Berkshire


<p>Choo choo! Move over Harry Potter, this is a luxury steam locomotive journey that screams timeless romance, and it has our name all over it. On Saturday 28 September, hop aboard the Mayflower train, departing from London Paddington, Maidenhead, Reading and Swindon, and gently zigzag your way down to <a href="https://steamdreams.co.uk/journey/london-to-exeter/">Exeter</a> (Champagne in hand, obvs). You don’t have to tell us twice.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/Pullman-3-copy.jpg" alt="Steam dreams berkshire train journeys" class="wp-image-68966" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/Pullman-3-copy.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/Pullman-3-copy-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/Pullman-3-copy-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/Pullman-3-copy-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/Pullman-3-copy-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The <a href="https://steamdreams.co.uk/journeys/?filter_month=september-2024&amp;filter_station=&amp;filter_destination=&amp;utm_source=Digital+Display&amp;utm_medium=Display&amp;utm_campaign=Muddy+Berks&amp;utm_id=Muddy+Berks#journey-grid-intro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Steam Dreams Rail Co.</a> is a magical steam train company that specialises in breathtaking journeys from the comfort of flawlessly restored vintage carriages. With outstanding service and exquisite cuisine, all you need to do is channel your inner Agatha Christie, kick back, and enjoy the ride.</p>



<p>Here’s five reasons why you should embark on this once-in-a-lifetime steam train journey like no other.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-food-amp-drink">THE FOOD &amp; DRINK</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/Starter-salmon-mouse.jpg" alt="The Steam Dreams Rail Co. berkshire steam train journey london to exeter" class="wp-image-68933" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/Starter-salmon-mouse.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/Starter-salmon-mouse-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/Starter-salmon-mouse-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/Starter-salmon-mouse-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/Starter-salmon-mouse-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Nothing is done by half measures here. Choose from three different classes of travel – Premium Standard, First Class, and Pullman Dining. The latter is the whole hog swanky dining option that’s sophistication and indulgence at its finest. Sink back into your plush armchair and be treated to a feast fit for a King. We’re talking signature Champagne cocktail upon arrival followed by a sumptuous multi-course breakfast. Then, on your return journey, you’ll enjoy a seasonal ‘carte de jour’ (a curated dining experience that puts emphasis on seasonal flavours), plus cheese board, coffee, and petit fours.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/BBPY2561.jpg" alt="The Steam Dreams Rail Co. berkshire steam train journey london to exeter" class="wp-image-68930" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/BBPY2561.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/BBPY2561-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/BBPY2561-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/BBPY2561-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/BBPY2561-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Chug your way through the verdant countryside. Literally. There’s an extensive drinks list with a good choice of wines, Champagne, as well as ales, cider, spirits, and softies too. For Premium Standard travellers, as part of your ticket you’ll get complimentary tea and coffee. Alternatively, First Class passengers are welcomed on board with Bucks Fizz. However, no matter your tipple, you’ll of course want to indulge in the restored Buffet Car where there’s a selection of hot and cold snacks available to purchase. If not, you’re welcome to bring a picnic hamper aboard.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stunning-views">STUNNING VIEWS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1454" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/PG-John-Clarke-Mayflower-summer.jpg" alt="The Steam Dreams Rail Co. berkshire steam train journey london to exeter" class="wp-image-68932" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/PG-John-Clarke-Mayflower-summer.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/PG-John-Clarke-Mayflower-summer-800x775.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/PG-John-Clarke-Mayflower-summer-1000x969.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/PG-John-Clarke-Mayflower-summer-400x388.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/PG-John-Clarke-Mayflower-summer-768x744.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Dreamy and oh-so steamy! The journey takes in a picture-perfect pick ‘n’ mix of Berkshire, Wiltshire, and Somerset countryside vistas that will have you glued to the glass. While away the hours and soak up the last of the summer rays reminiscing of days gone by along the predominantly single-track West of England Line. It’s jaw-droppingly beautiful. In Pullman Dining and First Class, choose from tables of two or four (opt for two if you want to be guaranteed two window seats), and in Premium Standard, cobble together with your friends or make new ones on tables of four.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-ride-back-in-time">A RIDE BACK IN TIME</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/BBPY1789.png" alt="The Steam Dreams Rail Co. berkshire steam train journey london to exeter" class="wp-image-68928" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/BBPY1789.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/BBPY1789-800x600.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/BBPY1789-1000x750.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/BBPY1789-400x300.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/BBPY1789-768x576.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>It’s old-world glamour and timeless romance overload. If you’re a locomotive nut, you’ll love the fact you’re riding a slice of history. Between Taunton and Exeter, Mayflower will be your ride &#8211; one of two surviving B1 Class steam locomotives built in 1948. The old girl was busy ferrying passengers around for almost 20 years, so it was only right she enjoyed a snazzy facelift back in 2015.</p>



<p>For the first part of the journey though, you’ll be hauled by a vintage diesel locomotive which conjures up memories of a bygone era where concepts like the iPhone and Metaverse were about as close to reality as ET. The whole thing is gloriously nostalgic and screen-free. It truly is the definition of going slow and revelling in simpler times.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-family-day-out">FAMILY DAY OUT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1074" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/exeter.jpg" alt="exeter" class="wp-image-68934" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/exeter.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/exeter-800x573.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/exeter-1000x716.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/exeter-400x286.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/exeter-768x550.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Bring the kids! Not just for adults, this timeless journey is something to be enjoyed by all, with children welcome in First Class and Premium Standard. For your teens who love the finer things in life, the Pullman Dining is reserved for those 12 and over. Once you’re in Exeter, the world is your oyster. You’ll have three hours to explore the vibrant city, steeped in over 2,000 years of history. </p>



<p>Try the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter Underground Passages, hit the shops, or go canoeing down Exeter Quay. Architectural buffs will love the majestic Gothic St Peter’s Cathedral and the Roman City Wall which are well-worth a visit.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revel-in-luxury">REVEL IN LUXURY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/BBPY2079.jpg" alt="The Steam Dreams Rail Co. berkshire steam train journey london to exeter" class="wp-image-68929" style="aspect-ratio:1.3333333333333333;width:640px;height:auto" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/BBPY2079.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/BBPY2079-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/BBPY2079-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/BBPY2079-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/BBPY2079-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The Pullman Dining class is pure, unbridled luxury. Think wood-panelling, plush seating with plump velvet cushions, and thick drapes at the windows. Tables are laid with crisp white linen and dressed with pretty floral crockery, vintage Champagne glasses, and fresh flowers. </p>



<p>The level of service is silver standard and second to none, no matter which class of travel you opt for. It’s got that old-world charm and sophistication that transports you a whole other world away. Plus, the seats, as you might expect, are a sink down and never want to get up kinda comfy. It’s a truly unique experience, making it perfect for those special occasion celebrations too. Chin-chin to that!</p>



<p><strong><em>The London to Exeter train journey with <a href="https://steamdreams.co.uk/journeys/?filter_month=september-2024&amp;filter_station=&amp;filter_destination=&amp;utm_source=Digital+Display&amp;utm_medium=Display&amp;utm_campaign=Muddy+Berks&amp;utm_id=Muddy+Berks#journey-grid-intro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Steam Dreams Rail Co.</a> departs on Sat 28 Sep 2024. Tickets start at £165pp. Book yours <a href="https://steamdreams.co.uk/journey/london-to-exeter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</em></strong></p>


Steamy and dreamy! This magical train journey through Berkshire is the definition of luxury

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