Touring the UK by Rail 2019

®

Q U A L I T Y E S C O R T E D H O L I D AY S B Y T R A I N Q I L I A Y S

Y

I

Tou r i ng t he UK b y Ra i l T o u r i n g t h e U K b y R a i l

FLIP OVER for Europe by Rail

Award Winning Escorted Rai l Hol idays

Welcome Nearly 40 years ago a young Michael Palin travelled by train on his first ‘Great Railway Journeys of the World’ TV series from London to the Kyle of Lochalsh, and fired my imagination to do the same. From that fabulous journey came my inspiration to launch “Railtrail”, with a commitment that a Railtrail tour should be much more than just a rail journey and would include quality hotels, good food, exciting excursions and wonderful attractions in the company of a friendly and experienced Tour Manager – a complete holiday package, all included in the tour fare with no hidden extra costs .

In today’s increasingly competitive world Railtrail upholds these principles, along with our commitment to traditional values and to providing the very best Customer Service.

We know this is very much appreciated by our clients. It is also no coincidence that each time we ask new enquirers “Where did you first discover Railtrail Tours?” the top answer is still “A friend recommended you”. There can be no higher compliment and we are delighted to be held in such high esteem.

Our original Classic UK Tours , for which Railtrail has become renowned, include many of the Great British Railway Journeys featured in that other now long-running TV series. Our new Roses Steam tour features the best of steam from both sides of the Pennines and there’s an even bigger version with our Roses Battle by Steam . We also include two brand new Scottish tours in Lord of the Isles and Arran & Bute – Scotland in Miniature . Finally, our brand new Grand Tour by Rail takes in Wales from Coast to Coast , picking off heritage railways as we head from Tenby to Llandudno.

As always, we look forward to having the pleasure of your company in 2019.

1 ST CLASS R A I L T R A I L 39 YEARS

Dave Felstead Founder & Managing Director Railtrail Tours Ltd

FRONT COVER MAIN PICTURE: Strathspey Railway © Andrew Thoirs

2

Beautiful Britain by Train

Explore superb scenery, experience excellent food, stay in quality hotels, visit stunning destinations. A great way to holiday and marvellous value for money. Your Railtrail UK Tour Fare is all inclusive of: ★ ★ All rail travel from your home station and return - with discounts for National Railcard holders; see RC discount in the Fares tables (unless choosing to join at the tour base) ★ ★ Your choice of standard or First Class rail travel to and from the Tour Base ★ ★ Half-board accommodation with private facilities at quality hotels ★ ★ All the excursions and attractions featured in your tour ★ ★ Services of an experienced Railtrail Tours tour manager Treat yourself to a little extra luxury and relaxation - you will be amazed at how little it costs to travel First Class by rail.

DEPARTURES 2019 UK & I reland

Page

Highland Rail Voyager

6

Highland Adventure

7

Devon Riviera By Steam

8

Springtime Highlander

9

Roses Steam *

10

Canals, Steam & Historic Chester Scottish Steam & Malt Trail *

11

12

Isle of Man Explorer 13 Shakespeare, Severn Valley & Cotswolds Steam * 14 Dorset Coast & Isle of Wight Steam 15 North Norfolk Coast, the Broads & Steam 16 Heart of Wales Steam & The Brecon Beacons 17 Classic Cornwall Coast & Country 18 Romantic Highlander 19 Wonderful Wales 20 Devon Coast to Coast & 21 West Somerset Steam Arran & Bute – Scotland in Miniature * 22 Orkney & Shetland Explorer 23 Dublin, Donegal & The Causeway Coast * 24 Hebridean Islands Discovery 25 Lord of the Isles * 26 Roses Battle by Steam * 27 Jersey, Guernsey, Herm & Sark 28-29 Grand Tour by Rail – 30-31 Land’s End to John O’Groats Grand Tour by Rail – Derry to Kerry 32-33 Grand Tour by Rail – 34-35 Six Wonders of the Waterways Grand Tour by Rail – Wales Coast to Coast * 36-37 Booking Information & Booking Conditions A&B Railtrail Classic European Tours Flip Over * denotes NEW TOUR

Explore Europe by Train

Flip over the brochure for our Classic European Collection of quality escorted rail holidays compiled with the same Railtrail ethos and escorted by the same Tour Managers as our UK tours.

To Book your Railtrail Tour P lease see the Booking Information section, where you will find a step-by-step guide to all the things you need to know plus a Booking Form .

Customer Feedback In addition to clients having the opportunity to complete Railtrail Feedback forms at the end of their tour, an independent online company FeeFo contacts our customers who have internet access and offers them the opportunity to post their views on the FeeFo website completely independently. To view our customers’ entries on FeeFo simply click the link on our website. We have a high rating and wonderfully reassuring customer feedback.

Visit www.railtrail.co.uk to discover even more ...

Main picture: The Great Orme, Llandudno © Pauline Felstead

3

What makes

different?

With thanks to photographer Dave Gibson and the Foxfield Railway.

Transparent... For each UK tour we publish a table indicating not only the fare for those joining at the tour base, but also fares including First Class (where available) or Standard Class rail travel from every UK mainland rail station. Departure stations are grouped into regions, as in the example below:

Experience... Did you know that Railtrail was launched 39 years ago by Dave Felstead. With a lifelong passion for rail travel and, having just watched Michael Palin’s BBC ‘Great Railway Journeys of the World’ episode to the Kyle of Lochalsh, he decided to organise a tour to Inverness and the Kyle Line. 38 years later, Dave is still at the helm, the same Inverness hotel still appears in this brochure, as does our beloved Kyle Line. Dave is joined by a small team with lots of experience of the travel industry and rail travel in particular, both within the UK and continental Europe, leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to uncover new destinations. We look forward to organising your next Railtrail holiday. When you contact Railtrail you are dealing with a family company, not an impersonal call centre. Our small team of colleagues will provide you with personal service to assist you right from the moment of your first enquiry through to your return home. Your ‘Booking Confirmation’ will include the name of the member of our Customer Services team who has been designated as your personal contact for any queries you may have about your tour. Flexible... Our ticketing team are fully qualified rail ticketing agents authorised by the Rail Delivery Group (formerly the Association of Train Operating Companies) to issue both UK rail tickets and seat reservations on your behalf to enable you to enjoy a relaxing journey to and from your tour base. Passion... Personal Service...

