TOU R PROGRAMME
MARCHDECEMBER 2024
Welcome to Vintage Trains, the 21st century’s only charitably controlled train
operating company running express steam trains on the main line and our exciting
tour programme for March to December 2024.
VINTAGE TRAINS TOUR PROGRAMME
MARCH DECEMBER 2024
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VINTAGE TRAINS
See things dierently and experience the nostalgic pleasure of a day out aboard a heritage express steam
train. Travelling fast at speeds of up to 75 mph!
Climb aboard a Vintage Trains steam train, for a full day’s experience departing from various West
Midlands and other regional locations and to popular tourist destinations and seaside towns throughout
the UK, including the Welsh Marches, Salisbury, Plymouth, the dramatic Shap fells, Ffestiniog and York
for the perfect day out with friends and family.
This year we celebrate the 60th anniversary of Clun Castle’s 1964 record run over the Devon banks from
Plymouth to Bristol and will run a special train. The Great Western, from Birmingham-Bristol-Plymouth-Bristol-
London (Paddington)-Birmingham, unassisted by diesel from Bristol-Plymouth-Bristol-London Paddington,
over the Devon banks and the return along the Great Western Main Line.
All of our authentic steam train experiences are enhanced with a high-quality dining experience, varied
menus, and original Pullman cars.
Alternatively travel along the Shakespeare Line aboard The Shakespeare Express, including the popular
Sunday Lunch from Stratford Upon Avon, a journey of approximately an hour through pretty
Warwickshire countryside and city townscapes. The Shakespeare Express also oers Pullman full English
breakfast and afternoon tea or, alternatively, Tourist class afternoon tea on journeys from Birmingham,
Derby, Worcester, Leicester with additional pick up stations en route.
Our trains will be hauled by our famous and record breaking GWR design Castle class express steam
locomotives climbing hills and running up to 75mph. Travel in our authentic seventy year old Pullman
restaurant cars, First or Tourist classes, all with large picture windows. All our carriages have their own
dedicated steward to assist you.
Leave the car and the trac behind, sit back and relax with family and friends and enjoy the unmatched
and changing scenery of these Great British Isles. We all look forward to welcoming you on board in 2024.
TRAVELLING WITH VINTAGE TRAINS
CLASSES OF TRAVEL
PULL M A N
A full restaurant car service in our authentic
Pullman cars is included with your ticket.
Depending on the tour and time of day, this
service includes: full English breakfast, three
course lunch, afternoon cream tea or a four
course evening dinner, all served at your seat
together with tea and coee. Reservations at
tables for two people may be made on payment
of a supplement.
FIRS T
Travel in our first class compartments each
seating up to six people. Complimentary tea and
coee service. Pre-ordered bacon rolls (morning
only) or afternoon tea delivered to your seat
(Not available on either The Shakespeare Express
or THE POLAR EXPRESS
TM
).
TO URIS T
Seating arranged around tables for four people.
Pre-ordered bacon rolls (morning only) or
afternoon tea delivered to your seat in the Tourist
Class Restaurant Car, including a cup of tea
or coee (not available on THE POLAR
EXPRESS
TM
)
Your choice of drinks, including Champagne,
Prosecco, wines and beers may be ordered on
the day for delivery to your seat in all classes.
Buet car service also available (except on THE
POLAR EXPRESS
TM
).
All bookings are made subject to our
‘Standard Conditions of Booking & Travel’
www.vintagetrains.co.uk
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Photos courtesy Jack Boskett and Robin Coombes
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VINTAGE TRAINS
THE SHAKESPEARE EXPRESS
SUNDAY LUNCH
TOURIST AFTERNOON TEA
EXPRESS STEAM TRAIN
THE POLAR EXPRESS
PRIVATE TRAIN
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NEW FOR 2024
• The Shakespeare Express will run also from
Birmingham, Derby, Burton, Tamworth,
Coleshill, Leicester, Nuneaton, Worcester,
Droitwich and Tyseley to Stratford upon Avon
on selected spring and autumn Sundays,
nearly two hours each way on a steam train
The Worcester train picks up at Birmingham
New Street and runs up the Lickey.
