The Railway Touring Company
The Christmas Sussex Belle
Steam day trip London to Sussex coast via South Downs and Weald
1 dayfrom $154
100% rail
The Railway Touring Company · Steam rail day trip
The Christmas White Rose
Steam day trip Cambridge to York via Lincoln for Christmas Market
The Railway Touring Company operates The Christmas White Rose, a single-day steam excursion that departs Cambridge in the morning, calling at Ely, March, and Peterborough before reaching the former Great Northern & Great Eastern Joint Railway at Werrington Junction. The steam locomotive carries passengers across the Lincolnshire fens via Spalding, Sleaford, and Lincoln, where the Cathedral dominates the skyline. From Lincoln, the train runs through Gainsborough over the River Trent to Doncaster, then accelerates on the East Coast Main Line into York. Passengers enjoy free time to explore York Minster, the city walls, the Shambles, and the festive Christmas Market before boarding the return journey. Three dining tiers are available, from Standard reserved seating to Premier Dining with a full English breakfast and four-course dinner prepared on board. This trip suits history lovers drawn to steam heritage and the East Coast Main Line, families seeking a single-day festive outing, and food-focused travellers who appreciate fine dining in motion.
What to know before you look closer
- This is a December-only departure; check availability with The Railway Touring Company well in advance.
- Premier Dining tables for two require a £50 per person supplement and are subject to availability.
- The entire journey is outbound and return on the same day with no overnight accommodation.
Day by day
- Day 1
Cambridge to York via Lincoln and Doncaster
Steam-hauled from Cambridge via Ely, March and Peterborough, then via Spalding, Sleaford and Lincoln, Gainsborough and Doncaster onto the East Coast Main Line to York. Free time in York for the Christmas Market before the return via the same route to Cambridge.
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1Steam locomotive passes beneath Lincoln Cathedral dominating the skyline while traversing rural Lincolnshire via the historic Great Northern & Great Eastern Joint Railway.
- Day 1Fast run on the East Coast Main Line from Doncaster to York.
- Day 1Free time in York to explore the Christmas Market, York Minster, the Shambles, and the National Railway Museum.
Questions travellers ask
- Is train travel included in the price?
- Yes. The Railway Touring Company includes the steam-hauled rail journey from Cambridge to York and back, plus reserved seating. Dining is optional and priced separately by tier.
- What meals are included?
- Standard class includes a reserved seat. First Class adds morning tea or coffee with a bacon and breakfast roll, plus afternoon tea and scone. Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and a four-course dinner, both freshly prepared and silver-served on board.
- Which train operates this trip?
- A steam locomotive hauls the train from Cambridge through Ely, March, Peterborough, Spalding, Sleaford, Lincoln, Gainsborough and Doncaster to York, then returns via the same route.
- How much time do we have in York?
- The itinerary states free time in York to explore the Christmas Market, York Minster, the city walls, the Shambles, and the National Railway Museum before the return journey.
- What is the price and when does it run?
- Standard class starts at £120 per person; First Class at £225; Premier Dining at £339. The single confirmed departure is December 2026.
