THE SHAKESPEARE EXPRESS

The Shakespeare Express is Vintage Trains’ flagship service: a steam-hauled journey between Birmingham and Stratford-upon-Avon, running every Sunday through the summer along one of England’s most distinctive routes. Hauled by a restored steam locomotive at mainline speed through the Warwickshire countryside, it connects the West Midlands’ biggest city with one of the world’s most visited cultural destinations in a way that no other service does.

Winner of the Silver Award for Experience of the Year at the West Midlands Tourism Awards 2026

Your Journey, Your Way

A standard ticket gives you a seat on the train and the freedom to board at whichever station suits you best, whether that is Birmingham, Stratford-upon-Avon, or somewhere in between. From there, the day is yours to shape. Spend a full day in Stratford, take a round trip through the Warwickshire countryside and return to where you started, or simply travel just for the pleasure of it all.

If you want to dine on board, upgrade to First Class to add dining at the point of booking. Depending on where you join the train, Breakfast, Sunday lunch and Afternoon Tea are available.

Boarding at Birmingham or Tyseley

Joining at Birmingham Snow Hill, Birmingham Moor Street, or Tyseley gives you the full day in Stratford-upon-Avon. Add a Full English Breakfast for the outward journey and Afternoon Tea for the return.

Afternoon Tea is also available on the afternoon departure from Birmingham Snow Hill.

Boarding at Henley-in-Arden

Boarding at Henley, gives you a short journey to Stratford, where there is a break of approximately an hour – plenty of time to get photographs of the train. The journey then continues over the Chiltern mainline to Birmingham and back via the North Warwickshire line to Henley. Upgrade to First Class for either a 3-Course Sunday Lunch or Afternoon Tea.

Boarding at Stratford-upon-Avon

Boarding at Stratford, gives you the fast running over the Chiltern mainline to Snow Hill before the beautiful Warwickshire scenery of the North Warwickshire line on the return. Upgrade to First Class for either a 3-Course Sunday Lunch or Afternoon Tea.

Dates, Departures & Prices

Sundays: 26^th July, 2^nd, 9^th, 16^th, 23^rd and 30^th August

Departing from: Birmingham Snow Hill, Birmingham Moor Street, Tyseley, Henley-in-Arden, Stratford-upon-Avon

Standard tickets from £26.50 per person (including booking fee), with Adult, Child, and Family tickets available. First Class Dining upgrades are priced separately at checkout.

Also Running Later in the Year

The Derby Shakespeare Express departs from Derby, Burton-on-Trent, Tamworth, and Coleshill Parkway on Sunday 25^th October, running south to Stratford-upon-Avon with time to explore the town before the return north.

The Worcester Shakespeare Express departs from Worcester Shrub Hill, Droitwich Spa, and Stourbridge Junction on Saturday 8^th November, running east to Stratford-upon-Avon with time in the town before the return west.