Details added: 25.09.09
The Kentish Belle
31.03.10 and 26.05.10
Can you imagine a more lovely way to take luncheon than aboard our special steam hauled train 70013 'Oliver Cromwell' running between London and Margate?
Sit back, relax and watch the Kent and Sussex countryside go past your window as Britiannia Pacific class 70013 'Oliver Cromwell' goes through its paces.
‘Oliver Cromwell' is a Britannia Class Pacific, a class introduced by British Railways in 1951. He worked the expressed between London and Norwich and The Golden Arrow between London and Dover. 'Oliver Cromwell' was the last surviving Pacific in service by British Railways.
On leaving London Victoria at 11:00 70013 'Oliver Cromwell' hauls our train through Dartford and Gravesend continuing on through Chatham and Gillingham. At Fawkham, a village near Sevenoaks in Kent, we take the Whitstable line running close to the Thames Estuary on to Margate.
Margate’s history is closely tied to the sea and is described as a ‘limb’ of Dover in the ancient grouping of Cinque Ports. The town itself was first recorded as Meregate as far back as 1264 and as Margate in 1299. Its proud maritime tradition continues today, perhaps more for its attractiveness as a seaside resort for Londoners.
From Margate we continue round through Ramsgate, Deal and on to Dover Priory. You’ll see the White Cliffs of Dover and Folkstone before we head inland to Ashford, continuing on through Paddock Wood and Edenbridge to Redhill. From here we join the Brighton Main Line back up to London Victoria.
On leaving London Victoria at 11:00 70013 'Oliver Cromwell' hauls our train through Dartford and Gravesend continuing on through Chatham and Gillingham. At Fawkham, a village near Sevenoaks in Kent, we take the Whitstable line running close to the Thames Estuary on to Margate.
Margate’s history is closely tied to the sea and is described as a ‘limb’ of Dover in the ancient grouping of Cinque Ports. The town itself was first recorded as Meregate as far back as 1264 and as Margate in 1299. Its proud maritime tradition continues today, perhaps more for its attractiveness as a seaside resort for Londoners.
From Margate we continue round through Ramsgate, Deal and on to Dover Priory. You’ll see the White Cliffs of Dover and Folkstone before we head inland to Ashford, continuing on through Paddock Wood and Edenbridge to Redhill. From here we join the Brighton Main Line back up to London Victoria.
Approximate Timings
| Station | Depart | Return |
|---|---|---|
| London Victoria | 11:00 | 16:20 |
| Margate | 13:00 | 13:20 |
Fares
| Fares | Adult | Junior | Family |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier | £139 | £99 | £420 |
| First | £90 | £60 | £250 |
| Standard | £60 | £40 | £175 |
• Premier Dining includes Buck’s Fizz, morning tea or coffee and Danish pastries and a four course lunch 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.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person.
(subject to availability)
• 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.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £15 per person.
(subject to availability)