An historic trip for the enthusiast and historian not to be missed. Clun Castle will retrace the route of her 1972 trip, exactly fifty years ago, when she hauled the first public steam excursion on British Rail between Birmingham and Didcot after the infamous ban on steam traction. The train will follow the identical 1972 route, save that we will be steam hauled throughout on the outward journey, running down Hatton Bank to Oxford and then on to Swindon, where we will join Brunel’s Great Western Main Line and then take the South Wales and Bristol line via Bristol Parkway and Severn tunnel and run to Cardiff, where we will pause to visit the city. Clun Castle will then return us along the same route as far as Oxford from where there will be a diesel pilot.

Joining arrangements

Join our train from Birmingham Snow Hill, Tyseley Mainline or Widney Manor

Confirmed departure and arrival times:

Birmingham Snow Hill at 08:03 and returning at 22:35 Tyseley Mainline 08:14 and returning at 22:12 Widney Manor at 08:27 and returning at 22:00

Arrive in Cardiff 13:15 and departing at 17:19

Pullman Class - £299 per person

Seating in one of our original Pullman Cars with full English Breakfast and four-course evening dinner, tea & coffee, all served at your seat. Guaranteed tables of two can be booked for a supplement of £30 per person, subject to availability. No children under 10 years in Pullman Class.

Private Compartment - £1014

Private first-class compartment for up to six people with light refreshments including Danish pastries, bacon roll, sandwiches and cake, tea & coffee, all served at your seat.

Club Class - £159 per person

Seating at a table for four in our Club Class Coaches with light refreshments including Danish pastries, bacon roll, sandwiches and cake, tea & coffee, all served at your seat.

Tourist Class - £109 per person

Seating at a table for four in our Tourist coaches. Bacon rolls, light refreshments, wine, beer, teas & coffees can be ordered from our Buffet Car.