The Spirit of Summer Lunch

DEPARTS:

London Paddington

Experience the heyday of rail travel as you settle in for an enchanting journey on board our vintage steam train with its exquisite marquetery, sumptuous interiors and impeccable service. This captivating lunchtime adventure showcases the charm of the Chiltern Hills as they burst into life for the season, featuring picturesque landscapes teeming with vibrant flora and fauna, and the dynamic beauty of distant dreaming spires.

Our journey begins under the overall roof of Brunel’s London Paddington station, where our liveried stewards warmly welcome you aboard the opulent vintage carriages. As you sink into your cushioned seat and the train glides along the Thames Valley and towards the Dreaming Spires of Oxford, let the rhythmic chug of the engine and the scenic vistas beyond the windows transport you to a world of nostalgia and comfort, creating cherished memories with every moment onboard. We’ll return to London Paddington via the rolling countryside and ancient woodland of the scenic Chiltern Hills.

SOMETHING TO SUIT EVERYONE

Classes of travel

Pullman Dining

FROM £235

An exquisite onboard culinary experience, combining impeccable service and meticulous attention to detail. Seated in plush armchair style seating at elegantly set tables for two or four, adorned with crisp white linens, fine china, glassware, fresh flowers, and plump cushions, passengers are transported back to the grandeur of the luxury travel era.

Guests will be welcomed on board with a glass of Champagne and canapés, followed by a three course lunch, accompanied by a half bottle of wine per person and concluding with coffee and petit fours.

First Class

FROM £145

(non-dining)

Experience the epitome of luxury in our First Class carriages, where timeless charm meets modern elegance. Relax in spacious, cushioned seats around tables for two or four, surrounded by vintage interiors and attentive service.

A sanctuary for those seeking a refined and leisurely journey without dining, 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 and order drinks and delicious refreshments.

Add a slice of decadence to your journey with a Classic Afternoon Tea, featuring freshly made sandwiches, miniature sweet treats, pastries and scones (supplement applies).

APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIMINGS*

Boarding Stations

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

STATION	DEPARTS	RETURNS
London Paddington	10.30	15.00

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

Scheduled locomotive

Braunton

34046

34046 Braunton is a West Country Class express passenger engine designed by Oliver Bulleid which alongside the Battle of Britain Class locomotives, that shared the same design, were collectively known as ‘Bulleid Light Pacifics’.

The locomotives of the West Country Class were so named after towns on or near the Southern Railway system in the west of England, with the town of Braunton situated in North Devon.

In the post war years of skills shortages and declining maintenance standards, British Railways embarked on a rebuilding programme of the ‘Light Pacifics’ in an attempt to improve reliability. In 1959 the air-smoothed casing and the internal chain drive were removed. By 1965 after accumulating 779,210 miles in service, Braunton was retired from service and sold to Barry Scrapyard. By 1988 the locomotive had moved from Barry but serious restoration did not begin until 1996 and was completed by 2008.

Over the winter of 2011 the locomotive was fitted with all the modern equipment to allow it to be used on the mainline railway network. Although restricted to 75mph, Braunton is capable of speeds in excess of 100mph.

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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