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Santa Steam Express
PLAN YOUR JOURNEY

DEPARTS:

  • Shoeburyness /
  • Southend Central /
  • Leigh-on-Sea /
  • Barking

We begin our journey at Shoeburyness, steam-hauled, with additional pickups on the way as we make our way through Essex towards the outskirts of East London.

After winding our way through the capital and crossing through its heart we emerge on the far side in Surrey. With the city behind us we begin to pick up speed and soon find ourselves making our way through Hampshire, past the rolling hills and frosty treetops to the beautiful cathedral city of Winchester.

After our break in Winchester, we meet at the station and will welcome you back on board for our homeward journey once again hauled by our steam locomotive. Our return route takes us through Berkshire to West London where, we change our steam locomotive for a diesel locomotive for a swift run back to Shoeburyness.

Destinations

Winchester Christmas Market

A unique heritage city, with a magnificent Cathedral and beautiful surrounding countryside. The Winchester Christmas Market is recognised as being one of the best in Europe and attracts visitors from around the world. The pretty wooden chalets, set within the historic grounds of the Cathedral, offer a variety of festive food and drink as well as local crafts. You can also visit The Great Hall and its legendary Arthurian Round table- the only remaining parts of Winchester castle.

SOMETHING TO SUIT EVERYONE

Classes of travel

Pullman Dining

FROM £370
  

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 £209
 (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 £175
 (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.

CONFIRMED TRAVEL TIMINGS

Boarding Stations

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

STATIONDEPARTSRETURNS
Shoeburyness 21.51
Southend Central 08.34 21.38
Leigh-on-Sea 08.41 21.29
Barking 09.45 20.49

Destinations

The following destinations stations are available on this journey

STATIONARRIVESDEPARTS
Winchester 13.11 17.08

Scheduled locomotive


Sherwood Forester

45231

Stanier Class 5 no. 45231 Sherwood Forester was built in 1936 for the London, Midland & Scottish Railway.

The first of the Class 5 locomotives, more commonly known as the Black Five Class, was produced in 1934 to the design of Sir William Stanier, the Chief Mechanical Engineer of the London Midland & Scottish Railway. Designed as mixed-traffic locomotive they were capable of handling both passenger and freight trains, and also useful for double-heading heavy passenger trains such as the Inverness to London sleeping car service. Such was their success and usefulness that the class became one of the most numerous to be used in Britain with 842 built in total between 1934 & 1951.

Since its construction nearly 90 years ago 45231 has worked all over the country, from routes in Wales and Northern England in its ‘working life’ prior to preservation, to heritage railways in Southern England to the beautiful Mallaig line in Scotland, where Harry Potter was filmed.

Photo credit: Andy Parkinson

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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