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The Railway Touring Company · Steam day trip
The Atlantic Coast Express
Steam day trip from London to Exeter on the Merchant Navy Class locomotive
The Railway Touring Company's Atlantic Coast Express is a one-day steam excursion departing London Waterloo and arriving in Exeter St Davids, returning the same evening. The Merchant Navy Class No.35028 Clan Line steam locomotive hauls passengers south via Woking, Basingstoke, and Salisbury, tackling the steep Crewkerne Bank and Honiton Summit gradients along the way. The journey follows part of the historic Atlantic Coast Express route that once connected London to the seaside resorts of Devon and Cornwall. After a mid-afternoon break to explore Exeter's historic cathedral city, the train returns northward via the Great Western Railway's route through Bristol, Bath, and Salisbury. Three ticket tiers accommodate different preferences: Standard offers reserved seating, First Class adds morning refreshments and afternoon tea with savoury and scone, and Premier Dining provides a full English breakfast and four-course dinner freshly prepared on board. This day trip suits repeat rail travellers, steam locomotive enthusiasts, history lovers, and photographers.
What to know before you look closer
- Only one departure is currently listed, in May 2026; confirm availability and dates directly with The Railway Touring Company before booking.
- This is a day trip with no overnight accommodation; passengers must arrange their own transport to and from London Waterloo.
- Standard tickets offer a reserved seat at a table for four with no meal service; breakfast and afternoon refreshments are included only in First Class and Premier Dining fares.
Day by day
- Day 1rail
The Atlantic Coast Express
Steam hauled from London Waterloo via Woking, Basingstoke and Salisbury to Exeter, with an afternoon break to explore the city, before returning via Bristol, Bath and Salisbury to London Waterloo.
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1The Merchant Navy Class No.35028 Clan Line departs London Waterloo and climbs the steep grades of Crewkerne Bank and Honiton Summit en route to Exeter.
- Day 1An afternoon break in Exeter allows passengers to visit the historic cathedral city before returning to London via the Great Western Railway route through Bristol and Bath.
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included in the price?
- Yes. The Railway Touring Company's price includes the steam-hauled train journey from London Waterloo to Exeter and back. Meal service varies by ticket tier: Standard includes no meals, First Class includes morning tea or coffee with breakfast roll and afternoon tea with savoury and scone, and Premier Dining includes full English breakfast and four-course dinner.
- Which train operates this journey?
- The Merchant Navy Class No.35028 Clan Line, a steam locomotive, hauls the train from London Waterloo via Woking, Basingstoke, and Salisbury to Exeter St Davids, then returns via Bristol, Bath, and Salisbury.
- What happens during the afternoon break in Exeter?
- Passengers have free time to explore Exeter, a historic cathedral city. The itinerary does not specify the exact length of the break or organised activities.
- When does this trip run?
- One departure is listed for May 2026. Contact The Railway Touring Company to confirm whether additional dates are scheduled.
- What are the ticket options and prices?
- Standard seats start at GBP 135 (USD 180), First Class at GBP 240, and Premier Dining at GBP 345. Optional table-for-two seating upgrades are available for Premier Dining and First Class.
- Is this an escorted tour?
- The itinerary does not specify whether a guide is provided. Contact The Railway Touring Company for details on on-board services and support.
