CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) STATEMENT 27/05/20
As a professional travel promoter, we take the situation regarding Covid-19 very seriously and as everyone is aware, we must all abide by the Government restrictions regarding social distancing.
All trains due to operate up to early July have been postponed as follows:
WEST HIGHLAND STATESMAN from Milton Keynes on 27 March – Postponed to 20-22 March 2021
SETTLE & CARLISLE CIRCULAR from Bangor on 4 April – Postponed to 20 Feb 2021
SETTLE & CARLISLE CIRCULAR from Derby on 18 April – Postponed to 5 Dec 2020
CORNISH RIVIERA STATESMAN from York on 8-10 May – Postponed to 25-27 September 2020
TORBAY RIVIERA STATESMAN from Penzance on 9 May – Postponed to 26 September 2020
SETTLE & CARLISLE CIRCULAR from Hull on 16 May – Postponed to 23 September 2020
ROYAL WINDSOR STATESMAN from Wolverhampton on 29 May – Postponed to 24 October 2020
DORSET COAST STATESMAN from Crewe on 20 June – Postponed to 16 September 2020
CUMBRIAN COAST STATESMAN from Derby on 4 July – Postponed to 8 September 2020
The trains postponed to alternative dates in 2020 are available to book online and our ‘West Highland’ weekend tours in March/April 2021 are open for booking by calling 0345 310 2458.
In compliance with Government and Office of Rail & Road (ORR) guidelines we are commencing the operation of our trains from 18 July – For your peace of mind, and to conform with social distancing requirements the total number of passengers on each train will be reduced by around 40% with clear Perspex screens fitted between each bay of seats and a maximum of 4 passengers allocated with reserved seats across each bay of 6. Additionally, throughout the journey there will be an enhanced level of housekeeping in the lavatories and in the actual carriages the shelves, handles and doors will be regularly cleaned along with hand sanitisers being available for use by passengers at each entrance doorway.
ENGLISH RIVIERA STATESMAN
SATURDAY 18 JULY 2020DEPARTING FROM: Peterborough, Huntingdon, St Neots, Hitchin, Stevenage, Welwyn Garden City, Potters Bar
Join us for a wonderful day out with a journey through pretty Somerset and around the beautiful Devon coast with time available to discover the many charms of the ‘English Riviera’ for an afternoon sightseeing break in the seaside resorts of either Torquay or Paignton - Passing Powderham Castle and travelling alongside the stunning Exe Estuary with its pretty fishing boats and views across to the Jurassic Coast our train takes the exciting sea wall line as we race through tunnels and cuttings of red rock and along beaches and coves at Dawlish with the sea keeping company all the way to Newton Abbot.
YORKSHIRE COAST STATESMAN
FRIDAY 31 JULY 2020DEPARTING FROM: Westbury, Melksham, Chippenham, Swindon, Oxford, Banbury, Leamington Spa, Warwick Parkway, Solihull, Tamworth
This very special tour offers a delightful journey through the heart of England and into Yorkshire to visit the quintessential seaside resort of Scarborough. Passing through historic York we cross the River Ouse with magnificent views of the Minster towering over the city, then cross the Vale of York with views of the North Yorkshire Moors to delightful Scarborough for an afternoon break of around three hours.
SUSSEX COAST STATESMAN
SATURDAY 15 AUGUST 2020DEPARTING FROM: Shrewsbury, Wellington, Telford, Wolverhampton, Tame Bridge Parkway, Birmingham International, Coventry, Rugby, Northampton, Milton Keynes
This is a day out not to be missed as we travel through the heart of England to Eastbourne on the sunny Sussex coast where the biggest annual ‘free’ airshow in Britain is staged on the promenade and seashore. Aerial displays could include the ‘Red Arrows’, ‘Battle of Britain Memorial flight’, the ‘Falcon freefall parachute team’ and many, many more international aircraft offering acrobatic and land displays.
THE FELLSMAN
WEDNESDAY 19 AUGUST 2020DEPARTING FROM: Crewe, Warrington Bank Quay, Wigan North Western, Leyland, Blackburn, Clitheroe & Hellifield
The popular ‘Fellsman’ runs again in summer 2020 for its 12th season offering a 300-mile return steam hauled journey from Crewe on the spectacular ‘Settle to Carlisle Railway’ as we travel through the Yorkshire Dales and climb high towards the roof of England. The legendary ‘Settle to Carlisle’ line is a masterpiece of Victorian engineering including the magnificent 24 arch viaduct at Ribblehead. Time will be available for sightseeing in the historic border city of Carlisle – or perhaps alight at Appleby and take an optional tour of the Lake District by vintage bus with a cruise on beautiful Ullswater.
DARTMOUTH STATESMAN
FRIDAY 28 AUGUST 2020DEPARTING FROM: Rugby, Coventry, Hampton in Arden, Birmingham International, Birmingham New Street, Barnt Green, Bromsgrove, Droitwich Spa, Worcester Shrub Hill, Cheltenham Spa
We recreate one of the great holiday trains of the golden age of railway travel with a journey through pretty Somerset with its Apple orchards and around the beautiful Devon coast. Time is available to discover South Devon and the many charms of the English Riviera, perhaps take a leisurely cruise on the River Dart on board Britain’s only coal fired paddle steamer ‘Kingswear Castle’ or steam hauled journey on the Paignton & Dartmouth Railway.
CUMBRIAN COAST STATESMAN
TUESDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2020DEPARTING FROM: Derby, Long Eaton, Beeston, Ilkeston, Alfreton, Chesterfield, Chinley, New Mills, Romiley, Manchester Victoria
Enjoy a memorable day on board ‘The Statesman’ as we travel around the Cumbrian Coast, probably the most stunningly beautiful scenic coastal line in England through an area steeped in maritime history with spectacular views of the Lake District Mountains and the wide panoramic expanse of Morecambe Bay as we journey to Ravenglass, where there is the opportunity to ride the legendary Ravenglass & Eskdale steam railway into the Fells.
SNOWDONIA STATESMAN
FRIDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 2020DEPARTING FROM: Swindon, Kemble, Stroud, Stonehouse, Cheltenham Spa, Worcester Shrub Hill, Droitwich Spa, Kidderminster, Stourbridge Jct, Rowley Regis
‘The Statesman’ celebrated train heads into North Wales for a journey along the spectacular coastal route with its sweeping sea views and climbing high into the Snowdonia National Park and up the stunningly beautiful Conwy Valley passing through a region of wild mountains, hidden valleys, cascading rivers, still glacial lakes and deep forests. There is the option of spending time at either the popular Victorian tourist centre of Betws-y-Coed, or Blaenau Ffestiniog. We also have an optional excursion available offering a steam hauled journey on the famous Ffestiniog Railway.
DORSET COAST STATESMAN
WEDNESDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2020DEPARTING FROM: Crewe, Whitchurch, Shrewsbury, Church Stretton, Ludlow, Leominster, Hereford, Abergavenny, Cwmbran
The celebrated ‘Statesman’ land cruise train travels south for a memorable mid-summer journey through the Severn Tunnel and historic Bath Spa and beside the River Avon to Salisbury and Southampton, then through the beautiful New Forest to our first optional stop at Bournemouth where around four hours will be available to enjoy the elegant seaside resort with its seven miles of golden sands.
BEAMISH & DURHAM STATESMAN
SATURDAY 19 SEPTEMBER 2020DEPARTING FROM: Shrewsbury, Gobowen, Chirk, Ruabon, Wrexham General, Chester, Frodsham, Warrington Bank Quay, Newton-le-Willows, Manchester Victoria
We present a scenic journey to the spectacular and beautiful North East with its landscape of iconic landmarks as we travel through the Vale of York with views of the Yorkshire Moors to the historic city of Durham for an afternoon sightseeing break. This tour offers a choice of leisure time in Durham - or an optional visit to the award winning Beamish Open-Air Museum.
SETTLE & CARLISLE LUNCHEON CIRCULAR
WEDNESDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2020DEPARTING FROM: Hull, Brough, Howden, Selby, Leeds, Wakefield Kirkgate, Brighouse, Hebden Bridge, Blackburn
Step aboard the celebrated ‘Statesman’ land cruise train for a very special circular tour including a journey over the entire majestic route of the famous Settle to Carlisle railway, with its great limestone peaks and deep valleys we travel over no fewer than 19 viaducts and through 12 tunnels on this masterpiece of Victorian engineering - including the famous Ribblehead Viaduct. We return on the west coast line through Penrith, climbing over Shap summit and through the pretty Lune Gorge affording stunning views of the Cumbrian mountains.
CORNISH RIVIERA STATESMAN
FRIDAY 25 TO SUNDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2020DEPARTING FROM: York, Doncaster, Sheffield, Chesterfield, Derby, Long Eaton, East Midlands Parkway, Loughborough, Leicester, Hinckley, Nuneaton
We are pleased to present a relaxing long weekend break to Cornwall the land of myths and legends on board “The Statesman” land cruise train. With its rugged coastlines, quaint fishing villages, sparkling blue sea and sandy beaches you will savour some of the most unspoilt countryside in Britain basking in milder temperatures warmed by the Gulf Stream and offering an unforgettable three-day break.
TORBAY RIVIERA STATESMAN
SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2020DEPARTING FROM: Penzance, St Erth, Redruth, Truro, St Austell
Statesman Rail is pleased to offer the first ever journey of ‘The Statesman’ luxury train from stations in Cornwall recreating one of the great holiday trains of the golden age of railway travel with a journey over Brunel’s iconic Royal Albert Bridge, through Devon and onto the preserved Paignton to Dartmouth Railway with time available to discover the many charms of the ‘Torbay Riviera’ with an afternoon break in picturesque Dartmouth.
LOCHS AND GLENS STATESMAN
SATURDAY 3 TO MONDAY 5 OCTOBER 2020DEPARTING FROM: Milton Keynes, Northampton, Rugby, Coventry, Birmingham International, Wolverhampton, Stafford, Crewe, Warrington Bank Quay, Preston.
Welcome aboard the celebrated ‘Statesman’ train for a fabulous autumnal weekend tour to the Scottish Highlands with off train excursions through the beautiful Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, offering some of the most stunning scenery in the world. From breathtaking mountains and glens, to the vast tranquil beauty of Loch Katrine with an awe-inspiring private cruise on the restored steamship ‘Sir Walter Scott’, or visit the Famous Grouse distillery and historic Scone Palace.
SETTLE & CARLISLE LUNCHEON CIRCULAR
SATURDAY 10 OCTOBER 2020DEPARTING FROM: Wolverhampton, Codsall, Telford, Wellington, Shrewsbury, Whitchurch, Crewe
Step aboard the celebrated ‘Statesman’ land cruise train for a very special circular tour including a journey over the entire majestic route of the famous Settle to Carlisle railway, with its great limestone peaks and deep valleys we travel over no fewer than 19 viaducts and through 12 tunnels on this masterpiece of Victorian engineering - including the famous Ribblehead Viaduct. We return on the west coast line through Penrith, climbing over Shap summit and through the pretty Lune Gorge affording stunning views of the Cumbrian mountains.
CANTERBURY & WHITE CLIFFS STATESMAN
SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER 2020DEPARTING FROM: Leicester, Melton Mowbray, Oakham, Stamford, Peterborough, Huntingdon, St Neots, Hitchin, Stevenage
This is a fabulous train offering a circular tour through South East England with features including the journey through the picturesque Garden of England and around the beautiful Kent coast with the beautiful white cliffs towering above the train – the highlight of the day being an afternoon break for sightseeing in historic Canterbury, a UNESCO heritage site brimming with thousands of years of history. Our outward journey takes us through the London suburbs and into the open countryside of the pretty Garden of England which is rich with Oast Houses and Hop Fields.
ROYAL WINDSOR STATESMAN
SATURDAY 24 OCTOBER 2020DEPARTING FROM: Wolverhampton, Tame Bridge Parkway, Rowley Regis, Stourbridge Jct, Kidderminster, Droitwich Spa, Worcester Shrub Hill, Pershore, Evesham
Enjoy a memorable day on board ‘The Statesman’ as we travel through the heart of England and around the London suburbs to Windsor & Eton Riverside Station, which as the name suggests is right by the river and only a short distance to all the historic attractions.
Royal Windsor has so much to offer with all attractions within easy walking distance ranging from the imposing castle, which is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and has been the family home of British Kings & Queens for 1,000 years.
SETTLE & CARLISLE LUNCHEON CIRCULAR
SATURDAY 31 OCTOBER 2020DEPARTING FROM: Shrewsbury, Gobowen, Chirk, Ruabon, Wrexham General, Chester, Warrington Bank Quay, Wigan North Western
Step aboard the celebrated ‘Statesman’ land cruise train for a very special circular tour including a journey over the entire majestic route of the famous Settle to Carlisle railway, with its great limestone peaks and deep valleys we travel over no fewer than 19 viaducts and through 12 tunnels on this masterpiece of Victorian engineering - including the famous Ribblehead Viaduct. We return on the west coast line through Penrith, climbing over Shap summit and through the pretty Lune Gorge affording stunning views of the Cumbrian mountains.
SETTLE & CARLISLE LUNCHEON CIRCULAR
SATURDAY 7 NOVEMBER 2020DEPARTING FROM: Birmingham International, Tame Bridge Parkway, Walsall, Cannock, Rugeley Town, Stafford, Crewe
Step aboard the celebrated ‘Statesman’ land cruise train for a very special circular tour including a journey over the entire majestic route of the famous Settle to Carlisle railway, with its great limestone peaks and deep valleys we travel over no fewer than 19 viaducts and through 12 tunnels on this masterpiece of Victorian engineering - including the famous Ribblehead Viaduct. We return on the west coast line through Penrith, climbing over Shap summit and through the pretty Lune Gorge affording stunning views of the Cumbrian mountains.
SETTLE & CARLISLE LUNCHEON CIRCULAR
SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2020DEPARTING FROM: Hereford, Leominster, Ludlow, Craven Arms, Church Stretton, Shrewsbury, Crewe
Step aboard the celebrated ‘Statesman’ land cruise train for a very special circular tour including a journey over the entire majestic route of the famous Settle to Carlisle railway, with its great limestone peaks and deep valleys we travel over no fewer than 19 viaducts and through 12 tunnels on this masterpiece of Victorian engineering - including the famous Ribblehead Viaduct. We return on the west coast line through Penrith, climbing over Shap summit and through the pretty Lune Gorge affording stunning views of the Cumbrian mountains.
BATH & BRISTOL CHRISTMAS STATESMAN
SATURDAY 28 NOVEMBER 2020DEPARTING FROM: Preston, Wigan North Western, Warrington Bank Quay, Crewe, Shrewsbury, Wellington, Telford, Wolverhampton, Tame Bridge Parkway, Birmingham International
We are pleased to present a unique tour travelling through the heart of England direct to Bath Spa - the beautiful Somerset city of Georgian elegance, to discover its famous and unique Christmas market where over 150 stalls offer quality products and brilliant gift ideas. The famous Bath Abbey and Roman Baths provide an amazing backdrop to the city’s festive event offering seasonal shopping, fine foods and family fun with stalls showcasing the talents of retailers from Britain and the Continent. In the Roman Baths Museum there will be ‘Crafts in the Drawing Room’ selling a selection of locally handcrafted items.
SETTLE & CARLISLE CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON CIRCULAR
SATURDAY 5 DECEMBER 2020DEPARTING FROM: Derby, Uttoxeter, Stoke on Trent, Kidsgrove, Alsager, Crewe
Step aboard the celebrated ‘Statesman’ land cruise train for a very special circular tour including a journey over the entire majestic route of the famous Settle to Carlisle railway, with its great limestone peaks and deep valleys we travel over no fewer than 19 viaducts and through 12 tunnels on this masterpiece of Victorian engineering - including the famous Ribblehead Viaduct. We return on the west coast line through Penrith, climbing over Shap summit and through the pretty Lune Gorge affording stunning views of the Cumbrian mountains.
WEST HIGHLAND STATESMAN
SATURDAY 20 to MONDAY 22 MARCH 2021DEPARTING FROM: Milton Keynes, Rugby, Nuneaton, Tamworth, Lichfield, Stafford, Crewe, Warrington Bank Quay, Wigan North Western, Preston.
We are delighted to present a three day weekend break to the Highlands of Scotland. The journey will be over the entire length of the world famous West Highland line, featuring some of the most spectacular scenery in Scotland crossing magnificent bridges and viaducts with our train climbing high into the mountains with the prospect of snow covered mountains as they glisten in winter sunlight.
WEST HIGHLAND STATESMAN
SATURDAY 10 to MONDAY 12 APRIL 2021DEPARTING FROM: Stevenage, Hitchin, St Neots, Huntingdon, Peterborough, Grantham, Newark Northgate, Retford, Doncaster, York.
We are delighted to present a three day weekend break to the Highlands of Scotland. The journey will be over the entire length of the world famous West Highland line, featuring some of the most spectacular scenery in Scotland crossing magnificent bridges and viaducts with our train climbing high into the mountains with the prospect of snow covered mountains as they glisten in winter sunlight.