Look down the table for the region from which you wish to travel , The amounts shown alongside are the per person (sharing a twin/ double room). .

Tour fare travelling First Class* rail from Home station to Tour Base & return

Tour fare travelling Standard Class* rail from Home station to Tour Base & return

FARES

* Please note: Some local and regional train services are Standard Class only, so First Class ticket holders will travel in standard class accommodation for these sections of journeys. On certain high-season departures we apply a Departure Supplement to the fare due to higher hotel or travel costs.

FARE REGION

FIRST STANDARD RC

London: Kings Cross

£540 £585 £595 £600 £715 £590 £570 £520 £490 £540 £655 £575 £400

£435 -£20 £460 -£20 £465 -£25 £470 -£25 £545 -£40 £465 -£30 £445 -£25 £425 -£20 £410 -£20 £430 -£20 £505 -£35 £455 -£25 £370 -£10

Greater London South of England

East Anglia South West

Heart of England

Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales

Scotland

Join & Leave at Hotel

£299

If you have a National Railcard (e.g. Senior) the amount in the “RC” column may be deducted from your Tour Fare.

Alternatively, you may select the Tour Base fare as shown to “Join and Leave” at the tour hotel(s).

4

What can you expect from your Railtrail holiday?

A note about Luggage We do include hotel porterage whenever we can, however carrying luggage is the customer’s responsibility, including on to or off a train (unless stated otherwise in the tour itinerary). We would recommend a modest sized suitcase with wheels and a retractable handle and a small piece of hand baggage per person. Our Concierge Luggage Service Did you know that it is possible to arrange to have your luggage collected in advance from your home and delivered to your UK or European tour hotel, leaving you free to enjoy your holiday by train even more? Using

Relaxing, nostalgic & environmentally friendly Travelling by plane or car generally means that the first and last days of your holiday involve stress. Not so a rail holiday. Sit back, relax and enjoy the view. Travelling by train is also usually a sociable experience as well as an environmentally friendly one. And don’t forget that the train was the original transporter of holidaymakers in the golden days of yore. Escorted For UK tours our Tour Manager will meet you en route to your destination or at the destination station. We have a small team of experienced, knowledgeable and caring Tour Managers, whose job it is to escort your holiday, leaving you to relax and enjoy the experience. Knowledge and Value Every Railtrail tour has been thoroughly researched by our well-travelled team. We select all our hotels for their location, quality of service and facilities combined with the warmth of their welcome, style and character. Every tour in this brochure includes at least breakfast and dinner every day of your stay at the hotel. Every excursion mentioned in the tour highlights is included in the tour fare too, although we do leave some time for your own individual sightseeing, which means that there are no hidden extras. Extra Benefits Rewarding your Loyalty The vast majority of our customers are either repeat bookings or recommendations. Recognising this, Railtrail is the only rail holiday company with a Loyalty Rewards Scheme. For every pound spent you will receive Loyalty Rewards Points on return from your holiday, which can then be used as a discount on future bookings. Loyalty Points remain valid for 3 years after your return from your holiday. And should you recommend Railtrail to someone not already on our database, then when they travel on their first tour your Railtrail Rewards Loyalty account will also be credited with the same number of points they receive.

1 ST CLASS R A I L T R A I L 39 YEARS

Railtrail’s luggage service allows you to travel light on the first and last days of your holiday. And this special concierge service costs from as little as £85 per case return. Contact us for further details.

Prices:

1 case

2 cases

(return journey)

(return journey)

UK (excl Scottish Highlands & Isle of Man) Scottish Highlands

£85

£115

£112

£142

& Isle of Man Europe Switzerland

£135 £160

£230 £260

For tours with overnight stops en route, simply take a small overnight bag whilst your luggage is delivered to your mainstay hotel. For tours featuring two or more mainstay hotels, your luggage will be delivered to the first hotel and collected from the last hotel.

5

Staffordshire Moorlands, our home and inspiration

© Pauline Felstead

H ighland R ail V oyager

We roam the glorious Highlands and take a “Great Railway Journey of the World” on this all-rail escorted holiday. Relax as magnificent vistas glide past your window and the sensational views unfold.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

DAY 1 For customers booking our rail inclusive package, we travel by train through Scotland and climb high into the mountains along the glorious Highland Line through Stirling, Perth and Aviemore to the city of Inverness . (D) DAY 2 A highlight of your holiday - travelling by train on one of the world’s finest coast-to-coast railway journeys to the Kyle of Lochalsh, immortalised in Michael Palin’s original “Great Railway Journeys of the World” TV series. The train stops briefly at the tiny townships of Achnashellach and Achnasheen before descending ★ ★ Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) ★ ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager ★ ★ Hotel Porterage ★ ★ An “All-Rail” holiday ★ ★ Spectacular Highland scenery ★ ★ The famous railway line to the Kyle of Lochalsh, westwards o’er majestic mountains ★ ★ Afternoon tea overlooking the Isle of Skye ★ ★ Take the remote ‘Far North’ line to Thurso; en route for Caithness horizons espy fairytale castles, great coastal vistas and dramatic swathes of wilderness ★ ★ Based in Inverness, at the heart of the Capital of the Highlands ★ ★ Stay in the unique splendour of an original railway hotel Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ ★ Dinner each evening plus tea in Kyle of Lochalsh overlooking Isle of Skye

