Perfect treat for autumn, winter and Christmas 2026: Book a steam journey to remember and save £20 per person

Autumn is a great time to get out and about – not as hot as summer and not so busy. For a special day exploring Britain’s beautiful countryside and fascinating places travelling by steam train adds extra excitement and allows you to leave the car and traffic behind.

The Railway Touring Company has a great autumn and Christmas line up of steam trains from London stations heading for favourite seaside resorts, over dramatic routes including the famous Settle & Carlisle Line and to historic cities, such as Bath and York.

Check out what is on offer and use London World’s discount code to save £20 per person.

Seaside steam specials

There is still chance to visit the coast by steam. On Wednesday, September 16, The Swanage Belle sets out from London Victoria to visit Swanage with its sandy beach, Victorian pier and Durlston Country Park & Nature Reserve with its amazing views along the Jurassic Coast.

Minehead is the destination on Saturday, September 19. Join The West Somerset Steam Express from Paddington or Slough for a scenic journey enroute to this delightful Bristol Channel resort.

Step on board The Dorset Coast Express departing from London Victoria and Staines on Wednesday, September 23, for a choice of seaside gems – Bournemouth or Weymouth, and classic Dorset countryside scenery along the way.

The Bournemouth Belle on Saturday, October 17, departs from Waterloo. You can choose between spending the afternoon in Bournemouth with its fine beaches and gardens or travelling on to the traditional seaside town of Swanage.

Settle & Carlisle Railway

Celebrating its 150th year, the Settle & Carlisle Railway is one of Britain’s most incredible railways. Watch out for the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct, England’s highest railway station at Dent and views of the mighty Three Peaks as you travel on board The Cumbrian Mountain Express on Saturday, October 3.

This special train leaves from London Euston with electric traction, picking up further passengers at Watford Junction, and is joined by a magnificent steam locomotive at Carnforth for the onward journey through the dramatic Cumbrian Fells to the ancient border city of Carlisle. Sit tight for the breathtaking run across the Settle & Carlisle line on the return!

Armistice Day special

Mark Armistice Day, Wednesday, November 11, with a memorable day behind steam from London Victoria. This circular journey takes you through the beautiful landscapes of Southern England. As you travel, there will be time to pause to remember the moment fighting ceased at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, bringing an end to the First World War.

Celebrate Christmas in style

Enjoy a pre-Christmas treat with family or friends on board one of The Railway Touring Company’s festive steam trains.

Visit atmospheric York with The York Yuletide Express on Saturday, November 14, or on board The Christmas White Rose on Saturday, November 21.

Take a leisurely and scenic tour of picturesque Sussex with The Christmas Sussex Belle on Wednesday, November 25 or December 16. Book on board dining for a delicious four course Christmas lunch served to you at your linen covered table.

The Sherborne Christmas Carol on Wednesday, December 2, heads for this pretty, historic market town. With fine medieval buildings, picturesque alms house, the ruins of a 12th-century fortified palace and the 16th-century mansion known as Sherborne Castle, Sherborne is a treat. Its independent shops offer handcrafted goods, elegant fashions and art and antiques. You can join in a traditional Christmas carol service specially arranged for passengers in the splendid surroundings of the ancient Abbey.

Christmas journeys also include The Cotswold Christmas Venturer visiting historic Worcester on Saturday, December 5, and The Bath and Bristol Christmas Express on Saturday, December 12.

Treat yourself – dine on board

The Railway Touring Company’s travel options include Standard, with refreshments to purchase on board, or bring your own picnic, and First with brunch in the morning and a light meal in the afternoon served at your seat.

Special occasion? Go for Premier Dining. Sit back at your linen-covered table to enjoy a full English breakfast and a four-course dinner, all freshly prepared on board, silver served to you as you watch the world go by.

Save £20pp

The Railway Touring Company is offering londonworld.com readers a £20 per person discount. Visit The Railway Touring Company for details, booking code and T&Cs.