Steam Excursions
From Solihull Area Stations*
We are Vintage Trains, one of the U.K.'s leading operators of main line steam train excursions. Our trains run on the national railway network at the authentic express speeds of the golden age of steam train travel. Many of our trains serve Solihull, Dorridge, central Birmingham stations and other local stations (*dependent upon the train's route).
Throughout the year we run steam trains to a variety of destinations - places of interest, trains to events, over unusual routes, runs behind special locomotives. The pick up stations depend upon the route and destination are usually in the East & West Midlands. Premier Class is available and typically includes full English breakfast on the outward run and a 3-course roast meal on the return. Favourite destinations include York, Chester, and Bristol. Other repeat destinations include London, North Wales, Lincoln and Ely, however this is by no means an exhaustive list of destinations for our tours.
Shakespeare Express
From Henley, Tyseley, Birmingham or Stratford
Our Programme features the popular summer Shakespeare Express steam train, which makes two round trips every Sunday between Birmingham Snow Hill and Stratford-upon-Avon throughout the operating season (July to mid-September). The trains also call at Birmingham Moor Street, Tyseley and Henley-in-Arden offering a number of travel choices for your day out. Many passengers book Premier Class and are served traditional English Fayre whilst they enjoy the thrill of the steam train travelling through delightful Warwickshire countryside. English Breakfast, Sunday Roast Lunch and High Tea are offered depending upon the time of travel. The journey takes just under an hour (each way) and it gives passengers the chance to experience the heydays of steam travel so it is easy to combine with other leisure activities.
For more details of the Shakespeare Express, your dining choices & Sunday Luncheon from Henley
Tyseley Open Days
At Tyseley Locomotive Works & Steam Depot
(3 miles south of Birmingham centre).
From time to time we arrange 'Tyseley Open Days' when the public can see the work 'behind the scenes' at our base. Our engines and coaches are restored, maintained and stabled at Tyseley Locomotive Works (formerly known as Birmingham Railway Museum) which is 5-10 minutes walk from Tyseley station. The site has been a steam depot continuously for over 100 years and retains many original features as well as a more modern workshop. Our Open Days feature turntable and other demonstrations, steam locomotive run pasts, shuttle train rides and generally opportunities 'to get up close to the engines'.
