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Santa Steam Express
PLAN YOUR JOURNEY

DEPARTS:

  • London Euston /
  • Milton Keynes /
  • Rugby /
  • Lichfield Trent Valley /
  • Crewe

Astounding scenery, exemplary service and pure nostalgia combine for this trip – a Steam Dreams favourite and a must-do for all railway aficionados. The renowned Settle & Carlisle Railway line traverses the peaks and valleys of Cumbria with its dramatic backdrop of beautiful scenery and impressive architecture, including the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct.

Our journey begins under London’s Euston station as your liveried steward welcomes you aboard. We set out, diesel or electric-hauled, for an express run up the West Coast Mainline towards Northwest England for our stop at Carlisle. Here, the time is yours to explore the city at your leisure before we welcome our steam locomotive for the journey along the famous Settle & Carlisle Railway. Sit back and relax in the jovial atmosphere, enjoying the views of the Cumbrian Mountains. As we carve our way through the snow-capped peaks with smoke drifting past the window, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you have escaped to another world.

Destinations

Carlisle

Once in the ancient city, which dates back to Roman times, there is much to see and do. Highlights include the magnificent castle founded in 1092 and nearby citadel built by Henry VIII, as well as the beautiful cathedral with its famous 14th Century stained glass window.

For art lovers, there is no better place to begin exploring the city’s fascinating past than the award winning Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery. The classical Grade One Listed Jacobean building is full of exciting exhibits and interactive displays.

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

STATIONDEPARTSRETURNS
London Euston 06.55 22.30
Milton Keynes 07.40 21.20
Rugby 08.10 20.50
Lichfield Trent Valley 08.50 20.10
Crewe 09.30 19.10

Destinations

The following destinations stations are available on this journey

STATIONARRIVESDEPARTS
Carlisle 11.45 13.45

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

Scheduled locomotive


Braunton

34046

34046 Braunton is a West Country Class express passenger engine designed by Oliver Bulleid which alongside the Battle of Britain Class locomotives, that shared the same design, were collectively known as ‘Bulleid Light Pacifics’.

The locomotives of the West Country Class were so named after towns on or near the Southern Railway system in the west of England, with the town of Braunton situated in North Devon.

In the post war years of skills shortages and declining maintenance standards, British Railways embarked on a rebuilding programme of the ‘Light Pacifics’ in an attempt to improve reliability. In 1959 the air-smoothed casing and the internal chain drive were removed. By 1965 after accumulating 779,210 miles in service, Braunton was retired from service and sold to Barry Scrapyard. By 1988 the locomotive had moved from Barry but serious restoration did not begin until 1996 and was completed by 2008.

Over the winter of 2011 the locomotive was fitted with all the modern equipment to allow it to be used on the mainline railway network. Although restricted to 75mph, Braunton is capable of speeds in excess of 100mph.

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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