Fares From £345

Highland Rail Scot Rail Sprinter

4 DAYS

© Scotrail

through forest and glen to Loch Carron and the west coast of Scotland. As the train clings to the rocky shoreline you are rewarded with dream-like vistas across this mighty sea loch to the skyline of the dark Cuillin Hills, majestically dominant on the Isle of Skye, before we slowly draw into Kyle of Lochalsh , our journey’s end. Here we take refreshments at the Lochalsh Hotel, with time to relax and view ‘across the water’ to Skye – a view described by Michael Palin as ‘one of the great breakfast table views of the world’. (B,T,D) DAY 3 Today’s scenic rail journey is one of many contrasts, as we take the Far North Line through Caithness, one of the last true wildernesses in Europe, to Thurso on the most northerly shoreline of Britain. A two hour break gives time to stretch your legs, stroll along the riverside and seafront and perhaps explore some of the enthralling history of the area at the fascinating “Caithness Horizons”, before experiencing more dramatic scenery en route back to Inverness. (B,D) DAY 4 After breakfast it is time to bid farewell to the Highlands and customers booking our rail package return by train, past the Cairngorm Mountains and down through the Lowlands to Edinburgh and homeward stations. (B)

DEPARTS

Monday 22 April 2019 Saturday 11 May 2019 Saturday 1 June 2019

Saturday 7 September 2019 Saturday 14 September 2019

FARES

FARE REGION

FIRST STANDARD RC

London: Kings Cross

£610 £655 £655 £670 £800 £660 £640 £590 £555 £610 £730 £640 £455

£495 -£20 £515 -£20 £520 -£25 £530 -£25 £610 -£40 £525 -£25 £500 -£20 £485 -£20 £470 -£20 £490 -£20 £570 -£35 £510 -£20 £425 -£10

Greater London South of England

East Anglia South West

Heart of England

Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales

Scotland

Join & Leave at Hotel

£345

MAY Departure Supplement £50 JUNE & SEPTEMBER Departure Supplement £90 Single Room Supplement £90 3 nights’ bed, breakfast & Table d’Hôte evening meal, 1 tea Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base

River Ness – Inverness

(Standard or First Class) Rail travel, as described All excursions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager Hotel Porterage

© Visit Scotland

HOTEL

Royal Highland, Inverness A classic Scottish ‘station hotel’, the Royal Highland offers guests the charm and elegance of a distinguished past, combined with modern facilities. The bedrooms have been tastefully contemporised whilst retaining their unmistakably traditional feel, including satellite television and even a choice of pillows

Highlands by train

Kyle of Lochalsh

© John Armitstead

© Kyle of Lochalsh

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

6

H ighland A dventure

The Highlands of Scotland are a joy to behold as we combine the glorious West Highland rail route with the fabulous ‘Harry Potter’ Jacobite steam train, steaming over Glenfinnan Viaduct to Mallaig.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

DAY 1 For customers travelling with us by train, we meet in Glasgow , where we take an early evening meal before boarding our train for the glorious journey past lochs, through forests and over mountains and moors that is the spectacularly scenic West Highland Line to Fort William. Customers joining at the hotel dine at the hotel this evening. (D) DAY 2 We cruise Loch Linnhe – a lovely sea loch - looking out for seals and porpoises, diving birds and perhaps a golden eagle. Upon our return to Fort William we have time for lunch and to wander the shops, before we take our tour of the fascinating Ben Nevis whisky distillery , concluding with a wee dram. We then soar skyward in a Nevis Range Gondola on our adventure to experience stunning panoramic views of the Highlands and Ben Nevis itself. (B,D) ★ ★ Dinner every evening in your hotel ★ ★ Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) ★ ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager ★ ★ Hotel Porterage ★ ★ A magical Scottish adventure ★ ★ Travel the glorious West Highland Line - “Railroad to the Isles” ★ ★ Cruise Loch Linnhe, relaxing in search of seals and porpoises ★ ★ Take the famous ‘Harry Potter’ steam train journey aboard the “Jacobite” ★ ★ Soar to the heavens - experience stunning views on the Ben Nevis range by cable car ★ ★ Enjoy a ‘wee dram’ at Ben Nevis Distillery: ‘Slàinte Mhath’ – good health! Also included in your Tour Fare:

Fares From £399

Jacobite Steam Train Crossing Glenfinnan Viaduct of ‘Harry Potter’ Fame

4 DAYS

© AdobeStock

DAY 3 Today our adventure continues aboard the Jacobite steam train * to Mallaig, journeying over the impressive Glenfinnan Viaduct, capturing the views of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s monument, Loch Shiel and Loch Eilt, before the line turns north with astonishing vistas to the Atlantic coastline of golden white sands. There is time to explore the harbour town of Mallaig , with its majestic views across to the Isle of Skye, before we return to Fort William on our great railway journey of dramatic and captivating scenes. (B,D) DAY 4 The beautiful rail journey from Fort William back to Glasgow concludes our holiday for those returning by rail, passing across remote moors and through the glens to Loch Lomond and finally along the shores of the Clyde as we approach Glasgow for homeward trains. (B) *In the unlikely event of the steam train being unavailable we reserve the right to substitute a diesel train or undertake the journey by road coach.

DEPARTS

Monday 8 April 2019 Monday 13 May 2019 Monday 10 June 2019 Monday 23 September 2019

FARES

FARE REGION London: Euston Greater London South of England

FIRST STANDARD RC

£790 £835 £845 £845 £820 £725 £685 £620 £595 £645 £740 £685

£600 -£25 £625 -£30 £645 -£30 £645 -£30 £645 -£30 £560 -£20 £560 -£20 £530 -£20 £515 -£15 £525 -£15 £590 -£25 £555 -£20

East Anglia South West

Heart of England

Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales

Scotland

N/A £510 -£10

Join & Leave at Hotel

£399

MAY Departure Supplement £60 JUNE Departure Supplement £70 SEPTEMBER Departure Supplement £90 Single Room Supplement £85 3 night’s bed, breakfast & Table d’Hôte evening meal Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described All excursions and admissions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager Hotel Porterage

Passing Loch Lomond, West Highland Line

© Norman McNab

HOTEL

Alexandra Hotel, Fort William Situated close by the railway station this comfortable Victorian villa hotel offers all rooms en suite with TV and radio, telephone and hospitality tray. The dining room is proud of its locally sourced Table d’Hôte menu.

