The Cotswold Christmas Venturer

Join us on a festive steam-hauled rail tour through the beautiful Cotswold Hills to one of the country's most celebrated Christmas events – the Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre. Set against the backdrop of Worcester's historic streets and magnificent cathedral, the city comes alive with hundreds of market stalls, costumed entertainers, festive food and drink, and seasonal entertainment, creating a truly magical Christmas atmosphere.

Our steam train leaves London Victoria at around 08.15, hauled by Merchant Navy Class locomotive No.35028 Clan Line, and heads through the west London suburbs via Hounslow towards Staines, where we pause to pick up passengers. We continue via Ascot to Reading and then along the Great Western Main Line towards Didcot for further passenger pickups.

From Didcot, we follow the former Great Western Railway main line through the Vale of White Horse to Swindon, where we branch off onto the beautiful Golden Valley Line towards Cheltenham. After Kemble, the line climbs steadily towards the summit at Sapperton Tunnel. The route then descends through the attractive wooded valleys around Stroud before reaching Standish Junction, where we join the former Midland Railway route towards Cheltenham Spa. Here, we will pause to set down passengers who may wish to spend the day exploring this elegant Regency town and enjoying its seasonal Christmas attractions.

The train then continues north to Worcester Shrub Hill, where we spend the afternoon while Clan Line is serviced for the return journey. There will be ample time to enjoy the renowned Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre, one of the largest and most popular Christmas markets in the United Kingdom. The city's historic centre is transformed into a festive wonderland, with traditional market stalls lining the streets, offering handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and unique Christmas presents. Visitors can enjoy festive entertainment, Victorian-themed characters, carol singers, and the warm atmosphere that makes this event so special.

Beyond the Christmas Fayre, Worcester itself offers much to discover. The River Severn flows through the heart of the city and is overlooked by the magnificent 12th-century Worcester Cathedral. The city is rich in history, being the site of the final battle of the English Civil War, and is also famous as the home of Worcestershire Sauce, Royal Worcester Porcelain, and composer Sir Edward Elgar.

In the late afternoon, our steam train departs Worcester Shrub Hill and retraces its route southwards. We return via Cheltenham Spa, where we pause to pick up passengers who chose to spend the day there. Continuing through the Golden Valley, we pass Stroud before tackling the climb back to Sapperton Tunnel, where gradients reach 1 in 74 near Chalford. 

We then continue through Kemble and Swindon before rejoining the Great Western Main Line. Calls will be made at Didcot, Reading and Staines to set down passengers before our arrival back at London Victoria in the evening.

A wonderful opportunity to combine a memorable steam-hauled journey through the Cotswolds with a visit to one of Britain's finest Christmas markets.

On Board Catering