Departing From
- Preston,
- Chorley,
- Bolton,
- Manchester Victoria,
- Stockport,
- Wilmslow,
- Crewe,
- Shrewsbury
Traversing the breath-taking beauty of the Welsh Marches route our steam hauled train offers a totally unique day out as we travel through the rolling hills of the pretty Shropshire countryside dividing England and Wales for a visit to the historic maritime city of Bristol.
We cross the Cheshire Plain and through historic Shrewsbury to join the Welsh Marches line and at Church Stretton there are outstanding views of the Long Mynd, known in Victorian times as ‘Little Switzerland’ – continuing along the Marches we pass magnificent Stokesay Castle and the historic towns of Ludlow and Hereford. Entering South Wales and the county of Monmouthshire there are superb views of the Brecon Beacons as the black mountains tower over the train. At Newport we join the Great Western main line and travel through the Severn Tunnel to Bristol for an afternoon break.
Bristol:
The famous seafaring town with its ancient Dockyard and home to S.S Great Britain launched by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1843 and now restored as a proud memorial to its great designer. Perhaps take a walk over the Clifton Suspension Bridge or wander through the antique shops on the quaintly named Christmas steps.
Our train is hauled to Crewe by a preserved Class 40 diesel where two of our immaculately restored steam locomotives take over to double head the train through the Welsh Marches to Bristol – We return from Bristol, again over the scenic Welsh Marches hauled by a Class 40 diesel.
TRAVEL TIMINGS*
STATION | DEPARTS | RETURNS |
Preston | 05.30 | 22.25 |
Chorley | 05.50 | 22.05 |
Bolton | 06.15 | 21.45 |
Manchester Victoria | 06.35 | 21.25 |
Stockport | 07.05 | 20.55 |
Wilmslow | 07.15 | 20.45 |
Crewe | 08.15 | 20.15 |
Shrewsbury | 09.05 | 19.30 |
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.

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.