Vintage Trains have revealed a wonderful programme of tours for 2023 and will see a celebration for the centenary of Great Western Castle locomotives alongside the introduction of their latest addition – English Electric Class 37 for their Express Steam and Explorer day out experiences.

The programme also sees a number of new destinations alongside some old favourites including the well-loved Welsh Marches, Cardiff, Norwich, Llandudno, the stunning Settle and Carlisle line, York and the ongoing and ever popular – The Shakespeare Express

The Earl of Mount Edgcumbe is returning for the season, which is expected to steam at Tyseley Locomotive Works in February. The locomotive’s new superheater header has been manufactured and machined, and the locomotive finally reassembled and partially repainted for service in 2023 for her booked trains. The first of 5043’s tours is called Castles Up the Lickey and will take place in March, and is a very popular route with advice given to book now in order to welcome the Earl!

The Shakespeare Express will also get underway on the 12th of February, departing Birmingham Moor Street or Stratford upon Avon. The popular tour provides a regular steam experience and this year sees more dates than ever, providing an hour’s journey in each direction between Birmingham and Stratford upon Avon. Tickets for The Shakespeare Express are £35 (return) and also provide time to enjoy a visit to the beautiful town of Stratford Upon Avon.  For those wishing to join the train at Stratford including a delicious Sunday lunch in Pullman class, tickets cost £85 per person.

For further details on dining options or to book, please visit: https://vintagetrains.co.uk/train-rides/the-shakespeare-express/

Saturday the 13th of May sees The Welsh Marches Express which departs Birmingham New Street station or Wolverhampton and returns to Birmingham Snow Hill. Travelling along the Great Western Railway main lines, the Castle class locomotives will double head for a fabulous day which sees a journey through an array of charming views of the Welsh and English borders.

For further details on dining options or to book, please visit: https://mailchi.mp/aa7db14a306e/tyseley-express-welcome-aboard-15136747?e=f9ce8f96f7

On Saturday the 3rd of June, The Cumbrian Coast Explorer to Ravenglass and Carlisle will take place, departing from Birmingham New Street, Wolverhampton, Stafford and Crewe with English Electric Class 37. The tour will travel the West Coast Main Line to Carnforth before branching off to journey the breathtaking Cumbrian Coast Line to Carlisle with its incredible views of sea coast and foothills of the Lake District mountains.

For further details on dining options or to book, please visit: https://vintagetrains.co.uk/train-rides/cumbrian-mountaineer-express/