Might be November still but there are plenty of Christmas trips being organised and markets, shopping in full swing with the festive season fast approaching, what better way to give yourself (and a loved one perhaps) an early present with a steam tour to one of England's stunning locations - Bath.
London Victoria to Bath at Christmas(*)
Departure Date:
Tuesday 30th November 2021
(*) yes I know it's November still, and Christmas is some way off.
Departing from, with approximate departure times:
London Victoria (d 08:45), Staines (d 09:30), Woking (d 10:10)
>> Arrival at Bath Spa due 13:05.
Travel to the stunning roman city of Bath and explore its many museums and places of interest. It has some of the very finest architectural sights in Europe including the Roman Baths and Pump Room, Pulteney Bridge, the Abbey and Royal Crescent.
BATH CHRISTMAS MARKET
We are aware that the official Bath Christmas Market will not be going ahead this year in its usual format. However, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the festive period in one of the UK's most iconic Christmas cities. Some of the wonderful activities on offer will include a Christmas light trail taking you on a journey to some of Bath's most iconic architecture, Bath's artisan makers showcasing their crafts around Bath Abbey Quarter and Queen Square, and Luke Jerram's global phenomenon, Museum of the Moon, will be the centrepiece of Bath Abbey.
Bath’s biggest independent market returns this Christmas! After a break of nearly two years, Bath’s biggest and favourite independent artisan market is back and running every day from the 20th November to the 19th December. Put your skates on and have go on the Ice at the Royal Victoria Park.
The Ice Rink is back and, with 1000 square metres of smooth ice, it’s bigger than ever! Glowing in an array of atmospheric lights, it’s the ideal spot to practice those skating skills and simultaneously the perfect stage for avid skaters to show off their moves. With music to set the wintery scene, a cozy bar area and seasonal drinks you will be transported to a dreamy winter wonderland!
Or how about a round of 'Glow Golf' located next door to the Ice rink. Bath’s popular adventure golf course will be decked out with its very own fairy light installations. Playing golf at night with glow-in-the-dark balls adds a whole new layer of excitement to the classic daytime experience.
Steam Hauled by A1 Class Pacific '60163 Tornado'
60163 Tornado is the newest steam engine on the national network (at time of writing). The original Peppercorn A1 series were ordered by the LNER, but the 49 locomotives were built at Doncaster and Darlington for British Railways (BR) in 1948–49, after the nationalisation of the railways in the United Kingdom. Following the modernisation and dieselisation plans of the 1950s, the A1 Peppercorn class was eventually scrapped at a comparatively early age of just 15 years.
The original Peppercorn A1s were designed to cope with the heaviest regular post-war East Coast trains. First steamed in 2008, after a 19 year project to fund and build the locomotive, Tornado was built to be not a replica, but the 50th A1. The original 49 A1s were built for the London & North Eastern Railway (LNER) between 1948 and 1949. Sadly after the withdrawal of steam in 1968 none of the LNER A1 class engines were saved from the scrapper's torch. In 1990 a group of enthusiasts founded a trust (A1 Steam Locomotive Trust) to return this missing link.
Tornado moved under its own power for the first time on 29th July 2008 at Darlington, and then spent two months at the Great Central Railway in Loughborough, where it was tested up to 60 mph (97 km/h) and operated its first passenger train. Tornado then moved to the National Railway Museum (NRM) in York for three test runs on the main line up to 75 mph (121 km/h). After repainting from works grey into LNER Apple Green, Tornado was approved for mainline passenger operation. On 31st January 2009 Tornado hauled its first passenger trip on the main line, The Peppercorn Pioneer, from York to Newcastle and back. By hauling various A1 Trust railtours, charters and other activities, Tornado will begin to recoup the estimated £800,000 debt from the project, which cost around £3 million.
Tornado has 3 cylinders, 6 driving wheels and a firebox of 50sq.ft. Tornado is a regular locomotive for Steam Dreams, often seen on trips along the East Coast Mainline to York. Whilst limited to 75 mph today, A1s are capable of achieving speeds in excess of 100mph. During its short life Tornado has twice hauled the Royal Train.
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