This incredible weekend tour traces the historic route from London Kings Cross along the East Coast Main Line to Edinburgh. On the outward journey, passengers are offered a different view as we travel via the world-famous Settle & Carlisle Railway.

Passengers will have three nights in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities, where you can enjoy a 360-degree view of stunning architecture, beautiful gardens and of course, high above the city, Edinburgh Castle itself.

Read on for details of the full itinerary and fill in the form below to receive an email quote for your holiday. Click here to download a brochure.

Fares from £369

Day 1 – London to Edinburgh via the Settle & Carlisle Railway

We will depart hauled by a diesel locomotive from London Kings Cross in the morning for an express run towards Yorkshire. At Hellifield, it is planned that steam locomotive 61306 Mayflower will join our train for the wonderful journey through Cumbria to Edinburgh. We then join the world-famous Settle & Carlisle Railway which carves through the Cumbrian Mountains. This stunning journey never disappoints, with its dramatic backdrop of beautiful scenery and impressive architecture, including the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct. We continue through southern Scotland to reach Edinburgh in the late evening.

Day 2 – Optional Tours of Fife

The first of two days to enjoy the many delights that Edinburgh has to offer as well as the chance to make another railway journey of a lifetime by steam, across the spectacular Forth Bridge. You can sit back, relax and enjoy a lunch or evening meal whilst taking in the views which on a clear day extend to more than 20 miles.

Day 3 – At leisure in Edinburgh

After a leisurely breakfast in the hotel, passengers can explore Scotland’s Capital City at their leisure. This beautiful city, which holds two UNESCO designations, is home to many interesting attractions from its iconic medieval castle, Scotland’s crown jewels and the spooky St Mary’s Close, a medieval underground street.

Alternatively, passengers can join an organised excursion. Optional excursions include coach trips to Stirling Castle, Traquair House, a Forth boat cruise and the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Day 4 – Edinburgh to London via the East Coast Main Line

After an early breakfast in hotels, we depart Edinburgh steam-hauled with 61306 Mayflower and join the East Coast mainline which takes us through the Lowlands before ascending to run for miles along the cliffs as we approach the English Border and then cross the Royal Border Bridge as it curves high above the river.

We continue at express speeds as we take in distant views of the Yorkshire Moors and the Pennines, followed by Gormley’s famous sculpture, the Angel of the North and Durham Cathedral. At York we will have a short break before resuming our journey with a diesel or electric locomotive to reach London Kings Cross in the evening.

Hotels

Pullman Style Dining passengers will stay at The Balmoral Hotel, an Edinburgh icon. Previously the station hotel, it’s just minutes from Edinburgh Waverley station and combines both modern design and classic architecture in a grand and elegant building. It boats a Michelin-starred restaurant, a pool and gym. Some Pullman Style Dining passengers will stay at The Scotsman Hotel. Named for the ground-breaking national newspaper who took up residence in these beautiful Baroque buildings, The Scotsman of today is a luxury hotel.

Premier Dining passengers will stay at the historic 4 star Hilton Carlton Hotel just a two-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley station.

Premium Standard passengers will stay at Premier Inn on Princes Street, which boasts wonderful views of Edinburgh Castle.

All passengers who decide to book hotel accommodation with Steam Dreams will enjoy the added extra of a dedicated representative at the hotel, transfers between the train or excursions and the hotel and luggage porterage to the hotel. Hotel accommodation is booked on a bed and breakfast basis for all passengers.

Bookings are now closed for this trip but you can click here to register your interest in The Capitals Express to Edinburgh 2023.

As the heat of summer gives way to balmier days, join us on this spectacular trip to Cumbria where you can spend three nights in the glorious Lake District. We have booked some fabulous hotels with lake-view rooms on the shores of Lake Windermere where you’ll have time to relax and enjoy everything this National Park has to offer, from boat trips to heritage railways and historic houses and gardens.

Read on for details of the full itinerary and fill in the form below to receive an email quote for your holiday.

