Step into a classic British train adventure with the Shakespeare Express, featuring themed entertainment and vintage carriages that bring history to life. Discover why this heritage ride is a must-try for railway lovers and families alike.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Walking and standing for extended periods; suitable for most mobility levels
Wildlife
History
The routes used by Vintage Trains often follow lines established during the golden age of British railways, dating back to the early 20th century.
Conservation
Vintage Trains actively works to preserve historic locomotives and supports local railway heritage preservation efforts.
Vintage Trains
Step into a classic British train adventure with the Shakespeare Express, featuring themed entertainment and vintage carriages that bring history to life. Discover why this heritage ride is a must-try for railway lovers and families alike.
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.
Tours Offered
Multiple
Day trips, dining and depot tours
Depot Since
1908
Original GWR roundhouse and turntable
Heritage Fleet
Restored locomotives
Steam and diesel-hauled services
Family Friendly
All ages
Events and themed trips
Book now for themed dining, family events or depot tours — limited availability on seasonal services and festive trains.
Book in advance
Ensure your spot by reserving tickets early, especially during special themed events.
Arrive early
Get settled and soak in the station’s vintage charm before departure.
Dress comfortably
Wear layered clothing suitable for outdoor weather during station waiting times.
Bring a camera
Capture highlights of the vintage train and scenic views along the route.
Comfortable walking shoes
Necessary for walking around the station and open-air viewing areas.
Hat and sunscreen
Protection from sun during station waiting or outdoor viewing.
summer
Light jacket
Keep warm if the weather turns cooler during the journey.
spring, fall
Earplugs
Reduce noise from the vintage engine for a more comfortable experience.