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 £265

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.

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)

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.

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

STATION	DEPARTS	RETURNS
London Paddington	10.15	14.30

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.

VIEW ALL LOCOMOTIVES