Hanson & Hall will be operating Retro Railtours High Speed Scot to Edinburgh on Saturday 24th August.

A first for Retro Railtours, we will whizzing you along at 125 miles per hour in retro comfort on our specially chartered Intercity 125 train.

The special train will depart from Crewe and stations in Cheshire and Greater Manchester, before travelling over the Pennines to Huddersfield and Wakefield. The train will then cruise along the East Coast Mainline towards Edinburgh Waverley. Once the stomping ground of the legendary Intercity 125 train, these British Rail icons have been consigned to the history books on mainline services, so this is a very rare opportunity to sample one at high speed.

The Retro High Speed Scot will arrive into the Scottish capital at around midday, giving you ample time to sample the sights and sounds of Edinburgh. The Edinburgh Festival and Fringe will be in full swing, so you'll be sure to find bustling streets and live performances. The train will depart back towards Yorkshire and Cheshire stations in the late afternoon, giving you just over four hours to explore Edinburgh.

Timings

Timings below are provisional

Fares

Standard Class (Adult) £111.00

Standard Class (Child) £91.00

First Class (Adult) £169.00

First Class (Child) £149.00

Table for Two supplement in First Class £25 per person.

Standard Class

These traditional, comfy British Rail coaches are ideal for a day out. There are a mixture of airline and table seats, with large panoramic windows for an excellent view of the scenery.

First Class

If you want a little extra luxury, First class is perfect. The coaches feature spacious, well padded seats, and will make your trip that bit more special! First Class includes a welcome drink of tea or coffee upon boarding in the morning.

Special requirements

Please contact us via Twitter (or, if you do not have a Twitter account, email: info@retrorailtours.co.uk ) if you have any seating preferences, or if you will be bringing any children under the age of 5 (at no extra charge).

Bookings

Online bookings are open.

if you have any queries, please email us at info@retrorailtours.co.uk

Join us and travel to the North Norfolk Railway Rails and Ales event in style, with a locomotive hauled charter from Eastleigh via the Chilterns. The charter, operated by Hanson & Hall with Mk 1 stock, will feature Class 50 50008 operating top 'n tail with 33012, courtesy of the 71A Locomotive Group. Arrival in to Sheringham will allow ample time for an evening meal in one of the many bars and restaurants in the area, or alternatively alight in Norwich, famous for the Riverside area.

You can find out more about the 'Poppy Line' event by visiting https://www.nnrailway.co.uk

Highlights include Humberstone Road Goods, March Up Goods, Ely West Curve, Brandon Down Goods and the much sought after connection between the heritage railway and Network Rail at Sheringham.

It is expected that 50008 will lead on departure from Eastleigh to Humberstone Road where it will run round to the rear of the train.

All times and routing are indicative until confirmed by Network Rail. Final routing and timings are usually confirmed by Network Rail five days before travel and will be enclosed with your e-ticket.

Eastleigh P2 (PU 08.34)- Wallers Ash Loop -Basingstoke P3 (PU 09.13)-Reading P15 (PU 10.03)-Slough P5 (PU 10.28)- Greenford West Jn -South Ruislip (PU 11.21)-High Wycombe P2 (PU 11.46)-Haddenham & Thame Parkway P1 (PU 12.06)- Bicester North -Banbury P1 (PU 12.43)-Warwick Parkway P2 (PU 13.14)- Dorridge - Tyseley - Landor Street Jn -Coleshill Parkway P2 (PU 14.16)- Nuneaton -Leicester P2 (PU 15.00)- Humberstone Road Goods - Melton Mowbray -Peterborough P6 (PU 16.38)- March Up Goods - Ely West Curve - Brandon Down Goods Loop -Norwich P6 (PU 18.35 / RM)- Cromer P1 (RM) -Sheringham (NNR) (SD 20.20)

IMPORTANT FOR ALL BOOKINGS - PLEASE STATE WHERE YOU INTEND TO JOIN AND ALIGHT (this is for coach stewarding purposes and can be changed subsequently by notification).

Please note that bookings are for a one way journey. A separate fixture for a corresponding return journey towards the West Midlands on Sunday 9th June 2024 is available to book separately.

