Steam Dreams has announced a day trip on Saturday, 16th September to Cardiff with optional excursions to the gardens of King Charles III’s Gloucestershire home at Highgrove House or the Dean Forest Railway.

The tour will depart from London Paddington at 09.00, steam hauled by LNER B1 class No. 61306 Mayflower, and pick up at Slough and Reading.

Accommodation will be in meticulously restored vintage carriages with period details.

Passengers choosing to visit the gardens at Highgrove House or the Dean Forest Railway will be transported by coach from Bristol Parkway, On the return journey, passengers visiting Highgrove House gardens will rejoin their train back to London at Kemble, while those visiting the Dean Forest Railway will rejoin their train back at Lydney.

At Highgrove House, visitors will have four hours to explore the gardens, including a 90-minute guided tour where they will also hear about their history and unique organic management.

A Highgrove cream tea and other refreshments can be enjoyed in the Orchard Room, whilst the Estate Shop has a range of bespoke products and artwork by His Majesty The King.

Guests choosing the Dean Forest Railway option will have around four hours in the beautiful Forest of Dean, and experience a 90-minute journey on a nine-mile round trip through the historical forest.

On the return journey, passengers will be transported by road coach to Lydney, where they will rejoin their train back to London.

In Cardiff, guests will have three hours where they can discover Cardiff Castle with its Roman walls, Norman keep, stunning medieval halls and opulent Victorian interiors, the National Museum Cardiff with one of Europe’s finest art collections, or the City’s Victorian and Edwardian arcades.

There is a choice of three classes, including Pullman Style Dining, First Class, and Premium Standard.

Pullman Style Dining offers travel in restored wood-panelled carriages with elegant armchair seating, crisp linen, fine crockery, and fresh flowers.

Executive Chef, Nicholas Allen will prepare a seasonal menu on board from locally sourced seasonal produce. A traditional breakfast and late morning coffee and pastries will be served on the outward journey, and canapés and a four-course meal on the return journey.

First Class guests will travel in the same carriage style as those enjoying Pullman Style Dining but will be welcomed onboard with a glass of Bucks Fizz, with a selection of snack items to enjoy during their journey, as well as tea and coffee. Guests can bring their own picnics for their journey, or purchase drinks and nibbles from the Buffet Car.

Travel in Premium Standard will be in a restored period carriage with large picture windows. Guests will be served complimentary tea and coffee, and a choice of refreshments will be available to purchase from the buffet bar or guests are welcome to bring their own picnics.

Tickets cost from £350 per person in Pullman Style Dining. £185 in First Class, and £165 in Premium Standard, and can be booked by calling 01483 209888 or online at www.steamdreams.co.uk

Full details of the tour can be found at https://www.steamdreams.co.uk/tours.php?tourid=72730