Ben Nevis whisky

Loch Shiel Viewed From Glenfinnan Viaduct

© AdobeStock

© Ben Nevis Distillery

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

7

D evon R iviera by S team

A wonderful short break on the English Riviera to explore the beauty and charm of Devon’s magnificent coast by boat and two of Devon’s finest steam railways.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Fares From £359

DAY 1 For those travelling with us by train, experience one of England’s most quintessential holiday welcoming moments – the great railway journey along the sea wall at Dawlish , before climbing high into the rural pasturelands of the Devon hills then descending back to the coast to arrive on the English Riviera at Torquay . We transfer to the Livermead House Hotel, conveniently situated on Torquay’s seafront. (D) ★ ★ Dinner every evening ★ ★ Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) ★ ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager ★ ★ Hotel Porterage ★ ★ A lovely introduction to Devon ★ ★ Arrive in Torquay along one of Britain’s truly great coastal rail journeys ★ ★ Enjoy the South Devon Steam Railway to Buckfastleigh ★ ★ Travel by steam train along the beautiful English Riviera coast line ★ ★ Glorious sightseeing around Torquay ★ ★ Visit Dartmouth, historic naval town ★ ★ Idyllic circular cruise viewing sights from the majestic River Dart ★ ★ Hotel on the stunning seafront Also included in your Tour Fare:

Dartmouth Steam Railway

4 DAYS

© Mark Dickin RTL

DAY 2 We travel to Totnes , where we join the oldest preserved steam railway in the south-west, the South Devon Railway. Following a pretty route through the Dart Valley on a former GWR branch line, we follow a scenic seven mile journey connecting the beautifully maintained stations at Totnes and Buckfastleigh . After free time we return to Torquay . The day is then free for you to enjoy at leisure in Torquay; perhaps take ”the mile” stroll around the harbour and seafront spotting the clues linked to a character in Agatha Christie’s books, or take the sea ferry to Brixham, home of the “Golden Hind” replica of the iconic Tudor ship (B,D) DAY 3 Today we travel by steam train alongside the English Riviera coastline to Churston, then on through the wooded slopes of Long Wood bordering the Dart Estuary to Kingswear. We take a short ferry crossing to the historic resort of Dartmouth where there is free time for some sightseeing and a gentle circular river cruise viewing Bayards Cove, Kingswear and Dartmouth Castles, Britannia Royal Naval College, Dittisham Village, and Sir Walter Raleigh’s Boathouse. We return by steam train to Paignton, and onwards to our hotel. (B,D) DAY 4 We bid farewell to new found friends and return homeward. (B)

DEPARTS

Monday 8 April 2019 Wednesday 8 May 2019 Monday 3 June 2019 Monday 23 September 2019

FARES

FARE REGION

FIRST STANDARD RC

London: Paddington Greater London South of England

£510 £540 £540 £565 £420 £535 £570 £630 £685 £600 £670 £615 £735

£450 -£10 £470 -£15 £470 -£15 £495 -£20 £395 -£5 £460 -£15 £460 -£15 £505 -£25 £530 -£25 £485 -£20 £485 -£20 £485 -£20 £570 -£30

East Anglia South West

Heart of England

Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales

Scotland

HOTEL The Livermead House Hotel The Livermead House Hotel in Torquay is an elegant hotel built in 1820 on the edge of Cockington Valley on Torquay sea front in the heart of The English Riviera, Torbay. The Livermead House offers a traditional flavour on Torquay’s water’s edge. It’s a level walk along the promenade to the town centre and there is free Wi-Fi Internet access in all public areas. £359 MAY / JUNE / SEPT Departure Supplement £30 Single Room Supplement £40 3 nights’ bed, breakfast & Table d’Hôte evening meal Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described All excursions and admissions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager Hotel Porterage Join & Leave at Hotel

South Devon Railway

© SDR

Beautiful Torquay

River Dart Cruise

© Adobe Stock

© Dartmouth Steam Railway

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

8

S pringtime H ighlander

A circular tour of the spectacular ‘Great Railway Journeys of the Scottish Highlands’. You may have seen them on TV; now you too can experience some of the most stunningly beautiful scenery in Europe.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

DAY 1 For customers travelling by train, we climb along the spine of Scotland. Leaving the Lowlands behind, the wonderfully picturesque Highland Line takes you through Perth, Pitlochry and over the Cairngorm Mountains to Inverness and our traditional Scottish hotel, The Royal Highland. (D) DAY 2 We take the amazing Kyle Line train, Scotland’s original “Great Railway Journey of the World” , coast-to-coast through stunning scenery and across mountain plateaux. Look out for wild deer, eagles and the palm trees of Plockton village, before dramatic sea vistas are revealed as we arrive at Kyle of Lochalsh . ★ ★ Spectacular Highlands mountain scenery ★ ★ The “Great Railway Journey of the World” to Kyle of Lochalsh ★ ★ Ride the magical “Harry Potter” line to Mallaig ★ ★ Take the fabulous Highland Line climbing through the Cairngorms ★ ★ See the Bonnie Prince Charlie monument at the head of Loch Shiel ★ ★ Cross magnificent Glenfinnan Viaduct, of Harry Potter movie fame ★ ★ Enjoy “monster spotting” at Loch Ness ★ ★ By train over Rannoch Moor on the stunning West Highland Line ★ ★ Free time to explore Inverness, the capital of the Highlands Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ ★ Dinner every evening plus 1 light lunch ★ ★ Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) ★ ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager ★ ★ Hotel Porterage

