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DEPARTS:

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

This unique tour offers a fascinating cross‑country adventure as we traverse England, travelling past a rich tapestry of rivers, canals and fields to reach the historic city of Chester, where modern life is inextricably linked with its past. The city’s handsome Tudor‑and‑Victorian centre provides the perfect setting for its magical Christmas Market.

Our journey begins at Southend Central railway station, where our liveried steward welcomes you aboard the sumptuous vintage carriages. The train will stop at stations across Essex to pick up passengers before skirting London, where our steam locomotive joins us. From here, it takes us on an express run along the West Coast Main Line, through the suburbs and out into Warwickshire and Staffordshire.

We pass beautiful countryside as the railway traverses the more rural parts of Cheshire, before arriving in the lovely city of Chester, where the Tudor streets come alive with festive splendour.

This journey is steam hauled from West London to Chester on the outward journey.

Destinations

Chester Christmas Market

Chester’s handsome Tudor‑and‑Victorian heart is the perfect setting for its magical Christmas Market. Around 80 traders surround an iconic 90‑ft sparkling tree in the square by the town hall, offering unique locally made produce, handmade crafts and festive stocking fillers. More shopping opportunities await in the city’s unique 700‑year‑old Rows – a series of two‑level galleried arcades home to an array of independent shops and boutiques.

Once you’ve found the perfect gifts, don’t miss Chester’s other attractions, including the most complete city walls in Britain and a 1,000‑year‑old cathedral featuring some of Europe’s finest medieval carvings.

SOMETHING TO SUIT EVERYONE

Classes of travel

Pullman Dining

FROM £465
  

Indulge in an exquisite on-board culinary journey, where impeccable service, attention to detail, and ever-changing views combine to create an experience unlike any other.

Inspired by the regions we steam through, our menus are crafted using the finest locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.

Guests are seated in plush armchair-style seats at elegantly dressed tables for two or four, adorned with crisp white linens, fine china, sparkling glassware, fresh flowers, and plump cushions – evoking the grandeur of a more refined era.

On a full-day journey, guests will be welcomed on board with a chilled Champagne Bellini, followed by a multi-course breakfast. On the return journey, they are greeted with a glass of Champagne and canapés followed by a four-course evening meal, complemented by half a bottle of wine per person.

First Class

FROM £245
 (non-dining) 

A sanctuary for those seeking a refined, leisurely experience without formal on-board dining. First Class offers an unparalleled journey into the past aboard elegantly restored carriages, with spacious, cushioned seating arranged around tables for two or four.

Experience classic travel in our First Class carriages, where vintage charm meets modern comfort. Elegant interiors, attentive service and picture windows framing picturesque landscapes make every moment a memory to treasure.

First Class allows guests to bring their own picnic while enjoying complimentary tea and coffee, and a welcome celebratory drink served by our stewards.

Additional drinks and snacks may be purchased to enjoy at your seat, or you can add a traditional Afternoon Tea to your booking (supplement applies) for a touch of indulgence.

TRAVEL TIMINGS*

Boarding Stations

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

STATIONDEPARTSRETURNS
Southend Central 06.35 22.50
Leigh-on-Sea 06.40 22.40
Barking 07.20 21.50
Destinations

The following destination stations are available on this journey

STATIONARRIVESDEPARTS
Chester 14.00 17.20

Scheduled locomotive

Locomotive to be confirmed

The steam locomotive for this trip is still to be confirmed but will most likely be one of the following locomotives from our collection.

A2 Class 60532 ‘Blue Peter’

A4 Class 60007 ‘Sir Nigel Gresley’

B1 Class 61306 ‘Mayflower’

GWR Castle Class 5029 ‘Nunney Castle’

Britannia Class 70000 ‘Britannia’

West Country Class 34046 ‘Braunton’

BR Standard Class 8 Prototype 71000 ‘Duke of Gloucester’

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.
VIEW ALL LOCOMOTIVES