Vintage Trains' Cathedrals Express takes Tornado up the East Coast Main Line from York to Edinburgh via Durham, Newcastle and Berwick.
The Cathedrals Express name, long used by Steam Dreams for its London trips, is carried in 2026 by Vintage Trains. Following a June run to Newcastle with Clun Castle, the November train heads for Edinburgh with 60163 Tornado.
The train starts in the Midlands, picking up at Coleshill Parkway, Tamworth, Burton-on-Trent, Derby and Chesterfield, and reaches York behind diesel. Tornado then takes over for the East Coast Main Line: Durham Cathedral on its hill, the Tyne bridges at Newcastle, the Northumberland coast past Alnmouth and the Royal Border Bridge at Berwick, with a final pick-up at Darlington.
Around three hours are given in Edinburgh at the start of the Christmas market season. Pullman, First and Standard seats are sold through Vintage Trains.
Durham Cathedral, the Tyne bridges, the Northumberland coast, Holy Island and the Bass Rock are all on the right heading north.
Sides are given facing the direction of travel. Miles are approximate from the start of the journey.
| Date | From | Traction | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 14 Nov 2026 06:30 |
Coleshill Parkway Also calls Tamworth, Burton-on-Trent, Derby, Chesterfield, York and Darlington. |
Diesel to Darlington, then 60163 Tornado | On sale |
Yes, York and Darlington are pick-up points for the steam-hauled section.
No. Steam Dreams used the name for London trips; this is a Vintage Trains tour.
Around three hours.
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