670 Warwick Road
Tyseley
West Midlands
B11 2HL
0121 708 4960
The Shakespeare Express is a mainline steam train service that runs every summer Sunday between Birmingham Snow Hill and Stratford-upon-Avon railway stations. One of only three steam services to remain on the UK National Rail timetable, the summer of 2015 will see the Shakespeare Express celebrate its Seventeenth year of continuous steam operation.
A perfect way to celebrate a special occasion such as a birthday or an anniversary, or simply indulge yourself and reminisce. Whatever your motives, sit back, relax and enjoy the sensory delights of main line express steam train travel just as it was in the 'good old days'. Our normal route between Birmingham and Stratford-upon-Avon is via 'The Shakespeare Line', a line steeped in culture, history and natural beauty. Viewed through the large carriage window you will see an ever changing landscape; From Birmingham's fascinating industrial past to Warwickshire's beautiful countryside. Look out for the working farms, stylish villages, stations and waterways that make up Shakespeare's County. Returning from Stratford-upon-Avon to Birmingham we generally use the alternative route via Claverdon and Lapworth, where our steam locomotive often works up to its top permitted speed of 75mph!
Upon joining the train, you will travel in one of Vintage Trains' historic and authentically restored carriages, pulled by a heritage steam engine in all its burnished glory. Choose between the traditional comfort of Standard Class, with seats at a table for four, or the old world elegance of Premier Class where you can savour the best of traditional English fayre. Depending on the time of day, either a full English breakfast, a freshly cooked Roast Sunday Luncheon with all the trimmings or that most English of institutions, Afternoon Tea, will be served. A wide selection of wines, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are also available. Seating in Premier class is available at tables for two or four persons.
Vintage Trains are proud to maintain the traditions of the GWR by operating The Shakespeare Express over genuine ex GWR routes and wherever possible using the fleet of thoroughbred ex-GWR steam locomotives restored and maintained by Tyseley Locomotive Works.
