Introduction
At Vintage Trains we appreciate that coach operators and tour organisers play a vital role in the tourism industry moving people to and from places or events of interest whilst ensuring they enjoy the experience. Ours is a similar function, excepting the fact that we use steam-hauled trains to do the moving!
A steward will be on duty to ensure that groups can take their seats, to answer any questions and to assist passengers who may need some extra help.
Our regular passenger service between Birmingham and Stratford-upon-Avon, is an obvious candidate for inclusion in a tour itinerary either as a group activity in its own right, or as part of a programme of differing travel experiences in the Midlands. We will always make every effort to work with a group organiser, and so have compiled a checklist of our facilities, which will help to ensure an enjoyable, and trouble-free, tour. There is a separate page dealing with Group Travel on our regular summer Sunday service. Group Travel on the Shakespeare Express
The remainder of this page covers group travel on our very popular 'one-off' excursions to places of interest.
Our Tour Programme is set out on a separate page. Unfortunately, the actual timings of many of these tours are not available until 7 days before the scheduled departure.
Group Discounts
Fares for our steam excursions are set individually for each tour depending upon the particular journey, route and pick up station. Details of group booking fares (if available) are available on application. Discounts will depend upon the particular train, the group size and the number of adult tickets purchased, so organisers with minibus vehicles of 16-24 seat capacity may also be able to take advantage of reduced fares. To qualify for Group discounts, a party must consist of 10 or more adults travelling together and tickets must be pre-booked.
Contact the VT office for a quotation for groups of 10 or over.
Seat Reservations
All seats are normally allocated for all passengers on our excursions. However, for the one or two excursions where seats are not allocated we will reserve seats in a block for advance group bookings. Seating is in open coaches, which is very suitable for a group travelling together. The coaches also feature large picture windows affording excellent views of the surrounding countryside.
Special Needs
We can accommodate a small number of people using wheelchairs. Ramps are available. Passengers who can walk short distances can leave wheelchairs in the care of our stewards and we will seat them close by. If these facilities are required, please notify us when booking the seats: accommodation is limited.
Dining & Corporate Activities
We provide Premier Class with dining on most trains in our ex-BR mark 1 Pullman Dining Cars. Dining tables are arranged for 2 and 4 persons. We are able cater for groups, parties and corporate bookings where it is possible to arrange a special menu. A complete dining train may also be hired.
Coach Parking
Our excursions start and pick up from a number of stations depending upon the particular route that the train will take. Some of these offer coach parking facilities. Several of our trains start/finish at Tyseley Warwick Road (our own private platform within the Tyseley Locomotive Works Site) which is 3 miles south of Birmingham city centre. Free all-day coach parking is available at our Visitor Centre car park at Tyseley for our customers.
Familiarisation Visits
Bona fide tour operators and organisers are always welcome to book familiarisation visits on our trains. To arrange a visit please contact us.
Want to know more?
If you have any questions or would like further information on any of the points above, please feel free to contact us. The Vintage Trains team look forward to hearing from you!
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.
Guide Dogs
Vintage Trains regrets that Dogs are NOT allowed on any train except for Specially Trained Dogs for the Disabled.
Vintage Trains Standard Conditions of Booking and Travel
All bookings are subject to Vintage Trains Standard Conditions of Booking and Travel. They are available here for you to view and print in two formats:
