The Railway Touring Company
The Edinburgh Christmas Market
Steam-hauled day trip from York to Edinburgh Christmas Market
1 dayfrom $161
100% rail
The Railway Touring Company · Steam train day trip
The Edinburgh Christmas Market
Steam train day trip from York to Edinburgh Christmas Market
The Railway Touring Company's Edinburgh Christmas Market excursion is a one-day steam train journey from York to Edinburgh and back. The trip departs York by diesel, traveling east along the East Coast Main Line through Northallerton and Durham, then west via Newcastle along the scenic Tyne Valley line to Carlisle, following the course of Hadrian's Wall. At Carlisle, a steam locomotive takes over for the final leg north through southern Scotland, climbing over Beattock Summit before arriving in Edinburgh in the afternoon. Passengers then have time to explore the city and visit the Christmas Market in Princes Street Gardens while the locomotive is serviced. The return journey reverses the route, with Father Christmas aboard handing out gifts to children during the day. Three seating classes are offered, ranging from Standard with table seating to Premier Dining with a full English breakfast and four-course dinner prepared on board.
What to know before you look closer
- This is a one-day excursion; the outbound journey to Edinburgh occupies most of the day, leaving limited time at the Christmas Market before the return journey begins
- Return journey is a full day of rail travel back to York
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 climb through southern Scotland over Beattock Summit into Edinburgh
- Day 1Afternoon in Edinburgh to visit the Christmas Market in Princes Street Gardens while the locomotive is serviced
Questions travellers ask
- Is this trip escorted or independent?
- It is an organized day trip operated by The Railway Touring Company. You travel on a reserved seat, either at a table for four in Standard Class or in First or Premier Dining. The description does not mention a tour guide accompanying the journey.
- What trains are used?
- A Carnforth pool locomotive provides steam haulage from Carlisle to Edinburgh and return. The journey from York to Carlisle and back is diesel-hauled.
- What meals are included?
- Standard Class includes a reserved seat. First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon and breakfast roll and a sweet treat, plus an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury and a scone with butter and jam. Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and a four-course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver-served at your seat.
- How much time do we have in Edinburgh?
- The train arrives in the afternoon. You have time to visit the Christmas Market in Princes Street Gardens while the locomotive is serviced, though the itinerary does not specify exact duration.
- When does this trip run?
- The Railway Touring Company lists one departure in November 2026.
- What is the price?
- Standard Class adults are GBP 120, juniors GBP 90, and a family ticket is GBP 375. First Class starts at GBP 225 per adult. Premier Dining is GBP 339 per adult, GBP 240 per junior, or GBP 1,035 for a family.
