This will be the year we’d all rather forget so what better way to say goodbye to an annus horribilis and hello to 2021 than by taking a ride on one of these great British steam railways? Here are the best rail journeys for New Year’s Eve 2020 and New Year’s Day 2021.
New Year’s Eve
Celebrate New Year’s Eve on the Great Central Railway
The Great Central Railway is offering customers the chance to celebrate New Year’s Eve with a special six-course meal on board one of three steam-hauled trains. You will travel between Loughborough and Leicester, departing on 31 December 2020 and arriving back on 1 January 2021
Fares: £92 per ticket, adults only
Travel around the world on the Bluebell Railway this New Year’s Eve
The Bluebell Railway is offering lucky guests the chance to enjoy a New Year’s Eve Gala Luncheon on board the Wealden Rambler. You will enjoy a six-course world tasting menu and a glass of champagne on a four-hour journey as you toast in the New Year.
Fares: Table for 2, £200; table for 3, £300; table for 4, £400
Enjoy a New Year’s Eve banquet on the Isle of Man Railway
Residents of the Isle of Man can say goodbye to 2020 and enjoy a seven-course meal on the Isle of Man steam railway. You will travel to Port Erin with a glass of wine accompanying each course and enjoy a glass of champagne as the train returns to Douglas to bring in the New Year.
Fares: £97.50 pp
New Year’s Day
Raise your glass to 2021 on the East Lancashire Railway
The popular East Lancashire Railway will be running a special New Year’s Day passenger service, featuring an immaculately restored steam engine. On the trip every adult passenger will receive a tot of whisky with every hot drink they purchase on the train.
Fares: Adults, £13; child, £8.50; Family (2 adults and 3 children), £37.50
Steam ahead on the Epping Ongar Railway
Steam into Epping Forest this New Year’s Day on two great steam hauled services.
Fares: Adults, £13, child, £8.50, family, £37.50