'Enchanting' steam train to go from Southend to top UK Christmas spot
The "enchanting" journey from company Steam Dreams will take residents from Southend Central and Leigh to Oxford later this year.
It is a one-day journey and offers two different dining options when aboard the train.
Here is all you need to know about the exciting trip.
This Steam Dreams journey will begin from Southend Central at 8am, before heading to pick up passengers from Leigh at 8.10am.
The train has two more stops at Barking at 8.50am and Stratford at 9.10am, before heading to Oxford.
After being welcomed aboard in Essex and winding around the capital, the journey hits the "majestic countryside".
Steam Dreams says it will be an "enchanting steam train journey that blends festive charm with timeless elegance".
You have two options in Oxfordshire to enjoy.
The first stop is at the popular Bicester Village, scheduled for 12.45pm.
Bicester Village is hugely popular (Image: Getty Images) Steam Dreams says: "For lovers of luxury shopping, Bicester Village awaits, with over 150 designer boutiques set along twinkling, snow dusted streets, with festive music filling the air."
For those wishinig to stay on, the train heads to Oxford for 1pm.
Here you can "explore the honey-coloured listed buildings and cobbled, winding lanes of Oxford".
The popular Christmas Market on Broad Street "sparkles with twinkling lights and offers a charming array of handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats and warming mulled wine".
On the way home, the train will leave Oxford and Bicester Village at 6.30pm and 6.45pm respectively, aiming to arrive back to Leigh at 10.30pm and Southend Central at 10.40pm.
All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change.
This Steam Dreams journey offers Pullman Dining and First Class options.
70000 Britannia makes a dramatic departure from Bath Spa Station on the return of our London to Bath Christmas Market trip. 🎄 We will next be steaming through on our way to Cardiff in April, will you be joining us? 🚂 📸 IG: train.and.simple#steamdreams #steamlocomotive pic.twitter.com/V8HxO6jRZW
— Steam Dreams Rail Co (@Steam_Dreams) February 11, 2025
Pullman is from £425, and is described as a "sumptuous culinary experience amidst opulent surroundings, where guests can relax in plush, spacious armchair seating arranged around splendidly dressed tables of two and four".
Guests will be welcomed with a signature Champagne cocktail, followed by a multicourse breakfast.
On the return journey, wine is served alongside a seasonal evening meal, concluding with a cheese board, coffee and petit fours.
First Class is aboard "elegantly restored carriages with comfortable and spacious seating around tables of two and four".
It is for those "seeking a refined and leisurely journey without dining on board", with welcome drinks, tea and coffee on offer.
"You can sink into your seat as scenic vistas unfold beyond the windows and indulge in your own picnic or our Classic Afternoon Tea," Steam Dreams explains.
The steam train for the South Essex to Oxford journey is to be confirmed.
However, according to Steam Dreams, it will "likely" be one of the following:
A2 Class 60532 'Blue Peter'
A4 Class 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley'
B1 Class 61306 'Mayflower'
GWR Castle Class 5029 'Nunney Castle'
Britannia Class 70000 'Britannia'
West Country Class 34046 'Braunton'
BR Standard Class 8 Prototype 71000 'Duke of Gloucester'
It should also be noted that while a locomotive is rostered for the steam-hauled sections of the trip listed, it cannot be guaranteed and may be substituted for a different engine.
The Steam Dreams Rail Co. was created by steam train enthusiast Marcus Robertson, whose mother wrote The Wombles.
The website explains that his ambition was "to revive the era of luxury steam travel".
It works to "blend the nostalgia of steam travel with vintage carriages, breathtaking scenery, captivating destinations, exquisite cuisine, and luxurious hotels".
Recommended reading:
Tickets selling fast as unique steam train day-trip sets off from Southend this year
Travel back to 1970 with our nostalgic commuter snaps from south Essex stations
For over 25 years, the company has been "crafting unforgettable rail journeys and holidays".
Steam Dreams welcomes thousands of passengers annually on day trips and circular tours.
In December 2018, the Steam Dreams Rail Co. was acquired by locomotive owner David Buck, and then by Locomotive Services Group (LSG) in June 2022.
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