Staying On Track: The Magic Of Steam

Steam train breaks have always had a bit of a following. Maybe it’s the pace of it all - slower, steadier, more scenic. Or maybe it’s the novelty of climbing aboard something that feels like it belongs in a different time. Either way, there’s a reason they’re some of our most popular holidays.

At Caledonian Travel, we’ve put together a whole range of steam train experiences - from short-and-sweet day trips to weekend getaways and longer holidays that mix steam with the seaside. They’re a great option for people who like something a bit different from the usual, whether you’re a railway enthusiast or just fancy trying something new.

Afternoon tea, steam and scenery

One of the most popular day trips is Afternoon Tea on a Steam Train. Customers travel First Class aboard the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, tucking into a traditional afternoon tea as the countryside rolls by. It’s a real treat - calm, comfortable and a little bit indulgent!

For something with an overnight stay, there’s Harrogate & Afternoon Tea on a Steam Train. That includes dinner, bed and breakfast at one of our carefully selected hotels, a visit to Skipton, and the same First Class steam experience with afternoon tea. There's also time to enjoy Harrogate at your own pace the following day - think lovely shops, gardens and that relaxed Yorkshire charm.

York, a roast, and a touch of nostalgia

Another good weekend option is our York & Sunday Lunch on a Steam Train break. Heading into York on the Saturday - always a favourite with its historic centre, cobbled streets and brilliant atmosphere - customers then settle into a comfy hotel for the night. Sunday brings a steam train journey with a traditional Sunday lunch served on board. Good food, good views and no washing up.

There’s a certain feeling you get when you’re sat on a steam train that’s hard to describe, but you know it when it happens. The gentle clunk as the wheels start turning, the steady build-up of movement, the soft hiss of steam drifting past the window. It’s quiet, but not silent - just enough sound to remind you that you’re on the move.

The views outside are that bit more special because you're not rushing past them. You’ve got time. Time to chat, sip your tea, or just sit back and watch the countryside roll by.

It’s not about getting from A to B - it’s about enjoying the journey in between. It's charm. It’s relaxing. It’s different. And there’s something really comforting about it too. And there’s always a moment where you reflect and think, “this is exactly where I want to be right now.”

Steam by the sea, or dinner and drama?

But it's not just about the countryside. Fancy mixing steam with a coastal break? The five-day Bournemouth, Steam & Isle of Wight holiday gives you even more. Four nights in Bournemouth with evening entertainment included, plus a journey to Portsmouth to board the hovercraft across to Ryde on the Isle of Wight. There’s also a ride on the Swanage Steam Railway to tick off the list - perfect for people who like a bit of variety.

And we mix in a bit of fun with our Murder Mystery on a Steam Train breaks. Something a little different, these one-night stays include a themed evening meal on board the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway, where a mystery unfolds carriage by carriage, and you're left to wonder whodunnit? Add in a comfy hotel and breakfast the next day, and it’s a brilliant mix of theatre, food and fun.

A day out in the Lakes

For a more laid-back affair, Beautiful Windermere & Lakeside Steam is a great day out. Travelling on the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway, starting at Haverthwaite Station before arriving at Lakeside, with time to explore Bowness-on-Windermere, it’s a very scenic and popular break - easygoing and full of postcard-worthy views.

We know not everyone’s looking for the same kind of holiday - and that’s exactly why we offer so many different steam breaks. Some people are here for the trains, others for the food or the scenery. And sometimes it’s just about doing something a bit different for a change.

Whatever the reason, these breaks are always among our bestsellers - so we’ll keep adding new ones, trying out new twists, and making sure there’s a steam break to suit everyone.

All aboard? Click here if you want to know more about our Magic Of Steam breaks, where you can find all of our current options, with more added throughout the year. Take a look - and see where the journey takes you.