Is this trip escorted?

The Railway Touring Company operates the train. The itinerary gives no mention of a guide; this appears to be an unguided day excursion where you board, travel, and spend time ashore in Weymouth independently.

What is included in the ticket price?

Standard (GBP 120) includes a reserved seat. First Class (GBP 225) adds morning tea or coffee with a bacon and breakfast roll, and afternoon tea with a savoury and scone. Premier Dining (GBP 335) includes a full English breakfast and a four-course dinner, freshly prepared and silver served on board.

How much time is there in Weymouth?

Around three hours ashore in Weymouth, near the beach and shops.

Which locomotive hauls the train?

No. 34028 Eddystone hauls the train from London Victoria to Southampton and returns via Winchester to London Waterloo. From Southampton to Weymouth, a diesel locomotive hauls the train with steam on the rear.

Where does the trip start and end?

The outbound journey departs London Victoria and arrives in Weymouth. The return journey departs Weymouth and arrives at London Waterloo.

The Railway Touring Company · Steam rail day trip

The Dorset Coast Express

Steam day trip London to Weymouth via Dorset coast and Bournemouth

The Railway Touring Company's Dorset Coast Express is a one-day steam excursion designed for travellers who want a taste of heritage rail travel without overnight packing. Departing London Victoria, the train is hauled south by No. 34028 Eddystone, one of the company's restored steam locomotives, through the Surrey hills and Hampshire countryside toward the coast. The journey calls at Southampton, Bournemouth, and Weymouth, giving passengers a choice of time ashore at these seaside towns. Around three hours in Weymouth allows a walk along the beach or a visit to the seafront shops before the diesel-hauled return via Winchester and Basingstoke to London Waterloo. Passengers choose from Standard seating, First Class (which includes breakfast and afternoon tea with cakes), or Premier Dining (a full English breakfast and four-course dinner prepared on board). This trip suits first-time rail travellers seeking a manageable day out, steam enthusiasts, and couples looking for a special meal experience on the train.

What to know before you look closer

Only one departure listed: September 2026. Confirm availability and book well in advance.
The train runs diesel-hauled (with steam on the rear) from Southampton to Weymouth on the outward leg; steam operates London Victoria to Southampton and the full return journey.
The price range for Standard class shown is GBP 120, but First (GBP 225) and Premier Dining (GBP 335) include meals; confirm what Standard includes beyond the seat.

Day by day

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 1Depart London Victoria hauled by steam locomotive No. 34028 Eddystone, passing through Kew and Staines toward the Hampshire downs.
Day 1Arrive in Weymouth with around three hours ashore near the beach and shops on the Dorset coast.

Questions travellers ask

Is this trip escorted?: The Railway Touring Company operates the train. The itinerary gives no mention of a guide; this appears to be an unguided day excursion where you board, travel, and spend time ashore in Weymouth independently.
What is included in the ticket price?: Standard (GBP 120) includes a reserved seat. First Class (GBP 225) adds morning tea or coffee with a bacon and breakfast roll, and afternoon tea with a savoury and scone. Premier Dining (GBP 335) includes a full English breakfast and a four-course dinner, freshly prepared and silver served on board.
How much time is there in Weymouth?: Around three hours ashore in Weymouth, near the beach and shops.
Which locomotive hauls the train?: No. 34028 Eddystone hauls the train from London Victoria to Southampton and returns via Winchester to London Waterloo. From Southampton to Weymouth, a diesel locomotive hauls the train with steam on the rear.
Where does the trip start and end?: The outbound journey departs London Victoria and arrives in Weymouth. The return journey departs Weymouth and arrives at London Waterloo.

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The Railway Touring Company