• Check in for some northbound day excursions
at Tyseley Locomotive Works (limited pre-
bookable car parking available); 10 minutes’
walk to Tyseley main line station (unsuitable
for persons with limited mobility)
• Join our day excursions at a range of main
line stations, including Widney Manor,
Bromsgrove, Cheltenham, Coleshill, Tamworth,
Burton, Derby, Wolverhampton, Banbury
and Oxford
THE SHAKESPEARE EXPRESS
One hour’s express train ride in each direction
from either Birmingham Snow Hill, Moor Street,
Tyseley or Stratford upon Avon. Tickets from £15
return, with time to spend in Stratford Upon Avon.
THE SUNDAY LUNCH
SHAKESPEARE EXPRESS
Join the Shakespeare Express at Stratford and
enjoy Sunday lunch on a steam train in Pullman
class from £90 per person.
ENJOY AFTERNOON TEA
ABOARD THE SHAKESPEARE EXPRESS
What better way to experience a great British
summer tradition than travelling on a vintage steam
train through the beautiful Warwickshire countryside
while savouring afternoon tea at your seat?
Tickets from £59.95 per person.
EXPRESS STEAM TRAINS
Great Western Railway Castle locomotives
travelling over former Great Western Railway
main lines between Plymouth, Bristol and London
Paddington, along the Welsh Marches to Hereford,
to Carlisle, Salisbury, Liverpool, Ffestiniog and
later in the year to York Christmas market.
THE POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE
From Birmingham between 23 November and
22 December, running from Birmingham Moor
Street station to the ‘North Pole’.
YOUR OWN PRIVATE TRAIN
Travel in style with family and friends in your own
private Pullman car or entire train.
Telephone
0121 708 4960 (Mon-Fri 10-2pm)
for more information
Steam hauled trains will be tailed by a heritage diesel throughout, except for some advertised steam hauled
Shakespeare Expresses and part of the Great Western special train, all subject to availability, Network Rail’s
requirements and significantly dry summer weather, when diesel locomotives may be required to substitute for steam.
Whilst we have suggested the preferred locomotives for each tour, we reserve the right to make substitutions.
TOURS
Booking arrangements: www.vintagetrains.co.uk or phone 0121 708 4960
(Mon-Fri 10-2pm)
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VINTAGE TRAINS
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THE SHAKESPEARE EXPRESS
The Shakespeare Express runs from either
Birmingham Snow Hill or Stratford upon Avon,
calling at Birmingham Moor Street and Tyseley and,
on the outward journey only, at Henley in Arden.
The journey from Stratford runs at express speeds
of up to 75 mph via Solihull. Choose from two
return journeys, one in the morning and afternoon.
Travel outward from Birmingham in the morning
for a leisurely stay in Stratford, approximately
5 hours and returning in the late afternoon; a
round trip from Stratford to Birmingham over
lunchtime and in the early afternoon, or afternoon
tea from Birmingham to Stratford and return.
These trains travel along the Shakespeare Line,
a journey of approximately an hour in each
direction through city townscapes and
Warwickshire countryside.
NEW FOR 2024!
On some Sundays in the spring and autumn we will
also depart from Worcester, Leicester or Derby.
See next page for dates and check website for
details and additional charges.
SAMPLE PULLMAN CL ASS MENU
FULL ENGLISH BREAKFAST
Grilled Smoked Back Bacon
Cumberland Sausage
Scrambled Free Range Shropshire Eggs
Baked Portobello Mushroom
& Plum Tomatoes
Baked Beans
Buttered Granary Toast & Preserves
Tea & Coee
THREE COURSE
SUNDAY LUNCH
Smoked Salmon & Caper Salad with
Lemon and Dill Dressing
Roast Sirloin of Beef, Yorkshire
Pudding, Duck fat Roast Potatoes,
Seasonal Vegetables & Red Wine Jus
Tarte Au Citron with Blackcurrant
Compote & Chantilly Cream
Tea & Coee
AFTERNOON CREAM TEA
Selection of Finger Sandwiches
Freshly Baked Scones with
Clotted Cream & Jam
Selection of Homemade Mini Cakes
Tea & Coee
TOURIST CLASS
Selection of Finger Sandwiches
Freshly Baked Scones with
Clotted Cream & Jam
Selection of Homemade Mini Cakes
Tea & Coee
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VINTAGE TRAINS
7 APR Start of the 2024 season
26 MAY NEW! Departure from Derby
16 JUN Father’s Day Two Castles Experience
30 JUN NEW! Departure from Worcester
14 JUL NEW! Departure from Leicester
21 JUL Weekly Summer season begins
28 JUL Summer Season
4 AUG
11 AUG
18 AUG
25 AUG
1 SEP Last Summer season train
20 OCT
10 NOV NEW! Autumn Train
Birmingham to Stratford Upon Avon and Return with 5 hours in Stratford
PULLMAN £85 adult/£50 children aged 5-16 (Breakfast and Afternoon Tea included)
TOURIST £35 adult/£15 children aged 5-16/ children under 3 not occupying a seat FREE
(Various catering options available to prebook on the outward and return journey to enjoy at your seat).
