	15.00
Durham	12.10	15.30

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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