Fares from £299

Day 1 – London to The Lake District via the Settle & Carlisle Railway

We head out from London Victoria, steam hauled by Bulleid Light Pacific locomotive 34046 Braunton, immersing ourselves in glorious countryside views as we travel through the Midlands, making our way along the former West Coast Main Line towards the North of England. From Crewe, it is expected that 70000 Britannia will replace Braunton for our journey along one of the most famous routes in the world – The Settle and Carlisle Railway, which twists and turns as it climbs up through the Eden Valley before ascending to the highest point on England’ s railways. With its beautiful scenery and impressive architecture, including the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct, this stunning line never disappoints. Depending on our route to the north, this journey may take place as the sun sets and an evening meal is served to our dining passengers.

Our outward journey is planned to finish at Oxenholme, a short 30 minute coach transfer to hotels.

Days 2 and 3 – At leisure in The Lakes

After a leisurely breakfast in the hotel, passengers will have the choice of relaxing and enjoying the facilities their hotel has to offer or wandering further afield to explore this stunning region. For lovers of the outdoors, there are many ways to explore the National Park, with fabulous walks, scenic cycle routes, and sailing and canoeing facilities.

There’s much more to see too, with beautiful gardens, pretty villages and fantastic local produce from Kendal mint cakes and award winning cheeses to micro-breweries and Cumberland sausages.

Alternatively, join us on one of our organised excursions which includes days out to two of the Lake District’s Railways – the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway and the narrow gauge Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, and visits to some of the wealth of attractions in the Lake District such as a Lake Cruise on Coniston Water, Hilltop Farm (Beatrix Potter’s House), Blackwell Arts & Crafts House, or Brantwood House.

Day 4 – The Lake District to London

After breakfast, passengers will join our train at the famous station at Carnforth, the filming location of Brief Encounter. Our return journey is scheduled start off diesel-hauled before we make a stop along the way at one of the UK’s finest Cathedral Cities, Chester. The city’s Tudor heart is justifiably famous as one of Britain’s prettiest town centres. This collection of black-and-white timber-framed beauties and red-sandstone buildings surrounded by an original set of Roman-era walls is one of the northwest’s biggest tourist attractions.

From Chester, we expect to be steam-hauled by Bulleid Light Pacific locomotive 34046 Braunton all the way back to London Victoria.

Hotels

Pullman Style Dining passengers will stay at The Macdonald Old England Resort in Bowness-on-Windermere. Pullman Style Dining passengers will be allocated lake-view rooms.

Premier Dining passengers will stay at either one of the characterful 4 star Lakes Country Hotels (including Cragwood House and Merewood Hotel) which are a short taxi or water taxi journey from Bowness-on-Windermere. This option is currently sold out.

Premium Standard passengers will stay at a 3 or 4 star hotel near Lake Windermere.

All passengers who decide to book hotel accommodation with Steam Dreams will enjoy the added extra of a dedicated representative at the hotel, transfers between the train or excursions and the hotel and luggage porterage to the hotel. Hotel accommodation is booked on a bed and breakfast basis for all passengers.

Carriages

On this trip, we expect to use the lovingly-refurbished Saphos carriages, which have been painstakingly restored carriages transport you back to a bygone era. All carriages have comfortable, cushioned seats positioned around tables, with plenty of room to stretch out. Meticulous period details include wood panels and lamps in Pullman Dining, original windows, and of course, that stunning livery.

For more information, or to book, please call the Booking Office on 01483 209888 or fill in the form below to receive a holiday quote and more information about the trip.

As the heat of summer gives way to balmier days, join us on this spectacular trip to Devon and Cornwall as our very own steam locomotive B1 Mayflower hauls us double-headed along this picturesque route with spectacular views all the way west. We will traverse the iconic Dawlish sea wall by steam before continuing across Brunel’s famous Saltash Bridge and arriving in Penzance for our three night stay. Here you will have two full days to discover the charm of Cornwall’s pretty villages, ancient history, inviting beaches, rugged cliffs and heritage railways.

Read on for details of the full itinerary and fill in the form below to receive an email quote for your holiday.

