The Railway Touring Company
The Dorset Coast Express
Steam day trip from London to Weymouth via Bournemouth and Dorset coast
1 dayfrom $161
100% rail
The Railway Touring Company · Steam train day trip
The White Rose - 11 July 2026
Steam day trip London King's Cross to York on No. 34028 Eddystone
The Railway Touring Company's White Rose is a single-day steam excursion departing London King's Cross and traveling to York, hauled throughout by the main line steam locomotive No. 34028 Eddystone. The journey follows the celebrated East Coast Main Line route of famous express trains such as the Flying Scotsman, climbing through Gasworks Tunnel and Finsbury Park before picking up additional passengers at Stevenage, Huntingdon, and Peterborough. From there, the train diverts via Spalding, Sleaford, Lincoln, and Doncaster, arriving in York in the early afternoon. Passengers then have several hours of free time to explore York's National Railway Museum, the medieval Shambles, York Minster cathedral, and the historic city walls before the return journey begins late in the afternoon. Three accommodation tiers cater to different preferences: Standard Class from GBP 120, First Class with morning and afternoon refreshments from GBP 225, and Premier Dining with a full English breakfast and four-course dinner from GBP 335.
What to know before you look closer
- Only one departure scheduled: 11 July 2026.
- Premier Dining and First Class require paying a significant premium over Standard Class.
Day by day
- Day 1
London King's Cross to York
Steam-hauled round trip from London King's Cross, calling at Stevenage, Huntingdon and Peterborough, diverting via Spalding, Sleaford, Lincoln and Doncaster to York, with time to explore the city before the steam-hauled return.
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1Steam locomotive No. 34028 Eddystone hauls the train from London King's Cross, climbing through Gasworks Tunnel and Finsbury Park before calling at Stevenage, Huntingdon, and Peterborough.
- Day 1The train diverts via Spalding, Sleaford, and Lincoln, steaming through Doncaster for an early afternoon arrival in York.
- Day 1Several hours in York to visit the National Railway Museum, the Shambles, York Minster, and walk the city walls before the return journey.
Questions travellers ask
- What train is used?
- No. 34028 Eddystone, a main line steam locomotive, hauls the entire trip.
- Is the trip escorted or independent?
- The Railway Touring Company operates the service. Passengers travel on the train together; time in York is independent.
- What is included in the ticket price?
- The Standard Class fare (from GBP 120) includes a reserved seat, usually at a table for four. First Class adds morning tea with a breakfast roll and afternoon tea with a scone. Premier Dining (from GBP 335) includes a full English breakfast and four-course dinner, silver-served at your seat.
- How much time is there in York?
- The train arrives in the early afternoon and departs late afternoon, giving passengers several hours to explore the city.
- What can you do in York?
- The National Railway Museum, the Shambles (a medieval street), York Minster cathedral, and the city walls are highlighted.
- Can I book a table for two?
- Yes, a table for two is available as an optional extra for Premier Dining or First Class, subject to availability.
