About Us
Our Story
Vintage Trains is a Birmingham-based heritage railway operator running steam and diesel journeys on the national mainline across England and Wales. Every locomotive that hauls our trains is maintained, restored, and kept in operational condition at Tyseley Locomotive Works, one of the country’s most significant centres of working locomotive preservation, where a team of engineers and volunteers have dedicated years to the work.
These locomotives haul passengers across Britain on the same network used by modern trains every day. This is possible because of the decades of skill and commitment that have gone into keeping the historic engines running, with every departure evidence of that passion.
A Registered Charity
Vintage Trains is a registered charity, meaning every ticket sold contributes directly to the preservation and operation of the locomotives in our care. The work of maintaining a fleet of mainline steam and diesel locomotives to the standards required to run on the national network is considerable, and it is funded by the journeys you take with us. Booking a seat is, in its own way, an act of support for something genuinely worth preserving.
Based in Birmingham, running across Britain
Our home is Tyseley Locomotive Works in Birmingham, a working railway site that has been at the heart of locomotive preservation in the West Midlands for over half a century. The locomotives maintained here reach destinations across England and Wales, covering routes that take in some of the most varied and compelling landscapes the national network has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vintage Trains?
Vintage Trains is a heritage railway operator based at Tyseley Locomotive Works in Birmingham. It runs steam and diesel excursions on the national mainline, covering routes across England and Wales.
Is Vintage Trains a charity?
Yes. Vintage Trains is a registered charity (no. 1040904). Revenue from journeys supports the preservation and operation of the locomotive fleet.
Where does Vintage Trains operate from?
Vintage Trains is based at Tyseley Locomotive Works, 670 Warwick Road, Tyseley, Birmingham, B11 2HL, where its locomotives are maintained and prepared. Passenger departures take place from a range of stations depending on the journey. Full departure details are listed on each individual journey page.
What kind of journeys does Vintage Trains run?
Vintage Trains runs steam and diesel excursions on the national mainline, ranging from half-day scenic trips to full-day dining journeys. Regular services include the Shakespeare Express between Birmingham and Stratford-upon-Avon, as well as longer excursions to destinations across England and Wales.
How is Vintage Trains different from a preserved railway?
Vintage Trains runs on the national mainline rather than a dedicated heritage line. This means journeys cover greater distances, reach a wider range of destinations, and travel at mainline speeds, while still being hauled by restored heritage locomotives.
How do I book a journey with Vintage Trains?
Journeys can be booked online through the Vintage Trains website. For group and private charter enquiries, contact the team directly at bookings@vintagetrains.co.uk or call 0121 708 4960 (10am to 2pm, Monday to Friday).
Featured Rides
