Itinerary

This train recreates the halcyon days of the British Railways Standard Class 7 Britannia pacific locomotives working named Western Region trains on the South Wales main line and features an authentic connecting service direct from the West Midlands through to Didcot and return, hauled by Great Western 4-6-0 Hall No 4965 ‘Rood Ashton Hall’.

Upon our arrival at Didcot 'Rood Ashton Hall' will be removed for turning and servicing at the Great Western Society's Didcot Railway Centre and National Railway Museum owned Britannia pacific No 70013 ‘Oliver Cromwell’ will take over the train for the high speed dash along Brunel’s race track railway through Swindon and then on to the Badminton (South Wales direct) line, Bristol Parkway and through the Severn Tunnel.
 
Arriving in The Principality from deep beneath the River Severn, we will pass through Newport, Cardiff, Bridgend and Port Talbot before our first passenger stop and final destination, Swansea. Join us for a high mileage day of exhilarating Great Western / Western Region steam action on The Red Dragon.

Hauled by 4965 ‘Rood Ashton Hall’ Solihull to Didcot and 70013 ‘Oliver Cromwell’ Didcot to Swansea

Route

Solihull, Dorridge, Warwick Parkway, Banbury, Oxford, Didcot, Swindon, Badminton, Bristol Parkway, Severn Tunnel, Newport, Cardiff, Bridgend, Port Talbot to Swansea and return.

Stations & Times

Pick up : Solihull, Dorridge, Warwick Parkway, Banbury, Oxford.

Set down : Swansea

Times : subject to confirmation

Tickets, final information and confirmed timings are mailed out to passengers AS SOON AS VINTAGE TRAINS RECEIVE FINAL TIMINGS FROM NETWORK RAIL, normally about ten days before a tour is scheduled to depart.

Travel Classes

Standard
Traditional 'open' coaches with tables for 4 persons.

First *
Traditional 'open' coaches with tables for 2 and 4 persons.

Premier Dining *
Dining at tables for 2 and 4 persons in BR Mk 1 Pullman Cars .

*Table for Two
We offer a 'Table for Two' guarantee (subject to availability of tables) in Premier & First Class for an additional payment.

First Class Compartment:
Traditional 'compartment' coaches with compartments for 6 persons.

Dining

Premier Dining fares on this trip include:
Outward - Full English breakfast
Return - 3-course dinner

A selection of beers, wines and spirits willl be available for purchase (by dining passengers) from the dining car team.

Special dietary requirements must be requested when making your booking.

Juniors & Children within Dining Cars: There is no special child menu & no reduced child fare in Premier Class.  We regret we are unable to accommodate children under 5 in the dining cars.

For more information see the Premier Dining page.

Fares

Standard Class: £85

First Class : £120

Premier Dining : £165

Table for Two : £20 per table (£10 per person) extra

First Class Compartment: £684 (6 seats)

Add-on fares for connecting travel on FGW services to/from Banbury, Oxford and Didcot are available - enquire at time of booking.

Postal Bookings

For Premier, First Class & Table for Two seats please contact VT Office to check availabilty before making a postal booking.

No Smoking

Customers are reminded that UK government legislation prohibits smoking in public places. Areas designated NO SMOKING include ALL CARRIAGES ON ALL TRAINS AS WELL AS RAILWAY PLATFORMS AND PREMISES.

Supporting the Railway Children Charity

Railway Children fund raising teams will be travelling on this train raising awareness of their mission and holding an 'on-train' raffle.
Read more about their work at www.railwaychildren.org.uk