2020 MAIN LINE STEAM SERVICES FROM VINTAGE TRAINS
2020 MAIN LINE STEAM
SERVICES FROM VINTAGE TRAINS
March to June 2020
-
New
Shakespeare Express Schedule for 2020 – Starts at Easter
-
Return of
the Sunday Roast train from both Birmingham and Stratford
-
7029 Clun
Castle over the Settle and Carlisle – first train since 1967
-
Clun
Castle to The West Somerset Railway – steam all the way
-
New LMS
Inspection saloon joins the fleet with private hire availability
Vintage trains announces its first half programme for 2020
with a new Shakespeare Express schedule, return to the Settle and Carlisle and
a full day steam excursion to the West Somerset Railway. Tyseley Locomotive
Works’ flagship, 7029 Clun Castle, will lead the schedule with surprise guest
locomotives in the planning – more information later.
The Shakespeare
Express
The return of the SE in 2019 was a resounding success, the penultimate
train of the season achieving its highest sales ever. On train catering is an
important facet of SE operation so 2020 will see the return of the traditional
Sunday roast dinner train and a new early evening service at approximately 17.30
out of Birmingham, enabling a two-hour round trip with a traditional roast dinner
from either Birmingham Snow Hill or Stratford Upon Avon.
So leave the Sunday cooking to us and enjoy a two hour steam
ride in Shakespeare country.
Prices start from £35 per person standard class with every
adult taking a child aged 12 or under free. First class dining is £75 per
person (£35 supplement for children dining).
2020 also sees an earlier start to the schedule with a new
Easter Weekend (Sunday and Monday) service.
Clun Castle back on
the Settle and Carlisle – April 18th 2020
One of the most scenic mainline railways in the UK with 72
miles of track, 21 viaducts and 14 tunnels, the S+C line is considered to be
the most picturesque route to Scotland. This full day tour will see diesel
haulage from Birmingham to Hellifield where 7029 Clun Castle will take over for
the challenging run to Carlisle and back. The train will stop at Appleby so we
can stretch our legs and grab a photo opportunity. Stations served will include
Birmingham New Street, Coleshill Parkway, Tamworth HL and Burton Upon Trent.
This will be the first return of Clun Castle to the S+C
since 1967.
The West Somerset
Railway – May 30th 2020
It’s back to core Great Western territory for 7029 as we
head for Minehead at half term. Departing Dorridge, Clun Castle will pick up at
Solihull, Birmingham Moor Street, Snow Hill and Worcester Shrub Hill for the
run to Bristol. Following a brief stop, we continue to Taunton, taking the
branch to Bishops Lydeard where Clun will be replaced by a WSR locomotive for
the run to Minehead.
Passengers will have a full three hours in Minehead before
we retrace our steps.
A Day at the Races
plus a traditional haunt
Cheltenham Festival
Ladies day – and it’s not just for ladies! – March 11th 2020
Vintage style in heritage coaches drawn by a magnificent
steam locomotive – the ideal way to visit Ladies Day at the 2020 Cheltenham
Festival. Our train will start at Stratford Upon Avon, picking up at Dorridge,
Solihull and Birmingham New Street for a leisurely trip to Cheltenham where a
local shuttle bus runs frequently to the racecourse.
For a really special day out, why not book a first class
compartment (see below).
Llandudno Victorian
Extravaganza – May 9th 2020
The May Bank holiday will herald VT’s return to Llandudno
and the Victorian Extravaganza. This very popular trip to the seaside gem that
is Llandudno brings us vintage attractions; a fun fair with steam powered rides,
veteran, vintage and classic transport on the streets with buses offering rides
around the town, all adding to an atmosphere that has been established over 34
years. If you haven’t been, you’re missing out!
The train will depart from Dorridge, Solihull, Tyseley,
Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton.
New for 2020 - First
Class Compartment carriage and LMS Inspection Saloon hire
Vintage Trains is offering exclusive first class, private
travel in sumptuous compartments or even your very own carriage. With four
separate seating compartments, a private bar facility and lounge area, this
first class compartment coach presents a truly unique celebration venue. The
bar can even be stocked with your favourite tipple.
A full trip hire charge includes light breakfast on our way
out and a champagne afternoon tea on return, served by a private steward. The
fee is £4500 for up to 24 guests plus individual seat/catering charges. Full
information is available to view on the Vintage Trains website.
The ‘piece de resistance’ is our LMS private saloon 6320.
Built at the Derby Carriage and Wagon Works in 1927 as a first class corridor
coach, it had five compartments. In 1960 it was converted at Wolverton Works to
an inspection saloon and has since been used exclusively by VIPs.
The saloon can carry up to 23 people and offers a private
board room and a lounge, both with panoramic views as it is fully glazed at
both ends. The per day trip charge is £4500 to include a light breakfast and
champagne afternoon tea for your guests, served by your private steward.
Individual seat/catering charges are available to view on the VT website.
Full information on all these trains, including timings,
pricing for First Class, Club Class and Standard Class with catering options
can be found at www.VintageTrains.co.uk
or by calling 0121 708 4960.


