Historic Steam Trains to Run Festive Routes from London

Between mid-November and late December, a series of heritage steam train journeys will operate from London to destinations including York, Canterbury, Bath, Bristol, and the Sussex coast. Departing from King’s Cross, Victoria, and Paddington stations, these services form part of an annual programme run by heritage rail operators, offering passengers the opportunity to visit regional winter markets and historic towns using restored steam locomotives.

The 2025 festive programme includes the following main journeys:

• The Armistice Steam Express – 11 November, departing from London Victoria / Bromley South.
• The Christmas White Rose – 15 November, from London King’s Cross to York.
• The Christmas Sussex Belle – 19 November, from London Victoria to Eastbourne and Hastings.
• The Bath and Bristol Christmas Express – 29 November, from London Paddington to Bath and Bristol.
• The Canterbury Christmas Express – 10 December, from London Victoria to Canterbury.
• The York Yuletide Express – 20 December, from London Victoria to York.

Travellers heading north to York will have time to visit the city’s Christmas market and the National Railway Museum, while those journeying west to Bath and Bristol can explore Georgian architecture and riverside attractions. The Canterbury trip takes passengers across Kent’s countryside before reaching the cathedral city, where festive markets and cultural sites attract visitors throughout December.

The trains will be powered by preserved locomotives, including the Merchant Navy Class No. 35028 Clan Line and a Black 5 engine. Basic onboard catering will be available, and some services will include family-friendly entertainment such as visits from Santa Claus. These details are confirmed by the Railway Touring Company and Steam Dreams, which manage the seasonal heritage operations across the UK.

These winter excursions continue Britain’s long-standing interest in operational steam travel. For passengers, they offer an alternative way to explore regional towns and Christmas markets beyond modern rail or road networks. The program shows that historic transportation is still important for winter tourism, attracting both fans and travelers who like to take classic seasonal trips.