Spirit of Christmas

DEPARTS:

London Paddington

Don’t miss this fabulous opportunity to create incredible Christmas memories and join our festive Christmas steam train soiree for a night of revelry and celebrations. From the exclusive Helicon Club to Premium Standard there is something for everyone.

For one night and one night only, join us for a magical evening of celebration aboard the only evening vintage steam train leaving from London this season.

You will be transported to a bygone era of Christmas past as you are warmly welcomed onto festively-decorated vintage carriages for a five hour round trip amidst the twinkling lights of the Capital as the train makes its way out through Berkshire and Wiltshire before returning to Paddington.

SOMETHING TO SUIT EVERYONE

Classes of travel

Helicon Club

FROM £400

Your journey begins in the private Hippocrene Bar, available exclusively to Helicon Club Guests. Here you will be welcomed onboard with a Champagne cocktail, and mouth-watering canapes whilst enjoy bespoke entertainment.

When dinner service is ready to begin your liveried steward will escort you to your reserved seat in the adjoining dining carriage. Seated in cushioned armchair seating surrounded by elegant wood panelling and period features your every whim will be attended to as you savour every morsel of a sumptuous four-course Pullman Dining carte du jour.

Dress code for The Helicon Club is cocktail dress/jacket & tie.

Pullman Dining

FROM £275

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 half day journey, guests will be welcomed on board with our signature Champagne cocktail, followed by a seasonal ‘carte de jour’, concluding with coffee and petit fours.

First Class

FROM £125

(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 £95

(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.

TRAVEL TIMINGS*

Boarding Stations

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

STATION	DEPARTS	RETURNS
London Paddington	17.15	22.15

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

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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