The Railway Touring Company
The Atlantic Coast Express
Steam day trip from London to Exeter on the Merchant Navy Class locomotive
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The Railway Touring Company · Steam day trip
The Sherborne Christmas Carol
Steam day trip from London to Christmas-decorated Sherborne with optional carol service.
The Railway Touring Company's Sherborne Christmas Carol is a one-day steam excursion departing London Victoria aboard the Merchant Navy Class Clan Line No. 35028, one of Britain's finest preserved locomotives. The journey calls at Staines, Woking, and Basingstoke before heading west through the English countryside via Andover, Salisbury, and Tisbury to the market town of Sherborne, dressed for Christmas. Passengers can alight at Sherborne to explore its medieval buildings, Abbey, ruined 12th-century fortified palace, and Sherborne Castle, and may join an optional carol service in the Abbey. Those who continue to Yeovil Junction witness the locomotive turned on one of the few remaining railway turntables in Britain and tour the Yeovil Railway Centre's Engine Shed. Three fare classes cater to different appetites: Standard offers a reserved seat; First Class includes morning tea and an afternoon service; Premier Dining provides a full English breakfast and four-course dinner served at your seat. The trip runs in December and suits steam enthusiasts, history lovers, and those seeking a festive rail day out.
What to know before you look closer
- Only one December departure currently published; availability and dates are strictly limited.
- Sherborne town visit is optional; passengers can alternatively stay on the train to Yeovil Junction.
- The carol service in Sherborne Abbey is optional and requires additional arrangement; confirm availability when booking.
Day by day
- Day 1rail
London Victoria to Sherborne and Yeovil Junction
Steam-hauled departure from London Victoria (picking up at Staines, Woking and Basingstoke), via Andover, Salisbury, Tisbury and Gillingham to Sherborne, decorated for Christmas, with an optional Carol Service in Sherborne Abbey. Passengers may alight at Sherborne or continue to Yeovil Junction to watch the locomotive turned and serviced at Yeovil Railway Centre. The train calls again at Sherborne on the way back before returning to London Victoria via the outward stations.
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1Steam-hauled departure from London Victoria aboard Merchant Navy Class Clan Line No. 35028, passing through Andover, Salisbury, and Tisbury en route to Sherborne.
- Day 1Explore Sherborne decorated for Christmas, including its medieval Abbey, 12th-century fortified palace ruins, and Sherborne Castle.
- Day 1At Yeovil Railway Centre, watch the steam locomotive turned and serviced on one of the few remaining turntables in the country.
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train journey included in the price?
- Yes. The Railway Touring Company includes the steam-hauled train from London Victoria through Staines, Woking, Basingstoke, and on to Sherborne or Yeovil Junction. The price is for the return journey with a reserved seat (Standard Class) or upgraded dining and refreshments (First Class or Premier Dining).
- Which steam locomotive operates this trip?
- Merchant Navy Class Clan Line No. 35028 hauls the entire journey from London Victoria to Sherborne and Yeovil Junction.
- What is included in each fare class?
- Standard Class (from GBP 130) offers a reserved seat, usually at a table for four. First Class (from GBP 235) includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll, an afternoon tea service with savoury, and a scone. Premier Dining (from GBP 339) includes a full English breakfast and a four-course dinner, freshly prepared and silver served at your seat.
- Can I opt for a table for two instead of sharing a table for four?
- Yes. The Railway Touring Company offers a table for two supplement of GBP 50 per person in Premier Dining or First Class, subject to availability.
- When does this trip run?
- The Sherborne Christmas Carol runs in December only. Check with the operator for the specific departure date each year.
- What happens at Yeovil Junction?
- Passengers who continue past Sherborne to Yeovil Junction can watch the steam locomotive turned and serviced at Yeovil Railway Centre, view rolling stock and railway artefacts in the Engine Shed, and browse a platform shop before the train returns to collect those alighting at Sherborne.
