This excursion offers the chance for passengers from a wide range of South Midlands and Cotswolds stations to enjoy a day out, in our festively decorated carriages, to one of Britain’s most historic cities, decked with festive cheer to accompany an expected 70 or so quality stalls set out close to Chester Cathedral.

The rail route will also be of interest and is largely circular, with the return to the joining points in the same order as outward to give a similar length of day to everyone from the start at Dorridge to the last joining point at Gloucester.

Winter bare trees should give open views as we head down the Severn Estuary to the outskirts of Newport, then north through Abergavenny to Hereford and on past Leominster and Ludlow to Church Stretton before crossing the River Severn again at Shrewsbury. The final leg of the outward journey takes us by way of Gobowen and Chirk to the Dee Viaduct and thence to Wrexham before dropping downhill to our day’s destination – CHESTER.

We are expecting an afternoon break of around three hours here, enough time to visit the Cathedral, see important Roman remains, shop….. or perhaps just chill out in an eatery or hostelry. 

The locomotive hauling this excursion (D345/40145) is provided by the Class Forty Preservation Society, to whom we are indebted.

A festive menu will be served to those in Premier Dining.

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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 Festive Evening Dinner
– Cheerful, friendly and helpful Pathfinder Stewards!

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