Organisers of a special celebration steam train departing from Bradford’s City of Culture are expanding its number of first-class seats to meet demand.
The Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company is running the charter train, The Border City Express, from Bradford to Carlisle on Saturday 4 October to mark three special events – Bradford’s year as City of Culture; the national Railway 200 celebrations; and the 150th anniversary of the Settle-Carlisle Line’s freight services.
The company has now confirmed that the Battle of Britain Class 34067 Tangmere is booked as the steam locomotive for the charter, from West Coast Railways’ pool of heritage engines.
And the team are adding an extra first-class carriage to meet popular demand.
The train will cross viaducts, traverse valleys and pass by the stunning Yorkshire Three Peaks – Pen-y-Ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside – with passengers immersed in one of the UK’s most picturesque rail journeys, crowned by Lonely Planet as one of Europe’s most scenic railway lines.
At the historic border city of Carlisle, passengers will have a few hours to explore the area before returning via the same route, providing a second chance to travel on the iconic Settle-Carlisle Line.
John Moorhouse, Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company deputy chair, said: “We are delighted that so many people want to travel on our line by steam – and have the added luxury experience of enjoying the journey out and dinner on the return trip in a heritage first-class carriage.
“We have been able to arrange the additional carriage, which means those on our waiting list will have the first-class experience, and there will also be a few more seats available for those wanting to book now.
“We are delighted that so many people want to share in this unique triple celebration, which recognises Bradford’s railway heritage and culture, as well as our own 150th anniversary of the line opening to freight and 200 years of passenger rail services, which started in the North of England, and have help shape transport and travel across the world.”
Passengers will have the opportunity to travel in either premier dining, first-class or standard class. Tickets are on sale here.
Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from the Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company via their website.
Header image courtesy of Ann Dallaway.