The Ultimate Steam Enthusiasts Experience: Double-Headed Castle & Jubilee both Ways Over the South Devon Banks

On Saturday 6th September, Vintage Trains will once again storm over the metals of South West England, with a double-headed express from Bristol to Plymouth and return, over the South Devon banks in both directions unassisted – offering the ultimate dream for enthusiasts of steam.

This special Express, The Mayflower, named after a short-lived British Railways Western Region Express at the end of steam, presents an exciting mainline steam experience that is not often seen, re-creating scenes from the golden age of steam.

Leaving Birmingham New Street in the early morning, hauled by diesel locomotive, the train will pick up at Barnt Green, Worcestershire Parkway, Cheltenham Spa, Bristol Parkway and finally Bristol Temple Meads.

Bristol is where the train really comes alive, as Castle Class locomotive, Clun Castle, and Jubilee Class locomotive Bahamas, will attach themselves on to the front of the train to haul it on the Bristol to Plymouth, and return, leg of the trip. This will see the locomotives working hard over the challenging gradients of South Devon as well as thundering along the sea wall at Dawlish.

“We are delighted to bring back ‘The Mayflower’ for a second year, following its incredibly successful introduction in 2024. Like last year, we are sure this will a highlight for enthusiasts and the public alike, especially with a Castle and Jubilee being paired together this year. We would like to thank the Bahamas Locomotive Society for allowing us use of their locomotive once again and look forward to another brilliant run with her, in what will be one of her final mainline runs in 2025.” commented Alex Knudsen, Sales & Marketing Manager at Vintage Trains.

Onboard there are a variety of dining options for passengers from the luxury of Pullman to Tourist. In Pullman, passengers will be served a full English breakfast and a four-course dinner, both freshly prepared and served to their seat. In First Class, passengers are treated to morning tea or coffee accompanied by a bacon roll and pastries, followed by an Afternoon Tea on the return journey. Tourist passengers will be able to pre-order Bacon Rolls and Afternoon Teas for their journey, with a buffet, selling light refreshments.

To book your places on this spectacular Express go to vintagetrains.co.uk/the-mayflower. We advise booking as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Picture credit: Mainline 10.5.24 The Great Western 2075. Photo by Karl Heath.