Departing From
- Slough,
- Maidenhead,
- Reading,
- Didcot Parkway,
- Swindon,
- Chippenham,
- Bath Spa,
- Bristol Temple Meads,
- Taunton
We recreate one of the classic holiday trains of the golden age of railway travel for a steam hauled journey around the beautiful Devon coast and over the taxing Devon Banks with time available to discover the many charms of maritime Plymouth.
Our journey takes us through the remote Blackdown hills and Exe Valley before heading alongside the estuary with its pretty fishing boats and stunning views across to Exmouth and the Jurassic coast. Continuing past Powderham Castle and Cockwood Harbour we take the famous sea wall line at Dawlish and 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.
Departing for the return journey in the late afternoon the engines work hard to haul the heavy train 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 Taunton 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 |
| Slough | 07.25 | 21.30 |
| Maidenhead | 07.40 | 21.10 |
| Reading | 07.50 | 21.00 |
| Didcot Parkway | 08.15 | 20.35 |
| Swindon | 08.35 | 20.15 |
| Chippenham | 08.55 | 20.00 |
| Bath Spa | 09.10 | 19.45 |
| Bristol Temple Meads | 09.30 | 19.25 |
| Taunton | 10.50 | 18.10 |
PLEASE NOTE *
All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change.
Classes of Travel
Pullman Dining - £365
Seating at a guaranteed window table for two available at a supplement of £40 per person.
Travel in our beautifully restored wood panelled vintage carriages with seating in armchair comfort 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 four 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.
(Due to timing constraints Pullman Dining is not available from Taunton)
First Class (non-dining) - £195
Seating at a guaranteed window table for two available at a supplement of £40 per person.
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. A buffet bar is available for the purchase of light refreshments.
Standard Class (non-dining) - £155
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. A buffet bar is available for the purchase of light refreshments.
