Derby to Stratford-upon-Avon Shakespeare Express

at Vintage Trains
Derby Available from Sun 26 Apr to Sun 25 Oct

Visit Stratford-upon-Avon through a scenic train journey

Travel from the East Midlands to Shakespeare country aboard a classic steam‑hauled express, combining vintage rail travel, beautiful countryside and time to explore Stratford‑upon‑Avon at your leisure.

  • Board at any of Derby, Burton-on-Trent, Tamworth or Coleshill Parkway stations
  • Enjoy a scenic journey through the stunning Warwickshire countryside
  • Arrive at Stratford-upon-Avon, where you will get to spend around 4.5 hours
  • Opt to enjoy a riverside lunch, visit the markets, or explore the history of Shakespeare's birthplace
  • Return to your starting destination in the evening

Your vintage steam train travels at express speeds along the Shakespeare Line or Chiltern mainline, passing stations with their original Great Western Railway features.

Approximate travel times: 

Join at Derby, Burton-on-Trent, Tamworth or Coleshill Parkway stations.

  • Derby: Departs at 10:40am, returns at 19:05pm
  • Burton-on-Trent: Departs at 11:00am, returns at 18:45pm
  • Tamworth: Departs at 11:15am, returns at 18:25pm
  • Coleshill Parkway: Departs at 11:30am, returns at 17:50pm

Approximate destination times: 

  • Stratford-upon-Avon: Arrives at 12:40pm, departs at 16:45pm

You'll have approximately 4.5 hours in Stratford-upon-Avon to explore at your leisure. Enjoy lunch by the river, browse the shops, or discover the history of William Shakespeare's birthplace. 

You can also opt to make your journey an extra special one with Pullman Class travel. Treat yourself with a full English breakfast on your outward journey and delicious afternoon tea on your return, all served straight to your seat. Tea and coffee are also provided throughout, with additional drinks available to purchase.

Important information: 

  • Please note that these timings are approximate. Final timings will be confirmed 48 hours before departure.
  • Passengers are advised to arrive at their joining station at least 20 minutes prior to the final confirmed departure time.
  • Children under 16 must be accompanied by a fare paying adult. 
  • Children aged 3 and under may travel for free, provided they are not occupying a seat (Standard only).
  • Children aged 5 or under are not permitted to travel in Pullman.
  • Assistance and support dogs are welcome onboard.
  • There are limited wheelchair facilities onboard, but no disability-friendly toilets.
  • Pullman and First Class Coaches are not able to accommodate passengers in wheelchairs, but a maximum of 2 passengers can be accommodated in the Buffet Coach.
  • E-scooters, e-skateboards, e-unicycles and hoverboards are not permitted on the trains. 

Book your Shakespeare Express tickets today in just a few clicks! Tickets are delivered instantly via email and SMS, and you won't find a better price anywhere online. 

Location

Derby Train Station

Railway Terrace,
Derby,
DE1 2RU
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How to find us

You are able to begin your journey at any of the following stations:

  • Derby, Railway Terrace, Derby DE1 2RU
  • Burton-on-Trent, Borough Rd, Burton-on-Trent DE14 2DA
  • Tamworth, Victoria Rd, Tamworth B79 7JT
  • Coleshill Parkway, Coleshill, Birmingham B46 1JZ

Please see the page for details on departure and arrival times. 

Facilities
  • Toilets
  • Café
More Info
What time does Derby Shakespeare Express depart and arrive?

Please note: The Derby Shakespeare Express picks up at multiple locations. Please ensure you are attending the correct location at the correct time. 

  • Derby: Derby Train Station, Railway Terrace, Derby DE1 2RU
  • Departs at 10:40am - Returns at 19:05.
  • Burton-on-Trent: Burton Station, Borough Rd, Burton-on-Trent DE14 2DA
  • Departs at 11:00am - Returns at 18:45.
  • Tamworth: Tamworth Railway Station, Victoria Rd, Tamworth B79 7JT
  • Departs at 11:15am - Returns at 18:25
  • Coleshill Parkway: Coleshill Parkway, Coleshill, Birmingham B46 1JZ
  • Departs at 11:30am - Returns at 17:50.
  • Stratford-upon-Avon: Stratford-upon-Avon Railway Station, Station Rd, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6PL
  • Arrive at 12:40pm - Depart at 16:45.
Where does Derby Shakespeare Express pick up from?
  • Derby: Derby Train Station, Railway Terrace, Derby DE1 2RU
  • Burton-on-Trent: Burton Station, Borough Rd, Burton-on-Trent DE14 2DA
  • Tamworth: Tamworth Railway Station, Victoria Rd, Tamworth B79 7JT
  • Coleshill Parkway: Coleshill Parkway, Coleshill, Birmingham B46 1JZ
  • Stratford-upon-Avon: Stratford-upon-Avon Railway Station, Station Rd, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6PL
What is the difference between carriages and classes on Vintage Trains?

There are multiple seating options with Vintage Trains:

First Class:

  • Reserved seats in an original 1960s First Class Carriage
  • Brunch served at your seat
  • Tea & Coffee served throughout with additional drinks available to purchase from servers

Standard

  • Reserved seats in an original 1960s British Railways Mk2 Carriage
  • Light refreshments available from the on-train buffet
Can you bring your own food and drink onboard Vintage Trains?

If you are travelling in a Tourist Class or Pullman Cars where no restaurant service is offered, then you are more than welcome to bring your own food.

Food is not permitted in First and Pullman Class restaurant cars.

Is The Shakespeare Express wheelchair accessible?

Yes, there are limited wheelchair-accessible facilities on the Flying Scotsman:

  • Only up to 2 wheelchair spaces are available, located in the Buffet Coach, not in First Class or Pullman carriages.
  • Standard wheelchairs and mobility scooters (max 700 mm × 1200 mm) are accepted, but larger or non-standard mobility devices (e‑scooters, hoverboards, etc.) are not permitted.
  • The Buffet Coach with wheelchair spaces does not have disability-friendly toilets, and the First Class carriages are not wheelchair-accessible.

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