Who doesn’t love steam trains? They’re loud, they’re dramatic, they’re cinematic. They make you feel like Poirot, minus the murders. Just fantastic stuff, all round.
If you’re a huge fan of steam engines, now’s the time to get excited. The UK has now got two new regular steam train journeys. They’re called the Sunset Steam Express and the Royal Windsor Express, and both will feature a B1 class steam locomotive called the Mayflower pulling various classes of luxurious vintage carriages.
The Royal Windsor Express, as you can probably guess, takes passengers to Windsor, Berkshire – in other words, where the Queen’s got her famous gaff. The carriages will feature wood-panelled walls, ornate curtains and gorgeous table lamps. Guests can choose options ranging from full-out dining class to non-dining carriages that still serve tea, coffee and snacks. It’s so swanky, there will even be an option for a champagne brunch.
The Sunset Steam Express, meanwhile, will run a round-trip through the London suburbs and the Surrey Hills. Also offering a mix of swish ‘Pullman-style’ dining experiences and more relaxed classes, the B1 locomotive will haul elegant 1950s carriages through a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The two new routes are run by Steam Dreams and launched yesterday (May 10). They depart on Tuesdays from London Victoria, and prices start from £59 ($73) per person.
You can find out more about tickets and timetables on the Steam Dreams website here.
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