Following the huge success of the 'The Red Rose' and 'The Devon Belle' steam excursions so far this year, The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust presents another brand new railtour featuring Britain's newest main line steam locomotive, Peppercorn class A1 Pacific No. 60163
Tornado.
Our destination is Chesterfield, a town with strong links to Britain's proud railway heritage. George Stephenson, who brought steam hauled railways to the world, lived on the outskirts of the town and a tombstone marks his resting place in Holy Trinity Church. His statue stands in the station forecourt.
The historic market town is famous for the Crooked Spire Church of Saint Mary and All Saints. A visit to Chesterfield gives you so many options, from climbing the tower of the Crooked Spire to browsing the market, from taking a walk alongside the Canal and enjoying a pint in one of the local pubs.
Our outward route takes us along the East Coast Main Line to Peterborough where we diverge left on to Midland Railway metals, passing through the ancient county of Rutland and into Leicestershire. From Syston we are heading north again, through Loughborough and past the vast expanse of Toton Yard, after a pause at Alfreton we reach Chesterfield where we take a break of four hours.
For added interest, our return route is via Nottingham and Grantham, descending the famous Stoke Bank before rejoining our outward route just north of Peterborough.
We also have two optional add-on tours (bookable in advance only):
CRICH - THE NATIONAL TRAMWAY MUSEUM: Alight from the train at Alfreton and join coaches for the short hop to Crich. The museum contains over 60 trams and is set within Crich Tramway Village, a period village containing a pub, cafe, old-style sweetshop and tram depots. This is the date of the museum's 1940s event, with a frequent service operating and lots more to see besides.
CHATSWORTH HOUSE: Coaches meet the train at Chesterfield for the scenic drive to Chatsworth House where you will have around two and a half hours to explore this truly magnificent stately home, set in the rolling Derbyshire hills. World-renowned landscape gardener Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown transformed the gardens at Chatsworth in 1760. This year is the 300th anniversary of his birth.
This tour is operated by The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, the builders, owners and operators of No. 60163 Tornado with UK Railtours acting as booking agent. All profits from this tour go towards keeping Tornado on the main line in future years.
All timings are provisional and intended only as a guide. Bookings are through
UK Railtours.
| Station |
Arrive |
Depart |
| London Kings Cross |
08.10 |
21.55 |
| Potters Bar (for M25) |
08.35 |
21.30 |
| Stevenage |
09.05 |
21.00 |
Standard Class (a buffet car is available) Price: £ 99.00
First Class Non-Dining (includes complimentary tea or coffee. A buffet car is available) Price: £ 145.00
Option: Guaranteed Table for Two (per seat) Price: £ 25.00
First Class Dining (includes the Great British Breakfast and a four course dinner) Price: £ 225.00
Option: Guaranteed Table for Two (per seat) Price: £ 25.00
Crich Tramway Museum (includes coach transfer, admission and tram rides) Price: £ 16.00
Chatsworth (includes coach transfer and admission) Price: £ 21.00
The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust is proud that Tornado will continue to be operated on the Network Rail main line by DB Cargo, which has worked successfully with the Trust since the locomotive's completion in 2008.