2017’s Top 5 Destinations: as chosen by the Booking Team

Here at Steam Dreams we handpick all our destinations, currently we run in five countries going North, East, South and West to some of the UK’s favourite places. The Chairman, Marcus, loved his university days, so naturally is a big fan of Durham where he studied Economics. But, to get a true reflection of the team’s favourite destinations you have to ask the Booking Agents.

With our full 2017 programme now finalised, read on to find out what trips our Booking Team are especially looking forward to.

Jack’s choice – Canterbury
Jack is more of a cricket enthusiast than a rail enthusiast, but he loves many of the Cathedrals Express destinations. Canterbury is his favourite, but for him it is not just about the stunning St Lawrence Cricket Ground, home of Kent CCC.

The city is lined with old buildings that date back to the Tudor times, the highlight of which is the beautiful Cathedral. As the first Steam Dreams destination 16 years ago, it holds a special place in all our hearts. So if you want a relaxing, short steam ride from London, Jack believes Canterbury is the obvious choice (particularly during the cricket season!).

Click  here to see when we’re next visiting Canterbury by steam.

Fun fact: Jack once played a Kwik Cricket tournament on the famous St Lawrence ground aged 11

Ben’s choice – Oxford

Oxford sells itself and it has nothing to do with the famous university there, it is so much more than that. The City has an impressive CV and there is never a shortage of things to do. Museums, libraries, pubs and clubs – people never want to leave.

If you cross the famous Magdelen Bridge, you can wander down to Cowley Road. Here you will find a variety of shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs and quaint cafes. According to Ben it is heaven on Earth.

Click here to see when we’re next visiting Oxford by steam.

Fun fact: Ben spent his university days at Oxford Brookes University studying History

Sarah-Ann’s choice – Worcester

Worcester is a great place to visit, with its centre steeped in history and heritage, many interesting buildings from days gone by still in use, and the unrivalled selection of shopping outlets from high street favourites to individual boutiques.

However, it is not just the city which makes it Sarah’s choice, but the journey there, through the Cotswolds and past the magnificent Malvern Hills.

Click here to see when we’re next visiting Worcester by steam.

Fun fact: Sarah moved to the UK from Australia 5 years ago and loves seeing more of the country by steam train

Charlie’s Choice – Kingswear
Kingswear is located on the opposite side of the river Dart to Dartmouth in the South Hams area of South Devon, at the end of the 6.7 mile-long Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway.

As a self confessed rail-enthusiast, Charlie particularly enjoys the journey to Kingswear, travelling along the Dawlish Sea Wall, climbing inland and the scenic trip along the heritage line. That said, he never says no to the trip across the river by ferry to Dartmouth, for a walk around the cobbled streets and, usually, a trip to the fish and chip shop.

Click here to see when we’re next visiting Kingswear by steam.

Fun fact: Charlie is the company’s longest serving Booking Agent, having worked here for over 7 years.

Hugh’s choice –  Gloucester

There is no doubt that Gloucester is always a good place to go to. For history lovers it has a medieval Cathedral, one of Europe’s architectural glories. The glazed cloisters are the most complete medieval example of their kind in England, and were used as the setting for Hogwarts in many of the famous Harry Potter films.

Gloucester’s restored 200-year old historic docks contain two museums, an antiques market and a shopping centre.

Hugh has travelled around the UK and Ireland with Steam Dreams, but Gloucester still holds a special place in his heart. Hugh loves the historical element of Gloucester above everything else.

Click here to see when we’re next visiting Gloucester by steam.

Fun Fact: Hugh holidayed near Gloucester as a child, enjoying visits to the Beatrix Potter museum

Find out more about the other 40 destinations we visit by clicking here.

Our Booking Team are available on 01483 209888 Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm to answer any queries you have.