Sunday Lunch on the Shakespeare Express - Stratford Upon Avon to Birmingham and Return
13.00 - 15.00 (Approximate timings - passengers remain on the train)
Join the Shakespeare Express at Stratford and enjoy a relaxing Sunday lunch on a steam train in Pullman
class £90 per person.
Afternoon Tea on the Shakespeare Express - Birmingham to Stratford and Return
14.00 - 17.00 (Approximate timings - one hour in Stratford)
What better way to experience a great British summer tradition than travelling on a vintage steam train
through the beautiful Warwickshire countryside while savouring afternoon tea at your seat? £59.95 per person
Tourist class return with no catering £15 (only available on The Shakespeare Express: Stratford to
Birmingham (Return) .
Return or round trip fares only. No children under 5 years in Pullman Class. No unaccompanied children. These trains
will normally be operated by an express steam locomotive but, in times of high fire risk, may be hauled by a heritage
diesel locomotive.
SHAKESPEARE EXPRESS STEAM TRAIN EXPERIENCE OPTIONS & PRICES
DATES OF OPERATION SUNDAYS
THE CATHEDRALS EXPRESS TO SALISBURY
SATURDAY 2 MARCH
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PULLMAN £299
I
FIRST £149
I
TOURIST £129
Accompanied children 3 aged -16: £30 reduction from each of the above fares
Early bird Tourist rate £99 for bookings before 31/1/24. See website for details
BOOK NOW at www.vintagetrains.co.uk
Departing from Birmingham Snow Hill, Birmingham Moor Street, Widney Manor,
Warwick Parkway and Banbury
Our train starts from Birmingham Snow Hill and picks
up at Birmingham Moor Street, Widney Manor,
Dorridge, Warwick Parkway and Banbury before
passing through Oxford towards Didcot Parkway.
We canter along the rails 'oh-so-familiar' to our
Great Western Castle locomotive and continue
around the curve to Reading West and
Basingstoke for a high speed gallop along the old
LSWR main line and our entrance to the city
through the curving Fisherton Tunnel.
Upon arrival at Salisbury there will be ample time
to explore this historic city, whether that is a visit
to the impressive cathedral with its 400 ft spire, a
browse through the Saturday market and many
varied shops and restaurants, or maybe even
catching the direct bus link to the nearby pre-
historic ancient monument that is Stonehenge.
SHAKESPEARE EXPRESS STEAM TRAIN EXPERIENCE OPTIONS & PRICES
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VINTAGE TRAINS
THE SHAP MOUNTAINEER
SATURDAY 16 MARCH
A steam hauled trip with Earl of Mount Edgcumbe
over the famous and steeply graded Shap fells
incline with time to visit Carlisle city. Our train will
run over the West Coast Main line hauled by
vintage diesel to (Crewe) where our locomotive
will be changed to Earl of Mount Edgcumbe for the
demanding hill climbing journey to Carlisle where
we will have time to explore whilst our locomotive
is serviced for the return journey.
