British Rail Tours Know which side to sit
The Rio Revival
Diesel trainMidlands

The Rio Revival

London St Pancras → Manchester Piccadilly
Either side is good
Photo: Cupar & District Model Railway Club, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • SeasonAutumn
  • RunsSingle date: Sunday 4 October 2026
  • DurationAbout 3 h 30 (12:06 to 15:34)
  • TractionInterCity 125 HST (125 Group Class 43 power cars and Mark 3 coaches)
  • Operator125 Group

The 125 Group's HST recreates the early-2000s 'Rio' Midland Main Line service from St Pancras to Manchester.

The Rio Revival follows The Journey Shrinker by one day and returns the 125 Group's HST north. It recreates the early-2000s Midland Main Line HST workings to Manchester, leaving London St Pancras at 12:06 for a fast run up the Midland Main Line via Leicester and Chesterfield.

The train then leaves the Midland Main Line and heads north west through Stockport to Manchester Piccadilly, due at 15:34. It is a one-way trip, with boarding and alighting at the intermediate calls, in First or Standard class.

Which side to sit

London St Pancras → Manchester Piccadilly

The operator does not publish the route between Chesterfield and Stockport, so apart from the crooked spire on the left there is no clear best side.

Either side1 sights on the left · 0 on the right
  1. 0mi
    StationLondon St Pancras
  2. 99mi
    StationLeicesterCall
  3. 146mi
    LandmarkChesterfield Crooked SpireTwisted spire of St Mary and All Saints
  4. 146mi
    StationChesterfieldCall
  5. StationStockportCall
  6. Viaduct · on the lineStockport Viaduct27 arches over the Mersey
  7. StationManchester Piccadilly

Sides are given facing the direction of travel. Miles are approximate from the start of the journey.

On board

  • First Class
  • Family friendly
  • Wheelchair access

Highlights

  • Midland Main Line at speed
  • Leicester and Chesterfield
  • Stockport
  • InterCity 125 HST

Classes of travel

StandardFirst Class
Before you book: charter trains depend on locomotive availability and Network Rail engineering work. Steam can be swapped for diesel at short notice, so check the operator’s terms for what happens then. When you book, ask for a seat on the side we recommend: most operators allocate seats but will note a preference.

Frequently asked questions

Is it a return trip?

No, it runs one way from St Pancras to Manchester Piccadilly.

Can I join part way?

Yes, tickets can be booked between any of the calling points.

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