Fares From £409

Glenfinnan Viaduct

5 DAYS

© Norman McNab

Here we enjoy a light lunch in the renowned Lochalsh Hotel , overlooking the Isle of Skye, before retracing our steps to Inverness. (B,L,D) DAY 3 A free day in Inverness to enjoy this compact and easy to get around city. Inverness Castle is perched picturesquely above the River Ness and the medieval buildings of Church Street. Enjoy the magnificent cathedral church, lovely riverside restaurants and bustling cafes along with a wide range of specialist retailers in the historic Old Town and Victorian Market . (B,D) DAY 4 Departing Inverness by road we travel alongside Loch Ness , with a short break for photography and monster spotting, then continue through the beautiful Great Glen to Fort William. Here we commence our magical train journey along the rail route to the Isles . We cross the world renowned Glenfinnan Viaduct , overlooking Loch Shiel and the Bonnie Prince Charlie monument; a view made even more famous in the Harry Potter films. We round Loch Eilt with its trees of the ancient Caledonian Forest and burst out onto the white-sanded Atlantic shoreline at Morar. Catch distant views of the Isles of Eigg and Rhum before we reach the terminus at Mallaig overlooking the Isle of Skye. After a sightseeing break we return to Fort William with seats on the opposite side of the train so no vista is missed. (B,D) DAY 5 Customers booking our rail package bid farewell to Fort William and travel by train over the stunning West Highland Line to complete our circular tour back to the Lowlands and Glasgow for trains homeward. (B)

DEPARTS

Saturday 9 March 2019 Saturday 16 March 2019 Saturday 23 March 2019

FARES

FARE REGION

FIRST STANDARD RC

London Kings Cross (Returns to Euston) Greater London South of England

£725 £765 £775 £785 £845 £720 £705 £650 £605 £655 £775 £700

£585 -£20 £600 -£20 £615 -£25 £615 -£25 £675 -£40 £595 -£20 £585 -£20 £555 -£20 £525 -£20 £545 -£20 £625 -£30 £580 -£20

East Anglia South West

Heart of England

Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales

Scotland

N/A £505 -£10

Join & Leave at Hotels

£409

16 March Departure Supplement £10 23 March Departure Supplement £20 Single Room Supplement £95

4 nights’ bed, breakfast & Table d’Hôte evening meal, 1 light lunch Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described All excursions and admissions as detailed plus services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager Hotel Porterage

Morar Bay with Eigg in the distance

HOTELS

© Norman McNab © AdobeStock

Royal Highland Hotel, Inverness A classic Scottish ‘station hotel’, the Royal Highland offers guests the charm and elegance of a distinguished past. The bedrooms have been tastefully contemporised whilst retaining their unmistakably traditional feel, including satellite television and even a choice of pillows. Alexandra Hotel, Fort William Situated close by the railway station this comfortable Victorian villa hotel offers all rooms en suite with TV and radio, telephone and hospitality tray. The dining room is proud of its locally sourced Table d’Hôte menu.

Rails to the Isles

Inverness Castle

© VisitScotland / ScottishViewpoint

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

9

R oses S team with H arrogate F lower S how or S ettle & C arlisle

N E W T O U R

A new tour where you can take your pick, either visiting the RHS Harrogate Flower Show or the Settle & Carlisle Line. After a day at the North’s most famous flower show or crossing the Dales by train, we sample two great steam railways in the red rose and white rose counties, plus UNESCO World Heritage Saltaire. We hope you’ll agree that we’ve coming up smelling of roses!

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

DAY 1 Arriving in Bradford we transfer to the historic Midland Hotel at Bradford Forster Square, built by the Midland Railway company in the late 19th century. (D) DAY 2 For our April and September groups, we take the Harrogate Line to Harrogate , known as ‘the English Spa’. We transfer first to the Great Yorkshire Showground to visit the Harrogate Flower Show , the North’s top gardening event, with floral displays galore and superb exhibitions. Our May and June groups will experience the Settle & Carlisle Line . This great journey climbs up through the Yorkshire Dales from Settle, gateway to the ‘Three Peaks’, crossing ★ ★ Dinner every evening ★ ★ Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) ★ ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager ★ ★ Hotel Porterage ★ ★ Stay at Bradford’s historic railway hotel, the Midland Hotel ★ ★ Enjoy Harrogate’s RHS Flower Show or the Settle & Carlisle Line ★ ★ Step back in time on the Keighley & Worth Valley Steam Railway ★ ★ Take in the beautifully preserved Saltaire village and Salt’s Mill’s Hockney collection ★ ★ Steam through the Irwell Valley on the East Lancashire Railway Also included in your Tour Fare:

Fares From £445

Keighley & Worth Valley Steam

5 DAYS

© Dave Gibson

Ribblehead Viaduct , the engineering marvel spanning Batty Moss, and passing Dent, the highest mainline station in England at 1150 ft. (B,D) DAY 3 Today we venture across the Pennines to the red rose county. In Manchester we take the tram to Bury for a return steam journey on the East Lancashire Railway , a beautifully preserved heritage line through the Irwell Valley linking Bury with Rawtenstall. Back in Bury you have the opportunity to visit its Transport Museum before heading back to the white rose county. Back in Yorkshire, it might be worth keeping today’s Lancashire excursion secret! (B,D) DAY 4 A busy day exploring Yorkshire awaits, as we take the local rail network to Keighley. Here we board the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway for a scenic steam hauled journey through the countryside made familiar through the film, the Railway Children. Returning along the line to Keighley, we head next to Saltaire, the beautifully preserved Victorian model village created by industrialist Sir Titus Salt to house the workers at his local mill. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, the village’s mill has now been converted into a shopping and arts space, with regular exhibitions of local artist David Hockney. (B,D) DAY 5 We bid farewell to new found friends and make our way home. (B)

