The Bath and Bristol Christmas Express

Our special Christmas excursion by steam train from the South Coast to the magnificent city of Bath follows a particularly scenic route through attractive countryside. There will be over four hours to explore the city and visit the famous Bath Christmas Market, or you can choose to travel on to Bristol. The Christmas lights will be on, the market will be in full swing, the city will be alive with the sound of Christmas music, and in a truly festive mood.

Our train leaves Three Bridges, steam hauled by an immaculately restored steam locomotive, and head south along the Brighton Main Line. It stops at Haywards Heath to pick up more passengers before continuing to Preston Park, where passengers from the Brighton area can join the train. We stop to pick up further passengers at Hove and Worthing. We will travel along the West Coastway Line from Brighton to Southampton, and pass through historic Chichester and Fishbourne, famous for its Cathedral and Roman remains.

The South Downs are not too far away as we continue westwards towards Havant, the junction station for the Portsmouth Direct line which meets us here. The Farlington triangle appears as we bypass Portsea Island, served by the Portsmouth branch, and head for Cosham and Porchester. At Fareham, we take the Southampton line and cross the river Hamble near Burslesdon. We encounter the River Itchen which we run alongside before crossing it near St Denys and reach the busy port of Southampton. 

After passing through Redbridge station, we will take the Salisbury, via Romsey, line, passing through Salisbury and continuing via Westbury and the Avon valley to Bath Spa station, conveniently situated close to the city centre.

The afternoon is free to explore the Georgian city and visit the distinctively ‘British’ Bath Christmas Market which has over 170 traditional wooden chalets selling seasonal products and gifts. The Abbey, Roman Baths, and Pump Room with its restaurant, all surround the Market site and are central to the main shopping area. However, don’t miss Milsom Street, voted ‘Britain’s Best Fashion Street’, and if you wish to see the sights at leisure, hop on a ‘City Sightseeing Tours’ bus.

Meanwhile our train continues to Bristol, another fascinating destination for those who wish to explore this fine city instead.

It has several world class attractions including Britain’s most acclaimed historic ship, the S.S. ‘Great Britain’; Brunel’s iconic Clifton suspension bridge; the world’s fifth oldest zoo; and an historic harbour-side, the location of the M Shed, an exciting new innovative museum. The city is a Christmas shopper’s haven with all the major retail outlets in the Broadmead and Cabot Circus shopping centres.

We leave Bristol steam hauled for our return run to Three Bridges and will stop to pick up those parcel-laden passengers who opted to visit the Christmas Market in Bath. We return by way of Salisbury, Romsey and Eastleigh, with stops at the same outward stations for passengers to alight.

Look out for Father Christmas and his Elves who will be visiting the train during the day and handing out presents to all children on board. If you have children with you, please let us know your child’s age when booking.

On Board Catering