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Statesmanrail · Day excursion / Land cruise

Dorset Coast Statesman

One-day Dorset coast rail excursion from Norwich aboard the Statesman

Illustration of Dorset Coast Statesman

com, is a one-day rail excursion departing from Norwich and travelling south to the Dorset coast. The journey passes through maritime Southampton and the New Forest before reaching your choice of three coastal destinations: Bournemouth, Poole, or Weymouth. Passengers board at their local station in East Anglia from 06:10, with the train arriving at the coast between midday and early afternoon, allowing 2 to 4 hours of leisure time depending on which town you select. The Statesman offers three class options. Pullman Dining passengers enjoy a full English breakfast, five-course seasonal dinner, champagne, bucks' fizz, canapés, and a Great British cheese board with wine. First Class provides complimentary tea, coffee, and light snacks in a more relaxed setting. Standard Class is available with complimentary tea and coffee, with food and drinks available for purchase. This excursion suits repeat rail travellers seeking a refined day out, couples interested in private seating upgrades, and those who appreciate multi-course dining aboard a train.

What to know before you look closer

  • com before planning.
  • This is a day excursion with no overnight accommodation. Leisure time at the destination ranges from 2 to 4 hours depending on which coastal town you choose.
  • Optional boat trips, excursions, and meals at destinations are not included in the tour price.
  • Standard Class does not include complimentary snacks or hot beverages beyond tea and coffee; food and drinks are available for purchase from the buffet bar.

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    Dorset Coast Day Excursion

    Board at your local station (Norwich from 06:10, through to Shenfield at 08:45). Travel through maritime Southampton and the beautiful New Forest. Arrive Bournemouth ~12:45 (depart 16:30), Poole ~13:00 (depart 16:15), or Weymouth ~13:40 (depart 15:35). Approximately 4 hours in Bournemouth, 3 hours in Poole, or 2 hours in Weymouth. Return journey departs destinations in the afternoon, arriving back at boarding stations between ~20:30 (Shenfield) and ~22:30 (Norwich).

Included

  • Rail travel from boarding station to destination and return
  • Complimentary tea/coffee and light snacks in First Class
  • Complimentary tea and coffee throughout journey in Standard Class
  • Pullman Dining: glass of chilled bucks' fizz, full English breakfast, late morning tea/coffee with pastries, glass of chilled champagne, canapés, five-course seasonal dinner, Great British cheese board with biscuits and chutneys, half bottle of wine per person (Sommelier's choice), coffee and homemade petits fours

Not included

  • Light snacks, wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks in Standard Class (available to purchase from buffet bar)
  • Optional boat trips or excursions at destinations
  • Private window table supplement (£60 per person or £150 per person for 'superior' private window table for two) in Pullman Dining and First Class
  • Exclusive table for three supplement (£280 total in Pullman Dining; £180 total in First Class)

Questions travellers ask

Which trains are used?
The Statesman Land Cruise Train operates the service, running from Norwich through East Anglia, Southampton, and the New Forest to the Dorset coast. It offers three class options: Pullman Dining, First Class, and Standard Class.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
The itinerary describes it as a day excursion aboard a land cruise train. You board at your local station, travel to your chosen destination, and have independent leisure time before returning the same day. No guided activities are mentioned.
When does this trip depart?
The confirmed departure is in September 2026. The train departs from local stations in Norwich from 06:10 and reaches Shenfield by 08:45, then continues to the Dorset coast, arriving at your chosen destination between 12:45 and 13:40.

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