Passengers from across Cumbria, Borders and North Yorkshire have the opportunity to take a nostalgic trip back to the 1970s as the Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company launches their festive charter train to Chester.

The Settle to Carlisle Line is famous for historic steam trains, however this new charter train goes back to the era of maxi dresses, platform shoes and tank tops, with classic diesel and heritage carriages.

The special charter train will be picking up passengers on Tuesday 19 November from Carlisle, Appleby, Kirkby Stephen, Settle, Hellifield and Clitheroe for a festive trip to Chester for the Christmas Markets.

Fine dining is also available for those catching the train before Clitheroe, and there will be a buffet car for first and standard class along the route.

John Moorhourse, Settle-Carlisle Railway Development Company deputy chairman, said: “Following the popularity of our recent Christmas charter trains to York, we decided to offer people somewhere different this year, and Chester is the ideal location.

“Previously we have run a steam train, however, there is real nostalgia for the heritage carriages and engines from the 70s, something we have never done before.

“We are going back to the days of the slogan ‘Let the train take the strain’ and hope some passengers will get into the spirit of the day and come in 70s outfits.

“We have planned this charter to coincide with the Christmas Markets in Chester and provide people living along the Settle Carlisle line with an opportunity to do some Christmas shopping and sightseeing.”

Book your tickets here.

Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from the Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company via their website.