DEPARTING FROM

  • Leicester,
  • Narborough,
  • Hinckley,
  • Nuneaton,
  • Tamworth,
  • Lichfield Trent Valley,
  • Rugeley Trent Valley,
  • Crewe

We are pleased to present a truly memorable steam hauled circular tour as we travel in vintage carriages through deep valleys and over wild Pennine moors with taxing climbs to make the engine work hard – Our train crosses Chat Moss heading toward Manchester and after passing Victoria station there is the first of two steep inclines as the engine opens up to climb the 1 in 48 Miles Platting bank with the sounds echoing back from the surrounding buildings.

Travelling through Stalybridge we continue into true Pennine scenery with the rugged and steep sided Diggle Valley towering over the train with its stone architecture clinging to the hillside as we pass through the 3-mile long Standedge Tunnel and past historic Hebden Bridge to commence the taxing 1 in 65 climb crossing viaducts and bridges, passing former Victorian textile mills. Our driver and fireman work hard to haul the heavy train as we climb over the Pennines to the summit at Copy Pit, located some 749 feet above sea level.

On more favourable gradients, we continue westward along the former Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway through Burnley and Accrington to Blackburn, where we take the line via Hoghton Bank to Leyland onto the West Coast main line for an anticipated fast run through Wigan on this varied and interesting circular tour across the spectacular Pennines.

The train is steam hauled from Crewe by LNER Pacific class No 60532 ‘Blue Peter’’ (subject to availability)

Mobility: This tour is not suitable for guests requiring the use of a wheelchair or with serious mobility issues.

EXPLORE LOCOMOTIVES
Saphos Trains | The Pennine Moors Christmas Express - 21 December 2026

SOMETHING TO SUIT EVERYONE

CLASSES OF TRAVEL

Saphos Trains | Pullman Dining

Pullman Dining    

FROM £395

THE EXPERIENCE – The ultimate indulgence. Our Pullman Dining Class provides for a truly authentic experience of luxury rail travel combining the opulence and comfort of beautifully presented and restored carriages, married with a unique culinary encounter influenced by the regions we travel through on our journeys. All paired with fine wines, enticing beverages and impeccabile service delivered by professional and dedicated liveried Stewards, Chefs and onboard management.

THE CARRIAGES – Seating is arranged at tables of 4 or 2, laid with crisp linen and fully dressed in fine crockery, fresh flowers, and glassware. Wide comfortable seats with enhanced legroom and panoramic windows through which to view the ever changing landscapes and magnificent coastlines Britain has to offer.

DINING – After being welcomed aboard by your attentive liveried steward you will be served a glass of chilled champagne and selection of canapes as you relax in anticipation of the gastronomic journey ahead. A sumptuous six course seasonal luncheon (see sample menu) created by our Executive Chef will be served including the Great British cheese board, biscuits, and chutney – all accompanied by our Sommelier’s choice of a half bottle of wine per person (see sample wine list). The memorable journey will conclude with service of coffee and homemade petits fours as you arrive back relaxed and refreshed.

SEATING SUPPLEMENTS – Seating at a private window table for two is available at a supplement of £60 per person or £150 per person at a larger and more spacious ‘Superior‘ private 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 £280 is applicable for this seating type

CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 12 YEARS ARE NOT PERMITTED FOR TRAVEL IN PULLMAN DINING

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Saphos Trains | First Class

First Class   (non-dining) 

FROM £185

COMFORT – Seating is at tables of 4 or 2. First Class offers a journey into a bygone era aboard elegantly restored carriages, with wide seats, additional leg room and panoramic windows allowing you to enjoy glorious vistas in effortless comfort.

HOSPITALITY – Complimentary tea/coffee and light snacks are included with an at seat service. You may also bring on board your own picnic hamper and drinks for consumption during the journey if you wish.

Additional drinks and snacks may be purchased to enjoy at your seat (see sample buffet menu). There is also the option to add a ‘Traditional Afternoon Tea‘ to your booking (supplement applies) for an extra touch of indulgence. This can be chosen during the online booking process.

SEATING SUPPLEMENTS – Seating at a private window table for two is available at a supplement of £60 per person or £150 per person at a larger and more spacious ‘Superior‘ private 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 £180 is applicable for this seating type

View Seating Plans

Saphos Trains | Standard Class

Standard Class   (non-dining) 

FROM £135

Seating is around a table of four with bookings for two persons seated side by side with one window and one aisle seat, bookings for one person are normally allocated an aisle seat. Enjoy complimentary tea and coffee throughout your journey whilst light snacks, wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks may be purchased from the buffet bar (see sample buffet menu).

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APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIMINGS*

Boarding Stations

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

STATIONDEPARTSRETURNS
Leicester 09.00 19.50
Narborough 09.15 19.35
Hinckley 09.30 19.20
Nuneaton 09.40 19.10
Tamworth 09.55 18.55
Lichfield Trent Valley 10.05 18.45
Rugeley Trent Valley 10.25 18.35
Crewe 11.45 17.15

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

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