august, 2025

02augAll DayThe Bicentennial and Peak District ExplorerCelebrate 200 years of the modern railway with this special charter train to visit The Great Gathering at Derby or options for the Peak District. Joining Stations: Eastleigh, Southampton Central, Romsey, Salisbury, Westbury, Bath Spa, Bristol Parkway, Cam & Dursley, Cheltenham Spa

Event Details

SATURDAY 2 AUGUST 2025

CELEBRATE 200 YEARS OF THE MODERN RAILWAY WITH THIS

SPECIAL CHARTER TRAIN JOURNEY. AN UNFORGETTABLE DAY OF RAILWAY HISTORY

With convenient pick-ups from the south of England and Severnside, we travel north direct to Derby, a city rich in railway history, and making it the ideal location for the Greatest Gathering.

Those not attending the this remarkable event are welcome to stay on the train to Duffield for connection to the Ecclesbourne Railway, or travel further with us to Chesterfield where there will be a guided coach tour of the Peak District.

Alternatively, stay on board through to Barrow Hill Railway Centre for a couple of hours exploring the stunning collection within one of the UK’s last remaining roundhouses.

Later in the day, our return journey will travel via Leicester from Derby back to Cheltenham to add to the days interest.

Option A: Derby – Railway 200 The Greatest Gathering (1130 – 1655 estimated)*

Supplementary Fare – £30 Adult / £15 Junior

With general sale sold out, we have secured a limited number of tickets to attend this significant event celebrating the significance of Britains railway history at Derby’s Alstom site!

Alight at Derby for the Railway 200 event, where passengers will have the chance to explore the exhibitions, displays and activities celebrating 200 years on the modern railway.

If you already have tickets, why not use our train to save hassle in getting to the event?

Option B: Derby Break (1130 – 1655 estimated)*

Option C: Ecclesbourne Railway (1145 – 1640 estimated)*

Supplementary Fare – £15.50

Alight at Duffield and transfer to the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway platform for a round trip along the edge of the Peak District to Worksworth. Here you can explore the Town, Museum or experience the 1 in 27 grade up to Ravenstor!

Option D: Peak District Coach Tour (1200 – 1625 estimated)*

Supplementary Fare: £20 Adult / £15 Junior

Alight at Chesterfield to enjoy a guided scenic coach tour of the Peak District with a short break in Bakewell, the biggest town in the Peak District National Park.

Option E: Barrow Hill Railway Centre (1225 – 1545 estimated)*

Supplementary Fare – Adult £12 / Junior £8

While our train is being serviced, passengers are welcome to explore this unique and popular railway museum and it locomotives, rolling stock and memorabilia.

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ON BOARD FEATURES INCLUDE:
– Reserved seats aligned with the carriage windows
– A printed excursion and journey guide for everyone
– A travelling licensed buffet with refreshments, including alcoholic and soft drinks 
– The Premier Dining service includes The Great British Breakfast, Elevenses and four course Evening Dinner
– Cheerful, friendly and helpful Pathfinder Stewards!

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ESTIMATED TIMINGS


FaresAdultJuniorParty x4Availability
Premier Dining£315£295£1220Book Now
First Class£199£179£756Book Now
Standard Class£135£95£520Book Now

Book tickets

Table for Two seats are available at a supplement of £50 per person in First Class and Premier Dining.

Motive power is expected to be Class 33s courtesy of West Coast Railway Company.
Main Photos: Jack Boskett

*Please note that off train options are only available with travel on our excursion. Any bookings with off train options only will be cancelled and refunded.

 

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