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PLAN YOUR JOURNEY

DEPARTS:

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

Embark on one of the most picturesque railway journeys in England and savour a day filled with nostalgia. Having been welcomed on board by your liveried steward, sink into your comfortable seat as we travel mile upon mile through picturesque British countryside with stunning coastal views on our way to the English Riviera.

 

Our train will travel across the Capital and along the Thames Valley to Taunton, where we will be joined by our steam locomotive. Panoramic views unfold as we follow the estuary of the River Exe, sweeping around its mouth and travelling beside the seashore for mile upon mile.

The journey continues on the Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway, where our steam engine climbs high above the Devon hills before descending into the Dart Estuary at Kingswear. With the option to explore either Kingswear or Paignton, your day promises nostalgia and plenty of fresh sea air.

This trip will be steam-hauled from Taunton to Kingswear — in both directions.

Destinations

Paignton

One of the brightest jewels in the English Riviera’s crown, as you arrive in the seaside resort of Paignton, you are met with the welcoming sight of its long stretch of beautiful and easily accessible beachfront, promenade, traditional pier, colourful beach huts and green.

Kingswear for Dartmouth

Set opposite the town of Dartmouth, on the banks of the River Dart, Kingswear is a charming characterful village that has some of the most beautiful views across the Dart. The village is the perfect place to while away a few hours in this pretty seaside destination. For those who like to explore a little further afield, it is just a short ferry crossing from Kingswear to Dartmouth, a vibrant harbour town with pretty cobbled streets lined with independent shops and galleries.

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 06.30 00.05
Leigh-on-Sea 06.35 00.00
Barking 07.00 23.35
Stratford 07.15 23.20
Destinations

The following destination stations are available on this journey

STATIONARRIVESDEPARTS
Paignton 12.30 17.20
Kingswear 13.15 16.35

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

Scheduled locomotive

Sir Nigel Gresley

60007

Sir Nigel Gresley is an A4 class locomotive built by the London & North Eastern Railway in 1937.

The locomotive is named after the company’s then Chief Mechanical Engineer. In 1935 the LNER introduced the streamlined A4 Class locomotives to improve the speed of their trains and compete with the increased competition from road transport. Initially introduced to haul the new Silver Jubilee express between London and Newcastle, the class was an instant success, with 2509 Silver Link, setting a new British speed record of 112 mph on the first press run! In 1936 this was bettered by Silver Fox, another A4 Class Locomotive, before in 1938 a further member of the class, number 4468 Mallard, set an all-time world speed record for steam traction of 126 mph.

During its working life Sir Nigel Gresley was mainly allocated to King’s Cross depot, often known as ‘Top Shed’ and worked King’s Cross to York, Leeds, Newcastle & Edinburgh expresses. In the 1960s the locomotive moved to Scotland and hauled the Edinburgh to Aberdeen trains until withdrawal in 1966.

Thirteen years earlier, in 1959 the locomotive had set a post-war world speed record of 112 mph when working a special train from Doncaster to London, and as such was ear marked for preservation. The A4 Preservation Society, now a registered Charity, the Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust, successfully purchased Sir Nigel Gresley and moved the locomotive to Crewe for overhaul.

Sir Nigel Gresley has enjoyed periods of mainline activity from the 1967 onwards and the locomotive hauled its first train for Steam Dreams in 2008.

 

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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