FARES: 

Standard Class £99.00

Standard Class (from Norwich) £30.00

No part fares are available for this charter other than the fare options shown above.

There is no surcharge for not being a Branch Line Society member on this occasion.

Accompanied under 18s benefit from a £15.00 reduction in all fares.

Please note that we are unable to accept bookings from under 18s unless accompanied by an adult.

Children under five years of age may accompany fare-paying adult passengers free of charge. However, children under five years of age who are travelling free may only occupy a seat which is not required by a fare-paying passenger.

All queries should be directed to the Bookings Officer, by email bookings.officer@branchline.uk

Please do NOT email the Bookings Officer to try and book or save spaces on our fixtures. Bookings CANNOT be made by email and must be booked online via the website.

Note that tickets are NOT transferable and smoking/vaping is not permitted on the train. The Society will not accept any liability arising from changes imposed by any third parties (either before or on the day) or any consequences of any late running that may occur. Please be cautious about connections and buying advance train tickets. Please note no refunds will be entertained on cancellations within seven days of the fixture. Tickets will be sent out approximately five days before the fixture – where possible this will be an e-ticket. Standard Branch Line Society Terms and Conditions apply to all participants (these can be viewed from the online booking form).

Our seaside destination for this charity charter is wonderful Weymouth, where a circa two-hour afternoon break will be provided to take in some sea air, and perhaps treat yourself to some fish and chips! The charter, operated by Hanson & Hall with Mk 1 stock, will feature Class 50 50008 operating top 'n tail with a Class 66 locomotive. As you would expect, there is a variety of track interest along the way! The Class 50 will lead on departure from Eastleigh. 

Highlights include much sought after access to both Southampton and Millbrook Freightliner terminals. We are very grateful to Freightliner for all their valuable assistance with this charity project. 

Our Snack Bar will provide a limited range of drinks, snacks and light refreshments. 

All profits from this railtour, including a charity raffle, will be donated to Martin House Hospice.

All times and routing are indicative until confirmed by Network Rail. Final routing and timings are usually confirmed by Network Rail five days before travel and will be enclosed with your e-ticket. 

Eastleigh P3 (PU 10.00) - Southampton Airport Parkway P2 (PU 10.06) - Southampton Central P1 (PU 10.16) - Southampton Maritime Freightliner Terminal - Redbridge - Romsey - Salisbury P4 (PU 12.20) - Gillingham (Dorset) P2 (photo stop) - Yeovil Junction (RM) - Yeovil Pen Mill (RM) - Dorchester West P2 (SD 14.27) - Weymouth P1 (SD 14.43) 

Weymouth P3 (PU 17.08) - Dorchester South P1 (PU 17.24) - Poole - Bournemouth - Brockenhurst P1 - Redbridge - Millbrook Freightliner Terminal - Southampton Central P1 (SD 19.35) - Southampton Airport Parkway P1 (SD 19.46) - Eastleigh P3 (SD 19.53)

The Hanson Hanse - Saturday 25th May 2024 

Scenic Kings Lynn is our destination, home of the annual Hanse Festival, for a classic locomotive hauled charter to West Norfolk. The charter, operated by Hanson & Hall with Mk 1 stock, will feature Class 50 50008 operating top 'n tail with a single Class 20 locomotive. As you would expect, there is a variety of track interest along the way! The Class 50 will lead on departure from Eastleigh. 

Highlights include both Wallers Ash loops, Dawley Goods Loop, Hanwell Goods Loop, Harringay Curve, Ferme Park Flyover, Kings Cross suburban platform, Royston Loop, Coldham Lane Loop, Ely West Curve, March Down Goods, March Up Goods, Bishops Stortford Up Loop, Broxbourne Up Loop, High Meads Curve and Junction Road Jn to Carlton Road Jn. 

Our Snack Bar will provide a limited range of drinks, snacks and light refreshments. 

There is also an option of alighting at Ely for a break of approximately four hours, providing ample time to visit the cathedral or enjoy one of the many bars and restaurants around the Great Ouse and the marina, or carry on to Kings Lynn for a lunch break of circa two hours. 

