The National Railway Museum has announced dates for Flying Scotsman’s 2026 tour.

From February, the world-famous locomotive will be taking to the tracks on a tour of the UK, running a number of mainline excursions as well as visiting heritage railways.

The tour will be managed by Northern Steam Operations Limited and will allow rail fans across the UK to experience the locomotive.

As well as heritage railways, Flying Scotsman will also be on display at the National Railway Museum in York from the 28th March until the 24th April.

Locomotion at Shildon will also play host to the locomotive between the 4th and 31st August 2026.

First up, though, will be a visit to the Midlands to operate a number of trains over Half Term with Vintage Trains.

Then, between the 16th and 31st May, Flying Scotsman will visit the Great Central Railway in Nottingham, and this will be the first time in 25 years that Flying Scotsman has operated on a heritage railway in the East Midlands.

In June, Flying Scotsman will make a visit to the East Lancashire Railway for a mix of passenger trains (5-7th and 13-14th June) and static displays (3,4,10 and 12th June).

Further heritage railway visits and mainline excursions are in the planning stages, with details set to be released later in the year.

“We’re delighted to be working with Northern Steam to ensure as many people as possible have a chance to see and be driven by this incredible locomotive. It really is an unforgettable experience; whether you are an ardent follower of heritage rail or it is your first ever time aboard a steam train, the experience never gets old.”  

Andrew McLean, Head Curator at the National Railway Museum