UK Railtours buoyant after lockdown restrictions lift

UK Railtours' Elizabeth Morris, who has taken up the reins that her late father John Farrow held so successfully for many years, said the business is back to something like its old self.

Admitting that times had been difficult, Elizabeth told how she was pleased with the manner in which business was getting back towards the norm.

“Once we get through the remainder of this year, 2022 should put us in a position to run excursions during the bulk of the new season,” she said.

One big disappointment was when the ‘Merchant of Norfolk', featuring Bulleid Merchant Navy Pacific No. 35028 Clan Line’s first visit to Norwich on August 28, had to be cancelled because train operator DB Cargo was unable to supply a crew.

Looking forward, October 16 sees ‘The Cotswold Lion' heading for Worcester. The trip starts from Peterborough and stops at Huntingdon, Stevenage, Welwyn Garden City, Potters Bar and Finsbury Park.

On October 23, ‘The Yellow Submarine' departs Euston for Liverpool, picking up at Watford Junction, Milton Keynes and Rugby.

Starting from the Midlands in Derby on October 30, ‘Doctor Syn' runs down over freight-only lines to Dungeness, calling at East Midlands Parkway, Leicester, Kettering, Bedford and St Albans before making its way to the coast.

Clan Line is back in the frame on November 6, working the ‘Hampshire Pullman' on a circular tour from London Victoria, running via Basingstoke, Salisbury, Laverstock, Southampton, Eastleigh Basingstoke and thence back to London.

Elizabeth said the Christmas season begins with a visit to Blackpool on November 27. Departing Euston, the trip stops at Watford Junction, Milton Keynes, Northampton and Rugby en route to the illuminations.

Yet to be confirmed, a trip to Chester Christmas market is on the cards on December 11. The ‘Beverley Christmas Carol' leaves King's Cross on December 18 for Yorkshire, picking up at Potters Bar, Stevenage and Peterborough.