Details added: 25.09.09
The Royal Duchy
Saturday 3rd April 2010
Join us on this very special tour from London, Slough, Reading and Newbury to the Royal Duchy of Cornwall. We will be steam hauled from Bristol to Penzance by 34067 ‘Tangmere’ and 30777 ‘Sir Lamiel’ – a superb combination that should ensure an impressive pace over the South Devon and Cornish Banks.
The Diesel section (London–Bristol and Penzance–London) will be hauled by Western Class Diesel ‘Western Champion’, currently the only mainline registered heritage diesel hydraulic locomotive working in the UK.
Our train departs London Paddington at 07:00 hauled by ‘Western Champion’ who will stop to pick up passengers at Slough, Reading, Swindon, Bath and Bristol along the way. On arrival at Bristol Temple Meads we change from diesel to steam and continue in the company of 34067 ‘Tangmere’ and 30777 ‘Sir Lamiel’.
We anticipate a fast run from Bristol across the Somerset Levels to Taunton. Following a short water stop, our two steam locomotives will be fully extended as they tackle the climb to Whiteball Summit on the border of Somerset and Devon. There is another short break for our locomotives to take water at Exeter St. David’s where you can disembark to take photographs.
On leaving Exeter we follow the Exe Estuary and run on to the sea wall near Dawlish, one of the most 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 ‘Tangmere’ and ‘Sir Lamiel’ will demonstrate their true power as they tackle some of the steepest gradients on main lines in this country. First is the difficult climb of Dainton Bank up to Dainton Tunnel before dropping down to Totnes. Then it’s the equally difficult climb of Rattery Bank before descending to Plymouth where we cross over the Tamar River on Brunel’s masterpiece, the Royal Albert Bridge.
Our train continues through the wonderful Cornish countryside and over high slender viaducts before arriving at Penzance where there is almost two hours to explore the town.
Located on the shores of Mount’s Bay, Penzance is Cornwall’s largest and most westerley borough. It has numerous attractions, including Penzance and District Museum and Art Gallery in Penlee Park, galleries and other attractions as well as the best of Cornish food and drink.
We will be leaving our two steam locomotives at Penzance. Western Class Diesel D1015 ‘Western Champion’ will take us back to London Paddington setting down customers at all the outward station stops.
Our train departs London Paddington at 07:00 hauled by ‘Western Champion’ who will stop to pick up passengers at Slough, Reading, Swindon, Bath and Bristol along the way. On arrival at Bristol Temple Meads we change from diesel to steam and continue in the company of 34067 ‘Tangmere’ and 30777 ‘Sir Lamiel’.
We anticipate a fast run from Bristol across the Somerset Levels to Taunton. Following a short water stop, our two steam locomotives will be fully extended as they tackle the climb to Whiteball Summit on the border of Somerset and Devon. There is another short break for our locomotives to take water at Exeter St. David’s where you can disembark to take photographs.
On leaving Exeter we follow the Exe Estuary and run on to the sea wall near Dawlish, one of the most 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 ‘Tangmere’ and ‘Sir Lamiel’ will demonstrate their true power as they tackle some of the steepest gradients on main lines in this country. First is the difficult climb of Dainton Bank up to Dainton Tunnel before dropping down to Totnes. Then it’s the equally difficult climb of Rattery Bank before descending to Plymouth where we cross over the Tamar River on Brunel’s masterpiece, the Royal Albert Bridge.
Our train continues through the wonderful Cornish countryside and over high slender viaducts before arriving at Penzance where there is almost two hours to explore the town.
Located on the shores of Mount’s Bay, Penzance is Cornwall’s largest and most westerley borough. It has numerous attractions, including Penzance and District Museum and Art Gallery in Penlee Park, galleries and other attractions as well as the best of Cornish food and drink.
We will be leaving our two steam locomotives at Penzance. Western Class Diesel D1015 ‘Western Champion’ will take us back to London Paddington setting down customers at all the outward station stops.
Approximate Timings
| Station | Depart | Return |
|---|---|---|
| London Paddington | 07:00 | 23:10 |
| Slough | 07:20 | 22:45 |
| Reading | 07:40 | 22:20 |
| Swindon | 08:15 | 22:00 |
| Bath | 08:35 | 21:05 |
| Bristol temple Meads | 09:20 | 20:20 |
| Penzance | 13:20 | 15:00 |
Fares
| Fares | Adult | Junior | Family |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier | £199 | £132 | £525 |
| First | £128 | £70 | £350 |
| Standard | £88 | £49 | £250 |
• 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.
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)