Fares from £325

Day 1 – London to Penzance

Our trip begins from London Victoria hauled by double-headed steam with 61306 Mayflower & 45596 Bahamas. We will then wend westwards through Ascot to Reading where we stop to pick up more passengers before immersing ourselves in glorious countryside views as we travel through the counties of Berkshire and Wiltshire. Our journey takes us along the picturesque Kennet & Avon Canal with views to the White Horses before passing the pretty town of Taunton. From here we head to the summit at Whiteball Tunnel before descending into the Exe Valley for a short afternoon break in the Cathedral City of Exeter. Here, passengers can stretch their legs with a walk down to the Quay or wander to any of the fabulous sights Exeter has to offer from its magnificent Cathedral to its many museums and cafes.

We will then resume our journey heading west again before what for many will be the highlight of the trip – travelling double-headed along the famous Dawlish sea wall – which will no doubt attract much interest as we go. From here we continue across the edge of Dartmoor, climbing some of the steepest mainline hills on the British railway network.

We’ll have an evening break in Plymouth before resuming our journey, now diesel-hauled, across the famous Saltash Bridge, brilliantly designed by the genius of Brunel as we snake along the corkscrew line to the Duchy of Cornwall. After arriving in Penzance, passengers staying with Steam Dreams will be taken to their hotels.

Days 2 & 3– At leisure in Cornwall

After a leisurely breakfast in the hotel, passengers will have the choice of relaxing and enjoying the facilities their hotel has to offer or wandering further afield to explore the charming region with its stunning beaches, ancient history, pretty villages and not forgetting delicious cream teas!

Alternatively join us on an organised excursion which are likely to include the Lost Gardens of Heligan, magnificent gardens which thirty years ago were unknown and unseen; lost to the brambles of time since the outbreak of WW1. It was only the chance discovery of a door in the ruins that led to the restoration of this once great estate. Today, The Lost Gardens have been put back where they belong: in pride of place among the finest gardens in England and are definitely not to be missed. The Barbara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Garden are also worthy of a visit, offering a remarkable insight into the work and outlook of one of Britain’s most important twentieth century artists.

A day trip to the beautiful seaside town of Padstow, which was the original destination of the famous holiday train the Atlantic Coast Express is also an option. With its lovely cobbled streets, gift and craft shops and an abundance of restaurants and cafes not to mention the fabulous ice cream shops, it will be very easy to while away a few hours here.

Poldark fans will be pleased to know we will be offering a tour of all the key filming locations, featuring dramatic cliffs, iconic sandy beaches and ancient landmarks. You’ll be guided by an extremely knowledgeable and engaging host as part of a small group.

If you are hankering after more steam travel discover the excitement and nostalgia of steam travel with a journey back in time on the Bodmin & Wenford Railway, Cornwall’s only full-size railway still operated by steam locomotives. Relax in style and enjoy a leisurely 13-mile round trip through beautiful Cornish countryside, taking in the sights, sounds and smells of a bygone age, as the era of a Cornish branch line in the 1950s reveals itself during the course of your journey.

Day 4 – Penzance to London

We head home today and as our journey begins diesel hauled we enjoy some of the spectacular views of Cornwall. St Michael’s Mount nestling in the bay as we depart Penzance, Truro Cathedral from high above as we cross over the city viaduct and the famous Royal Albert Bridge as we cross back into Devon.

At Plymouth we have a short break of around 45 minutes while Bahamas and Mayflower are attached to the train. From Plymouth once again hauled by double-headed steam we retrace our steps along the same route as our outward journey, returning to London Victoria in the early evening with a drop off at Reading.

Hotels

Pullman Style Dining and Premier Dining hotel rooms are now sold out.

Premium Standard passengers will stay at the Premier Inn in Newquay, just a short walk away from Newquay Beach in a cliffside spot overlooking the sea.

All passengers who decide to book hotel accommodation with Steam Dreams will enjoy the added extra of a dedicated representative at the hotel, transfers between the train or excursions and the hotel and luggage porterage to the hotel. Hotel accommodation is booked on a bed and breakfast basis for all passengers.

For more information, or to book, please call the Booking Office on 01483 209888 or fill in the form below to receive a holiday quote and more information about the trip.