FOLLOWING the success of a series of steam day trips from Southampton this summer, heritage rail operator The Railway Touring Company has announced that it is to run two Christmas steam specials from the city next week.

Historic locomotive 34067 Tangmere will steam into Southampton and Eastleigh on Thursday, hauling the vintage carriages of The Bath and Bristol Christmas Express and again on Saturday November 28, at the head of The Capital Christmas Express.

The specialist steam tour operator is hoping to attract people wanting a day out shopping at Bath’s Christmas market with its 120 stalls or appeal to those of us looking for a pre-Christmas treat.

Passengers will travel in restored 1950s rail coaches and, with ‘Giant of Steam’ 1947-built Tangmere hauling the train, the journey will provide a nostalgic trip back in time.

Unlike modern service trains, passengers on these steam expresses can treat themselves to the luxury of ‘premier dining’, which includes full English breakfast, light lunch and a four course dinner silver served at their seat.

Pre-book tickets on 01553 661500 or at railwaytouring.co.uk.