DEPARTS

Thursday 25 April 2019 Harrogate Flower Show Thursday 16 May 2019 Settle & Carlisle Thursday 20 June 2019 Settle & Carlisle Thursday 12 September 2019 Harrogate Flower Show

FARE REGION

FIRST STANDARD RC

London: Kings Cross

£600 £640 £650 £665 £700 £645 £585

£535 -£10 £555 -£10 £560 -£15 £565 -£15 £585 -£20 £555 -£10 £515 -£10

Greater London South of England

FARES

East Anglia South West

Heart of England

Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales

N/A £495 -£5

£565

£525 -£10

N/A £500 -£5

£660

£550 -£10

N/A £535 -£10

Scotland

£605

£535 -£10

Join & Leave at Hotel

£445

Single Room Supplement £85 4 nights’ bed, breakfast & Table d’Hôte evening meal Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described All excursions and admissions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager Hotel Porterage

East Lancs Railway

HOTEL

© ELR

The Midland Hotel, Bradford Built between 1885 and 1890 by the Midland Railway Company, the Midland Hotel was a showpiece for the railway company’s northern operations, with some of the finest Victorian interiors in the city. The Midland has hosted many Prime Ministers, plus famous entertainers like Laurel & Hardy, George Formby, the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. In 1905 the Shakespearean actor Sir Henry Irving died on the hotel staircase following his appearance at the Theatre Royal, to be attended by his manager, Bram Stoker! Today sees a hotel that has undergone a transformation, with investment to all areas of the building, restoring it to its original greatness.

Ribblehead

Harrogate Flower Show

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

10

C anals , S team & H istoric C hester

Featuring two of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Canals’, this active tour based in historic Chester offers exciting heritage from Roman times to the golden industrial age of waterways and railways.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

DAY 1 We arrive in Chester where our hotel is conveniently situated near the railway station. Afternoon stroll along the ancient City Walls to the Dee for a river cruise and charming views of the town from the water. Return through Chester’s attractive city centre. (D) DAY 2 By train to Ellesmere Port to discover the colourful world of Roses & Castles at the National Waterways Museum . Enjoy a guided tour of the large collection of narrow boats, other canal craft and recreated workshops; there is time for further exploration at leisure before we cruise along the Shropshire Union Canal and return to Chester by train. (B,D) DAY 3 Experience one of Robert Aickman’s ‘Seven Wonders of the Canals’ at the magnificent Anderton Boat Lift where after taking refreshments we trace the history of canal carrying and engineering and take the boat trip to descend the lift and cruise the River Weaver . We return to Chester for an afternoon at leisure in the city’s charming streets of black-and-white houses, its Roman museum, beautiful Cathedral, and the famous Rows. Walk the towpath below the towering walls, marvel at the massive and ingenious Northgate Staircase Locks, idle away a moment watching the boats in Chester Basin. There’s something to see at every turn in Chester. (B,D) ★ ★ Dinner every evening ★ ★ Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) ★ ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager ★ ★ Hotel Porterage ★ ★ Explore the world of canals at Ellesmere Port, as the heyday of narrow boats comes alive ★ ★ Anderton Boat Lift, marvel of Victorian engineering ★ ★ Masterpiece of the canals, breathtaking Pontcysyllte Aqueduct ★ ★ Llangollen Steam Railway nostalgia ★ ★ 2000 years of history in the beautiful city of Chester ★ ★ Relax strolling waterside paths and ancient city walls ★ ★ Stay in the heart of Chester, at one of north England’s finest grand marque hotels Also included in your Tour Fare:

Fares From £535

Pontcysyllte Aquaduct

5 DAYS

© Wales on View

DAY 4 By private coach to the Llangollen Canal at Trevor for a breathtaking aerial cruise across another of the ‘Seven Wonders’, the spectacular Pontcysyllte Aqueduct . Crossing 126ft above the River Dee, it is the highest and longest aqueduct in Britain and a World Heritage site. We continue by road to Llangollen with time to look around the delightful town before a thrilling return steam train ride along the beautiful Dee Valley to Corwen . (B,D) DAY 5 Bid farewell to beautiful Cheshire as we make our way homeward. (B) OCTOBER DEPARTURE – In place of Llangollen Railway we feature Ffestiniog Steam Railway, Snowdonia and Conwy Valley coach tour.

DEPARTS

Sunday 14 April 2019 Sunday 26 May 2019 Sunday 21 July 2019 Sunday 22 September 2019 Sunday 13 October 2019

FARES

FARE REGION London: Euston Greater London South of England

FIRST STANDARD RC

£785 £825 £845 £880 £825 £695 £650 £705 £630 £760 £610 £800

£640 -£10 £660 -£10 £685 -£15 £695 -£15 £690 -£15 £615 -£10 £610 -£10 £650 -£10 £575 -£5 £640 -£10 £565 -£5 £680 -£15

East Anglia South West

Heart of England

Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales

N/A £605 -£5

Scotland

HOTEL Queen Hotel, Chester Situated in the heart of Chester, directly opposite the railway station, the Queen Hotel is characterised by its elegance and Victorian heritage. The en-suite bedrooms offer modern facilities including telephone, TV with Freeview, tea/coffee making facilities and free Wi-Fi. The hotel features delightful Italian gardens, bar and restaurant. £535 MAY / JULY / SEPT Departure Supplement £60 Single Room Supplement £160 4 nights’ bed, breakfast & Table d’Hôte evening meal Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described All excursions and admissions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager Hotel Porterage Join & Leave at Hotel

Llangollen Railway

Anderton Boat Lift

© Dave Gibson

© AdobeStock

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

11

S cottish S team & M alt T rail

N E W T O U R

Build up a head of steam, uncovering Scotland’s heritage from a different angle. Enjoy the Bo’ness & Kinneil Steam Railway, soar above the canals by boat on the remarkable Falkirk Wheel, cruise Loch Katrine by steamship and steam through the Highlands on the Strathspey Railway on a tour that also features two great distilleries.