PULLMAN £299 I FIRST £149 I TOURIST £129
Accompanied children 3 aged -16: £30 reduction from each of the above fares
Early bird Tourist rate £99 for bookings before 31/1/24. See website for details
BOOK NOW at www.vintagetrains.co.uk
Departing from Birmingham New Street, Wolverhampton, Staord, Crewe,
Warrington Bank Quay and Preston
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THE WELSH MARCHES EXPRESS TO HEREFORD
SATURDAY 20 APRIL
Our Castle class locomotive oers a very special
day out as we wind our way through the rolling
hills of the English and Welsh countryside.
Following a circular route and departing from
Birmingham we head to Wolverhampton, then to
Shrewsbury where we then then take the Welsh
borders line through Craven Arms and past
Stokesay Castle, pausing at Hereford to visit
the city and the cathedral for Mappa Mundi.
Following this break, we climb the Llanvihangel
bank, and return via Lydney alongside the River
Severn and climb up Lickey bank to Birmingham.
Definitely a day to share with family and friends.
Departing from, Birmingham New Street station or Wolverhampton (not set down).
Returning to Birmingham Snow Hill
PULLMAN £299 I FIRST £149 I TOURIST £129
Accompanied children 3 aged -16: £30 reduction from each of the above fares
Early bird Tourist rate £99 for bookings before 31/1/24. See website for details
BOOK NOW at www.vintagetrains.co.uk
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VINTAGE TRAINS
THE GREAT WESTERN
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY 1011 MAY
Clun Castle returns to Plymouth and London
Paddington. A two-day tour from Birmingham to
Plymouth via the Great Western Main Line
Outward on Friday 10 May, 2024:
7029 Birmingham-Oxford-Bristol-Plymouth
Returning on Saturday 11 May, 2024:
7029 Plymouth-Bristol- London Paddington
Diesel hauled Paddington-Birmingham
Your chance to be part of history
The right locomotive... The right route
1964 Restaurant Car menu recreated
Unassisted both ways over the Devon Banks and
between Bristol and London Paddington
Departing from Birmingham Snow Hill, Widney Manor, Warwick Parkway,
Banbury or Oxford. Clun Castle returns to Plymouth and London Paddington
PULLMAN £450 I FIRST £325 I TOURIST £225
Accompanied children 3 aged -16: £30 reduction from each of the above fares
(No early bird discount). Hotel in Plymouth own arrangement. GWR connection fares (own arrangement)
BOOK NOW at www.vintagetrains.co.uk
PULLMAN £299 I FIRST £149 I TOURIST £129
Accompanied children 3 aged -16: £30 reduction from each of the above fares
Early bird Tourist rate £99 for bookings before 31/1/24. See website for details
BOOK NOW at www.vintagetrains.co.uk
Free parking available at Tyseley Locomotive Works when booked in advance
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THE GREAT WESTERN
THE MERSEY EXPRESS TO LIVERPOOL
SATURDAY 1 JUNE
Our famous steam locomotive Earl of Mount
Edgcumbe races you north to Liverpool with
approximately four and a half hours leisure time to
explore this iconic city and its waterfront.
From shopping and dining, to music and theatre,
head to one or a few of Liverpool’s famous
quarters that make up the city's undeniable
cultural vibe.
Departing from Tyseley, Birmingham New Street, Wolverhampton,
Staord and Crewe
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VINTAGE TRAINS
THE FFESTINIOG EXPRESS
SATURDAY 8 JUNE
We will travel behind steam to Llandudno Junction
where passengers may make their own way to the
town centre. The train will continue diesel hauled
along the scenic Conwy Valley line to Blaenau
Ffestiniog for a choice of activity. Why not try the
new exhilarating zip wire experience in the slate
quarries (prebooked own arrangement), or
continue with our tour (extra fare) transferring to
the 2ft gauge Ffestiniog Railway, the oldest
railway company in the world, for a delightful
scenic ride to Tany y Bwlch station and back,
halfway down their railway, passing by lakes,
mountains and forests, through the Moelwyn
tunnel and around the only spiral in Britain. We
will travel in 19th century original compartment
carriages and be hauled by a unique double fairlie
locomotive (the brand new James Spooner has
been requested).
