The Railway Touring Company
The Atlantic Coast Express
Steam day trip from London to Exeter on the Merchant Navy Class locomotive
1 dayfrom $181
100% rail
The Railway Touring Company · Steam rail day trip
The Cotswold Christmas Venturer
One-day steam train from London to Worcester Christmas Fayre
The Railway Touring Company operates a festive one-day steam excursion through the Cotswold Hills to the Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre. The journey departs London Victoria at 08:15 aboard the Merchant Navy Class locomotive No.35028 Clan Line, passing through the Cotswold Hills via the Golden Valley Line and Sapperton Tunnel, with stops at Staines, Reading, Didcot, and Cheltenham Spa before arriving at Worcester Shrub Hill. Passengers spend the day exploring the Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre, set against the backdrop of the historic cathedral and city streets, with hundreds of market stalls, costumed entertainers, festive food and drink, and seasonal entertainment. The train returns to London in the evening. Three dining tiers are available, from Standard seating at a table for four to Premier Dining with a full English breakfast and four-course dinner freshly prepared onboard. Passengers may choose to alight at Cheltenham Spa and spend the day there instead of continuing to Worcester.
What to know before you look closer
- This is a one-day excursion departing and returning to London the same evening; there is no overnight accommodation.
- Passengers have the option to alight and spend the day in Cheltenham Spa instead of continuing to Worcester.
- Tables for two in Premier Dining and First Class are subject to availability and require a supplement of £50 per person.
Day by day
- Day 1rail
London Victoria to Worcester via the Cotswolds
Steam train departs London Victoria around 08:15 hauled by No.35028 Clan Line, calling at Staines, Reading and Didcot, then via the Golden Valley Line through Kemble, Sapperton Tunnel and Stroud to Cheltenham Spa (passengers may alight here) and on to Worcester Shrub Hill. Time in Worcester for the Victorian Christmas Fayre before the return working in the evening, calling at Cheltenham Spa, Didcot, Reading and Staines back to London Victoria.
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1The Merchant Navy Class locomotive No.35028 Clan Line departs London Victoria, hauling the train through the Cotswold Hills via the Golden Valley Line and Sapperton Tunnel.
- Day 1Visit the Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre set against Worcester Cathedral and the historic city streets, with hundreds of market stalls, costumed entertainers, and festive food and drink.
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included in the price?
- Yes. The from-price of £130 (Standard) includes the return steam train journey from London Victoria to Worcester Shrub Hill. First Class starts at £235 and includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon or breakfast roll, plus afternoon tea or coffee with a savoury and a scone with butter and jam. Premier Dining starts at £349 and includes a full English breakfast and four-course dinner freshly prepared onboard and silver served at your seat.
- Which locomotive hauls this train?
- Merchant Navy Class locomotive No.35028 Clan Line.
- What time does the train depart and return?
- The steam train departs London Victoria at around 08:15 and returns in the evening. The itinerary does not specify the exact return time; contact The Railway Touring Company for details.
- Do I have to visit Worcester, or are there other options?
- Passengers may alight at Cheltenham Spa and spend the day there instead of continuing to Worcester and the Victorian Christmas Fayre.
- How much walking is involved?
- The trip includes time in Worcester for the Victorian Christmas Fayre, which involves walking through the city and market stalls. Passengers choosing Cheltenham Spa instead will have their own itinerary for that city.
