SATURDAY

Running from Hants, Berks, Wilts and Gloucestershire stations we will be featuring steam haulage, expected to be LNER designed A1 Pacific No. 60163 ‘Tornado’ (subject to the loco passing all the requisite tests and no untoward events!) from Gloucester, along the Severn estuary and through the Welsh Border and Marches Line countryside to our two destinations:

LUDLOW – (1305 – 1655) –  A thriving medieval market town with an historic centre and an 11th Century castle located above the River Teme. The town has a reputation for the quality of its food and drink with many excellent restaurants and cafes. The popular LUDLOW MEDIEVAL CHRISTMAS FAYRE will be taking place in castle grounds with a full programme of colourful events.

SHREWSBURY – (1345 – 1610) – the county town of Shropshire; birthplace of Charles Darwin and home to a castle too. The town centre is set in a loop of the Rivern Severn and has many interesting and historic buildings, together with lots of shopping opportunities. The Shrewsbury Festival of Literature will be taking place with International authors, award-winning poets and leading writers descending on venues across Shrewsbury to perform, give talks and lead workshops and other literary happenings.

Table for Two seats are available at a supplement of £35 per person in First Class, First Class Plus and Premier Dining.

Premier Dining will feature a festive menu.

CONFIRMED TIMINGS

The festively decorated train with Mark I carriages will be diesel hauled Eastleigh to Gloucester and back, with steam haulage by No. 60163 ‘Tornado’ planned from Gloucester to Shrewsbury and back, subject to the loco passing all the necessary tests.

SATURDAY

‘All aboard’ as we travel northwards across the midlands and South Yorkshire to arrive into North Yorkshire and your choice of interesting destination:

OPTION A – YORK – (1200 – 1800) –  As well as all the attractions that York is famous for – The National Railway Museum, The Minster, City Walls, Shambles, National Fish & Chip Museum and much more – the ever popular St Nicholas Christmas Fair will be in full swing with over 100 colourful stalls and entertainment offering an array of hand crafted and traditional gifts.

OPTION B – DURHAM – (1300 – 1700) – Famous for its World Heritage status, with a Cathedral and Castle set above the River Wear. This is also the day of the Durham’s Traditional Christmas Festival, with many, many stalls set around sites in this compact city, including the Cathedral cloisters. There is also the street entertainment to enjoy!

OPTION C – NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE – (1320 – 1640) – This famous city sits on the River Tyne, with the station centrally positioned to provide easy access. The Metro system will aid your exploration of the area, where you will find a wide selection of shops, eateries and a smaller number of festive stalls.

Table for Two seats are available at a supplement of £35 per person in First Class, First Class Plus and Premier Dining.

Premier Dining will feature a festive menu.

ESTIMATED TIMINGS

The festively decorated train will be mainly hauled by 2 Class 50s, with a GBRF Class 66 from Worcester to Bristol on the homeward journey.