We hope you will choose to join us on Saturday 26th September 2015 aboard ‘The Silver Jubilee Talisman’ with No. 60163 Tornado. You can board the train at London King's Cross, Potters Bar or Peterborough and alight at York, Darlington or Newcastle. With the plumes of Tornado’s smoke drifting past the window, First Class Dining guests will enjoy the Great British Breakfast as the train heads north on the East Coast Main Line, climbing Stoke Bank where No. 4468 Mallard achieve the world speed record of 126mph in 1938 and passing the ‘railway capital’ of Doncaster.
No. 60163 races past Gamston with her first 'Talisman' - Alan Weaver
Arriving at York late morning, guests alighting here can choose to explore this historic city or visit the staggeringly beautiful Castle Howard, set amid North Yorkshire’s gently rolling Howardian Hills. Guests transfer to luxury coaches for the relaxing fifteen mile journey to Castle Howard where you have a break of three hours to explore. Castle Howard is a magnificent 18th century residence set within one thousand acres of breath-taking landscape in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Visit and enjoy world-renowned collections, stunning architecture and learn of inspiring family stories. Relax amid idyllic gardens, enjoy a woodland stroll and maybe take tea on the veranda beside the tranquil lake.
On departure from York, Tornado then takes our train across the Plain of York and over the River Tees to her Darlington birthplace. If you decide to alight here you will have the opportunity to experience a guided tour of Darlington Locomotive Works where Tornado was completed and the Trust’s second new steam locomotive, 2007 Prince of Wales, is under construction. Once completed in 2021, this new Gresley class P2 ‘Mikado’ will be Britain’s most powerful steam locomotive. You can also visit the Head of Steam railway museum next door to our works where exhibits include the Stockton & Darlington Railway’s legendary Locomotion No. 1.
The frames of P2 No. 2007 Prince of Wales under construction at Darlington - David Elliott
Departing from Darlington we will cross the 1825 Stockton & Darlington Railway and continue north to Durham, where the railway viaduct offers a superb vista of the cathedral and castle. It will then descend to the Tyne Valley, welcomed by the Angel of the North, where Tornado will haul ‘The Silver Jubilee Talisman’ across the Tyne on one of the many bridges that lead to Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Here passengers are able to take a two and a half hour break.
Tornado will again take charge of our train for the return journey to Darlington and York. Here, modern traction will take over for the rest of our journey York and as we head homeward First Class Dining guests will be served a sumptuous four-course dinner, rounding off a truly memorable day.
First Class Non-Dining and Standard Class seats are available also and a buffet car is available.
The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust is proud that Tornado is operated on the Network Rail main line by DB Schenker, which has worked successfully with the Trust since the locomotive’s completion in 2008. Profits from this tour go towards maintaining Tornado in future years.
First Class Dining
Includes a silver service full English breakfast and a light lunch on the outward journey (north of York) and a four course dinner on the return leg from York.
Seats at a table for two* or four in a First Class carriage.
Darlington/Newcastle £249pp , York £225pp
First Class
Includes complimentary teas and coffees, as well as afternoon tea during the return journey.
Seats at a table for two* or four in a First Class carriage.
Darlington/Newcastle £159pp, York £139pp
Standard Class
Seats at a table for four in a heritage carriage. An on-board buffet serving snacks and hot & cold beverages will be available.
Darlington/Newcastle £119pp, York £99pp
* Tables for Two in First Class and First Class Dining are available for a supplement of £25pp.
Online and telephone bookings are handled by our booking agents UK Railtours. Follow this link to make an online booking, or call 01438 715050 to book over the phone. In the event of cancellation or haulage problems please see our full terms and conditions of carriage.