The Christmas White Rose

Why not join us for a classic day out by steam train, combining a historic steam locomotive, exciting main line running, varied landscape and the special atmosphere of York at Christmas time.

Our day out begins at around 07:40 when we leave Cambridge station and head northwards, stopping at Ely, March and Peterborough to pick up more passengers. Leaving Peterborough and its famous cathedral behind, we take the former Great Northern Railway line at Werrington Junction and head across the fertile flatlands to Spalding, famous for its flower production. Here we join the Great Northern & Great Eastern Joint Railway line to Sleaford, where we will use the avoiding line. We continue through a part of rural Lincolnshire, famous for its potato farms, and reach Lincoln. Approaching Lincoln we notice that its spectacular Cathedral, that can be seen for miles around the area, dominates the city.

After Lincoln, we head for Gainsborough and cross the Trent en route to Doncaster, where we meet up with the ECML once again. The Great Northern Railway opened its railway workshops in Doncaster in 1853 and Sir Nigel Gresley, who designed the A4 class ‘Pacific’ steam locomotives, was the Chief Mechanical Engineer to the LNER between 1923-41. From Doncaster, it will be a fast run northwards along the ECML to York, our destination for the afternoon. 

York is well known for its Minster, Castle and city walls. The snickelways, famous medieval alleys and narrow streets, and The Shambles, are well worth exploring. The National Railway Museum, the many shops and museums, ensure that there is something on offer for everybody. The York Christmas market will be in full swing adding to the seasonal atmosphere of this historic city.

Our train leaves York late afternoon for the return journey as we retrace our route via Lincoln, Spalding and back to Peterborough. We stop to set down passengers at Peterborough, March and Ely before arriving at our journeys end in Cambridge.

On Board Catering