THE GOLDEN HIND

50 years ago D1015 ‘Western Champion’ operated the final trains of its British Railways career, following 13 years of working across the Western Region from depots such as Old Oak Common and Laira.

To celebrate this anniversary, we have created ‘The Golden Hind’ a train that will take the locomotive across routes in the Midlands, Great Western Mainline and the South West, recreating scenes from the 60s and 70s where you could see her at the head of expresses across the Western Region.

From the fast running from London Paddington over a route described as “Brunel’s Billiard Table”, to the challenging gradients of South Devon, this journey has everything you could want, to see the diesel hydraulic at its best.

On day one the train will depart Birmingham heading for the capital via Oxford. After a brief pause under the magnificent Brunel designed station roof of Paddington, the train will roar out of London and make its way across the country before venturing south to the maritime city of Plymouth. Day two will see the train retrace the route of the previous day, featuring what will be a glorious arrival into Paddington, before continuing on to Birmingham and journey’s end.

Passengers booking on this train will need to make their own accommodation arrangements in Plymouth.

Departing From

Birmingham Snow Hill, Widney Manor, Warwick Parkway, Banbury, Oxford, London Paddington

Approximate Travel Timings

Approximate Destination Timings

Please Note* All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change.

Classes of Travel

Pullman Dining	First Class Dining	Standard (Non-Dining)
Seating in one of our original Pullman Cars with full English Breakfast and four-course evening dinner, tea & coffee, all served at your seat. Guaranteed tables of two can be booked for a supplement, subject to availability.	Relax in our authentic 1960s coaches where a Light Breakfast and Afternoon Tea on the return journey are included. Guaranteed tables of two can be booked for a supplement, subject to availability.	Comfortable seating at tables of four with picture windows. A buffet offers hot drinks, soft drinks, light refreshments and alcoholic drinks for purchase. Bacon Rolls and Afternoon Tea in a box can be pre-ordered to enjoy on your journey.

Please be aware if you book Tables for 2 that sometimes you may be seated at a table for four, but you will still be seated as a pair, with no other passengers at your table.