A breathtaking long weekend to Scotland’s dazzling capital, retracing the historical route synonymous with these iconic engines
Whilst we have yet to figure out a way of travelling back in time, we believe we have found the ideal experience to indulge in a bygone era. On board the steam-hauled 60103 Flying Scotsman, travelling in Pullman-style carriages, we can offer the discerning traveller an opportunity to experience the romance and craft of the Golden Age of Travel. A breathtaking long weekend to Scotland’s dazzling capital, retracing the historical route synonymous with this iconic engine. Travelling through Durham, then along the Northumbrian coastline before crossing the border into Scotland and continuing up the coast to Edinburgh, returning on the Settle and Carlisle line, traversing the Ribblehead Viaduct.
Steam-Hauled Journey
Culture and Landscapes
New Domestic Tour
Assigned seats in Pullman-Style Carriages
Historic Locomotives
Historic Luxury Hotel
Group Size: 2 – 42
Day 1 Depart London for Edinburgh via York. The journey starts with a superb full English breakfast of superior sourced produce, served with a glass of champagne as we depart from London King’s Cross. Hauled by vintage diesel, we take a fast run up the East Coast mainline to York, where you have the opportunity to stretch your legs and enjoy a couple of hours exploring this vibrant city while our train is prepared to be hauled by Flying Scotsman. Leaving York in the middle of the afternoon, the Flying Scotsman which is still allowed to run at 75 mph, will haul our train at express speeds along the very line for which it was designed. The scenery for passengers along this part of the route is outstanding starting with distant views of the Yorkshire Moors on one side and the Pennines on the other, as we head North. Soon we will be racing past Durham high above the city with views across the River Wear to Durham Castle and its Cathedral, as we enter the Newcastle suburbs, glimpse Anthony Gormley’s famous sculpture, the Angel of the North. Heading north through Northumberland, passengers will be able to enjoy fantastic views of the mouth of the river Aln near Alnwick. Shortly afterwards as we approach Berwick, then into view comes the world famous Border Bridge curving high above the river. Onward, the line runs above the sea along the cliff tops before descending down to the Scottish lowlands. Early dinner on board before reaching the capital and checking in at the 5-star Balmoral Hotel for a three night stay. (B, D)
Day 2 A day at leisure and opportunity to join the Forth Bridge Specials. Time to explore Scotland’s dazzling capital and UNESCO World Heritage site, visit the Old Town with its historical, medieval tenements and narrow wynds, as well as the sweeping elegance of the Georgian New Town. At the bottom of the famous Royal Mile, you'll find the 17th-century Palace of Holyroodhouse, the modern parliament building and the prehistoric extinct volcano famously known as Arthur's Seat. (B)
Optional Excursion: There is the option to participate in another railway journey of a lifetime behind Flying Scotsman, on the Firth Circular, this time over the world famous Forth Bridge. Passengers can sit back and relax whilst taking in the breathtaking views which on a clear day extend to more than 20 miles. All of this whilst enjoying a champagne cream tea. Experience one of the engineering masterpieces of Britain as The Cathedrals Express offers two trips over the Forth Bridge with the Flying Scotsman. Depart Edinburgh Waverley, after crossing the Forth Bridge, with striking views across to the road bridge and out to sea, the Flying Scotsman will then head in to Fife and make her way along the coast towards Kirkcaldy, before turning back inland via Dunfermline before returning to Edinburgh (Pre-bookable £245).
Day 3 A day at leisure in Edinburgh. After a leisurely breakfast in your hotel you are free to explore this beautiful city which holds two UNESCO designations. Alternatively, you may wish to join an optional excursion. (B)
Optional Excursions:
Approximately 1 hour from Edinburgh, Stirling Castle is one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland, both historically and architecturally, as well as one of the finest examples of a medieval castle in Europe. Built by King James V as a wedding present for his wife, many monarchs including Mary Queens of Scots were crowned here. Beautifully restored in 2011, visit the private chambers, explore the beautiful gardens, the Great Hall, Chapel Royal, Castle Exhibition, Regimental Museum, Great Kitchens, Tapestry Studio and nearby Argyll’s Lodging (Pre-bookable £45).
