DEPARTING FROM

  • Worcester Shrub Hill,
  • Cheltenham Spa,
  • Stonehouse,
  • Stroud,
  • Kemble,
  • Swindon,
  • Didcot Parkway,
  • Tilehurst,
  • Maidenhead

This is a train with a real ‘wow’ factor offering a circular steam tour over the same route as the legendary ‘Golden Arrow’ boat train.  Features include the journey through the picturesque Garden of England and around the beautiful Kent coast with the impressive white cliffs towering above the train – the highlight of the day being an afternoon break for sightseeing in historic Canterbury.   After making our way through the London suburbs we continue into open countryside and through the pretty Garden of England, rich with an abundance of Oast Houses and Hop Fields. Passing Ashford, we soon arrive at historic Canterbury for an afternoon break of about three hours in this city of narrow streets and ancient buildings, the incomparable cathedral, setting for so many dramatic events stand at its heart.

Travelling through the beautiful Kent countryside the engine works hard to haul the train over the stiff gradients along the coastal line through Dover and Folkestone with dramatic white cliffs and spectacular views across the English Channel. Continuing along the high-speed route through Tonbridge recreating the former ‘Golden Arrow’ from the glory days of rail travel. The train is steam hauled from West London by one of our immaculately restored pool of engines including: the world-famous West Country Class, No. 34046 ‘Braunton’ or Britannia Pacific Class, No 70000 ‘Britannia’.

EXPLORE LOCOMOTIVES
Saphos Trains | The Golden Arrow - Monday 29 September 2025

TOUR

DESTINATIONS


Saphos Trains | Travel on a Luxury Train to Canterbury

Canterbury

Historic Canterbury offers a blend of ancient and modern attractions including the stunning Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Explore the Roman and medieval heritage of the city, with its walls, museums, and ruins. May be enjoy a boat ride or a punt along the River Stour, or stroll through the charming streets and shops of the Old Town.

SOMETHING TO SUIT EVERYONE

CLASSES OF TRAVEL


Saphos Trains | Pullman Dining

Pullman Dining    

FROM £425

Seating at a private guaranteed window table for two is available at a supplement of £50 per person or £125 per person at a ‘superior‘ private guaranteed window table for two  

Bookings for parties of three passengers are accommodated at an ‘exclusive table for three’ with the fourth seat being unoccupied for your added privacy. A total supplement of £220 is applicable for this seating type View Seating Plans

Seating is in our beautifully restored wood panelled vintage carriages at tables of 4 or 2 laid with crisp linen and fully dressed in fine crockery, fresh flowers, and glassware. The day starts as you settle into your seat with a glass of chilled bucks’ fizz, followed by a full English breakfast and late morning tea/coffee service with pastries prior to the arrival at our destination. Following an afternoon sightseeing break, you will be welcomed aboard by your attentive liveried steward and offered a refreshing glass of chilled champagne and selection of canapes as you relax in anticipation of the gastronomic journey ahead. A sumptuous five course seasonal dinner, created by our Executive Chef, will be served including the Great British cheese board, biscuits, and chutneys – all accompanied by our Sommelier’s choice of a half-bottle of wine per person. The memorable journey concludes with a service of coffee and homemade petits fours.

Saphos Trains | First Class

First Class   (non-dining) 

FROM £220

Seating at a private guaranteed window table for two is available at a supplement of £50 per person or £125 per person at a ‘superior‘ private guaranteed window table for two  

Bookings for parties of three passengers are accommodated at an ‘exclusive table for three’ with the fourth seat being unoccupied for your added privacy. A total supplement of £120 is applicable for this seating type View Seating Plans

Seating is at tables of 4 or 2 with wide seats and panoramic windows and includes complimentary tea/coffee and light snacks, accompanied with a morning glass of Bucks Fizz and afternoon glass of sparkling wine. You may bring on board your own picnic hamper and drinks for consumption during the journey.

TRAVEL TIMINGS*

Boarding Stations

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

STATIONDEPARTSRETURNS
Worcester Shrub Hill 06.15 23.25
Cheltenham Spa 06.45 22.55
Stonehouse 07.05 22.40
Stroud 07.15 22.30
Kemble 07.35 22.15
Swindon 08.00 21.55
Didcot Parkway 08.25 21.35
Tilehurst 08.40 21.25
Maidenhead 09.00 21.00
Destinations

The following destination stations are available on this journey

STATIONARRIVESDEPARTS
Canterbury West 13.10 15.50

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