Severn Valley Railway visit from Flying Scotsman sells out
Tickets for a visit by the Flying Scotsman to the Severn Valley Railway sold out in just three minutes.The famous locomotive is due to visit the line, which runs between Bridgnorth and Kidderminster, next month to celebrate its full reopening.The northern part of the track in Shropshire had to close in January due to a landslip and work has been carried out to make it safe again.The railway said the sale of tickets on Wednesday had been a "real vote of confidence" and it was looking at the possibility of selling extra tickets, including options for on-train dining.
The landslip at Mor Brook Bridge meant trains could go no further than Hampton Loade while the repairs were carried out.After a fundraising appeal, contractors were employed to strengthen the embankment with concrete blocks.Once that is complete, the railway said it would re-lay the track and planned to carry out load testing before opening the line to passengers.The Flying Scotsman would then be the first train to travel along the re-laid track on 25 July and would make more trips up and down the line on 26 and 27 July.Speaking about the ticket sales, Jonathan 'Gus' Dunster, the railway's managing director, said: 'We simply couldn't have wished for a better result than this."The railway is due to hold a Swinging Sixties weekend on 26 and 27 July and he encouraged people who had missed out on Flying Scotsman tickets to attend the event to see the train from the platform.
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BBC News
2 days ago
- BBC News
Severn Valley Railway visit from Flying Scotsman sells out
Tickets for a visit by the Flying Scotsman to the Severn Valley Railway sold out in just three famous locomotive is due to visit the line, which runs between Bridgnorth and Kidderminster, next month to celebrate its full northern part of the track in Shropshire had to close in January due to a landslip and work has been carried out to make it safe railway said the sale of tickets on Wednesday had been a "real vote of confidence" and it was looking at the possibility of selling extra tickets, including options for on-train dining. The landslip at Mor Brook Bridge meant trains could go no further than Hampton Loade while the repairs were carried a fundraising appeal, contractors were employed to strengthen the embankment with concrete that is complete, the railway said it would re-lay the track and planned to carry out load testing before opening the line to Flying Scotsman would then be the first train to travel along the re-laid track on 25 July and would make more trips up and down the line on 26 and 27 about the ticket sales, Jonathan 'Gus' Dunster, the railway's managing director, said: 'We simply couldn't have wished for a better result than this."The railway is due to hold a Swinging Sixties weekend on 26 and 27 July and he encouraged people who had missed out on Flying Scotsman tickets to attend the event to see the train from the platform. Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Telegraph
3 days ago
- Telegraph
Why your next weekend escape in the UK should be by train
In an era where discerning travellers increasingly seek meaningful, restorative experiences, the journey itself has reclaimed its rightful place at the heart of the break. The traditional weekend getaway – once a whirlwind of ticking off sights – is giving way to a more reflective, rewarding mode of exploration. Few forms of travel embrace this better than the train. Whether it's the allure of the sea, the pulse of a cultural city or the quiet charm of a heritage town, rail travel offers a uniquely enriching way to experience the UK. It allows you to slow down, appreciate the passing landscape, and arrive relaxed and ready to explore. It's little surprise that recent data by Mintel (2024) reveals that leisure travel now accounts for 54 per cent of all train journeys in the UK. Free from the stress of traffic or parking, travellers can unwind with a book, a coffee or simply enjoy the view. Train travel really feels like part of the holiday. Transport for Wales (TfW) makes the choice not only more accessible, but even more affordable – connecting communities and cities across Wales and England, opening up new opportunities to discover the UK's most fascinating corners, effortlessly. Scenic coastal charm For those seeking sea air and scenic views, Wales's coastline offers some of the most picturesque spots in the UK – many of which are directly accessible by train. Take Llandudno - the elegant Victorian resort town nestled between two headlands. With its sweeping promenade, pastel-hued seafront and Wales's longest pier, it evokes a gentler era of travel made complete with a traditional ice cream and panoramic views of the Irish Sea. The train station is just a short stroll from the shore, making arrival as effortless as it is charming. Further south, Aberystwyth is a haven for lovers of nature and history. Its medieval castle ruins, colourful harbour and cliff railway to Constitution Hill offer a perfect blend of serenity and spectacle. The journey along the Cambrian Coast Line – often hailed as one of