Where does the train depart and what are the timings?

The advertised departure is from Birmingham Snow Hill at approximately 13:30 with a return around 17:45; final timings are confirmed 48 hours before departure.

Is Afternoon Tea included?

Afternoon Tea is included for First Class bookings and is served to your seat; Standard fares have reserved seating and light refreshments available from the buffet.

Can I bring my assistance dog or wheelchair?

Assistance and support dogs are welcome; wheelchair facilities are limited and Pullman/First Class coaches may not accommodate standard wheelchairs—call the booking office to confirm availability.

What are the rules for children?

Children under 16 must be accompanied by a fare-paying adult. Children aged 3 and under may travel free in Standard provided they do not occupy a seat; Pullman has age restrictions.

What is the cancellation or refund policy?

If the operator cancels or alters a date, customers can transfer to a postponed date, receive a full refund or a credit note; travel insurance is recommended for personal cancellations.

Could the locomotive be changed on the day?

Yes—due to operational, network or weather issues the operator may substitute the advertised locomotive or use diesel assistance; no additional refunds apply for substitutions.

Afternoon Tea Aboard the Flying Scotsman: The Shakespeare Express Through Warwickshire | Train | Sightseeing Tour

The Shakespeare Express, with Flying Scotsman – Afternoon Tea is a three-hour mainline steam experience that launches from Birmingham, England, and threads the gentle, green folds of Warwickshire. Climb aboard a 1960s First Class carriage or a British Railways Mk2 coach and feel the vibration through the teak seats as the Flying Scotsman pulls you past hedgerows, village stations and open farmland. Servers move down the aisle with tiered stands of Afternoon Tea in First Class; in Standard you’ll find reserved seats and a light buffet. What makes this trip special is its blend of living railway heritage and accessible leisure. The Flying Scotsman is one of Britain’s most famous steam locomotives, and running on the mainline gives riders authentic speed and sightlines you won’t get on preserved branch lines. The carriages are original period stock, so you’re not just viewing history—you’re traveling inside it: polished brass fittings, 1960s upholstery and the steady clack of wheels over jointed rail. Key features of the scene include the locomotive itself, the 1960s First Class carriage interiors, and the Warwickshire countryside—patchwork fields, hedgerows and pockets of ancient woodland that change with the season. Expect close-up shots of rivets, steam plumes and window-framed landscapes. Practically, the train departs Birmingham Snow Hill (approximately 13:30) and returns around 17:45; passengers are advised to arrive at least 20 minutes before the final confirmed departure time. This experience stands out in the local recreation scene because it pairs gourmet service—Afternoon Tea served to First Class seats—with a genuine mainline steam haul. It’s a social, low-effort outing that still feels cinematic: friends sipping tea as countryside slides by, grandparents sharing stories about rail travel, and rail enthusiasts watching the Flying Scotsman thunder past. Accessibility and booking notes are important: assistance dogs are welcome and dietary requests should be flagged at booking; wheelchair facilities are limited and some Pullman coaches can’t accommodate standard wheelchairs—call ahead to confirm. Children under 16 must be accompanied; infants under three may travel free in Standard if not occupying a seat, and Pullman has age restrictions. Allow time for photographs, bring layers for carriage drafts, and consider First Class if you want the full Afternoon Tea service. Whether you’re chasing a piece of living history, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking for a relaxed, scenic afternoon, The Shakespeare Express with the Flying Scotsman offers a distinctive way to see England’s heartland—served with tea, steam and a slice of railway romance. Bookings include reserved seating and a 6% booking fee applied at checkout. Final timings are confirmed 48 hours before departure; the operator may swap motive power. Treat it as a relaxed event—arrive early, reserve window seats, and let the steam-era rhythm set the pace.

About Vintage Trains

Vintage Trains is a Birmingham-based heritage rail operator that runs a programme of steam- and diesel-hauled excursions, dining trips and depot tours across the UK. Founded and based at Tyseley Depot, the company preserves historic locomotives and carriages while operating scheduled special trains such as THE POLAR EXPRESS™, The Shakespeare Express and long-distance explorers to destinations including Manchester, Newcastle and North Wales.

Operating from Tyseley Depot in Birmingham, Vintage Trains offers curated day trips, festive events and themed dining experiences designed for families, rail enthusiasts and leisure travellers. Signature journeys include the festive THE POLAR EXPRESS™ family experience, seasonal Christmas market excursions, full dining services such as three-course Sunday lunches and thematic entertainment like Murder on The Shakespeare Express and Mad Hatter’s Tea Parties.

Tyseley Depot tours provide behind-the-scenes access to a 1908 Great Western Railway locomotive depot, including the roundhouse, turntable and working locomotives with guided interpretation. Vintage Trains combines heritage conservation with public operations, maintaining restored rolling stock to operate authentic rail experiences.

Tickets, seating classes and catering options vary by trip; Tourist seats and Pullman dining are available on selected services. The operator runs both steam-hauled specials and diesel-hauled explorers and highlights regional routes such as the Welsh Highland Railway segment on the Welsh Highland Explorer. Vintage Trains focuses on delivering historically informed, family-friendly excursions and accessible depot tours from its Birmingham base.

Booking, safety and accessibility information are published for each trip, and advance reservations are recommended for popular seasonal services and dining experiences during peak travel periods.