The steam train is an invention that changed the world over 200 years ago. Richard Trevithick built his “Penydarren tram road engine” at a speed of five miles per hour and won a 500 guinea bet – the rest as they say is history! He was 20 years ahead of “Stephenson’s Rocket” which travelled at a speedy 30 mph and caught the imagination of the country, and “Railway Mania” began, transforming nineteenth century Britain and opening the country to all.
To visualise some of this transformation, visit George Stephenson’s “Horse Tunnel” one of the oldest railway tunnels in the world, so called, as the line was originally used by horse-drawn trains running through breath-taking scenery from Whitby to Pickering. The tunnel was castellated, partly for decoration, but mainly to assure passengers of the safety of the structure they were about to enter – it must have been well built to still survive today!
Steam trains have revolutionised this country, when Isambard Kingdom Brunel completed his London to Bristol line in 1841 – the Great Western Railway was such a stunning feat people called it “Gods Wonderful Railway!” Another remarkable achievement was the famous Steam Train the Flying Scotsman, it was the world’s first steam locomotive to officially hit 100mph in 1934 and went nonstop between London and Edinburgh – a truly incredible accomplishment for the time!
Next time you are enjoying the relaxing rhythmic click-a-te-clack, listen for the steam whistle, that distinctive sound wafting you down memory lane - if you hear a one short whistle it means STOP, however, one long whistle (three-ten seconds) means the train is approaching a station. Thankfully, today’s steam train passengers can enjoy the magnificent scenery in beautifully decorated and furnished carriages, whilst the original Third-Class ones, weren’t decorated at all and they didn’t even have a roof – they must have been so chilly and sooty…
Nowadays, there are more than 100 heritage railways around the country, steamed up by an army of 23,000 enthusiastic volunteers – offering a chance to step back in time by riding on a lovingly preserved railway. So, all aboard! – to travel on beautifully restored trains, just sit back and relax, romantically racing through idyllic countryside. Hear the chuffing sound of steam, as you whistle through the heart of rolling hills. Here is your chance to see our luxury coach holidays that include a memorable steam journey.
Full Steam Ahead!
Exceptional Quality Tours with Steam Trains
Torquay Treats & the English Riviera |11th September 2022 | PHTOC - One of the finest steam train trips in the country along the coast of Torbay, through stunning Devon countryside and overlooking the beautiful River Dart. This journey winds from Paignton for a nostalgic half-hour trip to the picturesque village of Kingswear. Click here to find out more
Top of the West Country | 19th September 2022 | PHNEH - Ride the Dean Forest Railway – nicknamed “The Friendly Forest Line”, it runs through beautiful woodland and countryside, providing you a with a chance to experience the relaxing pace of a typical country branch line. This line hugs the border of England and Wales, with the River Wye easing gently towards the jaws of the mighty River Severn, carving out one of Britain’s most scenic valleys through the wooded glades of the Forest of Dean. It’s just the ticket! - Discover more