Alternatively, take a morning excursion to Leith for The Royal Yacht Britannia, used regularly by Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family for over 40 years, sailing around the world. Follow in the footsteps of Royalty and discover the heart and soul of this most special of Royal residences. Find out what life was like on board, and see where Prince William and Prince Harry spent their summer holidays. Discover where kings and queens, world leaders and celebrities were wined and dined; from Frank Sinatra and Liz Taylor to Nelson Mandela and Sir Winston Churchill. Your visit will include the Bridge, Crew's Quarters, the Engine Room and the State Apartments including The Sun Lounge, which was Her Majesty The Queen's favourite room on board, where she would enjoy breakfast and afternoon tea (Pre-bookable £40).
Day 4 Travel from Edinburgh to London Euston via Beattock and the Settle and Carlisle Line After a hearty breakfast we continue our journey down South with The Flying Scotsman, travelling West through the valley to Carstairs where we join the West Coast mainline and head towards the climb to Beattock, made famous by Auden and recorded by Betjeman in his poem ‘The Night Mail’. After passing through the remote Southern uplands of Scotland we enjoy a short break in the Cathedral City of Carlisle before heading along one of the most famous routes in the world - The Settle and Carlisle Railway, which twists and turns as it climbs up through the Eden Valley past Appleby, the old Market Town of Westmoreland, before ascending to the highest point on Britain’s railways. Descending we cross the famous Ribblehead Viaduct after which we head through the industrial town of Blackburn, once part of Lancashire’s world famous cotton industry. Soon we join the West Coast mainline and Flying Scotsman carries on at speeds of 75 mph to the railway town of Crewe, where we say goodbye to her before we are whisked back by modern traction to London Euston in the evening. (B, D)
Notes
Meals served on the train comprise a 3 course lunch and a 4 course dinner, including wine, water tea & coffee.
The meal plan may be altered subject to final timetable confirmations.
Optional excursions are pre-bookable, limited availability, early booking recommended.
National Trust Members should advise their membership numbers at the time of booking and travel with their membership card.
Porterage is included, your luggage will be collected at the London railway station and transferred to your hotel, ready for your arrival, this will be repeated from hotel to hotel on the tour.
Back in 1902 when The Balmoral was built as a grand railway hotel, its turret clock was set three minutes fast to make sure passengers never miss their trains. To this day, the hotel’s clock is dependably inaccurate, but everything else about The Balmoral is on point, from its excellence to its world-class facilities, including Brasserie Prince by Alain Roux and Michelin-starred Number One. A highlight of the hotel is its décor, the Scottish heritage of the hotel apparent throughout. Guests can enjoy delightful dining in the hotel restaurants, take time in the lounge bar and make use of the fitness centre and pool. The guest rooms are superbly designed, and are well equipped with modern amenities. TV, mini-bar, 24 hour room service and complimentary WiFi.
60103 Flying Scotsman has been described as the most famous steam locomotive in the world. Built in 1923 for the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) at Doncaster Works, the Flying Scotsman was designed by Sir Nigel Gresley as part of the A1 class – the most powerful locomotives used by the railway. She was employed on long-distance express trains on the LNER and its successors, notably on the London to Edinburgh service which started daily in 1862. By 1924, Flying Scotsman was selected to appear at the British Empire Exhibition in London, the loco had been renumbered. The locomotive set two world records for steam traction, becoming the first steam locomotive to reach 100 mph and for the longest non-stop run by a steam locomotive when it ran 422 miles, and was the first steam locomotive to undertake a non-stop run between London King’s Cross and Edinburgh Waverley. She was Retired from regular service in 1963, returning to the tracks in 2016.
Pullman carriages provides a premium railway dining experience. Passengers are seated in 1950s or 1960s carriages with wood panelling, comfortable seats, table lamps and curtains at the windows. They provide our most comfortable seats with the most leg room, and combined with the highest level of service, the atmosphere evokes memories of a bygone era.
Notes
The train will operate a full complement with standard, premium and Pullman carriages.
Pullman Carriages have a maximum capacity of 42 travellers.
Steam Hauled by the 60103 Flying Scotsman from York to Edinburgh and from Edinburgh to Crewe, London sectors are diesel hauled.
2022
per person in a twin/double room
Train departs from London King’s Cross, returning to London Euston
Seats in Pullman Style Carriages
| June 16 | £1699 |
per person in a twin/double room
Train departs from London King’s Cross, returning to London Euston
Seats in Pullman Style Carriages
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Single supplement £580
Train Upgrades
Table for two £200
Optional Excursions
Stirling Castle £40
Royal Yacht Britannia £40
Firth Circular £245
Price Includes
Rail travel as indicated, 3 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 2 dinners on board the train, seating in Pullman Style carriages with a premium railway dining experience, porterage, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives.
Not Included
Travel insurance, visa procurement, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
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