Out and About is a popular feature in Group Travel Organiser magazine, where we share the places, trips and sights the editorial team have recently experienced, and believe will be of interest to others organising group travel.
We’ve just begun blogging our stories to make them available to a wider audience online.
Editorial Director Peter Stonham enjoyed a serene evening on the Sunset Steam Express in late June. These are the first scheduled steam train services from Waterloo in over 50 years, running until 3rd September.
Peter and the group travelled on the 44871 ‘Black Five’ – one of 18 members of the class (built in 1945) that survives into preservation. He enjoyed a four-hour round trip through the Surrey Hills – an Area of Outsanding Natural Beauty.
After departing from Waterloo and passing through South London, the train passed beneath the District Line from Wimbledon to Putney Bridge, as it made its way to Richmond Station. Peter enjoyed the relaxing ride out of London during the suburban rush hour, as the train headed towards Ashford (Middlesex). Here, the train was able to show its paces, as it was no longer hampered by speed restrictions.
Peter was kept well topped up with water, and served a luxurious dinner in the elegant 1950’s Pullman Style Dining carriage. This made a very welcome addition to the sunset, as the train ascended the steep climb through the Surrey Hills, before descending the Vale of Holmesdale and back to Waterloo.
Peter would like to thank Steam Dreams for a most enjoyably journey. For more information on group visits on the unique locomotives, you can visit the Steam Dreams website.
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