The York Yuletide Express
Steam trainYorkshire

The York Yuletide Express

London Victoria → York
Photo: Alan Wilson from Stilton, Peterborough, Cambs, UK, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • SeasonFestive
  • RunsSingle date: Saturday 14 November 2026
  • DurationFull day
  • TractionSteam from Leicester to York and back; diesel or electric between London and Leicester
  • OperatorThe Railway Touring Company

A festive day out to York's Christmas Market, steam hauled from Leicester via the 'Old Road' through Rotherham.

The York Yuletide Express leaves London Victoria and joins the Midland Main Line, picking up at St Albans, Luton, Bedford, Kettering and Leicester. At Leicester the steam locomotive takes charge for the run north via Loughborough and Chesterfield, then over the historic 'Old Road' towards Rotherham and through Conisbrough and Doncaster to York.

Passengers have the afternoon at York's Christmas Market, the Shambles, the Minster or the National Railway Museum. Father Christmas and his elves visit the train with presents for children. Steam works the train back as far as Leicester.

Which side to sit

London Victoria → York

Drax and York Minster on the final approach are on the right; the crooked spire at Chesterfield is on the left.

Sit on the right1 sights on the left · 2 on the right
  1. 0mi
    StationLondon Victoria
  2. StationSt Albans CityPick-up
  3. StationLutonPick-up
  4. StationBedfordPick-up
  5. StationKetteringPick-up
  6. StationLeicesterPick-up; steam takes over
  7. StationLoughborough
  8. LandmarkChesterfield Crooked SpireTwisted spire of St Mary and All Saints
  9. StationChesterfield
  10. Junction · on the lineThe Old RoadHistoric North Midland route towards Rotherham
  11. Town · on the lineRotherham
  12. Castle · both sidesConisbroughNorman keep above the Don valley
  13. StationDoncasterJoins the East Coast Main Line
  14. LandmarkDrax Power StationCooling towers across the Vale of York
  15. CathedralYork MinsterTowers visible across the city on the approach
  16. StationYork

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

Upcoming dates

DateFromTractionStatus
Sat 14 Nov 2026
07:00
London Victoria
Approximate timings.
Steam from Leicester See operator

On board

  • Dining
  • Premier dining
  • First Class
  • Afternoon tea
  • Bar
  • Family friendly

Highlights

  • Midland Main Line
  • 'Old Road' via Rotherham
  • York Christmas Market
  • Father Christmas on board

Classes of travel

StandardFirst ClassPremier Dining
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

Where does steam take over?

At Leicester, in both directions.

Are there presents for children?

Yes, Father Christmas and his elves visit the train.

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