14 Ways to Ride & Dine with Steam Train Dining Experiences

A steam train dining experience will let you relive the age of steam in style. Combine the elegance of steam train travel with dining onboard as you puff through the magnificent British countryside.

There are options to suit all budgets – ranging from fine dining in perfectly restored steam-hauled First Class Pullman carriages to affordable Sunday lunch experiences from £49 each.

Treat you or your loved ones to the unforgettable gift of a steam train dining experience for two or more.

And if you have a real ‘steamie’ in your family, check out our steam train driving experiences.

Steam Train Dining Experiences for Two or More – Quick Links

• Belmond British Pullman Golden Age of Travel Steam Train Lunch – London & Surrey
• Private Hire of Eskdale Belle or Ratty Coaches – Ravenglass (Lake District), Cumbria
• Steam Train Lunch – Cheddleton, Staffordshire
• Dinner on the Murder Mystery Steam Train – Loughborough, Leicestershire
• Charnwood Forester First Class Steam Train – Dining Experience – Loughborough, Leicestershire
• Steam Train Lunches – Loughborough, Leicestershire
• Scenic Steam Train Sunday Lunch – Somerset

Steam Hauled Golden Age of Travel on Belmond British Pullman with a Bottle of Champagne for Two – London & Surrey

There can hardly be a more glamorous and luxurious image than that of fine dining in Art Deco vintage rail carriages while being hauled by a magnificent heritage steam train. Step back in time to the roaring 1920s for this once in a lifetime steam train dining experience.

Indulge yourself with champagne and superb views as you steam through the Surrey countryside on the lovingly restored Belmond British Pullman, sister train to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Step back in time to the golden age of premium, First Class rail travel.

Rolling through glorious, rural Surrey as you’re served a delicious, freshly prepared five-course meal with wine. The onboard chef crafts delicious menus featuring the finest seasonal delicacies from the British Isles.

Five-star dining, luxurious surrounding, magnificent countryside and an authentic vintage steam experience await.

The steam dining experience would make an extraordinary gift for loved ones, or the ultimate treat for yourself. You can book a table for one, two, three or four passengers.

Churnet Valley Railway Steam Train Lunch – Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire

All aboard for a tasty lunch on the ‘Moorlander’ dining train at Churnet Valley Railway. Watch the Staffordshire Moors roll by as you sit in comfort and enjoy your steam train dining experience.

On arrival be sure to take a look round the authentic, lovingly reproduced Kingsley & Froghall station before heading to your First Class dining carriage. Traditional English roast beef or roast pork is served with all the trimmings followed by dessert, teas and coffee.

Step back in time and enjoy the stunning countryside views – this steam train dining experience makes a wonderful gift, romantic dinner for two or day out with all the family.

Dinner on the Murder Mystery Steam Train – Loughborough, Leicestershire

What train fan hasn’t watched ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ and wished they were part of a thrilling adventure on an old fashioned steam train?

Now’s your chance with the Murder Mystery Steam Train theme night on the Great Central Railway. Acting out your finest Hercule Poirot is just one of the highlights as you’ll also be tucking into a sumptuous five-course gourmet dinner.

This night full of glamour and mystery takes you on authentic First Class carriages with a stop en-route at the beautiful Edwardian gas lit Rothley station.

Throughout the evening you’ll meet a host of colourful characters as you help to solve the murder. It’s not such a smooth ride though as you’ll not only be one of the witnesses to the murder – you’re also one of the suspects.

This unique steam train dining experience is not to be missed. Train lovers and fans of detective and thriller stories will love this experience.

Travelling to the Murder Mystery Steam Train experience in a group of young people? With a 16-25 Railcard, you’ll save 1/3 on train fares. Get money off the card itself with a 16-25 Railcard discount code.

Charnwood Forester First Class Steam Train Dining Experience – Loughborough, Leicestershire

Enjoy a charming night out with family or friends as you combine food and nostalgia on this steam train dining experience. Step aboard the elegant and authentic Charnwood Forester First Class dining car and settle in for a truly memorable experience.

Tuck into a sumptuous six-course dinner while rolling through the Leicestershire countryside. Stop off at atmospheric Rothley Station, which has been perfectly recreated as it was in the golden age of steam train travel.

With unlimited travel on the day, you’ll have plenty of time to discover and explore the railway before you set off on your steam train dining experience. It would make an ideal surprise gift for someone to share in a small group.

Travelling as a pair? With a Two Together Railcard, you save 1/3 on train fares. Save money before you go with a Two Together Railcard discount code.

Sunday Steam Train Lunch – Loughborough, Leicestershire

Great Central Railway has more gift experiences for lunches on Saturdays and Sundays. Both offers combined dining and riding experiences.

Sunday Steam Lunch

Step back to the 1950s to dine in style aboard the ‘Elizabethan’ service. Glide through the Leicestershire countryside while you’re prepared a freshly-made six-course meal.

The scenic return trip takes you from Loughborough to Leicester North and back. There’s usually a pause along the way at Swithland Viaduct, boasting magnificent views across the water to Charnwood Forest.

The day does not end with after-lunch coffee and mints, as you can visit the onsite museum and take further unlimited train rides throughout the day.

Sunday roast on a steam train makes a great family day out. With a Family & Friends Railcard, you’ll save 1/3 on train fares. Get money off the card itself with a Family & Friends Railcard discount code.

Saturday Steam Lunch

If you’re looking for a perfect Saturday day out with a twist, look no further than the Great Central Railway. Board the First Class dining carriages of the South Yorkshireman service for this superb four-course steam train dining experience.

Taking in the beautiful Charnwood scenery, you’ll be served classic British cuisine by the courteous and smartly dressed staff. It’s a fantastic, indulgent and relaxed day out, costing much less than you might think, and would make the ideal gift for a lover of steam trains or just someone who would enjoy a unique dining experience.

After the plates are cleared, you’re free to roam and enjoy the rest of the railway and excellent museum plus enjoy unlimited travel on the steam trains.

If you’re aged 60 or over save money travelling to steam dining experiences with a Senior Railcard. Get a cheaper deal on the card itself with a Senior Railcard discount code.

Scenic Steam Train Sunday Lunch – Shepton Mallet, Somerset

What could be better than tucking into a salubrious Sunday roast while looking out across beautiful English countryside from a genuine restored steam train? This makes a great treat for someone you love.

You’ll be travelling in restored First Class Belle dining cars for a journey back to yesterday.
Your ticket includes the chance to explore the rest of the railway, so it’s an ideal gift for steam enthusiasts.

Private Hire of Eskdale Belle – Ravenglass (Lake District), Cumbria

For an even more intimate steam dining experience you could hire a private carriage all to yourself on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway. It’s one of England’s oldest and longest narrow gauge railways, which steams through the stunning wild beauty of the Lake District.

On this four to five-hour journey, you’ll puff through the incomparable Cumbrian landscape, rolling through the Eskdale Valley from Ravenglass to the foot of the Scafell Mountains and back.

You’ll be treated to delightful food and wine throughout the day, including lunch at Dalegarth station.

It’s a beautiful steam train day out and dining experience and would make an excellent gift for family and friends.

Steam Engine Experience Days in Britain

Dining on a steam train is an experience to be savoured, but some may also fancy rolling their sleeves up and actually driving a steam train for real. Riding on the footplate and powering a loco is a perfect and unforgettable gift for real steam lovers.

Check our guide to steam train driving experience gifts in Britain for the ultimate day at a steam railway.

Image credits: Alan Cleaver, arg_flickr (edit – bottom right), dominicsayers (edit), Hec Tate (edit)