Journey back in time on The Sunset Steam Express

Hop onboard the luxurious Mayflower and relive the golden age of steam on a trip through the Surrey Hills.

Ever dreamed of being in an Agatha Christie novel and experiencing the romance of travel by old fashioned steam rail? 

Steam Dreams has now scheduled two new steam train services from London Waterloo – the first to depart from the station in over half a century – onboard the restored steam train The Mayflower. The first service departs three times every Tuesday throughout the summer, serving a Champagne brunch on board. The second is an evening journey where passengers are treated to a three-course dinner.

We book an evening on The Sunset Steam Express which sets off at 19.20 taking a three and a half hour trip through the suburbs of London, Guildford, the Surrey Hills and the Vale of Holmesdale, to see what it’s all about.

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What is the Mayflower?

The Mayflower was built in 1948 for the London and North Eastern Railway to haul express passenger trains as well as freight traffic. She was the last BI Class Locomotive in service and her final trip for British Railways was hauling the Yorkshire Pullman from Leeds in September 1967. 

One of two surviving BI Class trains, she's been restored to look just as she did in her early British Railways days with apple-green livery. She has two cylinders, six driving wheels and can get up to speeds of 75mph.

What is it like onboard?

Being onboard the 1950’s Pullman Style Dining carriage is like stepping back in time. Tables are covered in white tablecloths and laid for either two or four passengers. The walls are wood-panelled and the curtains, lamps and upholstery are reminiscent of a bygone era.

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What will I see?

When the train departs it’s still light outside. We head steadily south through the suburbs of London, but not unnoticed. Both children and adults rush to their windows to get a glimpse of its steam engine, wave and take pictures.

As the sky starts to go dark we make our way through the Surrey Hills, the Vale of Holmesdale and the market towns of Dorking and Reigate, appreciating the green surroundings outside from the comfort of our cosy cabin.

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What will I eat?

Dinner in the Pullman Style Dining carriage gets off to an impressive start with a sharing platter of smoked salmon and mackerel tian with cucumber, mango, pineapple and chilli salsa. 

The main course is chicken breast in a creamy tarragon sauce with sides of spring onion and chive mashed potatoes and buttered greens.

For dessert we’re served an indulgent plate of chocolate brownie with ice cream, chocolate sauce, berries, honeycomb and compote. This is rounded off nicely with coffee and truffles.

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Book it

Head here to book your place on The Sunset Steam Express this summer which runs until 3 September. Prices are from £99 per person in Premier Dining and up to £129 per person in the Pullman Style Dining car. A private compartment for four with dinner will cost £449. A standard ticket at £49 offers seating at tables but snacks can be purchased and picnics are welcome.

To book tickets for one of the morning or afternoon one-way train services offering a Champagne brunch head to Royal Windsor Steam Express.

Main image: SunsetSteamExp/Facebook