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Santa Steam Express
PLAN YOUR JOURNEY

DEPARTS:

  • London Paddington /
  • Maidenhead /
  • Reading

Revel in the glamour of yesteryear as you board your vintage carriage for the day. With beautiful marquetry, large picture windows and sumptuous surroundings you couldn’t ask for more as the British countryside unfolds before you. Whichever class of travel you choose, one thing you can be sure of is that you will receive the highest level of service and a day out to remember.

Leaving London Paddington steam hauled we traverse out of London, heading west, before making our way to the Golden Valley line with its contrasting landscapes and dramatic valleys and canals before making our way to Cheltenham and Worcester where you will have a few hours to soak up all the Cotswolds have to offer.

Destinations

Cheltenham

Easy to explore on foot, Cheltenham is a pretty, vibrant spa town steeped in Regency architecture. It is often compared to Bath but on a smaller more intimate scale. Passengers can meander through the town to see the Neptune fountain and wander around the Montpelier Gardens, two of the many attractions in this quaint town.

Worcester

The delightful city of Worcester stands on the River Severn and as well as being synonymous for its piquant Worcestershire sauce is also renowned for its stunning cathedral, Royal Worcester porcelain as well as the home of composer Edward Elgar. Passengers can easily while away a few hours visiting The Tudor House Museum, Guildhall, cathedral or enjoy a picturesque stroll along the river.

Optional Excursions

Undiscovered Cotswolds - Interest List

Price TBC

Alight at Kemble 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.

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

STATIONDEPARTSRETURNS
London Paddington 08.00 21.30
Maidenhead 08.35 20.45
Reading 09.00 20.25

Destinations

The following destinations stations are available on this journey

STATIONARRIVESDEPARTS
Worcester Shrub Hill 13.25 16.30
Cheltenham Spa 12.45 17.00
Kemble 11.10 17.45

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.

 

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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