The Buxton Spa Express
Driver John Axon GC Memorial
Saturday 13 February 2027
Join us for a very special day of steam travel as we journey through Lancashire, across the Pennines and into the stunning scenery of Derbyshire's Peak District. This memorable excursion pays tribute to Driver John Axon GC, taking in some of the railway routes and landscapes associated with his remarkable story.
Our journey begins at Carnforth, with our steam locomotive heading south through Lancaster to Preston, where we turn east towards Blackburn. Continuing through the Lancashire countryside, we make our way via the steep incline of Copy Pit towards Todmorden by means of the rarely travelled Todmorden west curve. We now head for Rochdale and pass through Summit Tunnel as we cross the Pennines before travelling via Mills Hill and onwards towards Manchester.
Our train then takes an unusual route via Brewery Junction and Ashton Moss North Junction, passing through Denton on the rarely travelled line towards Stockport. This section offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy steam travel over a route seldom used by regular passenger services.
From Stockport, we head into the beautiful Derbyshire countryside, travelling through Disley, Whaley Bridge and Chapel-en-le-Frith towards Buxton. The line climbs through some magnificent Peak District scenery, with our steam locomotive working hard over the challenging gradients that were once an everyday feature of steam operations in this area.
It was on this stretch of railway on 9th February 1957 that Driver John Axon displayed extraordinary courage when his steam locomotive suffered a serious steam brake failure. Despite the danger, he remained at his post in an attempt to control his runaway train, ultimately losing his life. His bravery and devotion to duty were recognised with the posthumous award of the George Cross.
Surrounded by rolling hills and dramatic countryside, the historic spa town of Buxton provides a delightful destination and a fitting setting for this special commemorative journey.
Following our time at Buxton, we retrace our route through Chapel-en-le-Frith, Whaley Bridge and Disley to Stockport, before continuing via Denton and Ashton Moss North Junction towards Manchester Victoria.
Our homeward journey takes us west through Eccles and onwards via Parkside Junction and Golborne towards Wigan, before returning north through Preston and Lancaster to Carnforth.
Classes and Fares
Available Classes
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Premier DiningList Item 1
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast, followed on the return journey by a four-course dinner, freshly prepared on board and silver-served at your seat.
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First ClassList Item 2
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll, followed later in the day by a further service of tea or coffee accompanied by a specially selected sweet treat.
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Standard First
Standard First includes a reserved seat in a first open coach, offering spacious and comfortable on train accommodation.
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Standard ClassList Item 3
Standard Class includes a reserved seat in a tourist standard open coach, usually at a table for four.
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UK Day Trips Catering
Please click here to see our catering page for further details. A licensed bar runs on every train. Please book vegetarian meals in advance and let us know about any allergies before you travel.
A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
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Tables for Two
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £75 per person (subject to availability).
| Fares | Adult | Junior | Family |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier | £335 | £240 | £1025 |
| First | £225 | £160 | £690 |
| Standard First | £160 | £95 | £463 |
| Standard | £120 | £90 | £375 |
Approximate timings shown
| Station | Outward | Return |
|---|---|---|
| Carnforth | 08:50 | 21:30 |
| Lancaster | 09:10 | 21:00 |
| Preston | 09:50 | 20:30 |
| Manchester Victoria | ------- | 19:00 |
| Mill Hill | 11:45 | ------- |
| Stockport | 12:45 | 17:30 |
| Buxton | 13:30 | 15:45 |
Destinations Route
