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 York to Edinburgh via the Royal Border Bridge
The Railway Touring Company operates a one-day steam-hauled excursion from York to Edinburgh, departing in November and December 2025. The journey travels the East Coast Main Line, a historically significant route once dominated by speedy steam locomotives. From York, the train accelerates to maximum speed between York and Northallerton, then picks up additional passengers at Durham and Newcastle before pushing north through Morpeth, a former racing ground for express trains. Along the way, passengers see Bamburgh Castle and Lindisfarne Island from the coast of Northumberland. The train crosses the 28-arch Royal Border Bridge at Berwick-on-Tweed before climbing to Grantshouse and arriving in Edinburgh. Passengers disembark to visit the Christmas Market in Princes Street Gardens while the locomotive is serviced for the return journey, which retraces the outward route. Father Christmas and his Elves visit the train during the day with gifts for children. Three classes of service are available, ranging from Standard 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 same-day return trip; you depart York in the morning and return the same evening
- Only three departures scheduled; check availability before booking
Day by day
- Day 1rail
The Edinburgh Christmas Market
Steam hauled from York down the East Coast Main Line to Northallerton (locomotive builds to maximum speed on the straight alignment), then Durham and Newcastle to pick up passengers. North through Morpeth, a former LNER racetrack once the preserve of the A4 Pacifics, with coastal views of Bamburgh Castle and Lindisfarne Island through Northumberland. Crosses the 28-arch Royal Border Bridge at Berwick-on-Tweed (designed by Robert Stephenson) into Scotland, then climbs to Grantshouse (1 in 190/200) through the Scottish Borders to Edinburgh. 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 retracing the outward route, including the southbound climb to Grantshouse (1 in 96 for over four miles), setting down at Newcastle, Durham and York. Father Christmas and his Elves visit the train handing out presents to children.
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1The steam locomotive builds to maximum speed on the straight alignment between York and Northallerton
- Day 1The train crosses the 28-arch Royal Border Bridge at Berwick-on-Tweed into Scotland
- Day 1Time to explore Edinburgh's Christmas Market in Princes Street Gardens while the locomotive is serviced
Questions travellers ask
- Is train travel included?
- Yes. The Railway Touring Company provides steam-hauled round-trip rail from York to Edinburgh on a Carnforth pool locomotive.
- What meals are included?
- Standard includes a reserved seat at a table for four. First adds morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and muffin, and afternoon tea or coffee with a savoury and scone. Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four-course dinner, freshly prepared and silver served on board.
- When does it run?
- Three departures in November and December 2025.
- How much time is there in Edinburgh?
- The evidence states time is available to visit the city and Christmas Market while the locomotive is serviced, but does not specify the exact duration.
- Are there activities for children?
- Yes. Father Christmas and his Elves visit the train during the day, handing out presents to children on board.
