2025 is the 200th anniversary of the modern railway in Britain and passengers from Reading can mark this major milestone on board a number of steam specials this summer.
The West Somerset Steam Express, run by heritage rail operator The Railway Touring Company, will depart from London Paddington and call at Slough, Reading and Newbury on Saturdays, July 19, August 9 and September 13, on route to the Bristol Channel coast seaside resort of Minehead for the day.
200 years ago in 1825, George Stephenson’s steam-powered Locomotion No. 1 travelled 26 miles between Shildon, Darlington and Stockton carrying hundreds of passengers to a great fanfare and setting in motion a train of events that transformed how the world travelled, traded and communicated.
This year The West Somerset Steam Express, a summer steam service, is scheduled to be hauled by historic steam locomotive LMS Black 5 No. 45212. Built in Newcastle back in 1935, the loco is celebrating its own anniversary as it reaches the grand old age of 90.
“The Railway Touring Company is proud to be supporting ‘Railway 200’ in this celebration of the history and future of rail,” said Kelly Osborne, The Railway Touring Company’s MD. “For over 27 years we have been organising mainline steam journeys in tribute to Britain’s railway heritage and giving new generations the chance to experience steam travel, so it is great to be part of this milestone year.”
The West Somerset Steam Express will travel through picturesque rural countryside, including beside the Kennet & Avon Canal. It will climb to Savernake Summit and pass through the Vale of Pewsey with views of one of the famous Wiltshire White Horses before joining the West Somerset Railway heritage line with coastal views and passing Dunster castle.
Passengers will have chance to enjoy a visit to Minehead with all the attractions of a traditional British seaside resort, before rejoining the steam train for home.
The Railway Touring Company’s steam day trips compliment a year-long series of ‘Railway 200’ activities and events across the UK, exploring how rail shaped Britain and the world. ‘Railway 200’ will also look to the future, encouraging more people to take the train and inviting the next generation of pioneering talent to join the railway.
More details are available from: www.railwaytouring.net, www.railway200.co.uk
