By Katie Wilson
Train travel in the UK has had a resurgence in recent years, from new Pullman Dining experiences to train enthusiasts like Francis Bourgeois racking up viral videos on social media, with 2 million followers on Instagram alone.
Demand to see more of the beautiful British isles, particularly post-lockdown, has seen the number of train journeys increase by 155%, equating to 990 million rail trips in the past year alone.
Not only is travelling by train greener, it can be a great way to get around the UK, even just for an afternoon. Add fine dining and a good bottle of wine to the mix and it’s a winning day out, whatever age you are.
Steam Dreams Rail Co Review
There is the expectation Pullman Dining on trains commands a hefty price tag – and it can do – so we were pleasantly surprised to discover Steam Dreams Rail Co offers a chic, but affordable way to travel. Prices start at £75pp going up to £195pp for fine dining onboard.
Offering train tours around the UK, the locomotives from Steam Dreams Rail Co are a delight to travel in, from the restored vintage carriages that transport you to a bygone era to some of the nicest (we have to mention) toilets we’ve ever seen.
Many routes leave from London Victoria, such as the Sunset Steam Express, Sussex Coast Afternoon Tour and the newly-launched Garden Of England Lunchtime Tour, so are perfect for day trips.
Longer trips, like the Edinburgh Christmas Market, and new for 2024 Welsh Dragon tour around the most scenic rail lines in Wales, are also available to book or register interest online.
All trips offer varied dining options, from the Buffet Car where you purchase your own drinks at the lower end of the scale to First Class (without dining) and Pullman Dining, which sees guests served a glass of fizz on arrival followed by a three-course meal, plus bread, canapés, a bottle of wine, coffee or tea and handmade petit fours to eat onboard or take home with you.
Visiting for a lunchtime tour, our Pullman Dining menu included Poached Trout with Freshwater Crayfish Tails to start followed by a Duo of South Downs Lamb Carrot Puree, English Asparagus and Redcurrant Jus. Pudding was Canterbury Apple Tart with Cherry Compote and Vanilla Cream.
The food was delicious, staff were superb and we got to spend a sunny day out travelling around the Kent coast living out our vintage dreams on a steam train. We set off at 10am, so it’s not a super early start for all trips, and were back in London by 3pm. Want to treat someone? Gift vouchers are also available from £50.
Prices start from £79pp (non Pullman Dining)
Book a trip with Steam Dreams Rail Co here
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