The Railway Touring Company
The Atlantic Coast Express
Steam day trip from London to Exeter on the Merchant Navy Class locomotive
1 dayfrom $181
100% rail
The Railway Touring Company · Steam train day trip
The Esk Valley
Steam train day trip from Carnforth to Whitby on the Esk Valley Line
The Railway Touring Company's Esk Valley excursion is a one-day steam train journey from Carnforth to Whitby, one of Britain's least-travelled railway routes. Passengers board at Carnforth or join at intermediate stations including Skipton, Leeds and York, then travel north along the East Coast Main Line to Northallerton before branching onto the Eaglescliffe line. The train crosses the Yarm Viaduct over the River Tees and enters Middlesbrough, where it joins the Esk Valley Line and climbs toward Battersby, site of the day's most unusual moment: a complete reversal of direction. From there, diesel power takes the train through the North York Moors, passing Kildale, Commondale, Danby and Glaisdale before reaching Grosmont and descending to Whitby. The day ends with just over an hour of independent time in the historic seaside town, famed for its maritime heritage. Three fare classes, from Standard Class to Premier Dining with full breakfast and four-course dinner on board, suit different appetites and budgets.
What to know before you look closer
- Only one confirmed departure listed: October 2026.
- Diesel traction is used for portions of the journey (Battersby to Whitby and return), not steam throughout.
Day by day
- Day 1rail
The Esk Valley
Steam hauled departure from Carnforth, calling at Bentham, Hellifield, Skipton, Leeds and York to pick up passengers. North along the East Coast Main Line via Thirsk to Northallerton, then the Eaglescliffe line, crossing the Yarm Viaduct over the River Tees, through Middlesbrough onto the Esk Valley Line, climbing to Nunthorpe and Battersby, where the train reverses direction. Diesel hauled through the North York Moors via Kildale, Commondale, Danby and Glaisdale to Grosmont (junction with the North Yorkshire Moors Railway), then via Sleights and Ruswarp to Whitby, with just over an hour free to explore the town, its harbour, narrow streets, Whitby Abbey and fish and chips. Steam hauled return from Whitby to Battersby, diesel to Stockton, steam again via Middlesbrough, Northallerton and York, setting down at Leeds, Skipton, Hellifield, Bentham and Carnforth.
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1The train reverses direction at Battersby, one of the most unusual stations in Britain, before ascending into the North York Moors.
- Day 1Over an hour exploring the historic seaside town of Whitby, famed for its maritime heritage.
Questions travellers ask
- Is train travel included?
- Yes. The Railway Touring Company operates the entire excursion from Carnforth to Whitby, steam hauled from Carnforth to Battersby and diesel through the Esk Valley Line.
- What are the fare classes?
- Standard Class (£120) includes a reserved seat, usually at a table for four. First Class (£225) adds morning tea or coffee with breakfast roll and an afternoon service with scone. Premier Dining (£335) offers full English breakfast and a four-course dinner, silver served at your seat.
- What happens in Whitby?
- Passengers have just over an hour to explore the seaside town independently.
- When does it run?
- The Railway Touring Company has one confirmed departure in October 2026.
- Which stations are called before Middlesbrough?
- The train calls at Bentham, Hellifield, Skipton, Leeds, York, Thirsk and Northallerton to pick up passengers.
