Steam-Powered Day Trips from London Unlock Access to Britain’s Hidden Landscapes

Between August and October 2025, a selection of steam-powered day trips will run from London to various destinations across England. These planned journeys will take place on specific dates and include coastal and countryside routes, all operated by heritage locomotives. Each trip starts in London early in the day, provides time to visit the destination, and returns to the city by evening.

The services will cover several scenic and historically significant routes, including:

• The Cumbrian Mountain Express - Saturday 2 August and 11 October
• The West Somerset Steam Express - Saturday 9 August and 13 September
• The Dorset Coast Express - Thursday 14 August
• The Swanage Belle - Wednesday 10 September
• The Cumbrian Coast Express - Saturday 20 September
• The Peak Forester - Sunday 19 October

These different locations provide travellers with opportunities to explore a range of landscapes and historic railways throughout England.

Travellers will also be able to visit specific natural landmarks and walking routes during these excursions. The Swanage journey offers the opportunity to hike up to Ballard Down for wide views over the sea and countryside. The Carlisle route includes time to explore Eden Bridge and sections of the Hadrian’s Wall Path, which begins near the city and runs across northern England. On the Dorset route, passengers can walk along Chesil Beach, a long and dramatic shingle formation that links to the Isle of Portland.

The West Somerset Steam Express opens access to several outdoor sites, including Exmoor National Park which borders the town of Minehead. Walkers can also follow parts of the South West Coast Path from the same location, offering cliffside views and coastal scenery. Travellers on the Peak Forester route can explore Matlock Bath’s limestone gorge or take in the views from the Heights of Abraham cable car station, both of which are located close to the rail stops.

This renewed series of steam-powered journeys offers more than a historic travel experience. Both London visitors and local travellers gain easier access to countryside and coastal areas that can be difficult to reach without driving. Linking historic railways with well-known outdoor spots, these routes offer an easy way to enjoy day trips across multiple counties.