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 London to York for Christmas Market via Lincoln
The Railway Touring Company's Christmas White Rose is a one-day steam-hauled excursion departing from London King's Cross in November, traveling north to York for the Christmas Market. The journey follows the historic route of the Flying Scotsman through Gasworks Tunnel and Finsbury Park, then continues along the East Coast Main Line with stops at Stevenage, Huntingdon, and Peterborough. At Werrington Junction, the train takes a rare scenic detour through Spalding, Sleaford, and Lincoln, arriving in York in the early afternoon. Passengers have time to explore the Christmas Market, York Minster, the Shambles, the ancient city walls, and the National Railway Museum before the return journey retraces the same route. Three ticket classes are available: Standard seating at a table for four, First class with morning coffee and breakfast, and Premier Dining with a full English breakfast and four-course dinner prepared on board. The entire day is spent on the steam train with no overnight stay required.
What to know before you look closer
- Only one departure listed: November 2026. Confirm dates with The Railway Touring Company before booking.
- This is a same-day round trip departing and returning to London King's Cross; travel time on the train is substantial.
Day by day
- Day 1
London King's Cross to York via Spalding and Lincoln
Steam-hauled from London King's Cross through Gasworks Tunnel and Finsbury Park, north on the East Coast Main Line with pick-ups at Stevenage, Huntingdon and Peterborough, then via Werrington Junction, Spalding, Sleaford, Lincoln and Doncaster to York. Free time in York for the Christmas Market before the steam-hauled return via the same route to London King's Cross.
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1The steam locomotive passes through Gasworks Tunnel and Finsbury Park before heading north on the East Coast Main Line.
- Day 1The train diverts via the rare scenic route through Spalding, Sleaford, and Lincoln before arriving in York for the Christmas Market.
Questions travellers ask
- Is train travel included?
- Yes. The Railway Touring Company operates the entire journey on a steam-hauled train from London King's Cross to York and back.
- What meals are provided?
- Standard class includes a reserved seat. First class adds morning tea or coffee with a bacon or breakfast roll and afternoon tea with a savoury and scone. Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four-course dinner, freshly prepared on board and silver served.
- What time do we arrive in York?
- The train arrives in York in the early afternoon, leaving ample time to visit the Christmas Market, York Minster, and the National Railway Museum before the return journey.
- Can I book a table for two?
- Tables for two are guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £50 per person, subject to availability.
- What is the route?
- The train departs London King's Cross, stops at Stevenage, Huntingdon, and Peterborough on the East Coast Main Line, then diverts via Werrington Junction through Spalding, Sleaford, and Lincoln before reaching Doncaster and York.
