april, 2025
Event Details
SATURDAY 5 APRIL 2025
2025 MARKS 200 YEARS OF TRAIN TRAVEL,
WITH THE STOCKTON AND DARLINGTON OPENING BACK IN 1825.
WE WILL MARK THIS OCCASION WITH A SPECIAL TRAIN TRAVERSING PARTS OF THE WORLD’S FIRST RAILWAY.
Our special train commences at Gloucester, with pick-ups through Cheltenham and Birmingham to Derby. We travel across country, running through landscapes adorned with rolling fields changing to an industrial landscape.
We join the East Coast Mainline at Colton Junction where we soon arrive at York, offering passengers the chance to explore this historic town at leisure.
Option A – York Break (approximately six hours)
Or you can choose from one of the following options:
Option B – Darlington break/ Hopetown Locomotive Works (free entry via pre-booked ticket online) (approximately five hours)
Continuing North along the East Coast Mainline, we speed to Darlington where we branch away and pause at North Road, offering passengers time in Darlington, or perhaps a visit to the newly opened Hopetown Locomotive Works.
Option C – Auckland Project (please note coach transfer only) (approximately four hours)
From here we amble along the Tees Valley Line, calling at Shildon, the world’s first railway town, where the Locomotion is a short walk away. Here there is a fantastic opportunity to explore the Auckland Project – home of Aukland Palace and Gardens amongst other great venues. Here you can retell the almost 1,000-year story of the one of the best-preserved Bishop’s palaces in Europe. Complimentary coach transfer from Shildon will be provided (Entry to Auckland Project venues not included).
Option D – Locomotion Shildon (free entry) (approximately four hours)
Option E – Weardale Railway (approximately two hours)
We complete our run along part of this historic route to Bishops Auckland where we join the 18-mile long Weardale Railway, hugging the River Wear across a National Landscape. At the lines end at Stanhope, there will be time to explore this pretty station, as well as the attractive cobbled market pace and historic Church of St. Thomas.
Before too long, we retrace our steps, picking up those who chose to alight at other options, as we race home across country back to our joining stations.
We will be diesel hauled throughout by a pair of Class 47 diesel locomotives, a workhorse of the British Railway scene for over 50 years, a fitting tribute to celebrate a momentous occasion in Railway history!
————————–
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!
————————–
ESTIMATED TIMINGS
| Fares | Adult | Junior | Party x4 | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier Dining | £315 | £295 | £1220 | Book Now |
| First Class | £199 | £179 | £756 | Book Now |
| Standard Class | £135 | £95 | £520 | Book Now |
Table for Two seats are available at a supplement of £50 per person in First Class and Premier Dining.
Passengers will be able to enjoy the comfort of travelling in 1970’s ex-BR MK2 carriages.
Main Photo: Simon S.C (Flickr)