Britain's most beautiful railway routes – is a highlight in itself. Travel from Cardiff to Llandudno with advance train tickets from just £37.20, or head to Aberystwyth from Birmingham starting at £15.80. City breaks made easy Not every weekend escape calls for a retreat to the coastal countryside. If your taste leans toward arts, shopping or a vibrant nightlife, Transport for Wales's network offers direct access to some of the UK's most exciting cities without the hassle of congestion charges or city-centre parking. Cardiff, the Welsh capital, strikes a rare balance: a vibrant modern city with a deeply rooted sense of heritage. From the impressive Cardiff Castle in its centre to Wales Millennium Centre, the contemporary arts hub, the city brims with cultural energy. With the train station right in the heart of the city centre, you can step off the platform and straight into the action. Also within easy reach are Manchester and Birmingham. Manchester continues to shine as the northern cultural powerhouse, home to world-class museums, a vibrant music scene, and award-winning restaurants. Birmingham impresses with its industrial heritage and modern flair. Designer shopping, Michelin-starred dining, and canal-side cafés all contribute to its growing appeal. With advance train tickets between Manchester and Cardiff starting at £34.80, your next city break could be closer than you imagined. Timeless historic escapes If your ideal weekend includes something a little quieter with cobbled streets and centuries of history, Chester and Shrewsbury should be top of your list. Chester, famous for its remarkably preserved Roman walls and unique two-tiered medieval Rows, feels like a living museum. A boat ride on the River Dee or a stroll through its compact historic centre is even more enjoyable when you're not worried about parking or navigation. Shrewsbury, the birthplace of Charles Darwin, also rewards slower travel. Its winding lanes, Tudor façades and leafy riverside walks offer a distinct charm and creates a sense of stepping back in time. Arriving by train adds to the experience, bypassing narrow roads into the town centre. Advance fares make it even more appealing – with journeys from Manchester to Shrewsbury available from £13.30, and Cardiff to Chester from £29.70. In a world that's rediscovering the value of slow, meaningful travel, the train is more than just a mode of transport – it's a gateway to discovery. Beyond the destinations, the journey itself becomes part of the adventure with Transport for Wales. Train travel is not just convenient – it's a more thoughtful, sustainable and enjoyable way to explore the UK that leaves you feeling ready to explore, not recover. With TfW advance tickets, planning your next escape is simple and cost-effective. Whether you're heading to the coast, city or somewhere in between, save on your journey when you book up to 12 weeks in advance. Book with Transport for Wales at Prices valid until March 2026, subject to availability. T&Cs apply. This content is provided by an advertiser, and while every care is taken in ensuring the content complies with the Advertising Standards Authority and the UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising and Direct & Promotional Marketing (CAP Code), Telegraph Media Group assumes no responsibility in the effect rising therefrom, and readers are advised to seek professional advice before acting on any information. The Daily Telegraph/TMG does not accept any liability for views expressed, pictures used or claims made by advertisers.
Times
4 days ago
- Times
‘Meals on our £1,128 Amtrak train journey were doughnuts and pizza'
✉ In March, my partner and I took the Amtrak Empire Builder train between Seattle and Chicago, a beautiful two-night slow crawl across the northernmost US states. We'd spent £1,128 on a private room in one of the sleeping cars, plus sit-down meals prepared on board. The train left Seattle two hours late and while we were waiting in the station an employee was (with no announcement) handing out polystyrene boxes of burritos. We were told it was dinner and full service would start the next morning, but it didn't because it turned out the chef never boarded the train. Breakfast was doughnuts and cereal bars; lunch was two slices of Pizza Hut pizza that had been delivered to the train. Dinner was a small Subway sandwich — and so it continued. On our return to the UK, I wrote to Amtrak customer services to ask for compensation for the missed meal service and inconvenience of not having food we wanted to eat for two and a half days. I was offered a £223 voucher for future travel as a 'token of regret' for my disappointment but this is useless because I won't be returning to the US anytime soon. Can you help me get a partial refund of the ticket price? Paul Ockelford 'Indulge in an exclusive onboard dining experience crafted to bring you back to the golden age of train travel,' says Amtrak. But instead of feasting on tempura prawns and Atlantic salmon with red quinoa, you were palmed off with the most basic fast food. A voucher for future travel just didn't cut it — does it ever? — and after I sent Amtrak details of your