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PLAN YOUR JOURNEY

DEPARTS:

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

This unique tour offers a fascinating adventure across country through time as we traverse England by steam, travelling past the country’s rich tapestry of rolling scenery and feats of railway engineering, to visit the Welsh Capital. Spread between an ancient fort and an ultramodern waterfront, compact Cardiff provides an vibrant mix of old and new.

Our journey begins at Southend Central railway station, as our liveried steward welcomes you aboard the sumptuous vintage carriages. Our train will stop at stations across Essex to pick up passengers before skirting London, where our steam locomotive joins us. We steam out through the suburbs 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. After a wonderful break we meet back at the arrival station and welcome you back on board for our homeward journey, steam hauled as far as the outskirts of London, where we wave goodbye to our steam engine to be whisked home by a vintage diesel.

Destinations

Cardiff

Cardiff’s rich culture has a diverse range of influences, from the Romans and Normans of antiquity to the industrial revolution and the coal industry – which transformed Cardiff from a small town into a thriving, international city.  The capital of Wales since just 1955, Cardiff has embraced the role with vigour, emerging in the new millennium as one of Britain’s leading urban centres. Spread between an ancient fort and an ultramodern waterfront, compact Cardiff provides an vibrant mix of old and new.

Weaving through the city is nearly a kilometre of arcades, dating back to Victorian and Edwardian times, offering an intimate environment for shoppers who enjoy an alternative to the well-trodden path of the high street. Inside you can find independent shops, family-run cafes and boutiques.

Originating from Roman times, Cardiff Castle sits right in the middle of the city. It had a major transformation during the 19th century, when the rooms were decorated in an ornate Gothic style by William Burges. A tour of the interior shows you the luxurious gold and marble furnishings, floral carvings and elaborate décor. For a fantastic view of the city and beyond, climb to the top of the keep before you leave.

Cardiff Bay provides a waterfront escape from the city’s bustle. The Senedd, home to the National Assembly for Wales, and the Pierhead are nearby, as is the Norwegian Church in which author Roald Dahl was baptised. There are independent coffee shops, bars and restaurants to try out as you explore the area.

 

SOMETHING TO SUIT EVERYONE

Classes of travel

Pullman Dining

FROM £425
  

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 evening meal, concluding with cheese board, coffee and petit fours.

First Class

FROM £220
 (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.

PROVISIONAL TRAVEL TIMINGS*

Boarding Stations

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

STATIONDEPARTSRETURNS
Shoeburyness 06.45 23.00
Southend Central 07.00 22.50
Leigh-on-Sea 07.10 22.40
Barking 07.50 22.00
Stratford 08.20 21.40
Destinations

The following destination stations are available on this journey

STATIONARRIVESDEPARTS
Cardiff 13.45 17.00

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.
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