Chiltern Hills & Thames Valley Steam

DAY 1

Journey from your home station to Gerrards Cross and, on arrival, we will make our way to the Ethorpe Hotel, our hotel for the next five nights. After checking in, we transfer the short distance by rail to Beaconsfield for a private evening visit to Bekonscot Model Village, the world's oldest model village, including a tour of the extensive Gauge 1 Model Railway, rides on the unique 7 ¼ narrow-gauge light railway, and an evening buffet meal.

DAY 2

After breakfast this morning, our coach takes us to the Swindon & Cricklade Railway for a scenic steam-hauled journey on Wiltshire's only standard-gauge heritage railway. We continue to Didcot Railway Centre where we explore their large collection of Great Western Railway locomotives, carriages, wagons, and artefacts plus steam action over their short line with brilliant photo opportunities.

DAY 3

Today, we visit the Mid-Hants Railway for a ride behind two different steam locomotives along the Watercress Line through beautiful Hampshire countryside to Alresford. We return as far as Ropley Station for a behind the scenes look at their restoration programme in the impressive engineering sheds plus time to explore the miniature railway. After our visit, we continue to the Rural Life Centre at nearby Tilford with time for lunch before looking around their re-located historic building and enjoying steam-hauled journeys on the Old Kiln Light Railway.

DAY 4

This morning, we travel by road to the Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway for a nostalgic ride behind steam through beautiful scenery along the base of Bledlow Ridge. On our return, we transfer to the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, a working steam museum and heritage railway, where we enjoy a steam-hauled journey and take time to explore the collection of locomotives, ride the miniature railway, and watch the model trains.

DAY 5

After breakfast this morning, we travel by coach to the Leighton Buzzard Railway for a ride behind steam on the delightful, narrow-gauge line featuring sharp curves, steep gradients, and a long stretch of roadside running. We continue our day at The Fancott Arms which, unusually, has its own steam worked miniature railway in the grounds and we can enjoy unlimited rides between a pint!

DAY 6

Today, our coach transfers us to the charming Ruislip Lido Railway where we have a special opening for our group, and we enjoy a steam-hauled journey around the lake and through the ancient Ruislip Woods on Britain's longest 12" gauge railway. After our visit, we make our way to the station in time for our homeward journeys.

*Important Note: Whilst the arrangements for all described steam train travel are in place, we do reserve the right to make substitutions should it be deemed necessary for whatever reason.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner