From Birmingham: The Welsh Highland Explorer

Vintage Trains
Available from 26 August 2025 to 26 August 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 Welsh Highland Explorer: From Birmingham to Holyhead

  • Date: Wednesday 27th August 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 at The Welsh Highland Explorer with Vintage Trains?

Step aboard the Welsh Highland Explorer and relive the golden age of loco-hauled trains to North Wales, just like in the 1990s. With Class 37 locomotive 37240 leading the way, you’ll journey from Birmingham to Holyhead for its first-ever visit - and to Bangor for the first time in 30 years!

  • Ride behind a legendary Class 37 diesel locomotive, with 37240 leading the charge for the first time ever to Holyhead and returning to Bangor after 30 years! Feel the nostalgia as you travel in heritage carriages along scenic mainline routes once dominated by these powerful engines
  • Alight at Llandudno Junction and take a short service train to the charming seaside town of Llandudno. Stroll along the elegant Victorian pier, explore the shops and arcades, or ascend the Great Orme - either on foot or aboard the historic Great Orme Tramway, offering panoramic views of the coast
  • Discover Bangor, the oldest city in Wales! Steeped in history and culture, visit the 6th-century Cathedral, wander along the Victorian Garth Pier stretching into the Menai Strait, or explore local art galleries and scenic walking trails
  • Arrive in Holyhead, your final destination, where maritime heritage meets coastal charm. Visit the Holyhead Maritime Museum, admire the Skinners Monument, or enjoy a leisurely lunch by the harbour with views of the Irish Sea

What's included with tickets for The Welsh Highland 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 Welsh Highland Explorer tickets for one of the most exciting rail events in 2025!

Location

Dorridge Railway Station

Dorridge,
Solihull,
B93 8JA
Show on Google Maps

How to find us

Please note: The Welsh Highland Explorer picks up at various locations. Please ensure you are attending the correct train station.

  • Dorridge: Dorridge Railway Station, Dorridge, Solihull B93 8JA
  • Widney Manor: Widney Manor Station, Solihull B91 3JR
  • 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 Welsh Highland Explorer depart and arrive?
  • Dorridge: Departs 07:40, Returns 20:12
  • Widney Manor: Departs 07:49, Returns 19:47
  • Birmingham New Street: Departs 08:13, Returns 19:13
  • Wolverhampton: Departs 08:37, Returns 18:49
  • Stafford: Departs 09:06, Returns 18:20
  • Crewe: Departs 09:40, Returns 17:46

Approximate Destination Timings

  • Llandudno Junction: Arrives 10:55, Departs 16:31
  • Bangor: Arrives 11:24, Departs 16:02
  • Holyhead: Arrives 12:18, Departs 15:08
Where does The Welsh Highland Explorer pick up from?

Please note: The Welsh Highland Explorer picks up at various locations. Please ensure you are attending the correct train station.

  • Dorridge: Dorridge Railway Station, Dorridge, Solihull B93 8JA
  • Widney Manor: Widney Manor Station, Solihull B91 3JR
  • 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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