From Birmignham: The Manchester Christmas Explorer

Vintage Trains
Available from 26 November 2025 to 26 November 2025

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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 Manchester Christmas Explorer: From Birmingham to Manchester

  • Date: Wednesday 26th 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 Manchester Christmas Explorer with Vintage Trains?

Travel north from Birmingham for a festive day out to the heart of Manchester, where the city transforms into a winter wonderland! With over 300 stalls spread across the city centre, Manchester’s Christmas Markets are among the biggest and best in Europe.

  • Travel in vintage style aboard a heritage diesel-hauled train, complete with beautifully restored carriages and large picture windows to enjoy the winter countryside views
  • Arrive at Manchester Piccadilly, just a short walk from the city’s bustling Christmas Markets, where you can browse handmade gifts, sample festive treats, and enjoy live entertainment
  • Explore the city at your own pace, whether you’re visiting the iconic Albert Square market, skating at Cathedral Gardens, or warming up with a hot chocolate in St Ann’s Square
  • Return home relaxed and full of festive cheer, with delicious food and drink served at your seat depending on your class of travel

What's included with tickets for The Manchester Christmas Explorer?

  • 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 Manchester Christmas Explorer tickets and start your brand-new Christmas tradition, today! Tickets delivered instantly via email & SMS. 

Location

Birmingham New Street Station

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

How to find us

Please note: The Manchester Christmas Explorer 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
  • Wolverhampton: Wolverhampton Railway Station, Railway Dr, Wolverhampton WV1 1LE
  • Stafford: Stafford Station, Station Rd, Stafford ST16 2AA
  • Crewe: Crewe Train Station, 18 Weston Rd, Crewe CW1 6FX
More Info
What time does The Manchester Christmas Explorer depart and arrive?
  • Birmingham New Street: Departs 09:30, Returns 19:14
  • Wolverhampton: Departs 09:54, Returns 18:50
  • Stafford: Departs 10:18, Returns 18:26
  • Crewe: Departs 11:02, Returns 17:42

Approximate Destination Timings

  • Manchester Piccadilly: Arrives 11:52, Departs 16:52
Where does The Manchester Christmas Explorer pick up from?

Please note: The Manchester Christmas Explorer 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
  • Wolverhampton: Wolverhampton Railway Station, Railway Dr, Wolverhampton WV1 1LE
  • Stafford: Stafford Station, Station Rd, Stafford ST16 2AA
  • Crewe: Crewe Train Station, 18 Weston Rd, Crewe CW1 6FX
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.

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