Group Travel Information on Vintage Trains main line steam train excursions

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updated 02/05/08

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On this page we give details of how we accommodate group travel. This is of special interest to organisers for coach operators & tour organisers, however the information below may be of interest to smaller groups of 12 or more adults travelling together.

This information covers very popular 'one-off' excursions to places of interest.

Please note : there is a separate page dealing with Group Travel on our regular summer Sunday service. Group Travel on the Shakespeare Express>>

The topics covered on this page
>Introduction >Timetables >Passengers With Special Needs >Seat Reservations
>Stewards >Ticket Pricing >Coach Parking >Dining, Premier Dining & Corporate Hospitality
>Familiarisation Visits >Contact Details


Introduction
		At Vintage Trains we appreciate that coach operators and group 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! 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.

Notes: Customers are reminded that as from 1st July 2007 UK government legislation comes into effect prohibiting smoking in public places. Areas designated 'NO SMOKING' include ALL CARRIAGES ON ALL TRAINS AS WELL AS RAILWAY PLATFORMS AND PREMISES. Vintage Trains regrets that Dogs are NOT allowed on any train except for Specially Trained Dogs for the Disabled. Please note that all bookings are subject to Vintage Trains Ltd Standard Conditions of Booking and Travel


Ticket Pricing Ticket prices for steam excursions are set individually depending upon the particular journey & route, please contact us for details of group bookings. The discount will depend upon the group size and the number of adult tickets purchased, so organisers with minibus vehicles of 16-24 seat capacity will also be able to take advantage of reduced fares.. To qualify for Group discounts, a party must consist of 12 or more adults travelling together and tickets must be pre-booked.

Timetables & Leaflets

The timetable for each of our 'one-off' excursions is unique, please contact us for details. Unfortunately, the actual timings of many of these tours is not available until 7 days before the scheduled departure.

Leaflets for the Excursions & the Shakespeare Express


Seat Reservations All seats are normally allocated for all passengers on 'one-off' excursions. However, for the one or two excursions where seats are not allocated we will reserve seats in a block for advance group bookings. Most of our seating capacity is in open coaches, which are much more suitable for a group travelling together. They also feature large picture windows affording excellent views of the surrounding countryside. Passengers With Special Needs We can accommodate a small number of people using wheelchairs, ramps are available and we can arrange the use of station lifts where 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.

Stewards 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. We have on-going steward training and selection to ensure a high standard of service on all our trains. About our Stewards

Premier Dining & Corporate Hospitality We provide a silver service dining facility on our trains in our ex-BR mark 1 Pullman Cars. Dining tables are for 2 and 4 people. ..further information on dining>> Our Dining Cars are ideal for Corporate Hospitality. We are able cater for groups, parties and corporate events where a special menu may be arranged. A complete dining train may also be hired. Further details >> Please contact Graham to discuss your requirements. Corporate Enquiries Familiarisation Visits Bona fide tour operators and organisers are always welcome to book familiarisation visits on our trains. To arrange a visit

Coach Parking
Our steam one-off steam excursions start and pick up from a variety of stations depending upon the particular route that the train will take. Some of these offer coach parking facilities. Many of our trains pick up at Tyseley which is 3 miles south of Birmingham city centre, and free all-day coach parking is available at our Visitor Centre car park at Tyseley for our customers.

Contact Details
If you have any questions or would like further information on any of the points above, please feel free to contact any of the team at Vintage Trains. We look forward to hearing from you! Contact Vintage Trains

	Special Notes
Customers are reminded that as from 1st July 2007 UK government legislation comes into effect prohibiting smoking in public places. Areas designated 'NO SMOKING' include ALL CARRIAGES ON ALL TRAINS AS WELL AS RAILWAY PLATFORMS AND PREMISES. Vintage Trains regrets that Dogs are NOT allowed on any train except for Specially Trained Dogs for the Disabled.

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