The White Cliffs Christmas Lunch

DEPARTS:

London Victoria /
Bromley South

Capture the magic of Christmas as you settle into our beautifully decorated vintage steam train, adorned with twinkling lights, festive garlands and all the charm of a bygone era. With exquisite marquetry, sumptuous interiors and attentive service throughout, this enchanting circular lunchtime journey offers a wonderfully nostalgic way to celebrate the season.

We depart London Victoria steam‑hauled, leaving the bustle of the capital behind as we head towards the Kent border. The route carries us through the North Downs, across the River Medway and along the North Kent Coast towards Canterbury, before climbing the southern tip of the Kent Downs and descending to the South Coast at Dover, where we steam beneath the famous White Cliffs beside the Channel.

Turning northwards, we travel through the heart of Kent as the afternoon light softens, the festive glow inside the train becoming ever more captivating. Winter landscapes unfold beyond your window – from rolling fields and quiet woodland to dramatic coastal views — while the warmth and elegance of the train create a truly memorable Christmas escape.

This circular tour is steam‑hauled throughout.

SOMETHING TO SUIT EVERYONE

Classes of travel

Pullman Dining

FROM £325

Indulge in an exquisite on‑board culinary experience, where impeccable service, thoughtful detail, and ever‑changing winter landscapes combine to create a truly memorable festive journey. 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.

Your experience begins the moment you step aboard, with a glass of chilled Champagne and a selection of canapés served at your table. As the train glides through the countryside, a beautifully prepared multi‑course festive lunch follows, complemented by half a bottle of wine per person. Throughout the journey, our attentive stewards ensure you can simply relax, savour the occasion, and enjoy the nostalgic charm of steam travel at its finest.

First Class

FROM £195

(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

STATION	DEPARTS	RETURNS
London Victoria	11.00	16.35
Bromley South	11.30	16.00

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.

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