The Railway Touring Company
The Cumbrian Coast Express
Steam day trip London to Ravenglass via Cumbrian Coast line.
1 dayfrom $161
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The Railway Touring Company · Steam day trip
The Blackpool Steam Express
London to Blackpool day trip on electric and steam locomotives
The Railway Touring Company's Blackpool Steam Express is a one-day round-trip excursion from London Euston to the Victorian seaside resort of Blackpool on England's Fylde Coast. The journey combines modern and heritage traction: a Class 86 electric locomotive powers the train west along the West Coast Main Line to Crewe, where a steam locomotive takes over for the scenic run via Preston to Blackpool North. Passengers have free time to explore Blackpool's attractions, including Blackpool Tower, the Winter Gardens, and a vintage tram ride along the seafront, before boarding the return service. The route home diverts via Manchester Piccadilly, offering varied scenery across the North West. Three dining tiers are available, from a simple reserved seat to a full English breakfast and four-course dinner prepared fresh on board. This trip suits repeat rail enthusiasts who value locomotive heritage, history-lovers drawn to Victorian leisure culture, and budget-conscious travellers seeking a full-day excursion without overnight accommodation costs.
What to know before you look closer
- Only one departure is listed (August 2026); confirm availability with The Railway Touring Company before planning.
- The from-price (GBP 120) is Standard class with a reserved seat at a table for four; Premier Dining and First Class meals cost significantly more.
- Free time in Blackpool is unguided; you choose your own activities and manage your own transport around the town.
Day by day
- Day 1rail
The Blackpool Steam Express
Electric-hauled from London Euston via Milton Keynes, Rugby, Nuneaton and Crewe, where a steam locomotive takes over via Preston to Blackpool North, with free time in the town, before returning via Manchester to Crewe and on to London Euston by electric traction.
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1At Crewe, the Class 86 electric locomotive is replaced by a steam locomotive for the direct run via Preston to Blackpool North.
- Day 1Free time in Blackpool to visit Blackpool Tower, the Winter Gardens, or ride a vintage tram along the seafront.
- Day 1Return journey diverges via Manchester Piccadilly before electric traction completes the run back to London Euston.
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included?
- Yes. The Railway Touring Company includes the full London Euston to Blackpool North round trip with both electric and steam traction. Rail fare is built into the package price.
- Which locomotives are used?
- A Class 86 electric locomotive hauls the train from London Euston to Crewe. A steam locomotive from the Carnforth-based pool takes over from Crewe via Preston to Blackpool North and for the return.
- What is included in each price tier?
- Standard (from GBP 120) includes a reserved seat at a table for four. First Class (from GBP 225) adds morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and afternoon tea or coffee with a savoury and scone. Premier Dining (from GBP 335) includes a full English breakfast and four-course dinner, both freshly prepared and silver-served on board.
- Is there time to explore Blackpool?
- Yes. The itinerary allows free time in Blackpool to visit Blackpool Tower, the Winter Gardens, Madame Tussauds, the three piers, or take a vintage tram ride along the seafront.
- When does the trip depart?
- One departure is listed for August 2026. Contact The Railway Touring Company to confirm dates and book, as availability may be limited.
