From Birmingham: Farewell to Steam Special

Vintage Trains
Available from 1 November 2025 to 1 November 2025

Buying as a gift? Lovetovisit Gift Card available here!

Book Vintage Trains tickets for some of the best steam train experiences in Birmingham

Vintage Trains offer a range of steam trains which run on Britain’s mainline railway, so you can travel up to Llandudno, Skegness, York and many more locations across the country. There are so many routes to choose between, that wherever you fancy going, we're sure you'll find the perfect option with Vintage Trains!

The Farewell to Steam Special: From Birmingham to Bristol via London

  • Date: Saturday 1st November 2025
  • Age Restrictions: Suitable for all ages! Under 18's must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Departure Locations: Please see 'More Info' for details on pick-up points, departure times and arrival times

What's On The Farewell to Steam Special with Vintage Trains?

Vintage Trains invites you to experience one of Britain’s most scenic railway adventures with The Farewell to Steam Special! Celebrate the 75th birthday of the legendary locomotive, 7029 'Clun Castle' on a tour that recreates the famous 1965 'Farewell to Steam' run from London Paddington.

  • For the second time since 1965, Clun Castle returns to Paddington Station on her 75th birthday!
  • Travel behind Clun Castle on one of her last mainline outings before retirement
  • Enjoy the rare opportunity to see Clun Castle depart Paddington station for the first time in 60 years
  • Follow the historic Great Western Mainline from London through Swindon - Clun’s birthplace - and on to Bristol Temple Meads, with a break at the station
  • Relive the 1965 journey as the train continues via Gloucester and north to Birmingham and Widney Manor, echoing the original tour route as closely as possible in 2025
  • The train will be diesel-hauled from Birmingham to Paddington, with turning on the Greenford Triangle to ensure Clun Castle is facing the right direction for the steam-hauled return
  • Enjoy the last event that completes Vintage Trains' Railway 200 celebrations!

What's included with tickets for The Farewell to Steam Special?

  • Pullman Dining: Enjoy a full English breakfast and a three-course evening dinner with tea and coffee, all served at your seat in a beautifully restored Pullman Car
  • First Class: Indulge in bacon rolls and pastries on the outward journey and Afternoon Tea on the return, served at your seat in a spacious First Class coach
  • Tourist Class: Relax at a table for four and visit the onboard buffet for hot drinks, snacks, and alcoholic beverages throughout the day

Book The Farewell to Steam Special tickets for one of the most exciting rail events in 2025!

Location

Birmingham New Street Station

Station Street,
Birmingham,
B2 4QA
Show on Google Maps

How to find us

Please note: The Farewell to Steam Special picks up at various locations. Please ensure you are attending the correct train station.

  • Birmingham New Street: New Street station, Station St, Birmingham B2 4QA
  • Widney Manor: Widney Manor Station, Solihull B91 3JR
More Info
What time does The Farewell to Steam Special depart and arrive?
  • Birmingham New Street: Departs 08:05, Returns 21:34
  • Widney Manor: Departs 08:29, Returns 22:04

Approximate Destination Timings

  • Paddington: Arrives 13:24, Departs 14:04
  • Bristol Temple Meads: Arrives 17:24, Departs 18:24
Where does The Farewell to Steam Special pick up from?

Please note: The Farewell to Steam Special picks up at various locations. Please ensure you are attending the correct train station.

  • Birmingham New Street: New Street station, Station St, Birmingham B2 4QA
  • Widney Manor: Widney Manor Station, Solihull B91 3JR
What is the difference between carriages and classes on Vintage Trains?

There are multiple seating options with Vintage Trains:

  • Tourist Class: You’ll be seated at a table for four in one of the Tourist coaches, where you can head to the buffet to purchase hot drinks, soft drinks, light refreshments, and alcoholic beverages during your journey.
  • Pullman Class: Tables of two or four. You’ll be seated in one of the original Pullman Cars, where you’ll enjoy a full English breakfast and a delicious three-course evening dinner, with tea and coffee - all served right at your seat.
  • First Class: In compartments of six and 18 non-dining seats in Pullman around tables of four. You’ll be seated in one of the luxurious First Class coaches, where you’ll enjoy bacon rolls and pastries on the outward journey, followed by a delightful Afternoon Tea on the return.
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.

More things to do nearby

Things to do

Family Days Out Food and Drink History, Art and Museums Seasonal Events & Activities Sport Tickets Theatre and Live Events Theme Parks & Thrills Things To Do Indoors Things To Do Outdoors Trips and Tours Zoos, Aquariums and Wildlife