People first came to the small fishing village of Skegness to enjoy the sea air in the second half of the 18^th century, but it was not until after the railway reached there in 1873 that it expanded to the town we know today.

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

We have added an extra pickup from Manchester Victoria which will see us journey along the famous Miles Platting bank. Our Manchester set down in the evening will now be Manchester Piccadilly.

Skegness is now included in the top 5 UK resorts so, with a good three hours of exploration, enjoy the resort with Blue Flag golden beaches. The Pleasure Beach, pier, boating lake, gardens, Natureland and Aquarium await you visit and there are plenty of eateries and shops.

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

To start, a West Coast Railways Class 37 will take the train from Burton-on-Trent via Birmingham to Crewe, from where the Class Forty Preservation Society’s D345 (40145) will take charge for the rest of the day.

The proposed route from Crewe is: Warrington Bank Quay – Chat Moss – Manchester Victoria (PU 0950) – Stockport – 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 and on to Manchester Piccadilly (SD 2300). Please note that we will not be stopping at Sandwell & Dudley on the return journey.

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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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