The Railway Touring Company
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The Railway Touring Company · Steam day trip
The York Yuletide Express - 14 November 2026
Festive steam train day trip London Victoria to York Christmas markets
The Railway Touring Company's York Yuletide Express is a festive one-day steam excursion departing London Victoria on 14 November 2026 and returning the same evening. The journey northward follows the Midland Main Line through the English Midlands and then the historic 'Old Road' route via Chesterfield, Rotherham, and Doncaster before arriving in York early afternoon. Passengers have the afternoon free to explore York's Christmas Market, walk the medieval city walls, visit The Shambles, or tour attractions such as York Castle Museum or the National Railway Museum. The return train departs late afternoon, retracing the route south and setting down passengers at the same stations as the outbound journey. The trip suits families traveling with children, who receive presents from Father Christmas and his Elves on board, and history lovers keen to experience a working steam locomotive across England's countryside. Meal options range from a simple reserved seat to a full English breakfast and four-course dinner freshly prepared on the train.
What to know before you look closer
- Only one departure is currently listed: 14 November 2026. Confirm availability and book early for this festive date.
- The from-price of 120 GBP is Standard class; Premier Dining starts at 339 GBP and includes full meals on board.
Day by day
- Day 1rail
The York Yuletide Express
Steam hauled from London Victoria via St Albans, Luton, Bedford, Kettering and Leicester, then north through Chesterfield, Rotherham and Doncaster to York, with time to enjoy the city's Christmas Market and historic sights before the return journey.
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1Steam locomotive hauls the train north from London Victoria through the Midland Main Line, passing Loughborough, Chesterfield, and Rotherham before reaching York for an early-afternoon arrival.
- Day 1Afternoon in York to visit the Christmas Market, walk the ancient city walls, explore The Shambles, or visit York Castle Museum or the National Railway Museum.
- Day 1Father Christmas and his Elves distribute presents to children on board during the return journey south.
Questions travellers ask
- Is train travel included in the price?
- Yes. The Railway Touring Company operates the entire journey. Prices start at 120 GBP for a Standard reserved seat.
- What meals are included?
- Standard class includes a reserved seat at a table for four. First Class adds morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and afternoon tea service with scone. Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four-course dinner, freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
- Where can I board?
- The train departs London Victoria and picks up passengers at St Albans, Luton, Bedford, Kettering, and Leicester. You may also board in Leicester for the onward journey north.
- How much time do I have in York?
- The train arrives early afternoon, allowing several hours to visit the Christmas Market, walk the city walls, explore historic sites, and visit museums before the late-afternoon return journey.
- Is there entertainment for children?
- Yes. Father Christmas and his Elves hand out presents to children on board during the journey.
