Full steam ahead to Edinburgh in 2022

Thursday 16 – Sunday 19 June 2022

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.