Departing from Dorridge, Widney Manor, Birmingham New Street, Wolverhampton,
Staord and Crewe
PULLMAN £299 I FIRST £149 I TOURIST £129
Accompanied children 3 aged -16: £30 reduction from each of the above fares
Early bird Tourist rate £99 for bookings before 31/1/24. See website for details
BOOK NOW at www.vintagetrains.co.uk
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THE RED DRAGON TO CARDIFF
SATURDAY 22 JUNE
We journey to Cardi following the meandering
River Severn and the beautiful summer scenery
to cross the Welsh border at Lydney and on to the
historic city of Cardi, bustling with exciting new
events and attractions suitable for all ages and
budgets. We will return via Lydney alongside the
River Severn and climb up Lickey bank, back
to Birmingham .
If you join the train at Worcester, you will need to
make your own way home from Birmingham.
Departing from Tyseley, Birmingham Snow Hill (returns to Birmingham New Street),
Droitwich Spa, Worcester Shrub Hill, Cheltenham Spa
PULLMAN £299 I FIRST £149 I TOURIST £129
Accompanied children 3 aged -16: £30 reduction from each of the above fares
Early bird Tourist rate £99 for bookings before 31/1/24. See website for details
BOOK NOW at www.vintagetrains.co.uk
Free parking available at Tyseley Locomotive Works when booked in advance
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VINTAGE TRAINS
THE WHITE ROSE TO YORK & SCARBOROUGH
SATURDAY 6 JULY
Travel to the historic city of York, with the
afternoon free to stroll down the famous
‘Shambles’, marveling at York Minster or visiting
the admission-free Railway Museum.
Alternatively continue on the train to the East
coast seaside resort of Scarborough and enjoy an
afternoon beside the sea. This will be the first time
Clun Castle has ever visited Scarborough.
Departing from, Birmingham New Street, Coleshill Parkway, Tamworth,
Burton on Trent, Derby and York
PULLMAN £299 I FIRST £149 I TOURIST £129
Accompanied children 3 aged -16: £30 reduction from each of the above fares
Early bird Tourist rate £99 for bookings before 31/1/24. See website for details
BOOK NOW at www.vintagetrains.co.uk
Free parking available at Tyseley Locomotive Works when booked in advance
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THE WHITE ROSE TO YORK & SCARBOROUGH
BREAKFAST
Cereals
Porridge & Whisky Raisins
Orange juice
Grilled Smoked Back Bacon
Lashford’s Cumberland Sausage
Scrambled Free Range Shropshire Eggs
Baked Portobello Mushroom & Plum Tomatoes
Black Pudding
Baked Beans
Buttered Granary Toast & Preserves
Tea & Coee
FOUR COURSE DINNER
Basket of Artisan Bread
Starter
Roasted Vegetable Salad with Feta &Olives with
a Basil Dressing (V)(GF)
Main
Supreme of Chicken, Dauphinoise Potatoes
& Spring Vegetables with a Shallot &
Peppercorn Sauce (GF)
Dessert
Local Rhubarb and Raspberry Frangipane Tart
Selection of English Cheeses with Homemade
Chutney, Celery, Grapes & Biscuits
SAMPLE PULLMAN CL ASS
MENU
PULLMAN £299 FIRST £149 TOURIST £129
Accompanied children 3 aged -16: £30 reduction from each of the above fares
Early bird Tourist rate £99 for bookings before 31/1/24. See website for details
BOOK NOW at www.vintagetrains.co.uk
Free parking available at Tyseley Locomotive Works when booked in advance
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VINTAGE TRAINS
THE POLAR EXPRESS and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s22)
BOOK NOW at www.vintagetrains.co.uk
VINTAGE TRAINS
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THE POL AR EXPRESS™ TRAIN RIDE
FROM BIRMINGHAM
TO THE NORTH POLE
23 NOVEMBER22 DECEMBER
Do you believe? We at Vintage Trains certainly do
and that is why we are proud to be hosting an
exciting magical experience like no other. THE
POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is returning to
Vintage Trains again in 2023 with the magic of the
2004 motion picture THE POLAR EXPRESS™
being theatrically re-created so you and your
family can be immersed in the sights, sounds and
intrigue of this classic children’s tale. Prepare to
be surrounded by the magic and wonder of the
Christmas season!
Join us at Vintage Trains for festive fun this Christmas!
