Steam train trips take passengers to Christmas markets

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 1 Nov, 14:51 · Archive

Steam Dreams Rail Co is operating festive steam train trips from Essex to Christmas markets in Chester and Winchester.

Steam Dreams Rail Co is operating two festive steam train journeys from Essex to Christmas markets this season. The first departs Southend Central at 7.15am on 19 November, travelling to Chester Christmas Market. The train will stop at stations across Leigh and Barking before joining the express journey north through scenic countryside. Chester Christmas Market features around 80 traders surrounding a 90ft sparkling tree, offering locally made produce and handmade crafts. The historic city also offers shopping in its 700-year-old Rows, two-level galleried arcades, and attractions including complete city walls and a 1,000-year-old cathedral. The train departs Chester at 5.40pm, returning to Southend Central by 10.50pm.

A second journey departs Bury St Edmunds on 2 December, stopping at Colchester North at 7.25am. Passengers can choose between Winchester's Christmas market, set in the cathedral grounds with wooden chalets offering seasonal food and gifts, or Highclere Castle, the filming location for Downton Abbey, with a supplementary charge of £78 per person. Highclere Castle will be decorated for Christmas, with guests able to tour the grand interiors and Egyptian Exhibition before returning by coach to Winchester to rejoin the train.

Both journeys operate restored vintage carriages hauled by a steam locomotive. Steam Dreams offers First Class tickets starting at £245, including cushioned seating, complimentary tea and coffee, and for the Southend journey, the option to pre-order afternoon tea.

How it is being reported

• Festive steam train trip to whisk Colchester passengers to famous filming spotChristmas steam train from Colchester to Winchester and Highclere Castle departs December 2, with vintage carriages, festive markets and Downton Abbey sights.Colchester Gazette · 1 Nov, 14:33
• Steam train trip to take Southend passengers to 'magical' Christmas marketSteam Dreams’ vintage steam train will take passengers from Southend to Chester Christmas Market on November 19, with First Class and Pullman Dining.Echo (Basildon) · 1 Nov, 14:17

In this story: Steam Dreams Rail Co · Southend · Chester · Colchester · Winchester · Highclere Castle

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