Hop aboard a vintage train and journey through Manchester’s iconic Christmas Markets with festive dining, comfort, and holiday cheer. Perfect for making holiday memories with family or friends.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels, comfortable for all ages
Wildlife
History
Manchester’s railway heritage dates back to the 19th century, and the vintage train echoes a period when rail travel was at its peak.
Conservation
The trip promotes local artisans and small businesses, supporting sustainable holiday shopping.
Vintage Trains
Hop aboard a vintage train and journey through Manchester’s iconic Christmas Markets with festive dining, comfort, and holiday cheer. Perfect for making holiday memories with family or friends.
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 early
Secure your seats well in advance as this popular trip fills quickly during the holiday season.
Dress warmly
Layer up to stay comfortable during the winter ride and while exploring the markets.
Arrive early
Get to the departure station ahead of time to enjoy the historic ambiance and settle in comfortably.
Bring a camera
Capture the scenic views and festive ambiance to remember your holiday adventure.
Warm clothing
Stay warm and comfortable on the carriages and while walking around markets.
winter
Camera or Smartphone
Capture photos of the festive scenes and city views.
Reusable mug
Enjoy hot drinks on the train or at the markets with your own mug.
winter
Comfortable shoes
Walk around the markets comfortably and enjoy the sights.