Where do I board the train?

Join at Birmingham Snow Hill; passengers are advised to arrive at least 20 minutes before the final confirmed departure time.

What’s included with First Class?

First Class includes reserved seats in an original 1960s First Class Carriage and a three-course evening dinner served at your seat, plus tea and coffee.

Children under 16 must be accompanied by a fare-paying adult; children aged three and under may travel free in Standard if they do not occupy a seat.

Are wheelchairs accommodated?

Wheelchair facilities are limited. The Pullman and First Class Coaches cannot accommodate passengers confined to a wheelchair; limited spaces may be available in the Buffet Coach—call booking office to confirm.

What happens if the locomotive is unavailable?

Organizers may substitute a different locomotive, including diesel assistance, or alter the service; no refund beyond the operator’s cancellation policy is guaranteed for substitutions.

How do I notify dietary requirements?

If dining onboard, inform the operator of dietary requests at the time of booking so staff can note your reservation.

Flying Scotsman Dinner Train: The Shakespeare Express from Birmingham

Board the Shakespeare Express at Birmingham Snow Hill and slide into a three-hour evening ride hauled by the legendary Flying Scotsman. This mainline steam journey through England pairs authentic locomotive power with restored 1960s carriages, offering the hush of a train moving through winter light and the glow of towns.

In First Class, diners relax in original 1960s First Class Carriage seating while servers deliver a three-course evening dinner to the table, with tea and coffee included. Standard passengers ride in original British Railways Mk2 Carriage seats with reserved seating and access to light refreshments from an on-train buffet.

The Flying Scotsman is the evening’s centerpiece: its whistle, rhythmic rod motion and breath of steam foreground the journey. Passing views include hedgerows, cuttings and fields lit by low light. Interiors reward passengers with leather, polished wood and period fittings that feel both intimate and precisely engineered for comfort aboard.

Plan to arrive at Birmingham Snow Hill at least twenty minutes before the advertised departure time. Published times are approximate; final timings will be confirmed forty-eight hours before travel. Note limited wheelchair facilities, Pullman age restrictions, and the possibility that operational issues could require a locomotive or schedule substitution alternatives.

Pricing tiers are straightforward: First Class Table for 2 at £318.00, First Class Seat at £148.40, and Standard seating from £83.74; prices include the displayed six percent booking fee. Children under three may travel free in Standard if not occupying a seat. Assistance and support dogs are welcome with advance notice.

This service is special because it operates on the mainline hauling an iconic locomotive through towns and countryside rather than confining guests to a museum loop. Combining steam haulage, authentic rolling stock and seated dining creates an experience for rail enthusiasts and date-night travelers, blending engineering spectacle with warm hospitality.

Reserve a window seat in First Class for the best views and dinner at your table. Inform staff of dietary requests at booking. Wear a warm layer for platform time and cooler carriage air. Photographers should aim for sunset light, sit by a clear window and use the buffet coach.

Historically, the Shakespeare Express ties passengers to Britain’s railway heritage through the Flying Scotsman and vintage coaches from the 1960s. While onboard, watch for red kites and hares in rural stretches. Respect smoke and noise: follow staff directions on platforms and avoid blocking windows or doors for safety.

Whether you seek engineering detail, a memorable date-night, or a special rail outing, book early to secure First Class or Pullman seating. Timetable nuances and limited accessibility require advance planning. The Shakespeare Express compresses history, hospitality and motion into a three-hour package that leaves a strong imprint on any evening.

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.