SHAKESPEARE EXPRESS: FROM BIRMINGHAM, DERBY, LEICESTER OR WORCESTER TO STRATFORD (RETURN)

The Greatest Gathering, Sunday 3rd August 2025 We are delighted to be able to offer our customers the chance to attend the already sold out Greatest Gathering, the largest collection of locomotives, rolling stock and railway related items in a generation, part of the celebrations for Railway 200. Join us at Coleshill Parkway for your train to the event and enjoy a fantastic day out, marvelling at the wide array of railway related exhibits at Derby Litchurch Lane, one of the world’s largest rolling stock factories, and the only UK facility that designs, engineers, builds and tests trains for domestic and export markets. Your ticket includes: • Entry ticket to The Greatest Gathering on Sunday 3rd August 2025 • Round trip onboard our heritage coaches behind one of our 1964 built diesel locomotives – departing Coleshill Parkway at approximately 9:35am and departing Derby at 19:19pm • A Bacon Roll and a cup of tea or coffee on the outward journey • A cup of tea or coffee on the return journey To book your tickets, click book now on the right-hand side and select the 3rd August train. Here there will be an option to book tickets for the train to The Greatest Gathering, both with entry tickets to the event or without.

Boarding the train at your chosen departure station, relax in the comfort of your surroundings onboard your authentic 1960s and 70s carriages, and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the historic steam locomotive hauling the train, as it whisks you away to Stratford-upon-Avon.

At Stratford, passengers will have several hours with which to explore the historic market town and birthplace of William Shakespeare. There is plenty to see and do, whether that’s a walking or hop-on hop-off bus tour of the town, the Butterfly Farm or explore the picturesque riverside. Shakespeare Express passengers can also access 20% off Shakespeare’s Birthplace when booking tickets for this attraction online with our exclusive link (this will be sent with your final confirmation email).

In the late afternoon, you will arrive back at Stratford-upon-Avon station, ready to board the train to make your way home.

Departing From

15th June, 24th & 31st August
Birmingham Snow Hill calling at Birmingham Moor Street, Tyseley

27th April, 8th June, 3rd August & 26th October
Derby calling at Burton-on-Trent, Tamworth & Coleshill Parkway

10th August
Leicester calling at Nuneaton & Coleshill Parkway

27th July, 17th August & 9th November
Worcester Shrub Hill calling at Droitwich Spa & Stourbridge Junction

Approximate Travel Timings

*Please Note
The first time is for trains from Derby and the second for trains from Leicester.

Approximate Timings for Stratford-upon-Avon

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

Classes of Travel

Tourist (Non-Dining)

Seating arranged at tables of 4 in one of our Tourist coaches. A buffet is available for the purchase of hot drinks, soft drinks, light refreshments and alcoholic drinks.

Adult from £45 per personChild from £25 per personFamily | 2x Adult & 2x Child from £120