Vintage Trains

10/06/2026

This Father's Day, treat a loved one to something they'll remember.

The Shakespeare Express and Shakespeare Pullman both run on Sunday 21 June, steaming through the Warwickshire countryside between Birmingham and Stratford-upon-Avon.

Whether you're after a full day out with the family, a First Class afternoon with afternoon tea, or a three-course Sunday lunch aboard a vintage Pullman, there's a journey to suit.

Standard tickets are a great, affordable option, starting from £26.50. Pack your favourite lunch and grab a beer from the onboard shop!

That's how you do Father's Day. Link in bio to book.

06/06/2026

On Saturday 11 July, Ticket to Ride departs Birmingham for Liverpool, a city with a world famous cultural output that changed music forever.

Ticket to Ride heads out through the Midlands before steam takes over at Nuneaton for the run north through Stafford and the legendary railway town of Crewe. From there, it's onto Merseyside.

Upon arrival, you'll have over four hours to explore, armed with discount codes for both the the Beatles Story at the Albert Dock, and a cruise aboard Mersey Ferries. The Royal Liver Building, the Albert Dock, the home of the Fab Four, and a maritime history unlike anywhere else in Britain are all yours to discover.

The return journey south departs in the early evening, giving you time to settle in and reflect on the day in whatever class of travel suits you best.

Prices start from £62.50!

05/06/2026

Did you know that this week is Volunteers' Week — and ours are absolutely brilliant! So, here's to them. Because they really do play a huge part in making the Vintage Trains experience what it is.

Thank you!

03/06/2026

Not long now until our 12 June run to Newcastle upon Tyne, a city with history stretching back to the 2nd century AD. You will have four hours to explore at your leisure, whether that is the medieval castle in the heart of the city, the Great North Museum, Centre for Life or St. James' Park.

Castle Class locomotives were built for the Great Western Main Line in South West England, so experiencing one this far north is a rare thing. This is a rare opportunity.

Tickets start from £132.50.

29/05/2026

Who's joining us for The Whistling Ghost to Minehead tomorrow? Excited! Take a peek at this video from last year's jaunt down to the Somerset coast:

It's been nearly a year since we last visited Minehead and what better time to get excited about this year's Whistling Ghost, than to re-watch the highlights...

27/05/2026

It might seem a way off, but Father's Day is on 21 June and seats on our journeys that day are selling out. We have two great options!

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐦𝐚𝐧 (𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐬)
Perfect for dads who love the outdoors, enjoy a proper beer, and like something a bit different. Hauled by a lovingly maintained vintage steam locomotive, with full access to the buffet car. Think cold beer, snacks, and a window seat with a view. Relaxed, fun, and one for the memories. Starting from £26.50pp.

-> 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 (𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐚)
Want to push the boat out (or should we say the locomotive)? Our afternoon tea service is the way to do just that. Freshly prepared food, proper tea, and the chance to enjoy it all in a vintage carriage, with stunning views and the sounds of a beautifully maintained steam locomotive working at mainline speed through the countryside. Starting from £85pp.

Both journeys run on Sunday 21 June. Seats are going, so don't miss out.

Happy Father's Day (in advance)!

23/05/2026

The Golden Hind at Hatton Bank earlier this morning, en route to Plymouth from Birmingham, by way of Widney Manor, Warwick Parkway, Banbury, Oxford and London Paddington.

Quite the adventure...

📸 Martyn Osborne

22/05/2026

On Saturday 26 September, 60163 Tornado returns to Vintage Trains for The Great Northern, a full day on the main line from Birmingham to Carlisle via the Settle & Carlisle (S&C), then east to Newcastle and along the East Coast Main Line.

Tornado has a hill to climb on the S&C and you will definitely know about it. The beautiful noise it makes will be worth the ticket price alone!

Built in 2008 after 18 years of voluntary effort, Tornado is no museum piece. It's a working locomotive taking on the routes it was made for, doing exactly what it was designed to do.

Book now!

20/05/2026

The Whistling Ghost is back and it's ready-to-roll for a 30 May departure.

This one heads south to Minehead on the Somerset coast, with the West Somerset Railway included in your ticket price. You'll travel through some of the best countryside the West Country has to offer, and if availability allows, a pair of Manors will be double-heading the train over the WSR.

Seats are selling, so don't miss it. Departing from Birmingham Snow Hill, Stourbridge Junction, Droitwich Spa, Worcester Shrub Hill, and Cheltenham Spa.

12/05/2026

Make even more of a day on The Shakespeare Express this summer with an exclusive vintage bus tour of Stratford upon Avon for just £25pp.

After arrival in the historic market town, passengers can board an original Stratford Blue double decker bus for a one hour guided tour around some of the town’s best known sights, including Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Shakespeare’s Birthplace, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the River Avon.

It’s available exclusively to Shakespeare Express and Shakespeare Pullman passengers on selected dates and is limited to just 50 seats per tour.

Available on:
17 May
21 June
26 July
9 August
23 August

All passengers can also claim an exclusive 20% discount on entry to Shakespeare’s Birthplace when booking in advance!

Think about it: A steam train journey and a vintage bus ride all in one day. Sounds like Stratford done properly to us.