In partnership with
In association with
Supported by
Supported by
Following the success of last year's CrossCountry HST railtour to the Severn Valley Railway, we are pleased to be partnering again to run a special trip to Swanage on Tuesday 26 September.
With CrossCountry's HSTs set for withdrawal this year, the trip will form part of the operator's farewell celebrations for this fleet after more than 40 years of operation on CrossCountry routes.
Proceeds from the trip will go to The Brain Tumour Charity, remembering CrossCountry colleague Jo Taylor, who passed away in 2021. Jo was a popular member of the CrossCountry family and was a familiar face to many, having worked with teams at both Leeds and Bournemouth over her 14 years with the business.
This full day trip will comprise two 'tours', for which tickets are available separately - the 'Pines Express' from Leeds to Swanage, and the 'Bournemouth Belle' from Swanage to Bournemouth. Tickets will be retailed by the Branch Line Society - click here for the 'Pines Express' and click here for the 'Bournemouth Belle'.
UPDATE 19 September: the 'Pines Express' is sold out. A limited number of additional tickets are available for the 'Bournemouth Belle'.
A range of activites are planned on board, including:
- A charity raffle with a range of prizes up for grabs
- A variety of on-board refreshments, including a selection of real ales from breweries along the length of the tour's route
- A 125 Group stand selling HST souvenirs and memorabilia
'Pines Express' - Leeds to Swanage and return
The main tour comprises a full day outing from Leeds with a range of pick-up/drop-off points. The planned schedule is as follows - but please note this may be subject to alteration for operational reasons.
Outward trip: Leeds to Swanage
| Leeds | 06.35 |
| Wakefield Westgate | 06.48 |
| Sheffield | 07.25 |
| Derby | 07.54 |
| Burton-on-Trent | 08.05 |
| Tamworth | 08.20 |
| Leamington Spa | 09.02 |
| Reading | 10.16 |
| Swanage | 12.42 |
Return trip: Swanage to Leeds
| Swanage | 16.18 |
| Reading | 19.38 |
| Leamington Spa | 20.48 |
| Tamworth | 21.50 |
| Burton-on-Trent | 22.04 |
| Derby | 22.18 |
| Sheffield | 22.52 |
| Wakefield Westgate | 23.34 |
| Leeds | 23.49 |
Tickets for the 'Pines Express' cost £95 in Standard Class, joining/leaving at any of the stations detailed above.
'Bournemouth Belle' - Swanage to Bournemouth
This short afternoon excursion includes the full trip along the Swanage Railway and the connection to the main line. The out and back return trip is due to depart from Swanage at 13.10. There will be a short photo stop in Bournemouth, with arrival back at Swanage at 15.45.
Tickets for the 'Bournemouth Belle' cost £30 in Standard Class for the round trip, starting and finishing at Swanage.