The Bath and Bristol Christmas Express

Join us on this seasonal train that will leave London Paddington early on Saturday morning for the scenic journey to Bath and Bristol. There will be over four hours to explore Bath and visit the famous Christmas Market or travel on to Bristol. The Christmas lights will be on, the market will be in full swing, the city will be alive with the sound of Christmas music, and in a truly festive mood.

We depart from London Paddington steam hauled and make our way out of the Capital along the Great Western Railway main line. We pick up at Slough and then make our way to Reading where we pick up further passengers.

Following the Berks & Hants line, we follow the valley of the river Kennet through to Newbury, our final pick up station, where we pass the Racecourse. At Hungerford, we leave the Kennet behind and follow the Kennet & Avon canal through the Savernake Forest. The gradient steepens for the long climb to Savernake Summit before we enter the attractive Vale of Pewsey and head for Westbury. Approaching Westbury, we pass the famous White Horse carved in the chalk of the hillside.

Taking the Avon Valley, we encounter pretty Cotswold stone villages as we pass through Trowbridge and Bradford on Avon. The Dundas Canal Aqueduct spans the Kennet and Avon canal as we head for the city of Bath. 

The afternoon is free to explore the Georgian city and visit the distinctively ‘British’ Bath Christmas Market which has over 170 traditional wooden chalets selling seasonal products and gifts. The Abbey, Roman Baths, and Pump Room with its restaurant, all surround the Market site and are central to the main shopping area. However, don’t miss Milsom Street, voted ‘Britain’s Best Fashion Street’, and if you wish to see the sights at leisure, hop on a ‘City Sightseeing Tours’ bus.

Meanwhile our train continues to Bristol, another fascinating destination for those who wish to explore this fine city instead.

It has several world class attractions including Britain’s most acclaimed historic ship, the S.S. ‘Great Britain’; Brunel’s iconic Clifton suspension bridge; and an historic harbour-side, the location of the M Shed, an exciting new innovative museum. The city is a Christmas shopper’s haven with all the major retail outlets in the Broadmead and Cabot Circus shopping centres.

Late afternoon your steam hauled train will depart Bristol before stopping at Bath to collect passengers who opted to spend the day there. We return to London Paddington and will call at our earlier pick up station to set down, concluding what promises to be a most memorable day. 

Look out for Father Christmas and his Elves who will be visiting the train during the day and handing out presents to all the children on board. If you have children with you on the trip, please let us know your child’s name and age when booking.

On Board Catering