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 train day trip
The East Yorkshireman
Steam day excursion Manchester to Scarborough via Peak District and Yorkshire Coast
The Railway Touring Company operates The East Yorkshireman, a one-day steam-hauled circular excursion departing Manchester Victoria and returning to York. This full-day journey follows an unusual route that showcases three distinct landscapes: the Peak District National Park to the west, the Yorkshire Wolds in the centre, and the Yorkshire Coast to the east. Starting from Manchester, the steam locomotive climbs eastward across the Pennines via the former Midland Railway route, passing through Cowburn Tunnel into the Vale of Edale and calling at Hathersage before traversing the 3.5-mile Totley Tunnel, one of Britain's longest. The train continues via Doncaster and Goole, crossing the River Ouse on a historic swing bridge, then follows the north bank of the Humber Estuary beneath the Humber Bridge. The route reaches the seaside resort of Scarborough, where passengers have afternoon leisure time before the return leg via Malton to York. Three dining classes are available, from Standard Class seating to Premier Dining with full English breakfast and four-course dinner prepared fresh on board. This trip suits steam enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking a substantial day of rail travel through varied English countryside and historic railway infrastructure.
What to know before you look closer
- Only one departure is currently listed, in September 2026; confirm availability with The Railway Touring Company before planning travel
- The from-price of £120 is for Standard Class with a reserved seat at a table for four; Premium Dining at £335 per adult includes meals
Day by day
- Day 1rail
The East Yorkshireman
Steam hauled from Manchester Victoria east across the Pennines via Romiley and the former Midland Railway route through the Peak District National Park, Cowburn Tunnel, the Vale of Edale and Hathersage, then the 3½-mile Totley Tunnel to Sheffield (final passenger stop). Via Doncaster and Goole, crossing the River Ouse swing bridge, along the north bank of the Humber Estuary past the Humber Bridge and Hull at Anlaby Junction onto the Yorkshire Coast Line, through Beverley (Beverley Minster), the Yorkshire Wolds, Driffield and Bridlington (original station buffet), then single track through Bempton (climbing at up to 1 in 92) via Seamer Junction to Scarborough, with time to enjoy the beaches, harbour, Scarborough Castle and seafront. Return runs west via Malton, near Castle Howard, to York, where the steam locomotive is detached for a diesel-hauled finish, setting down at Sheffield, Hathersage, Romiley and Manchester Victoria.
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1Steam locomotive hauls the train east across the Pennines through the Peak District National Park and the 3.5-mile Totley Tunnel, one of Britain's longest railway tunnels
- Day 1The train crosses the River Ouse on its railway swing bridge and follows the north bank of the Humber Estuary beneath the Humber Bridge
- Day 1Afternoon leisure time at Scarborough, a Yorkshire seaside resort, before the return journey to Manchester via Malton
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included in the price?
- Yes, the price from £120 (Standard Class) to £335 (Premier Dining) includes the circular steam-hauled journey from Manchester Victoria to Scarborough and return via York. Meals and service level vary by tier.
- What trains operate this route?
- A steam locomotive hauls the train from Manchester Victoria to Scarborough via the Peak District, Yorkshire Wolds and Yorkshire Coast Line, then back to York via Malton.
- What are the meal options?
- 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 provides full English breakfast and a four-course dinner freshly prepared and silver served on board.
- Are there stops along the route?
- The train calls at Sheffield (final passenger stop), Doncaster, Goole, Hull at Anlaby Junction, Beverley, Driffield, Bridlington, Bempton, and Scarborough, with sightseeing opportunities at Scarborough in the afternoon.
- When does this trip run?
- The current departure is scheduled for September 2026. Check The Railway Touring Company website for future dates.
