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The Railway Touring Company · Steam train day trip

The Edinburgh Christmas Hive

Steam-hauled day trip from Manchester to Edinburgh at Christmas

Illustration of The Edinburgh Christmas Hive

The Railway Touring Company's Edinburgh Christmas Hive is a one-day steam-hauled excursion departing Manchester Victoria with pickups at Bolton, Wigan North Western, Preston, and Lancaster. Diesel power carries passengers north to Carnforth, where a steam locomotive of the Carnforth pool takes over for the scenic climb up the West Coast Main Line. The route crosses Shap Summit at 916 feet and, after a service stop at Carlisle, continues into Scotland to tackle Beattock Summit before arriving in Edinburgh in the early afternoon. Passengers then have several hours free to visit the Christmas Market in Princes Street Gardens and explore the city's festive celebrations. Three dining options are available, from a reserved seat in Standard Class to Premier Dining with a full English breakfast and four-course dinner prepared fresh on board. Father Christmas hands out gifts to children during the journey, making this trip particularly suited to families.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only one departure listed: December 2026. Confirm current availability and any additional dates with The Railway Touring Company.
  • The itinerary notes describe the route but do not specify return time to Manchester; contact the operator for the expected arrival back at Manchester Victoria.
  • Time in Edinburgh is unguided; you make your own way to Princes Street Gardens and arrange your own Christmas Market visit.

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    The Edinburgh Christmas Hive

    Diesel hauled from Manchester Victoria, picking up at Bolton, Wigan North Western, Preston and Lancaster. Steam locomotive attached at Carnforth for the run over the West Coast Main Line via Oxenholme, the Lune Gorge and the climb to Shap Summit (916ft), then the Eden Valley, Penrith and a service stop at Carlisle. Crosses into Scotland at Gretna, through the Southern Uplands, Lockerbie and the climb to Beattock Summit, then via Carstairs to Edinburgh, arriving early afternoon. Several hours free in Edinburgh to visit the Christmas Market in Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the city's galleries and museums, while the locomotive is serviced. Steam hauled return from Edinburgh to Carlisle via Beattock and the Scottish Lowlands; diesel hauled from Carnforth back to Manchester Victoria via Lancaster, Preston, Wigan North Western and Bolton, arriving later in the evening. Father Christmas appears on board distributing gifts to children.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The ticket price includes all rail travel from your pickup station (Manchester Victoria, Bolton, Wigan North Western, Preston, or Lancaster) to Edinburgh and back, plus diesel and steam haulage.
What trains are used?
Diesel multiple units run Manchester Victoria to Carnforth. A Carnforth pool steam locomotive takes over at Carnforth and hauls the train via Oxenholme, Shap Summit (916 feet), and Beattock Summit to Edinburgh and back.
What meals are included?
Standard Class includes a reserved seat at a table for four. First Class adds morning tea or coffee with a bacon and breakfast roll, and afternoon tea with a savoury and scone. Premier Dining includes full English breakfast and a four-course dinner freshly prepared on board.
How much time do I have in Edinburgh?
Expected arrival is early afternoon, giving several hours to enjoy Edinburgh's Christmas Market in Princes Street Gardens and other festive attractions.
Are there pickup points other than Manchester?
Yes. The Railway Touring Company picks up at Bolton, Wigan North Western, Preston, and Lancaster before heading to Carnforth, where the steam locomotive is attached.
Is this trip escorted?
No. This is a self-guided day excursion. You travel on the train and have free time in Edinburgh; no tour guide accompanies the group.

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