Locomotive Services Group has announced that The Chairman’s Train is now available for hire, making it the UK’s first fully private heritage train, with a choice of steam, electric and diesel power.
The season will begin in July 2026, with a five-day West Highland Experience, with another trip in August.
From 2027, The Chairman’s Train will expand to offer bespoke private charters.
The train has drawing rooms, fine linens, walk-in showers and panoramic observation cars.
For multi-day itineraries, Class 121 Flora will be used to venture along remote branch lines, with guests staying onboard or at hotels along the route.
All 2026 departures will start at London Euston, with future journeys having the flexibility to depart from other terminals and stations around the country.
The Chairman’s Train is designed for groups of between 2 and 16 and is fully personalised, with a choice of locomotive, destination and duration.
A full day’s journey will start at £45,000, with each additional day costing an additional £25,000
‘The Chairman’s Train represents something truly special for Britain’s railway heritage and for luxury travel alike. We have taken immense pride in restoring these remarkable carriages with absolute respect for their history, while reimagining them for a new generation of travellers who value privacy, craftsmanship and authenticity.’
Tony Bush, Managing Director, Locomotive Services Group
‘The Chairman’s Train is the UK’s first fully private heritage train for exclusive use. Designed for intimate groups of two to sixteen it offers a personalisation unmatched in modern travel. Whether your passion is cathedrals, castles, gardens or golf courses then, together with our off-train colleagues, we can make it happen! Every element from route planning, dining configurations, entertainment and pace is individually tailored. For five years now we have been investigating the art of the possible from St Ives to John O Groats, from quiet overnight stops to places of interest throughout Britain. Journeys can vary from single day escapes to multi-night odysseys, across Britain’s unique and evocative railways.
Jeremy Hosking, Chairman, Locomotive Services Group
Responses
Now that’s interesting, I assume that Mondays private charter was a test run, I thing that I did think about was why was flora not attached to the rear of the main train, in much the same way that a large motor home would tow a small car behind it, ready to explore the little branch lines.
This set looked fantastic as it sped through Wigan. I wish them all the best. I wonder if this is the fate for the soon to be decommissioned Royal Train?
Off now to see if I can find £45k down the back of the sofa!