There will be a charity raffle with all proceeds donated to Martin House Hospice. 

All times and routing are indicative until confirmed by Network Rail. Final routing and timings are usually confirmed by Network Rail five days before travel and will be enclosed with your e-ticket. 

Eastleigh P3 (PU 07.03) - Wallers Ash Loop - Basingstoke P4 (PU 07.35) - Reading P13 (PU 08.03) - Slough P5 (PU 08.27) - Dawley UGL - Hanwell Goods Loop - Ealing Broadway P4 (PU 09.04) - Willesden Junction High Level - Gospel Oak - Harringay Curve - Hornsey K440 Signal (RM) - Up Flyover - London Kings Cross P10 (PU 10.27 / RM) - Gordon Hill - Hertford North - Hitchin Flyover - Royston Loop - Cambridge - Coldham Lane DGL - Ely P1 (SD 12.28) - Kings Lynn P1 (SD 13.05) 

Kings Lynn P1 (PU 15.05) - Ely West Curve - March Down Goods - March West Jn (RM) - March Up Goods - Ely P2 (PU 16.57) - Cambridge Through Line - Bishops Stortford Up Loop - Harlow Town P1 (photo stop) - Broxbourne UPL - Tottenham South Jn - Temple Mills East Jn - Stratford P11 (SD 19.30) - High Meads Curve - High Meads Loop - Temple Mills East Jn - Tottenham South Jn - South Tottenham - Junction Road Jn - Carlton Road Jn - West Hampstead Dn Hendon - Cricklewood Curve Jn - Dudding Hill Jn - Acton Wells Jn - Ealing Broadway P3 (SD 20.30) - Slough P2 (SD 20.50) - Reading P8 (SD 21.08) - Basingstoke P2 (SD 21.42) - Wallers Ash Loop - Eastleigh P3 (SD 22.21)

The Wherry Lines are traditional branch lines in the East of England, linking Norwich to Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft. Our charter heads east to explore these scenic routes, with a good measure of unusual lines along the way! A number of photo stops will be provided and plenty of time will be provided to stretch your legs in Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth. There is also an option of an extended break in Norwich, and an opportunity to travel through Berney Arms station!

This charter will feature Class 50 50008 and Class 50 50007 operating top 'n tail throughout, hauling comfortable, air-conditioned Mark 3 coaching stock.

Track highlights include Ely West Curve, Wensum Curve, Peterborough Two Way Goods and the crossover at Reedham amongst others!

There will be a charity raffle, with all proceeds donated to Martin House Hospice.

A buffet car of drinks, snacks and light refreshments will be provided.

All times and routing are indicative until confirmed by Network Rail. Final routing and timings are usually confirmed by Network Rail five days before travel and will be enclosed with your e-ticket.

Derby P5 (PU 06.48)-Leicester P1 (PU 07.37 / RM)-East Midlands Parkway P3 (PU 08.11)-Nottingham P3 (PU 08.55)-Grantham P4 (PU 09.53)- Peterborough March Independent - March Up Goods - Ely West Curve - Brandon Down Goods -Norwich P4 (SD 12.50 / RM)- Brundal -Lowestoft P2 (break 13.46 - 14.32 / RM)- Brundal Gardens -Norwich P5 (PU 15.26 / RM)- Acle -Great Yarmouth P2 (break 15.53 - 16.12)- Reedham P1 (photo stop / RM) -Lowestoft P3 (break 16.54 - 17.25 / RM)- Cantley - Wensum Curve - Ely Up Goods (RM) - March Down Goods - Peterborough Two Way Goods - Marholm Jn -Leicester P3 (SD 21.17 / RM)-East Midlands Parkway P1 (SD 21.45)-Nottingham P6 (SD 22.03 / RM)-Derby P4 (SD 22.41)

IMPORTANT FOR ALL BOOKINGS - PLEASE STATE WHERE YOU INTEND TO JOIN AND ALIGHT (this is for coach stewarding purposes and can be changed subsequently by notification).

FARES: 

First Class, Non-Dining, at a guaranteed table for two £199.00

First Class, Non-Dining £174.00

Standard Class £119.00

There is no surcharge for not being a Branch Line Society member on this fixture.

