East Anglia to Bath — Steam Dreams

Steam Dreams, a private steam-train operator based near Guildford, sells East Anglia to Bath as a full-day excursion from Bury St Edmunds to Bath. The operator describes a journey to one of Britain's most elegant and architecturally distinguished destinations, known for its honey-coloured Georgian buildings, Roman heritage and charming streets.

The train leaves Bury St Edmunds and also picks up at Ipswich, Colchester North and Stratford. The operator says its steam locomotive takes the lead from West London for the run to Bath through rolling countryside, and that the journey is steam hauled between West London and Bath in both directions; it does not describe how the train is hauled between East Anglia and West London.

In Bath the time is left to the passengers, who gather at the station before the return journey. The operator suggests the Roman Baths, the Royal Crescent and The Circus, the Abbey, independent shops, tea rooms and the banks of the River Avon.

Two classes are sold. Pullman Dining includes a champagne Bellini and multi-course breakfast on a full-day journey, then champagne and canapés, a four-course evening meal and half a bottle of wine per person on the return. First Class is non-dining, with complimentary tea and coffee, a welcome celebratory drink, the option of bringing a picnic, and an Afternoon Tea available as a supplement.

The locomotive is announced, not promised. The operator says the engine is still to be confirmed, names a pool of seven steam locomotives from its collection, and adds that whichever is rostered "cannot be guaranteed and may be substituted for a different engine". Its FAQ says that on very rare occasions a diesel has been used as a last resort, in circumstances such as steam bans due to fire risk, drought or unexpected mechanical failures.

A very long day out: an early-morning departure from Bury St Edmunds, an afternoon at leisure in Bath and a late-night return (timings are approximate). In Pullman Dining the custom is to dress smartly and the operator asks for no sportswear; there is no official dress code elsewhere. Temperatures on board vary because modern climate control is not in use, so the operator advises layers. Children are welcome in First Class; Pullman Dining is reserved for adults and children aged 12 and over.

Boards at Bury St Edmunds station, Station Hill, Bury St Edmunds, with pick-ups at Ipswich, Colchester North and Stratford. All trips are return and the return journey is included; the operator never sells a one-way service. The heritage carriages do not allow wheelchair boarding and the operator asks guests with mobility needs to contact it before booking. Lavatories are at each end of every carriage. Own food and drink may be taken in First Class but not in Pullman Dining. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and pescatarian meals are catered for in Pullman Dining as standard, and must be requested at least 14 days before travel. Passengers who want to join further up the line can ask when booking, and the fare is the same wherever they join. Travel documents are sent by post or email about 5 to 7 days before departure, and an electronic ticket on a phone is accepted.