East Anglia to Highclere or Winchester Christmas Market — Steam Dreams

Steam Dreams runs this excursion from Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich, Colchester North, Witham, Chelmsford and Shenfield to Winchester, with a stop at Basingstoke for guests taking the optional coach visit to Highclere Castle. The operator says the journey is steam-hauled from West London in both directions, and names 70000 Britannia, a BR Standard Class 7, as the rostered locomotive.

In Winchester guests have time at the Christmas market, with the option to visit the Great Hall and its Round Table. The operator sells Pullman Dining and a non-dining First Class; the Highclere Castle visit is a supplement.

A day out by train, with time in Winchester for the Christmas market or, with the supplement, a visit to Highclere Castle by coach from Basingstoke. Pullman Dining includes a Champagne Bellini and multi-course breakfast outward and a four-course evening meal on the return.

Pick-ups at Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich, Colchester North, Witham, Chelmsford and Shenfield. The operator says the named locomotive cannot be guaranteed and may be substituted for a different engine, and that all timings are approximate and may change. Reservations: +44 (0) 1483 209 888.