Accompanied under 18s benefit from a £59.50 reduction in all fares.

Please note that we are unable to accept bookings from under 18s unless accompanied by an adult.

Children under five years of age may accompany fare-paying adult passengers free of charge. However, children under five years of age who are travelling free may only occupy a seat which is not required by a fare-paying passenger.

All queries should be directed to the Bookings Officer, by email bookings.officer@branchline.uk

Please do NOT email the Bookings Officer to try and book or save spaces on our fixtures. Bookings CANNOT be made by email and must be booked online via the website.

Note that tickets are NOT transferable and smoking/vaping is not permitted on the train. The Society will not accept any liability arising from changes imposed by any third parties (either before or on the day) or any consequences of any late running that may occur. Please be cautious about connections and buying advance train tickets. Please note no refunds will be entertained on cancellations within seven days of the fixture. Tickets will be sent out approximately five days before the fixture – where possible this will be an e-ticket. Standard Branch Line Society Terms and Conditions apply to all participants (these can be viewed from the online booking form).

The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Diesel Gala is always a highlight of the Gala season, and we are delighted to announce a special charter service to the heart of Bronte country to support this year's event.

This charter will feature Class 37 37418 and Class 50 50008 operating top 'n tail with comfortable, air-conditioned Mark 3 coaching stock. The charter will feature the much sought after main line connection to the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway in both directions. The Class 37 is expected to lead from Sheffield on the outbound journey at the Standard Class end of the train.

There will be a charity raffle, with all proceeds donated to Railway Children.

Our friends from Keighley and Worth Valley Railway will join the train and will sell Gala Rover tickets as required.

All times and routing are indicative until confirmed by Network Rail. Final routing and timings are usually confirmed by Network Rail five days before travel and will be enclosed with your e-ticket.

Derby P6 (PU 07.17) - Long Eaton P1 (PU 07.31) - Alfreton (PU 07.56) - Chesterfield P3 (PU 08.12) - Beighton Jn - Sheffield P5 (PU 08.47 / RM) - Thrybergh Jn - Doncaster P8 (PU 09.17) - Hare Park Jn - Wakefield Westgate - Whitehall Jn - Leeds P6 (PU 10.19 / RM) - Shipley - Bradford Forster Square P2 (PU 11.00 / RM) - Keighley Station Jn (RM) - Keighley and Worth Valley Railway (SD 11:37)

Keighley and Worth Valley Railway (PU 18:23) - Keighley Station Jn (RM) - Shipley P1 (SD 18.48) - Whitehall Curve - Methley Jn - Calder Bridge Jn - Pontefract Monkhill - Doncaster P4 (SD 20.33) - Thrybergh Jn - Beighton Jn - Chesterfield P3 (SD 21.23) - Alfreton (SD 21.40) - Long Eaton P2 (SD 22.16) - Derby P6 (SD 22.30)

PLEASE STATE WHERE YOU INTEND TO JOIN AND ALIGHT (this is for coach stewarding purposes and can be changed subsequently by notification).

FARES: 

First Class, Non-Dining, at a guaranteed table for two £100.00

First Class, Non-Dining £75.00

Standard Class £50.00

There is no surcharge for not being a Branch Line Society member on this fixture.

Accompanied under 18s benefit from a £25.00 reduction in all fares.

Please note that we are unable to accept bookings from under 18s unless accompanied by an adult.

Children under five years of age may accompany fare-paying adult passengers free of charge. However, children under five years of age who are travelling free may only occupy a seat which is not required by a fare-paying passenger.

All queries should be directed to the Bookings Officer, by email bookings.officer@branchline.uk

Please do NOT email the Bookings Officer to try and book or save spaces on our fixtures. Bookings CANNOT be made by email and must be booked online via the website.

Note that tickets are NOT transferable and smoking/vaping is not permitted on the train. The Society will not accept any liability arising from changes imposed by any third parties (either before or on the day) or any consequences of any late running that may occur. Please be cautious about connections and buying advance train tickets. Please note no refunds will be entertained on cancellations within seven days of the fixture. Tickets will be sent out approximately five days before the fixture – where possible this will be an e-ticket. Standard Branch Line Society Terms and Conditions apply to all participants (these can be viewed from the online booking form).

