Steam Dreams outlines this year’s Christmas market steam specials

STEAM Dreams, now part of the Crewe-based LS Group, has released details of four steam specials it will be running to visit Christmas markets this winter. The destinations are Bath, York, Chichester and Lincoln.

The first special is on November 17, along the East Coast Main Line from London King’s Cross to York, calling at Potters Bar and Stevenage. Passengers will have around 3½ hours in York and the expected loco will be ‘West Country’ Pacific No. 34046 Braunton, subject to availability.

The second Christmas Market special is on December 2, starting from Ealing Broadway with additional pick-ups at Finsbury Park and Hertford North. There’ll be more than four hours to explore historic Lincoln and its markets, and again the booked loco is Braunton.

On Monday, December 5, the Christmas market destination is Bath, with the train departing from London Victoria and picking up only at Staines.

The final tour is on December 9, and begins in Essex, at Shoeburyness, calling at

Southend East and Barking before crossing north and west London with a final destination of Chichester. Here, passengers can attend a carol service at the cathedral or visit the Christmas market. The loco hauling this train is due to be ‘B1’ 4-6-0

No. 61306 Mayflower.

Fares on all four trains start from £129 per person standard class including complimentary tea and coffee. In first class, where passengers will get a glass of bucks fizz and served snacks on both the outward and return journeys, fares begin at £209. Finally, the Pullman dining option with breakfast and an evening meal, costs from £329 per person.

Bookings can be made online at www.steamdreams.co.uk or by calling 01483 209888.