The Armistice Steam Express — Railway Touring Company

The Railway Touring Company, based in King's Lynn, Norfolk, sells The Armistice Steam Express as a one-day circular excursion from London Victoria to Canterbury. The operator presents it as a day behind steam that also marks Armistice Day: along the way it pauses to remember the moment fighting ceased at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, ending the First World War.

The steam-hauled train leaves London Victoria in the morning and heads south-east via Bromley South through the Kent countryside, passing Ashford International and Wye on the way to Canterbury. The operator suggests Canterbury Cathedral, the Westgate Towers and the Goods Shed near Canterbury West station, and says the steam locomotive is serviced while passengers are in the city.

In the afternoon the train sets off behind steam again. It returns via Deal and Dover Priory, where the operator says the route offers views of the Kent coast, with glimpses of the English Channel and the White Cliffs in the distance, then turns inland through the Kent Weald via Tonbridge and Sevenoaks to arrive back at London Victoria in the evening.

Three classes are sold: Premier Dining, First Class and Standard Class. Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and a four-course dinner prepared on board and silver served at the seat. First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon or breakfast roll and a sweet treat, then an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury and a scone with butter and jam. Standard Class is a reserved seat, usually at a table for four. A buffet car serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.

The locomotive is announced, not promised. The operator does not name the engine on the page, says the images on its site do not show the locomotive scheduled to haul the service, and its terms say the organisers reserve the right to substitute a different steam locomotive or, in exceptional circumstances, a diesel, with no refund for changes to the advertised locomotive.

A long day out: a morning departure from London Victoria, time in Canterbury in the middle of the day and an early-evening return (timings are approximate). Each passenger has a reserved seat. The operator says the train pauses during the day to remember the end of the First World War. In winter the operator advises layers: the carriages, although heated, can be cold.

Boards at London Victoria station, Terminus Place, London; the operator's page lists no other joining station. Tickets are booked online with the operator, by phone or by post form. Seats are reserved and a booking is taken as acceptance of the operator's conditions, which allow a change of locomotive without refund. Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement. Vegetarian options are offered; other dietary requests cannot be met. Wheelchairs cannot be boarded while occupied; see the FAQ for what the operator can carry. Only guide dogs travel on board, bicycles cannot be carried, and there are no power sockets or Wi-Fi.