Vintage Trains' regular Sunday steam service to Stratford-upon-Avon, with Pullman lunch, afternoon tea and new First Class options.
The Shakespeare Express is the only regularly timetabled steam train in the Midlands. In its classic form it runs from Birmingham to Stratford-upon-Avon and back along the Great Western's North Warwickshire line through Henley-in-Arden, with a return via the Chiltern main line on some dates. Derby and Worcester variants pick up at Burton-on-Trent, Tamworth, Coleshill Parkway, Droitwich Spa and Stourbridge Junction.
The train is worked by Tyseley's Great Western locomotives, usually a Castle, and formed of the Vintage Trains rake with Pullman dining cars, First Class introduced in 2026 and Standard saloons. A three-course Sunday lunch or afternoon tea can be added.
Passengers get several hours in Stratford for the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Shakespeare's Birthplace and the river.
The route is gentle Warwickshire countryside with no single-side highlight, so either side works.
Sides are given facing the direction of travel. Miles are approximate from the start of the journey.
| Date | From | Traction | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 8 Nov 2026 10:15 |
Worcester Shrub Hill Runs as The Worcester Shakespeare Express; also calls Droitwich Spa and Stourbridge Junction. |
Steam | On sale |
| Sun 8 Nov 2026 13:35 |
Stratford-upon-Avon Afternoon Shakespeare Express from Stratford-upon-Avon. |
Steam | On sale |
Departures vary between Birmingham Snow Hill, Moor Street and New Street depending on the date; check the ticket page.
Standard fares from Stratford are the cheapest; Vintage Trains lists current prices on its events page.
Vintage Trains runs festive trains from Tyseley including Polar Express style services; see the events page.
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