Saphos Trains

30/04/2026

Blue Peter arriving into Nantwich on the return leg from Cardiff.

📷 Photo credit: Alfie Brown

09/01/2026

🚂 Step Back in Time on the Spectacular Settle & Carlisle Railway!

Experience one of Britain’s most breathtaking rail adventures aboard luxury vintage Pullman‑style carriages, complete with opening windows so you can fully enjoy the steam, scenery, and nostalgia of this iconic route.

Journey through the Yorkshire Dales, cross England’s most legendary railway line, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon sightseeing break in Carlisle — the perfect day out for rail lovers, explorers, and anyone who appreciates timeless travel.

📅 2026 Departure Dates:

3 June 2026
1 July 2026
5 August 2026
2 September 2026

📍 Departing From:
Crewe, Chester, Frodsham, Warrington Bank Quay, Wigan North Western, Leyland, Blackburn, Clitheroe

✨ Seats are limited — secure your place on this unforgettable steam‑hauled adventure.

👉 View & Book Now - https://saphostrains.com/trips-tours/

02/12/2025

05/11/2025

21/10/2025

🚂 THE ROYAL SCOT – Thursday 6 November 2025 🚂

👉 BOOK ONLINE TODAY - https://saphostrains.com/journey/royal-scot-06-11-25/

Departing from:
📍 London Euston (07:00 / 22:00)
📍 Milton Keynes Central (07:45 / 21:15)
📍 Crewe (10:15 / 18:45)
(All timings are approximate and subject to change)

✨ Be part of history! Join us for the first public steam tour hauled by the legendary BR Pacific 71000 ‘Duke of Gloucester’ following its major overhaul. Enjoy breath-taking views of the Cumbrian mountains and high Pennines as we climb over the Lakeland fells to the historic border city of Carlisle for an afternoon of sightseeing.

🛤 The Journey:
• Diesel-hauled from London to Crewe by D213 ‘Andania’
• Steam-hauled by 71000 ‘Duke of Gloucester’ from Crewe to Carlisle
• Take in the dramatic climbs of Grayrigg and Shap Summit with stunning views of the Cumbrian Fells
• Around 2 hours in Carlisle to explore its castle, cathedral, museums, and shops
• Steam back to Crewe, then diesel to London

🎟 Seats are limited – book now!

✅ First Class (non-dining): £139 pp
Private table for two: +£25 pp
✅ Standard Class (non-dining): £99 pp

Buffet car available for hot & cold drinks and light refreshments.

📌 Please note: This tour may not be suitable for guests with severe mobility issues or requiring a wheelchair.

Don’t miss this unforgettable experience!

Enjoy the first public steam tour hauled by BR Pacific 71000 ‘Duke of Gloucester’ following its recent heavy general overhaul offering spectacular views of the Cumbrian mountains and high Pennines…

09/10/2025

🚂 Spotlight on Steam: Duke of Gloucester 71000

Built in 1954, the Duke of Gloucester is a one-of-a-kind British Railways Standard Class 8 Pacific locomotive — the only member of its class ever constructed. Designed at Crewe Works, she was intended to replace aging express engines on the West Coast Main Line, boasting cutting-edge technology including a unique three-cylinder layout and advanced steam circuit.

Despite her promise, the Duke’s early career was short-lived. Withdrawn in 1962 after just eight years of service, she was nearly lost to history. But thanks to a passionate preservation effort, 71000 was rescued from the scrapyard and painstakingly restored — with many of her original design flaws corrected.

Today, Duke of Gloucester is a marvel of modern steam engineering, running on mainline excursions and heritage railways.

Her deep bark and powerful presence make her a favourite among enthusiasts, a testament to what dedication and innovation can achieve.

📸 Have you seen the Duke in action? Share your photos in the comments and help us celebrate this unique locomotive’s legacy!

📸Photo Credit: Kallum Buckley

07/10/2025

🔥Steam, Style & Scenic Splendour — Saphos Trains 2026!🔥

We’re thrilled to announce that our 2026 programme of steam-hauled luxury rail excursions is now live! Step aboard Saphos Trains and journey through Britain’s most iconic landscapes in vintage style, powered by some of the most legendary locomotives in preservation.

From coastal escapes to countryside classics, each journey offers a first-class experience steeped in nostalgia and elegance.

📅 Bookings are now open — don’t miss your chance to travel behind these historic giants. 🔗 View the full 2026 schedule and reserve your seat: saphostrains.com/trips-tours

✨ Our magnificent steam fleet includes:

🚂 60532 'Blue Peter', the last remaining L.N.E.R. Class A2 Pacific

🚂 34046 'Braunton', a West Country Class express passenger engine

🚂 70000 'Britannia', a British Railways Standard class 7 engine

🚂 71000 'Duke of Gloucester', a British Railways Standard Class 8P

🚂 61306 'Mayflower', one of two surviving B1 Class locomotives

🚂 5029 'Nunny Castle', a Great Western Railway Castle Class locomotive

🚂 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley', an A4 class locomotive built by the London & North Eastern Railway

Explore luxury steam train journeys across the UK with Saphos Trains. Enjoy historic routes and fine dining in our beautifully restored vintage carriages.

03/10/2025