Departing From
- Carnforth,
- Lancaster,
- Preston,
- Wigan North Western,
- Warrington Bank Quay,
- Hartford,
- Crewe,
- Shrewsbury
This is an amazing and unique mid-summer tour offering a very unusual journey from Lancaster and through the Midlands to Kidderminster for a trip over the full length of the preserved Severn Valley Railway to Bridgnorth for a three-hour afternoon break. Upon departure from our last passenger stop at Shrewsbury we travel through the heart of England via Telford and Wolverhampton to Stourbridge Junction and onward to Kidderminster where we leave the main line and join the preserved Severn Valley Railway for a stunning 16 mile journey through the Wyre Forest as the line accompanies the pretty River Severn passing numerous beautifully restored stations to Bridgnorth.
Bridgnorth – Comprising of two towns: The high town and the low town are connected by the steepest inland funicular railway in Britain. The low town was once a thriving port along the banks of the River Severn, while the high town held the castle, the churches, and many fine 16th and 17th century mansions. The more energetic may amble up one of the seven sets of steps, or the steep old Cartway, where goods were once hauled to the market above. The carts are gone, but the markets remain. Antiques and local produce are specialities. What is left of the castle leans at an alarming angle. There is an iron footbridge connecting to the Severn Valley Railway Station.
We return in the late afternoon and re-trace the outward journey but this time with the taxing and impressive 1 in 45 climb of Old Hill Bank as the locomotive works hard to haul our heavy train to the summit at Rowley Regis. The train is steam hauled from Crewe by one 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 |
| Carnforth | 05.50 | 23.00 |
| Lancaster | 06.00 | 22.45 |
| Preston | 06.25 | 22.25 |
| Wigan North Western | 06.45 | 22.05 |
| Warrington Bank Quay | 07.05 | 21.45 |
| Hartford | 07.20 | 21.30 |
| Crewe | 08.10 | 20.50 |
| Shrewsbury | 08.50 | 20.10 |
PLEASE NOTE *
All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change.
Classes of Travel
Standard Class (non-dining) - £120
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)
