Friends of Vintage Trains

21/06/2026

Today we celebrate both the summer solstice and Father’s Day. So enjoy the longest day of the year (especially if you are on the Shakespeare express today!) and also let’s give thanks to all Fathers still with us and remember those who have passed.

14/06/2026

11/06/2026

07/06/2026

As we come to the end of Volunteers’ week, we would like to send our heartfelt thanks to all our Members who also help in our support of Vintage Trains, whether it be site maintenance, coach and loco cleaning, site tour guides, archive, publication preparation, train stewarding, website, event management, gardening… the list goes on. Also to the Committee who give so much of their time. THANK YOU, it wouldn’t work without you. If anyone is interested in learning more then click on the Friends of Vintage Trains website to find out more. (www.Friendsofvt.org.uk)

23/05/2026

The Golden Hind at Hatton Bank earlier this morning, en route to Plymouth from Birmingham, by way of Widney Manor, Warwick Parkway, Banbury, Oxford and London Paddington.

Quite the adventure...

📸 Martyn Osborne

22/05/2026

08/05/2026

Planning a trip between London and Plymouth on Saturday 23 May?

You could take a standard service train. Or you could travel behind one of Britain’s great heritage locomotives aboard The Golden Hind.

Vintage Trains is offering Standard Class travel from £94 (plus fees) one way, only around £20 more than many regular fares on the route that day.

The train runs direct between London Paddington and Plymouth, with plenty of time to relax, take in the coastline and enjoy the journey properly.

Tickets in the comments!

22/04/2026

LAST CALL

Book your seats for this weekend's Derby Shakespeare Express!

Departing from Derby, Burton-on-Trent, Tamworth and Coleshill Parkway, you can enjoy a full day out to Stratford-upon-Avon, travelling in style behind a vintage steam locomotive that runs at mainline speed through the Warwickshire countryside.

Pullman dining, First Class comfort, or Standard Class freedom to do it your own way. If you choose the latter, why not bring a picnic and games, and settle in to take in the journey as it unfolds.

You'll have over four hours in Stratford to explore at your own pace, whether that's lunch by the river, a wander through the town, or time at Shakespeare's birthplace.

Book now!

📸 Martyn H. Osborne