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The Railway Touring Company · Steam day trip

The Armistice Steam Express

Steam day trip from London Victoria to Canterbury marking Armistice Day.

Illustration of The Armistice Steam Express

The Railway Touring Company's Armistice Steam Express is a one-day circular steam-hauled journey from London Victoria, departing in the morning and returning the same evening. The train travels through the green countryside of Kent to Canterbury, home to a UNESCO World Heritage cathedral and medieval city streets, where passengers have time to explore before boarding the return journey. On the way back, the route passes Deal, Dover Priory, and the White Cliffs of Dover, offering coastal views as the train travels inland through the Kent Weald. Three dining tiers accommodate different appetites: Standard provides a reserved seat at a table for four; First Class includes morning tea with breakfast roll and afternoon tea with scone; Premier Dining offers a full English breakfast and four-course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served. This trip suits repeat rail travellers seeking a specialised steam experience, history lovers drawn to Armistice Day and Canterbury's heritage, and food enthusiasts who want substantial meals as part of the journey.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only one departure listed: November 2026. Confirm availability and book well ahead.
  • Premier Dining tier requires selecting table for two as an optional extra; standard table for four is the default for other tiers.

Day by day

  1. Day 1rail

    The Armistice Steam Express

    Steam-hauled from London Victoria via Bromley South, Ashford International and Wye to Canterbury, with time to explore the city, before returning via Deal, Dover Priory, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks to London Victoria.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Steam locomotive hauls passengers from London Victoria via Bromley South and Ashford International to Canterbury, a UNESCO World Heritage cathedral city.
  • Day 1Return journey travels via Deal and Dover Priory, where passengers see views of the White Cliffs of Dover and the Kent coastline.

Questions travellers ask

What is the route?
The train departs London Victoria, travels via Bromley South, Ashford International, and Wye to Canterbury for a break, then returns via Deal, Dover Priory, Tonbridge, and Sevenoaks to London Victoria.
Is train fare included?
Yes. The Railway Touring Company operates the steam-hauled train as a complete package.
What meals are offered?
Standard includes a reserved seat. First Class adds morning tea or coffee with bacon and breakfast roll, and afternoon tea with savoury and scone. Premier Dining includes full English breakfast and four-course dinner, freshly prepared and silver served on board.
How much time is there in Canterbury?
The itinerary allows time to explore Canterbury Cathedral and the medieval Westgate Towers during the break, but the exact duration is not specified.
When does this trip run?
One departure in November 2026, marking Armistice Day.

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