About Shakespeare Express
The Shakespeare Express is a steam train that runs between Birmingham and Stratford-upon-Avon on Summer Sundays.
Shakespeare Express Description
The Shakespeare Express is a steam train the operates every Summer Sunday from 16th July to 3rd September, 2017
The Shakespeare Express steam train operates on summer Sundays between Birmingham Snow Hill and Stratford-upon-Avon railway stations. One of the last steam-hauled services to remain on the UK National Rail timetable, 2017 is the Shakespeare Express’ Nineteenth year of continuous steam operation.
The Shakespeare Express is a perfect way to celebrate a special occasion such as a birthday or an anniversary, or simply indulge yourselves and reminisce. We invite you to sit back, relax and enjoy the sensory delights of main line express steam train travel just as it was in the 'good old days'.
Our journey between Birmingham and Stratford-upon-Avon is via 'The Shakespeare Line', a line steeped in culture, history and natural beauty. Viewed through the large carriage window you will see an ever-changing landscape; from Birmingham's fascinating industrial past to Warwickshire's beautiful countryside. Look out for the working farms, stylish villages, stations and waterways that make up Shakespeare's County.
The reverse journey from Stratford to Birmingham is via the Claverdon Branch before joining the Chiltern mainline where our steam locomotive often works up to its top permitted speed of 75mph!
Upon joining the train, you will travel in one of Vintage Trains' historic and authentically restored carriages, pulled by a heritage steam engine in all its burnished glory. Choose between the traditional comfort of Standard Class, with seats at a table for four, or the old world elegance of Premier Class where you can savour the best of traditional English fayre. Dependant on which journey you travel on, you can pre-order a full English breakfast, a freshly cooked Roast Sunday Luncheon with all the trimmings or that most English of institutions, Afternoon Tea. A selection of wines, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are also available. Seating in Premier Class is available at tables for two or four persons.
Vintage Trains are proud to maintain the traditions of the GWR by operating The Shakespeare Express over genuine eGreat Western routes and wherever possible using the fleet of thoroughbred GWR steam locomotives, restored and maintained by Tyseley Locomotive Works.