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The Railway Touring Company · Steam rail day trip

The Dorset Coast Express

Steam day trip from London to Weymouth via Bournemouth and Dorset coast

Illustration of The Dorset Coast Express

The Dorset Coast Express is a single-day steam rail excursion operated by The Railway Touring Company, departing from central London and returning the same day. The journey departs London Victoria behind the steam locomotive No. 34028 Eddystone, crossing the Thames at Barnes Bridge and passing through Kew before picking up passengers at Staines and Woking. The train continues south through the Hampshire countryside, calling at Basingstoke, Andover and Romsey before reversing at Southampton to head towards the Dorset coast. From Southampton, the service runs diesel-hauled (with steam on the rear) to Weymouth, stopping at Bournemouth and passing Poole Harbour, Wareham and Dorchester along the way. Passengers have around three hours in Weymouth near the beach and town shops. The return journey to London Waterloo is steam-hauled. Three fare options cater to different appetites: Standard includes a reserved seat; First Class adds morning and afternoon refreshments; Premier Dining offers a full English breakfast and four-course dinner prepared on board. This trip suits first-time rail travellers, steam enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a hassle-free day out from London.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only one departure listed in the evidence: August 2026.
  • The outbound leg to Weymouth is diesel-hauled from Southampton onward, though steam remains on the rear; the return to London is steam-hauled.

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    London Victoria to Weymouth via Bournemouth

    Steam-hauled from London Victoria via Staines, Woking, Winchfield (water stop) and Basingstoke, then via Andover and Romsey to Southampton, reversing to continue diesel-hauled to Bournemouth, then past Poole Harbour, Wareham and Dorchester to Weymouth. Steam-hauled return via Southampton, Winchester and Basingstoke to Woking and Weybridge, arriving London Waterloo.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Steam locomotive No. 34028 Eddystone departs London Victoria, passing Kew and crossing the Thames at Barnes Bridge before picking up passengers at Staines and Woking.
  • Day 1The train reverses at Southampton and continues diesel-hauled (with steam on the rear) towards Weymouth, passing Poole Harbour, Wareham and Dorchester.
  • Day 1Around three hours in Weymouth near the beach and shops before the return steam-hauled journey via Southampton, Winchester and Basingstoke to London Waterloo.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The Railway Touring Company operates the full day trip by rail from London Victoria to Weymouth and back to London Waterloo, including all stops.
What trains are used?
The train is hauled by steam locomotive No. 34028 Eddystone from London Victoria through Southampton, then a diesel locomotive (with steam on the rear) from Southampton to Weymouth. The return is steam-hauled.
What is included in each fare tier?
Standard (£120 GBP) includes a reserved seat at a table for four. First Class (£225 GBP) adds morning tea or coffee with a bacon roll and sweet treat, plus afternoon tea or coffee with a savoury and scone. Premier Dining (£335 GBP) includes a full English breakfast and a four-course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served.
How much time do I have at the coast?
Around three hours in Weymouth near the beach and shops. Passengers may alternatively spend time in Bournemouth during the journey.
When does it run?
One departure is listed: August 2026. Check with The Railway Touring Company for additional dates.
Can I arrange a table for two?
Yes, for an additional supplement of £50 per person in Premier Dining and First Class, subject to availability.

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