miserable food experience it quickly apologised and refunded you the £223 in cash. 22 of the best rail journeys in Europe ✉ We're planning a road trip around France by car next year. One option we have is to fly into a French airport and drive from there. When you are booking your flight you are taken to a page to give you an option to hire a car, which seems easy. However, is this the best way to hire a car, or should we book directly with a hire company from the airport? Are there any hidden extras by doing it either way? Could you advise?Nigel Coulson It's certainly easy to book your car at the same time as your flight and if you do it counts as a package, which gives you Atol protection. But should anything go wrong with the hire, you can't depend on the airline to intervene on your behalf (I've had plenty of complaints from readers who've been dismayed to discover this). Alternatively, booking directly can also leave you at the mercy of rental companies with their myriad ruses to bump up the bill or unreasonable damage demands. Instead, I'd recommend using a reputable broker who could get you the right deal and offer help to resolve any problems. Zest ( and Auto Europe ( were the two highest rated brokers in a recent survey by the consumer group Which?. ✉ My wife and I will celebrate 25 years of marriage in July 2026 and we'd like to go away for a week to celebrate. We want some luxury but not anywhere so grand so we feel out of place; while temperatures of up to 30C, a pool or beach, things of interest nearby, a meal plan or easy access to local restaurants are also must-haves. Our budget is up to £5,000 for the week. Any ideas?Ed Gayton For a milestone July anniversary, Villa Paola near Tropea on Italy's southern tip is the perfect romantic retreat. It's an adults-only, 12-room boutique hotel converted from a 16th-century Franciscan convent perched above the Tyrrhenian Sea, with fabulous sunsets, friendly service and great food. After breakfast in the dreamily tranquil garden, filled with scented herbs and lemon trees, you can choose between a dip in the infinity pool or a jaunt to nearby Tropea, with its gorgeous clifftop old town and great beaches. The weather should be a beautifully warm 28-30C. There's fine dining in the hotel's Michelin-listed restaurant and local ingredients include Tropea red onions, picked from the garden the monks once tended; you'll discover a brilliant food scene too. B&B doubles start at £285 per night ( Fly from Stansted to Lamezia Terme with Ryanair or with Tui from Gatwick. It's about an hour from the airport to Tropea. • 11 of the most romantic holiday destinations around the world ✉ My gay best friend and I, both in our forties, go away every year for a week of sun and lounging by the pool. We want our own rooms (and bathrooms) but of course most hotels are designed to sleep two to a room. Last year we found the perfect solution at the Rixos in Gocek in Turkey: a 'friends room' with our own beds and bathrooms but a sliding door and are hoping for something similar in Greece. We have a budget of about £8,000 between us for a trip in early September. Any ideas?Lisa Townsend That Rixos Gocek 'friends room' set-up is pretty unusual. If you're looking for a separate but connected space, try Domes Aulus Zante, a stylish adults-only all-inclusive with particularly good food. Its Grand Tropical Zen suites include two separate bedrooms and bathrooms with a shared living space and a balcony. A week in September would cost £4,050 ( The Lindos Grand Resort & Spa on Rhodes is another sleek, adults-only resort with great food (in its seven restaurants) and has cracking views across Vlycha Bay. Book connecting junior suites with terraces, which start at £448 a night for half-board in September ( ✉ My wife and I are travelling by train to Frankfurt from London St Pancras on September 17, returning on October 1. My passport was valid from July 10, 2016, and expires on July 10, 2026. Will it be valid for this trip? Alan Williams Understandably, you're concerned about the validity of your passport because you're one of the many who had extra months added when you renewed it early (this practice ended in 2018). But you don't have to worry. Yours meets the requirements for entry to Europe: it will be less than ten years old when you enter France and there's at least three months' validity left on the day you return. At St Pancras, passports are only inspected by British and French border forces and there's no chance of a hapless Eurostar employee misinterpreting the rules and stopping you from boarding the train; unfortunately, as I've highlighted in previous columns, there are still airline employees who are causing havoc at the gate by refusing to let passengers board because they still aren't up to speed on the post-Brexit entry requirements. • How many months do I need on my passport to travel? Other readers who need to check their passports can use Tui's validity checker ( It's also essential to check that your passport doesn't have tears or water damage that affect readability of the data page because these could scupper your trip abroad. Have you got a holiday dilemma? Email traveldoctor@
