Departing From
- Solihull,
- Dorridge,
- Warwick Parkway,
- Leamington Spa,
- Banbury,
- Oxford,
- Swindon,
- Chippenham,
- Bath Spa,
- Bristol Temple Meads
We recreate one of the classic steam hauled holiday trains of the golden age of railway travel for a journey around the beautiful Devon coast with time available to discover the many charms of maritime Plymouth. The train is diesel hauled from Solihull to Bristol and then departs double headed with two of our famous steam locomotives for the journey across the lush Somerset levels, then through the remote Blackdown hills and down the Exe Valley to Exeter, before heading along the estuary with its pretty fishing boats and stunning views across to Exmouth and the Jurassic coast. Continuing past Powderham Castle and along the famous sea wall line we race through tunnels and cuttings of red rock and beside beaches and coves with the sea keeping company with the train.
At Newton Abbot we join the steeply graded main line over the Devon banks where our engines work hard to haul the heavy train over Dainton, Rattery and Hemerdon with gradients as steep as 1 in 36. There are spectacular views of Dartmoor as we descend through Ivybridge to Plymouth for an afternoon break.
With its rich maritime heritage and status as the regional capital for culture, Plymouth is one of the most dynamic and fascinating places to visit in Devon. Why not visit Plymouth Hoe where Sir Francis Drake played bowls before defeating the Spanish navy and there are incredible views of one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbours from Smeaton’s tower. Take a walk down to the Barbican, a bustling array of specialist shops, restaurants, cafes, and National Marine Aquarium – not forgetting the historic Mayflower steps where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for the New World in 1620.
Our train departs for the return journey in the late afternoon with the engines working hard to haul the heavy carriages over the taxing and twisting Devon banks and the run along the sea wall through Dawlish and beside the pretty River Exe with the setting sun casting a golden glow over the Jurassic coast.
The train is steam hauled from Bristol by two of our immaculately restored pool of engines including: the world famous LMS Royal Scot Class, No.46100 ‘Royal Scot’ – West Country Class, No. 34046 ‘Braunton’ – Britannia Pacific Class, No 70000 ‘Britannia’ – LNER A4 Pacific No 60007 ‘Sir Nigel Gresley’
TRAVEL TIMINGS*
| STATION | DEPARTS | RETURNS |
| Solihull | 06.00 | 21.30 |
| Dorridge | 06.10 | 21.15 |
| Warwick Parkway | 06.15 | 21.05 |
| Leamington Spa | 06.25 | 20.50 |
| Banbury | 06.45 | 20.30 |
| Oxford | 07.15 | 20.00 |
| Swindon | 07.55 | 19.20 |
| Chippenham | 08.10 | 19.00 |
| Bath Spa | 08.25 | 18.40 |
| Bristol Temple Meads | 09.00 | 18.00 |
PLEASE NOTE *
All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change.
Classes of Travel
Standard Class (non-dining) - £99
Reserved seating is arranged around a table of four with bookings for two persons seated side by side with one window and one aisle seat whilst bookings for one person are normally allocated an aisle seat. Toilet facilities are available in each carriage and a buffet bar is available throughout most of the journey for the purchase of hot & cold beverages, snacks, sandwiches, and alcoholic drinks.
First Class (non-dining) - £165
Reserved seating is arranged around a table of four, or table of two offering additional legroom, wide cushioned seats, curtains, and large picture windows. Toilet facilities are available in each carriage and a complimentary service of tea/coffee & biscuits are included in the price and a buffet bar is available throughout most of the journey for the purchase of hot & cold beverages, sandwiches, snacks and alcoholic drinks.
Covid-19 Social Distancing Seating – Bookings of two passengers will be seated together at a ‘guaranteed window table for two’ with a mandatory supplement of £35 per person charged. Bookings of three or four passengers are seated at a shared table and charged the normal per seat price, with the adjacent table remaining out of use. (Minimum Booking 2 persons)
First Class Compartment (non-dining) - £999
Enjoy the exclusive use of a private compartment containing a maximum of six first class seats – Included in the price is a complimentary service of tea/coffee, biscuits, and Smoked Salmon Blinis on the outward journey, whilst on the return journey you will be welcomed on board with a chilled glass of champagne and sumptuous Afternoon Tea of finger sandwiches, scone, preserves, clotted cream and cake followed by tea and coffee.
Premier Dining - £320
Includes the service of full English breakfast, morning tea/coffee & biscuits and four course dinner. Seating is arranged the same as First Class around a table of four or table of two laid with crisp linen and dressed in the finest crockery, fresh flowers, and glassware. Meals are prepared on board by our chefs and served at your reserved seat by liveried stewards. A full wine & drinks list is available with an ‘at seat’ service during the meals.
Covid-19 Social Distancing Seating – Bookings of two passengers will be seated together at a ‘guaranteed window table for two’ with a mandatory supplement of £35 per person charged. Bookings of three or four passengers are seated at a shared table and charged the normal per seat price, with the adjacent table remaining out of use. (Minimum Booking 2 persons)
