People first came to the small fishing village of Skegness to enjoy the sea air in the second half of the 18th century, but it was not until after the railway reached here in 1873 that it expanded to the town we know today. It is still one of the most popular seaside resorts in England.

With the advent of general paid holidays in the 1930s, excursion trains to Skegness became a feature of the line even into the 1980s with up to ten-loco hauled trains a day – perhaps bringing as many as 5,000 visitors in every day.

Powered for most of the day by a class 40 diesel, one of a type made frequent appearances on those trains from the 1960s until a final run almost forty years ago (on 15 September 1984) when 40181 did the honours.

A West Coast Railways Class 47 or 57 will take the train from Burton-on-Trent via Birmingham to Crewe, from where Class Forty Preservation Society No.D345 (40145) will take charge to Skegness.

The proposed route then is Stockport – Guide Bridge – Hope Valley – Sheffield – Worksop – Retford – Gainsborough Lea Road – Lincoln – Sleaford – Skegness for a break of around three hours.

The return is via Boston – Sleaford – Nottingham – Beeston – Castle Donington – Burton-on-Trent (Set-Down) and as outward back to Crewe via Birmingham.

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ON BOARD FEATURES INCLUDE:
– Reserved seats aligned with the carriage windows
– A printed excursion and journey guide for everyone
– A travelling licensed buffet with refreshments, including alcoholic and soft drinks 
– The Premier Dining service includes The Great British Breakfast, Elevenses and four course Evening Dinner
– Cheerful, friendly and helpful Pathfinder Stewards!

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