Amongst the enthusiast community, Skegness will always be famous for Saturday only holidaymaker excursions, often featuring pairs of Class 20s. The Jolly Fisherman of course is a poster created by artist John Hassall in 1908 after he had been commissioned by the Great Northern Railway. It is regarded as one of the most famous holiday advertisements of all time and is believed to have influenced the success of Skegness as a holiday destination. Hassall was paid 12 Guineas for his work, and the original painting hangs in the town hall at Skegness. There is a choice of a short photo stop at Skegness in the evening, or an extending break from mid-morning.

Amongst the enthusiast community, Skegness will always be famous for Saturday only holidaymaker excursions, often featuring pairs of Class 20s. The Jolly Fisherman of course is a poster created by artist John Hassall in 1908 after he had been commissioned by the Great Northern Railway. It is regarded as one of the most famous holiday advertisements of all time and is believed to have influenced the success of Skegness as a holiday destination. Hassall was paid 12 Guineas for his work, and the original painting hangs in the town hall at Skegness. There is a choice of a short photo stop at Skegness in the evening, or an extending break from mid-morning.

This charter will feature Class 37 37418 and Class 50 50008 operating top 'n tail with comfortable, air-conditioned Mark 3 coaching stock. The Class 50, on the First Class end, is expected to lead from Derby on the outbound journey.

There will be a charity raffle, with all proceeds donated to Railway Children.

All times and routing are indicative until confirmed by Network Rail. Final routing and timings are usually confirmed by Network Rail five days before travel and will be enclosed with your e-ticket.

Derby P6 (PU 07.52) - Long Eaton P1 (PU 08.04) - Beeston Dn Slow - Nottingham P1 (PU 08.26) - Sleaford P3 - Boston P2 - Skegness P4 (SD 10.29 / RM) - Sleaford (photo stop) - Lincoln P5 - East Holmes (RM) - Lincoln Up Through - Sleaford South Jn - Spalding - Marholm Jn - Peterborough P4 - Peterborough East Jn (RM) - Peterborough Dn Goods Loop - Helpston Jn - Tallington Jn - Grantham Dn Goods - Allington North Jn - Sleaford P1 - Boston - Skegness P5 (SD 16.24 / RM)

Skegness P5 (PU 16.41) - Boston P1 - Sleaford - Lincoln Dn Through - Newark Northgate Dn & Up Goods - Claypole Loop - Grantham P4 (SD 20.06 / RM) - Allington West Jn - Nottingham P7 (SD 20.54) - Long Eaton P2 (SD 21.25) - Derby P5 (SD 21.39)

PLEASE STATE WHERE YOU INTEND TO JOIN AND ALIGHT (this is for coach stewarding purposes and can be changed subsequently by notification).

FARES: 

First Class, Non-Dining, at a guaranteed table for two £184.00

First Class, Non-Dining £159.00

Standard Class £109.00

There is no surcharge for not being a Branch Line Society member on this fixture.

Accompanied under 18s benefit from a £54.50 reduction in all fares.

Please note that we are unable to accept bookings from under 18s unless accompanied by an adult.

Children under five years of age may accompany fare-paying adult passengers free of charge. However, children under five years of age who are travelling free may only occupy a seat which is not required by a fare-paying passenger.

All queries should be directed to the Bookings Officer, by email bookings.officer@branchline.uk

Please do NOT email the Bookings Officer to try and book or save spaces on our fixtures. Bookings CANNOT be made by email and must be booked online via the website.

Note that tickets are NOT transferable and smoking/vaping is not permitted on the train. The Society will not accept any liability arising from changes imposed by any third parties (either before or on the day) or any consequences of any late running that may occur. Please be cautious about connections and buying advance train tickets. Please note no refunds will be entertained on cancellations within seven days of the fixture. Tickets will be sent out approximately five days before the fixture – where possible this will be an e-ticket. Standard Branch Line Society Terms and Conditions apply to all participants (these can be viewed from the online booking form).