Steam Dreams Southend to Chester train trip announced

The Steam Dreams Rail Company has added the "fascinating" new journey to its schedule for this summer, taking rail enthusiasts from south Essex to the historic city of Chester.

Passengers will be welcomed aboard the vintage carriages at Southend Central before stopping at stations across Essex and skirting London, where the steam locomotive will join.

The scheduled locomotive for the steam hauled sections of this trip is the historic Royal Scot, although it cannot be guaranteed and may be substituted for a different engine.

It will take daytrippers on an express run along the West Coast Main Line, through the suburbs and out into Warwickshire and Staffordshire, where it will pass through "beautiful" countryside as the railway traverses more rural parts before arriving in Chester.

An example of the Pullman style dining carriages (Image: Steam Dreams Rail Company)

The Steam Dreams website says: "This unique tour offers a fascinating adventure across country as we traverse England by steam, travelling past a rich tapestry of intertwined rivers, canals and fields to visit the historic city of Chester where modern life is inextricably linked with its past.

"The city’s Tudor-and-Victorian heart is justifiably famous as one of Britain’s prettiest town centres."

The trip will set off from Southend Central at 6.55am on Thursday, August 8, arriving at Chester for 2pm before returning to the south Essex city again at 10.50pm.

Passengers can choose between three classes with packages which include the Steam Dreams signature Champagne cocktail and a multi-course breakfast. Prices range from the premium standard £175 carriages, with the top price of £410 for Pullman style dining.

For more information and to get tickets, visit steamdreams.co.uk/journey/southend-to-chester/.