The Worcester Shakespeare Express — Vintage Trains

Vintage Trains, a registered charity based at Tyseley in Birmingham, sells the Worcester Shakespeare Express as a steam-hauled return from Worcester Shrub Hill to Stratford-upon-Avon. The operator describes a route through Worcestershire and Warwickshire that joins the Shakespeare Line at express speed and passes several stations that still carry their original Great Western Railway features.

The train leaves Worcester Shrub Hill and calls at Droitwich Spa and Stourbridge Junction; the operator's timing table also shows Birmingham Snow Hill before the arrival in Stratford-upon-Avon. The operator says the journey is steam-hauled from Worcester through the Warwickshire and Worcestershire countryside to Stratford-upon-Avon and back, and that about four and a half hours are allowed in the town, where the river, the shops and Shakespeare's birthplace are within easy reach.

Seating has picture windows and a buffet car. Pullman is sold as an upgrade, with a full English breakfast on the outward journey and afternoon tea on the return, brought to the seat in one of the operator's original Pullman cars, with tea and coffee included throughout.

The locomotive is announced, not promised. The operator's terms say every effort is made to run the advertised locomotive, but that it reserves the right to change locomotives, and that a diesel may replace or assist a steam locomotive in cases such as locomotive failure, network restrictions, adverse weather or high fire risk, with no refund or compensation.

A day trip with a mid-morning departure from Worcester Shrub Hill, about four and a half hours in Stratford-upon-Avon and an early-evening return (the operator publishes its journey timings as confirmed). Seating has picture windows and a buffet car on board. Pullman is sold as an upgrade with breakfast and afternoon tea at the seat.

Boards at Worcester Shrub Hill station, Shrub Hill, Worcester, with pick-ups at Droitwich Spa and Stourbridge Junction; the operator's timing table also lists Birmingham Snow Hill. The operator says its published prices include a booking fee. Children's buggies are permitted; pets and bicycles are not. The operator has limited wheelchair facilities and no disability-friendly toilets: its Pullman coaches cannot take passengers confined to a wheelchair, and a maximum of two can be accommodated in the Buffet Coach by calling the booking office first. Meals are from a set menu with vegan, vegetarian or gluten-free options on request at least 7 days before the tour. Refunds depend on how far ahead you cancel, and if the operator cancels or moves the date it offers a transfer, a full refund or a credit note.