Tel: 01438 715050
Saturday 15th March 2025
Count Dracula has a close association with Whitby. Bram Stoker’s character was inspired by a visit to the ruins of Gothic Whitby Abbey while he holidayed there in the year 1890. Today we offer you a similar opportunity to experience this beautiful seaside town set on the North Yorkshire Coast, where another legend – Captain Cook – learnt his sea faring trade. Take a brisk climb to the top of the East Cliff to explore the stunning Abbey ruins – or relax amongst the local shops and eateries which are aplenty just a short walk from the station.
For many it will be the journey to Whitby that is the highlight of the day. The 35 mile Esk Valley line follows the course of the River Esk and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway has special dispensation to operate on part of the line, making charter trains such as our own extremely scarce due to the lack of available paths. The line passes through acres of woodlands and is certainly one of the finest rural lines in England.
Our special train originates at Finsbury Park with further pick-ups at Potters Bar, Stevenage, Peterborough and York. It is our call at York where we expect to collect our ‘Wardrobes’ – an endearing description of our heritage class 20 freight locomotives that will lead us into Whitby. For now though, our pair of class 20’s will attach to the rear of our train and our class 43 locomotives will continue to take charge of our train to Battersby where we will reverse.
With the class 20’s now leading we will complete the journey along the Esk Valley to Whitby. Our arrival will be around lunchtime and guests will have nearly three hours to explore this wonderful destination.
Our journey home retraces our outward route. Again we reverse at Battersby and from this point our class 20 locomotives will lead the train throughout the journey home – affording an exceptionally rare opportunity for enthusiasts to contrast class 20 haulage on both the rural Esk Valley Line and the busy East Coast Main Line.
Our train today will be limited in length so as to facilitate our reversal at Battersby and so customers are advised to book early so as to secure their seats on this quite special visit to Whitby.
First Class Dining includes The Great British Breakfast and a four course dinner. A buffet car is available for those in Standard Class and First Class Non Dining.
Class | Fare | Availability |
---|---|---|
Standard Adult | £149 | Good |
Standard Junior | £129 | Good |
First Class Non Dining | £219 | Good |
First Class Dining | £329 | Good |
All timings are provisional and are intended only as a guide.
Station | Depart | Arrive |
---|---|---|
Finsbury Park | 06.00 | 22.20 |
Potters Bar | 06.15 | 22.05 |
Stevenage | 06.30 | 21.50 |
Peterborough | 07.20 | 21.00 |
York | 09.20 | 19.20 |
© UK Railtours 2025