BOOK NOW at www.vintagetrains.co.uk
THE CHRISTMAS WHITE ROSE TO YORK
CHRISTMAS MARKET
WEDNESDAY 4 DECEMBER
Departing from Tyseley Locomotive Works, Coleshill Parkway, Tamworth,
Burton-on-Trent and Derby
In addition to its famous Christmas market around
Stonegate and the Shambles, the everpopular city
of York has many attractions for the day visitor.
Inside York’s three miles of city walls there is
evidence of Roman, Viking and medieval history,
mixed with classic architecture from three
centuries: visit York Minster, the Castle Museum,
the National Railway Museum (free entry) or the
Jorvik Viking Experience.
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VINTAGE TRAINS
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PULLMAN £299 I FIRST £149 I TOURIST £129
Accompanied children 3 aged -16: £30 reduction from each of the above fares
Early bird Tourist rate £99 for bookings before 31/1/24. See website for details
BOOK NOW at www.vintagetrains.co.uk
Free parking available at Tyseley Locomotive Works when booked in advance
PRIVATE TRAIN
We can arrange either a private train or reserved
carriage for you on one of our excursions for that
special occasion. We oer up to 110 Pullman Car
seats and/or up to 340 Tourist Class seats. Our
Pullman restaurant car oers the full range of
catering including teas, coees, light refreshments,
a full wine, champagne & prosecco list.
The Shakespeare Express can be privately chartered
from either Birmingham or Stratford upon Avon
running especially for you on Thursdays, Fridays,
Saturdays or Sundays throughout the year.
We can arrange a special train to any other
destination, noting that Network Rail requires
three months’ notice. Please enquire at
[email protected] or telephone us at
0121 708 4960 (Mon-Fri 10-2pm) and we will be
pleased to discuss your requirements.
BOOKING ARRANGEMENTS
All trains must be booked online or by telephone
www.vintagetrains.co.uk
I 0121 708 4960
(Opening Hours Monday-Friday 10am-2 pm)
Tickets and coach allocations arrive by email following payment.
Further information, including detailed train times (once confirmed by Network Rail) and joining
instructions will follow. We will be happy to discuss your requirements by telephone.
Please visit www.vintagetrains.co.uk to review our terms and conditions which apply
to all bookings and for more information on our 2024 tours locomotive fleet.
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VINTAGE TRAINS
THE SHAKESPEARE EXPRESS & STEAM TOUR PROGRAMME
MARCH DECEMBER 2024
THE SHAKES P E ARE EXPR E S S
SAT 2 MAR
The Cathedrals Express to Salisbury
SAT 16 MAR
The Shap Mountaineer
SUN 7 APR
The Shakespeare Express
SAT 20 APR
The Welsh Marches Express to Hereford
FRI 10 SAT 11 MAY
T
he Great Western
SUN 26 MAY
The Shakespeare Express: NEW! Departure from Derby
SAT 1 JUN
The Mersey Express to Liverpool
SAT 8 JUN
The Ffestiniog Express
SUN 16 JUN The Shakespeare Express
SAT 22 JUN
The Red Dragon to Cardi
SUN 30 JUN
The Shakespeare Express: NEW! Departure from Worcester
SAT 6 JUL
The White Rose to York & Scarborough
SUN 14 JUL
The Shakespeare Express: NEW! Departure from Leicester
SUN 21 JUL
The Shakespeare Express: Weekly Summer season begins
SUN 28 JUL
The Shakespeare Express
SUN 4 AUG
The Shakespeare Express
SUN 11 AUG
The Shakespeare Express
SUN 18 AUG
The Shakespeare Express
SUN 25 AUG
The Shakespeare Express
SUN 1 SEP
The Shakespeare Express: Weekly Summer season ends
SUN 20 OCT
The Shakespeare Express: NEW! Autumn train
CHRI S TM A S MA R K E T T R AIN
WED 4 DEC The Christmas White Rose to York Christmas Market
THE POL A R EX P R ESS™
SAT 23 NOV SUN 22 DEC Train Ride from Birmingham to the North Pole
Vintage Trains Limited I 670 Warwick Road I Tyseley I Birmingham B70 2HL
vintagetrains.co.uk I 0121 708 4960 I Mon-Fri 10-2pm