DAY 1 Arrive in Perth and make your way to our hotel for four nights, the Salutation Hotel. Tonight we enjoy our first evening meal together. (D) DAY 2 Today we head northwards to explore the beautiful Trossach Range by coach, enjoying a Loch Katrine cruise on board the historic Steam Ship Sir Walter Scott . It is extraordinary to consider that the SS Sir Walter Scott completed her maiden voyage as far back as 1900. We complete the day with a visit to the Deanston Distillery , a Single malt Scotch whisky distillery located on the banks of the River Teith. (B,D) DAY 3 One of Scotland’s great rail journeys awaits today as we head north into the Cairngorms, passing dense ★ ★ Dinner every evening ★ ★ Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) ★ ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager ★ ★ Hotel Porterage TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ★ ★ Enjoy the Bo’ness & Kinneil Steam Railway ★ ★ Soar 35 metres into the air by boat at the engineering masterpiece Falkirk Wheel ★ ★ Experience a tour and tasting at Deanston Distillery ★ ★ Steam on the former Highland Railway with the Strathspey Steam Railway ★ ★ Marvel at the vistas as we travel by train to Aviemore ★ ★ Enjoy a cruise on Loch Katrine about the Steam Ship Sir Walter Scott ★ ★ Sample of malts at Edradour Distillery Also included in your Tour Fare:

Fares From £450

SS Sir Walter Scott

5 DAYS

forests and wild moors, flanked by the Grampians, on our way to the mountain resort of Aviemore . Here we enjoy a return steam excursion from Aviemore to Broomhill on the preserved section of the Highland Line known as the Strathspey Steam Railway . Back in Aviemore, we return southwards, halting at Pitlochry to visit the stunningly located Edradour Distillery , set in the hills above Pitlochry. We sample the hand- crafted single malt before continuing our journey to Perth. (B,D) DAY 4 Today our tour reaches its peak with a short coach transfer to the Falkirk Wheel . The Forth & Clyde Canal was originally built to link sea to sea across Scotland’s central belt, however, not long after its construction it was usurped by the railways. After falling into disrepair, volunteers began restoring the canal to its former glory with similar vigour to the pioneers of railway preservation. The Falkirk Wheel is the final piece in the jigsaw, an incredible feat of engineering and design. Our boat is lifted 35 metres by the world’s only rotating boat lift , before sailing seamlessly onto the Union Canal. We continue to the Bo’ness & Kinneil Steam Railway for a return ride along the line. (B,D) DAY 5 Our hotel in Perth bids “Haste ye back,” as we make our way home. (B)

DEPARTS

Thursday 11 April 2019 Thursday 9 May 2019 Saturday 29 June 2019 Thursday 26 September 2019

FARES

FARE REGION

FIRST STANDARD RC

London: King’s Cross

£670 £710 £720 £735 £820 £720 £695 £635 £590 £660 £750 £695

£575 -£20 £595 -£25 £600 -£25 £610 -£30 £655 -£40 £600 -£25 £570 -£20 £555 -£20 £535 -£20 £555 -£20 £615 -£30 £580 -£20

Greater London South of England

East Anglia South West

Heart of England

Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales

Scotland

N/A £505 -£10

Join & Leave at Hotel

£450

MAY Departure Supplement £75 JUNE & SEPTEMBER Departure Supplement £100 Single Room Supplement £85 4 nights’ bed, breakfast & Table d’Hôte evening meal Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described All excursions and admissions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager Hotel Porterage

Falkirk Wheel

© Adobe Stock

HOTEL

Salutation Hotel Situated in the heart of the historic City of Perth, the Salutation is the oldest established hotel in Scotland, having welcomed guests through its doors since 1699, including Bonnie Prince Charlie who stayed here in 1745.

Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway

Edradour Distillery

© Adobe Stock

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

12

I sle of M an E xplorer

The fantastic Isle of Man at its very best! A wonderful sea-front hotel on a traditional promenade, horse drawn trams, steam railways, heritage electric trams, a mountain railway and superb scenery.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

DAY 1 We arrive in Douglas on the Isle of Man where we transfer to the Empress Hotel in its prime location on the Victorian promenade overlooking Douglas Bay. Enjoy a stroll along the seafront before our evening meal. (D) DAY 2 Today we enjoy a whiff of steam on the magnificent Isle of Man Railway to Port Erin with time to view the excellent refurbished railway sheds, steam trains and carriages at the neighbouring Railway Museum . We return by steam train to Castletown and the island’s ancient capital, Castle Rushen , one of Europe’s most finely preserved medieval fortresses. We also visit the fascinating Old House of Keys , the former meeting place of the Isle of Man Parliament, where you may even have the chance to join a debate in the chamber. ★ ★ Dinner every evening ★ ★ Rail travel, seat reservations & ferry from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) ★ ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager ★ ★ Hotel Porterage ★ ★ Discover the captivating heritage of this independent isle ★ ★ Rover ticket for all the Isle of Man railways ★ ★ Laxey Mines private steam charter ★ ★ Ride the unique Manx Electric Railway ★ ★ Explore the harbourside town of Ramsey ★ ★ Steam journey on the Isle of Man Steam Railway ★ ★ Discover medieval Castle Rushen ★ ★ Fascinating Old House of Keys ★ ★ Spectacular views from Snaefell Mountain Railway ★ ★ Steam journey on the Groudle Glen Railway Also included in your Tour Fare:

Fares From £550

Isle of Man Steam Railway

5 DAYS

© Visitisleofman.com

Alternatively, enjoy a full day of steam alighting at whatever stations you wish to explore and for photography. (B,D) DAY 3 A great day of heritage starts with boarding the Manx Electric Railway to Laxey where we have a special steaming on the mines railway and visit “Lady Isabella” – the Great Wheel of Laxey . We depart Laxey by tram to Ramsey where there is time to take lunch and stroll around the pier and harbour before returning by electric railway and horse drawn tram to Douglas. Alternatively, use your travel pass to take a bus from Ramsey to Peel and explore the island’s main fishing port and Peel Cathedral. (B,D) DAY 4 Travelling by tram to Laxey we transfer to the electric Snaefell Mountain Railway for our journey to the top of the island’s highest peak, Snaefell at 2,036ft; on a clear day it is said one can see the six kingdoms - Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland, Isle of Man and Heaven. After a lunchtime break we return to Laxey and continue by tram to Groudle, for a steam train journey on the narrow gauge Groudle Glen Railway to the cliff tops of Sea Lion Rocks. We conclude our exciting day by Manx Electric Railway tram to Douglas. (B,D) DAY 5 Our island exploration draws to a close as we board the morning ferry to Heysham and head homewards. (B)

DEPARTS

Thursday 2 May 2019 Thursday 20 June 2019 Saturday 20 July 2019* Thursday 5 September 2019

FARES

FARE REGION London: Euston Greater London South of England

FIRST STANDARD RC

£865 £905 £915 £925 £865 £780 £770

£735 -£10 £765 -£15 £775 -£15 £775 -£15 £745 -£15 £705 -£10 £695 -£10

East Anglia South West

Heart of England

Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales

N/A £685 -£10 N/A £680 -£10

£735 £815 £795 £780

£675 -£10 £720 -£10 £700 -£10 £705 -£10

Scotland

HOTEL Empress Hotel, Douglas, Isle of Man The hotel commands a prime position on the Victorian promenade overlooking Douglas Bay; built at the end of the 19th Century, it has been extensively upgraded and proudly maintains its status as one of the best hotels on the island. All bedrooms have luxurious en-suite marble bathroom, complimentary refreshments, TV, hairdryer, trouser press, and Wi-Fi. * Please note that the July date stays at the Ascot Hotel instead, just off the promenade Join & Leave at Hotel £550 Join & Leave at the port of Heysham £629 Sea View Twin Room Supplement £40pp Single Room Supplement £85 4 nights’ bed, breakfast & Table d’Hôte evening meal Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described All excursions and admissions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager Hotel Porterage

Laxey Wheel

© Visitisleofman.com © Natalie Smith

Peel Castle

Laxey Station

© Visit IOM/Liam Miller

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

13

S hakespeare , S evern V alley & C otswolds S team

N E W T O U R

NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

This delightful tour features a day at the popular Severn Valley Steam Railway, a day exploring the Cotswolds including vintage steam, plus a visit to Shakespeare’s Stratford upon Avon - all from our base at a 4* hotel with leisure facilities and with no single supplement!

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ A day exploring the Severn Valley Steam Railway ★ ★ Steam through the Cotswolds on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway ★ ★ A visit to the beautiful Cotswold village of Broadway ★ ★ A guided walking tour of Stratford-upon-Avon ★ ★ Free time in Shakespeare’s Stratford

Fares From £495

★ ★ A 4* hotel with leisure facilities ★ ★ No single room supplement!

DAY 1 Arriving in Solihull , check into the St John’s Hotel close to the station. Relax this afternoon in the hotel’s leisure club ahead of dinner this evening in the hotel restaurant. (D) DAY 2 We travel by train to Kidderminster for a day exploring the Severn Valley Railway . Preservation of this historic full-size standard gauge line began in 1965. From Kidderminster the steam-hauled trains ply a scenic 16 mile route closely following the River Severn to Bridgnorth in Shropshire. On arrival there is free time to explore this lovely town before returning by steam train to Kidderminster and our service train onwards to Solihull. (B,D) DAY 3 After breakfast we transfer by coach to the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway . Beginning

Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway

5 DAYS

our journey at Cheltenham Racecourse, we steam into the Cotswolds on a scenic line recently extended to Broadway . A short transfer takes us into Broadway itself for free time in this quintessential Cotswold village. Broadway’s pretty High Street is lined with horse chestnut trees and includes a mixture of period houses and picturesque honey-coloured Cotswold stone cottages. (B,D) DAY 4 A short change at Birmingham allows us to transport you by train along the picturesque “Shakespeare Line” to Stratford-upon-Avon . On arrival our local guide introduces Shakespeare’s Stratford on a guided walking tour . We enjoy some free time in Stratford, with the opportunity to visit some of the Shakespeare sights or maybe take a boat trip. Back at the hotel, we enjoy a final dinner together. (B,D) DAY 5 We bid farewell to our hotel and the ‘Heart of England’, making our journeys home. (B)

DEPARTS

Thursday 1 August 2019 Thursday 29 August 2019

FARES

FARE REGION London: Euston Greater London South of England

FIRST STANDARD RC

£650 £695 £715 £735 £685 £590 £565 £630 £675 £610 £680 £650 £740

£565 -£10 £590 -£10 £600 -£10 £620 -£10 £590 -£10 £530 -£5 £530 -£5 £550 -£10 £590 -£10 £540 -£5 £580 -£10 £575 -£10 £630 -£15

East Anglia South West

Heart of England

Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales

Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stratford upon Avon

Scotland

© Visit Stratford

Join & Leave at Hotel

£495

NO Single Room Supplement 4 nights’ bed, breakfast & dinner each evening Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base

(Standard or First Class) Rail travel as described All excursions and admissions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager Hotel Porterage

HOTEL

St John’s Hotel, Solihull The St John’s Hotel is a 4* hotel with 180 comfortable rooms equipped with satellite tv, coffee/tea making facilities, iron and board, and individual climate control. The hotel features a restaurant and bar, plus a leisure club including swimming pool, steam room, sauna, whirlpool and gym.

Victoria Bridge, Severn Valley Railway

© Severn Valley Railway

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323 B ok now – online at w.railtrail.co.uk or t lephone: 01538 382323

C 14

Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker