Passengers from East Anglia who crave a day out on a steam-hauled train passing through spectacular scenery and arriving at a historic city should book a ticket on Steam Dreams Rail Company's excursion in mid-March.
The train will depart from Norwich, calling at Thetford, Ely and Peterborough. It will be hauled by a vintage diesel locomotive between Norwich and Peterborough after which 34046 ‘Braunton' will take over for the trip to Carlisle. This is the first time the company has planned a train from Norwich to Carlisle.
Perhaps the most spectacular part of the journey will be along the remote and spectacular Settle and Carlisle Railway, through the Yorkshire Dales and Northern Pennines. While traversing this section of the route, passengers will pass over the highest point of any railway in England – Ais Gill summit – and will also cross the stunning Ribblehead Viaduct. By chance, passengers will also pass over one of the lowest points on the railway network, at Shippea, near Thetford.
Once passengers arrive at their destination, there is a chance to visit the castle, which dates from 1092 as well as the adjacent Citadel, which was built by Henry VIII. Anyone visiting the cathedral will be able to see the 14th-century stained glass while there is also a chance to take in the Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery, which is located in a Grade One listed Jacobean building.
Three classes of travel are available on the train. Pullman Dining features luxurious seating and surroundings and at-seat meals will be available from menus created from fine, locally-sourced produce. First Class and Premium Standard seats are also available, without on-board dining. Passengers may bring their own drinks and picnics, though beverages and light refreshments will be available for purchase.
The service will leave Norwich at 06:30 on Wednesday 20 March, calling at Thetford at 07:15, Ely and 07:40 and Peterborough at 08:20. It will arrive in Carlisle at 16:40. The return journey leaves Carlisle at 18:30 and arrives back at Norwich at 00:15. Pullman Dining tickets cost from £410, First Class is priced at £205 while Premium Standard is available at £175 per person.
