Join us on this special steam tour featuring ex BR Pacific 71000 Duke of Gloucester from Bristol to Plymouth and returning over the south Devon banks.

Our train will depart Birmingham International around 06:30 and call to pick up further passengers at Birmingham New Street, Stourbridge Junction, Kidderminster, Worcester Shrub Hill and Cheltenham Spa.

At Stoke Gifford (close to Bristol Parkway), our modern diesel locomotive will be exchanged for 71000 Duke of Gloucester. The Duke will bring the train into Bristol Temple Meads, our final pick up point.

We look forward to a fast run across the Somerset Levels and through Taunton, both of our steam locomotives will be extended as we tackle the climb up to Whiteball Summit on the Devon and Somerset border.

There is a break for our locomotive to take water at Exeter St David’s station. This will give you the chance to take photographs should you wish to do so. On leaving Exeter we will follow the Exe Estuary with its picturesque fishing-boat views, and run on to the sea wall near Dawlish, one of the most famous and superb stretches of railway in Britain. At times you almost feel like you are floating, as the train races through tunnels and rock cuttings right on the edge of the sea all the way to Newton Abbott. From here the Duke will be able to demonstrate it’s true power as he tackles some of the steepest gradients on main lines in this country. First is the difficult climb of Dainton Bank up to Dainton Tunnel before a drop down to Totnes. Here starts the equally difficult climb of Rattery Bank before our descent into Plymouth where you will have about three hours to explore this lovely city. Plymouth’s pannier market is well worth a visit with over 100 stalls in a light, airy and cool market hall with an impressive shell-shaped concrete roof 57 feet above the market floor, with no supporting pillars. There is also a large, entirely post-war, shopping area in the centre of Plymouth. The historical connections, especially those related to Francis Drake, and the final sailing of the Mayflower, together with the view from the Hoe ensure that many tourists visit the historic Barbican and seafront areas so this is another place you may wish to find.

Leaving Plymouth, our steam locomotive has to tackle the long steep climb of Hemerdon Bank and later, Dainton Bank. By Exeter our locomotive will require more water. We will continue to Bristol Temple Meads where diesel traction will be waiting to return our train to Birmingham setting down as on the outward journey.

• Premier Dining includes full English breakfast, light lunch and four course dinner silver served at your seat.
• First Class includes morning coffee and Danish pastries and tea and biscuits in the afternoon.
• Standard Class includes a reserved seat at a table for four.

A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person.
(subject to availability)