Is this an escorted tour or independent?

It is an unescorted day trip. You travel on the train; there is no tour guide accompanying the group. Afternoon time in Edinburgh is self-guided.

Which trains are used?

A Carnforth pool locomotive provides steam haulage from Carlisle to Edinburgh and return. York to Carlisle and Carlisle back to York are diesel-hauled.

What is included in each fare class?

Standard Class (£120) provides reserved seating. First Class (£225) adds morning tea or coffee with a bacon roll and a sweet treat, and afternoon tea or coffee with a savoury and scone. Premier Dining (£339) includes a full English breakfast and four-course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.

When does the trip run?

One departure is scheduled in December 2026. Contact The Railway Touring Company to confirm if additional dates become available.

How long is the train journey?

This is a single-day round trip from York. The train departs York in the morning, arrives in Edinburgh in the afternoon (allowing time at the Christmas Market), and returns to York the same day.

The Railway Touring Company · Steam train day trip

The Edinburgh Christmas Market

Steam-hauled day trip from York to Edinburgh Christmas Market

The Railway Touring Company operates a one-day Christmas adventure by train from York to Edinburgh, departing December 2026. The journey combines scenic rail travel across northern England and into southern Scotland with festive shopping and market time in one of Britain's most atmospheric cities at Christmas. Diesel-hauled from York down the East Coast Main Line to Carlisle, the train then switches to a steam locomotive for the northbound run through the Tyne Valley (following the course of Hadrian's Wall), over Lockerbie, and up the climb to Beattock Summit into Edinburgh. After arriving in the afternoon, passengers have time to wander Edinburgh's Christmas Market in Princes Street Gardens while the locomotive is serviced. The return journey retraces the route, switching back to diesel power at Carlisle. Three fare classes are available: Standard Class with reserved seating, First Class with morning and afternoon refreshments, or Premier Dining with full breakfast and a four-course dinner prepared and served on board. Father Christmas visits the train during the day with gifts for children, adding a festive touch to the experience.

What to know before you look closer

Only one departure listed: December 2026. Confirm dates and availability with The Railway Touring Company before booking.
The from-price of £120 Standard Class covers the train journey and reserved seating; meals are not included in Standard Class.
Father Christmas gift handout availability and timing are not detailed; confirm with the operator if travelling with young children.

Day by day

Day 1rail
The Edinburgh Christmas Market
Diesel hauled from York down the East Coast Main Line to Northallerton, then to Durham and Newcastle to pick up passengers. West along the Tyne Valley line via Hexham to Carlisle, following the course of Hadrian's Wall. Steam locomotive joins at Carlisle for the run north via Lockerbie and the climb to Beattock Summit into Edinburgh, arriving in the afternoon. Time to visit the city and its Christmas Market in Princes Street Gardens, plus the Palace of Holyrood, the Castle on the Royal Mile, galleries and museums, while the locomotive is serviced. Steam hauled return to Carlisle via the same scenic route; diesel hauled from Carlisle back via Newcastle and Durham to York. Father Christmas visits the train handing out presents to children.

The moments this trip is built around

Day 1Steam locomotive takes over at Carlisle for the run north through southern Scotland via Lockerbie and the climb to Beattock Summit into Edinburgh.
Day 1Afternoon time in Edinburgh to visit the Christmas Market in Princes Street Gardens while the locomotive is serviced.

Questions travellers ask

Is this an escorted tour or independent?: It is an unescorted day trip. You travel on the train; there is no tour guide accompanying the group. Afternoon time in Edinburgh is self-guided.
Which trains are used?: A Carnforth pool locomotive provides steam haulage from Carlisle to Edinburgh and return. York to Carlisle and Carlisle back to York are diesel-hauled.
What is included in each fare class?: Standard Class (£120) provides reserved seating. First Class (£225) adds morning tea or coffee with a bacon roll and a sweet treat, and afternoon tea or coffee with a savoury and scone. Premier Dining (£339) includes a full English breakfast and four-course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
When does the trip run?: One departure is scheduled in December 2026. Contact The Railway Touring Company to confirm if additional dates become available.
How long is the train journey?: This is a single-day round trip from York. The train departs York in the morning, arrives in Edinburgh in the afternoon (allowing time at the Christmas Market), and returns to York the same day.

Similar journeys

The Railway Touring Company