After more than a decade away from the mainline, the world’s most famous steam locomotive, A3 Class 60103 Flying Scotsman, is returning in the spring of 2016. The Cathedrals Express was lucky enough to agree an impressive programme of luncheon, dinner and cream tea specials along with several day trips during May and June. Find out more about the programme here.

In the year that marks the 50th anniversary since the last steam-hauled Cambrian Coast Express left London for Aberystwyth and Phlhelli, Steam Dreams is giving passengers the opportunity to remember one of Britain’s most loved holiday trains. On Sunday 5 June, The Cathedrals Express will pull out of London Paddington behind B1 Class Mayflower, which will haul the first leg of a four day trip to Snowdonia and the Cambrian Coast. Passengers will stay on this stunning stretch of coastline for three nights in a choice of fabulous hotels, before returning to Paddington behind Flying Scotsman.

On Wednesday 15 June, Flying Scotsman will haul the Emerald Isle Explorer on its first leg from London to North Wales. The train will leave London Euston mid-morning and head up towards Chester and onwards for the beautiful run along the North Wales coast, where passengers will spend the night. On Day 2, passengers will bid farewell to the famous locomotive and board a ferry from Holyhead to begin a week-long steam tour of Ireland. Highlights of the trip include a visit to the world-famous Waterford Crystal factory and a visit to Belfast, taking in the impressive Giants Causeway.

Marcus Robertson, Chairman of Steam Dreams commented: “We are absolutely thrilled to be running so many day trips and holidays with Flying Scotsman and it came as no surprise that a majority of tickets were snapped up within hours of going on sale. With just a handful of seats left for our steam holidays with Flying Scotsman, there’s still an opportunity to experience the excitement of travelling behind steam’s greatest celebrity.”

The Cathedrals Express offers four classes of travel from Premium Standard, where passengers are seated at tables for 4 with linen tablecloths and at seat service of complimentary tea and coffee, up to Pullman Style and Premier Dining. Passengers who opt to dine will enjoy a two or four course champagne breakfast on the outward journey and a four or five course dinner on the return – all prepared by Steam Dreams on-board Head Chef Tony Keene. The style of catering on the Cathedrals Express is to provide contemporary cuisine beautifully plated but of course served to a backdrop of lovely 1950s and 60s vintage carriages.

For further information about steam holidays with Flying Scotsman, contact the Steam Dreams Booking Office on 01483 209888 or visit www.SteamDreams.co.uk.