2023 IMAGES CAN BE FOUND IN THE NEW MEDIA RESOURCE LIBRARY

The Steam Dreams Rail Co, the provider of unique and magical steam train journeys is fully embracing the Christmas spirit with festive day trips to some of the UK's most beloved Christmas Markets in York (from London), Bath (from London and Bury St Edmunds) and Winchester (from Shoeburyness). See the enchanting Christmas Market programme here.

Reminiscent of the golden days of steam travel, guests will travel in style, aboard festively bedecked vintage carriages that have been meticulously restored and appointed with plush interiors, comfortable seating, beautiful wood panelling and period details. With enticing smells of mulled wine and roasting chestnuts, festive lights, and a wide selection of charming Christmas stalls selling traditional yuletide treats, handcrafted gifts, and unique souvenirs, there's no better way to embrace the start of the Christmas season and make memories that will last a lifetime. 

London to York Christmas Market

Saturday, 18th November from London Kings Cross, Potters Bar and Hitchin.

Hauled by 70000 Britannia from London Kings Cross, the train will make stops at Potters Bar and Hitchin to pick up passengers, before steaming onwards to Stoke Bank, Grantham & Doncaster, and northwards to York.

On arrival in this ancient city guests can explore the quaint, festive cobbled streets at leisure and enjoy the world-renowned St Nicholas Fair, one of the most picturesque and highly rated in the UK, with multiple awards under its belt including Best Large Specialty Market and Britain's Most Festive City. Set in the centre of this Cathedral City, streets are transformed into an enthralling Christmas wonderland, with over 100 vendors touting all kinds of handmade gifts and tasty treats.

Bath Christmas Market

Tuesday 28th November from London Victoria, Wimbledon and Woking.

Friday, 1st December from Bury St. Edmunds, Ipswich, and Colchester.

By popular demand, there are two departures to Bath Christmas market: 

Tuesday the 28th of November will see the train, hauled by 70000 Britannia depart London Victoria, stopping at Wimbledon and Working to pick up passengers before meandering through Surrey to Hampshire, past Salisbury and the rolling chalk hills of southern England with views of the Westbury White Horse.

On Friday the 1st of December there will be a departure from Bury St. Edmunds, with stops to board passengers at Ipswich and Colchester. Hauled by vintage diesel from East Anglia to West London, 70000 Britannia will take over and traverse the Thames and Kennet Valleys and onto Wiltshire with views of the Pewsey and Westbury White Horses.

On reaching this historic Roman city, guests will discover a festive winter wonderland nestled amongst iconic monuments in the heart of Bath's World Heritage Site. Regularly voted amongst the most popular events in the UK, this magical extravaganza consists of more than 170 beautifully decorated wooden chalets, selling a variety of high-quality artisanal products, stylish homeware, handmade jewellery, personalised presents, mulled wine on every corner and delicious seasonal treats. 

Shoeburyness to Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market.

Friday, 8th December from Shoeburyness, Southend Central, Leigh-on-sea and Barking.

Hauled by steam locomotive 61306 Mayflower, this unique day trip departs Essex, passes the outskirts of London before steaming through Surrey and the rolling Hampshire hills to this legendary city. Recognised as one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe for its stunning location with the Cathedral at its heart, its handpicked high-quality exhibitors, festive lighting and variety of festive food and drinks within the historic grounds.

There is a choice of three classes of travel including Pullman Style Dining - an elevated dining experience curated by Executive Chef, Nicholas Allen, with First Class and Premium Standard also available.

Those choosing to dine-on-board in Pullman Style Dining, will experience the epitome of vintage steam travel with the highest levels of service and comfort that create an unforgettable experience reminiscent of a bygone era, enhanced by dressed windows and elegant armchair seating, laid with crisp linen, and embellished with fine crockery, fresh flowers, and glassware. These trips include a traditional breakfast on the outward leg, late morning coffee and pastries as well as canapés and a four-course Christmas menu on the return journey.

Pullman Style Dining: London departures £360 pp. Shoeburyness and Bury St. Edmunds departures £370 pp. Table for two supplement £125

First Class guests will be welcomed onboard with a glass of Bucks Fizz on the outward journey and sparkling wine on the return journey, along with a selection of snack items on both legs to be enjoyed while taking in spectacular views of the passing winter countryside in the same sumptuously appointed carriages as Pullman Style Dining. Tea and coffee will be served, and guests are welcome to bring their own picnics on-board or visit the Buffet Car for more drinks and nibbles.

First Class: London departures £199 pp. Shoeburyness and Bury St. Edmunds departures £209 pp. Table for two supplement £100.

Passengers in Premium Standard will be seated in a restored period carriage with large picture windows, boasting astounding views. Complimentary tea and coffee will be available, with a choice of refreshments at hand to purchase from the buffet bar. Guests are welcome to bring their own picnics on-board.

Premium Standard: London departures £165pp. Shoeburyness and Bury St. Edmunds departures £175 pp at tables of four.

For further information and to book call 01483 209888 or visit www.steamdreams.co.uk  

- ENDS-

For further information contact WixHill PR:

Jo White/Dani West

jo@wixhill.co.uk dani@wixhill.co.uk

+ 44 (0) 798 9814340 / +44 (0) 785 2109802

Editor's Notes:

Resource Library

Please access further information and images here. The carriages currently in use differ to those used prior to Steam Dreams joining the LSG family. Pictures held on file from past years are not an accurate reflection of the enhanced carriages now in use. Additional images are available on request

Gift Vouchers

Valid for a full year from date of purchase, gift vouchers must be booked before the voucher expires but travel can take place after this date. Gift vouchers start at £50. Gift tickets can also be purchased which summarize the trip itinerary purchased without prices and come in a special presentation wallet.

Carbon Offset

The Steam Dreams Rail Co, was the first rail charter to be carbon neutral. For the last ten years the company has offset annually the carbon footprint of all aspects of its operation.

Steam Dreams journeys are pulled by a range of locomotives:

• 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley
• 61306 Mayflower
• 70000 Britannia
• 45231 Sherwood Forester
• 46100 Royal Scot
• 34046 Braunton
• 46233 Duchess of Sutherland

About The Steam Dreams Rail Co.

• The first tour left London for Salisbury in December 1999
• 23 years later, the company is proud to be offering day trips to multiple destinations, picking up passengers at regional stations across the UK every year
• The Steam Dreams Rail Co. is now delighted to offer a number of multi-day tours around the British Isles.
• In June 2022, The Steam Dreams Rail Co. was acquired by Locomotive Services Group (LSG).
• LSG have been involved in the railway industry for many years and bring with them a wealth of experience and knowledge as well as a large stable of locomotives and different carriages.