|
There's no better way to visit the medieval
cathedral cities of England and countryside than by
Cathedral's Express train, hauled by a fabulous
steam engine. Travel back in time; imagine the
handsome steam engine puffing gently at the
platform, the gentle rhythm of the piston-driven
wheels taking you to your chosen destination and
courteous staff on board helping to make your
day a truly memorable one.
You can choose from three options when booking your tickets:
Premier Dining (PD) -Seated in the restaurant car, a champagne brunch is served on the outward journey accompanied by tea, coffee and freshly baked bread and pastries. A three course dinner is served on the return journey. Menus are changed throughout the season and vegetarian options are available.
First Class (FC) - Available in seperate compartments seating up to six people. Fares include a glass of champagne and fruit juice on boarding and waitress service providing tea, coffee and drinks from the bar during both outward and return journeys.
Standard Classs (SC) - Passengers are seated at tables or four in open carriages. Hot and cold drinks and light snacks from the train's buffet ca or from the trolley service. Spirits, wines and beer are also served from the buffet car.
Canterbury
This ancient cathedral city has always attracted visitors, from the medieval pilgrims immortalised by Chaucer to the present day tourists. Within the ancient city walls you will find some of the oldest churches; twisting medieval alleyways; half-timbered Tudor houses; distinctive houses of the Huguenot weavers; beautifully proportioned Georgian and Regency terraces; but above all the Cathedral, seat of the Archbishop and pre-eminent centre of English Christianity for over a thousand years.
Price per person: PD:159 pounds / FC: 85 pounds / SC: 55 pounds 
Sunday 20th March, Wednesday 29th June 2005 - departs from Clapham Junction station
Wednesday 31st August, Sunday 9th October 2005 - departs from Victoria station
Chichester
Head through leafy Surrey via the North Downs and Box Hill before passing through the beautiful Arun Valley and the castle town of Arundel. Approaching Chichester there's a magnificent view of the Cathedral spire, which dominates the town.
Price per person: PD: 137 pounds / FC: 85 pounds / SC: 55 pounds 
Wednesday 11th May, Wednesday 27th July 2005 - departs from Waterloo station
Bath and Bristol
Regency Bath is not strictly a cathedral city, but boasts a beautiful
abbey. Elegant stone buildings with terraces, crescents and graceful
squares spread before one. Visit the Roman Baths and Georgian
Pump Room where the natural mineral water attracted all fashionable
society. Explore the Pulteney Bridge, topped by shops and
buildings and visit the Old Abbey. View the Museum of Costume's
extensive display of more than 30,000 items and see carefully
selected gowns from the collection of Her Majesty the Queen during
her Golden Jubilee.
Price per person - PD: 149 pounds / FC: 89 pounds / SC: 59.50 pounds
Wednesday 20th April, Wednesday 8th June, Wednesday 20th July, Wednesday 24th August, Wednesday 12th October and Saturday 26th November 2005 - departs from Victoria and Clapham Juction stations
Warwick and Stratford
Although neither are strictly cathedral
cities, both Warwick and Stratford are steeped in history. Stratford
is the birthplace of possibly the greatest English playwright,
William Shakespeare and is home to the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Alternatively, visit the Teddy Bear Museum or the Holy Trinity
Church. Warwick Castle forms a magnificent centrepiece to the
city of Warwick, which is rightly famed for it's antique and collectable
shops. Tour the Heritage Motor Centre or enjoy a lesuirely walk
along the river bank
Price per person: PD: 149 pounds / FC: 89 pounds / SC: 59.50 pounds
Saturday 2nd July, Saturday 22nd October 2005 - departs from Victoria and Clapham Junction station
Oxford and Worcester
This City of Dreaming Spires is home to an impressive cathedral and the world-famous Oxford university. Visit the Bodelian Library, which has educated many of the world's most respected scholars. For those wishing to learn more about this part of the cities history, you may wish to visit The Oxford Story Exhibition - 800 years of history of both the city and the university. The city also houses the world's oldest museum - The Ashmolean. Alternatively, take a river trip which range from punts to steamers.
Price per person: PD: 137 pounds / FC: 79 pounds / SC: 49.50 pounds
Saturday 21st May, Saturday 20th August 2005 - departs from Clapham Junction station
Gloucester
Boasting a medieval cathedral founded in
700AD, the city of Gloucester is a fascinating place to explore.
Visit the 200 year old restored docks, filled with shops and museums
or take a leisurely riverside walk and enjoy the picturesque setting.
The city will also hold a fascination for children, as it was
used for several of the locations in the Harry Potter movies.
Price per person:
PD: 149 pounds / FC: 89 pounds / SC: 59.50 pounds
Saturday 18th June 2005 - departs from Victoria station
Norwich
This ancient cathedral city is known as
the capital of East Anglia and is dominated by the Norman Cathedral
and Castle which lie within easy reach of each other. The central
cities of the city follow their medieval course, outlined by the
remaining city walls, which enclose a wealth of historic buildings,
including the medieval Guildhall.
Price per person: PD: 143 pounds / FC: 85 pounds / SC: 55 pounds
Saturday 11th June and Saturday 1st October 2005 - departs from Liverpool Street station and Kings Cross station
Lincoln
Lincoln city overlooks the beautiful area
of the Fens and is home to a 12th century castle. The city itself
consists of cobled streets and unique shops which are worth setting
time aside to explore. Lincoln also hosts Europe's largest Christmas
fare, and this tour is an excellent way to combine sightseeing
and christmas shopping.
Price per person: PD: 159 pounds / FC: 99 pounds / SC: 69.50 pounds
Saturday 17th September, Saturday 3rd December 2005 - departs from Kings Cross station
Cranmore and Wells
This tour arrives in Wells via Cranmore using the East Sommerset
Railway. Once in Wells, the smallest city in England, take time
to visit the Cathderal and the oldest complete medieval street
in the country.
Price per person: PD: 159 pounds / FC: 99 pounds / SC: 69.50 pounds
Saturday 18th June, Saturday 10th September 2005 - departs from Victoria station
Salisbury
The city has great charm and still retains much of its medieval origins. Overshadowed by the famous ancient cathedral built to a single design, it has the tallest spire (404 ft) and the biggest close. It is a walled village covering a square mile within a city. Before returning to London visit the Joiner's Hall, which features fine examples of the wood-carvers art.
Price per person: PD: 137 pounds / FC: 79 pounds / SC: 49.50 pounds
Saturday 1st April, Sunday 1st March, Sunday 24th July, Wednesday 12th October and Sunday 6th November 2005 - departs from Clapham Junction station
|