The Worcester Christmas Express

The Worcester Christmas Express provides an opportunity for passengers from Manchester and Stockport to visit the Christmas Market and festivities at Worcester by steam hauled train. The journey will include steam haulage on the West Coast Main Line as well as some interesting lines through the West Midlands to Worcester. We will be hauled by a locomotive from the Carnforth pool.

Our steam hauled train departs from Manchester Victoria and navigates its way around Britain’s third most populated metropolitan area. Approaching Stockport, our final stop to pick up passengers, we pass above the town on Stockport Viaduct, a substantial brick-built landmark of the area providing good views over the surrounds. The 27-arch viaduct is 600yds long and 111ft above the river Mersey. From Stockport, we pass through a brick-lined cutting, and leave the Crewe line at Cheadle Hulme. Passing through the former silk manufacturing town of Macclesfield, the conurbation leads to the Cheshire countryside briefly as we pass Mow Cop and head for Kidsgrove.

The Potteries and former industrial parts of Stoke-on-Trent are on either side of the railway as our train passes Longport and the now closed steel work locations of Etruria and Shelton, both closing in 2005 and demolished shortly afterwards.

We continue to Stafford before leaving the West Coast Main Line at Rugeley North Junction and head across the steeply graded and scenic Cannock Chase line to Walsall. We now head for Bescot Stadium and turn away from the Birmingham line at Perry Barr North Junction to follow the Handsworth Loop Line to Soho. We then join the Jewellery Line and head through Rowley Regis to Stourbridge Junction. From here we continue south westwards, passing Kidderminster then journey through Droitwich Spa to Worcester Shrub Hill, our destination for the day.

There will be time available to explore this fine city especially at Christmas time with its vibrant and bustling festive market, with lots to see, try and experience. The river Severn runs through the city and is overlooked by the historic 12th century Worcester Cathedral. The site of the final battle of the Civil War between Oliver Cromwell and King Charles II was here. It is also the home of Royal Worcester Porcelain, and has long associations with the composer Sir Edward Elgar.

After our steam locomotive has been serviced, we depart Worcester in the afternoon and then return via the same route as outward to Stockport and the journey ends back in Manchester Victoria.

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. Please let us know your child’s name and age when booking.

On Board Catering