The Bath Christmas Market is always special, and a much-loved  festive tradition for both locals and tourists. But what if there was a way to make it even more magical?

Enter a luxury steam train, chugging its way across the countryside from Suffolk to Bath, briefly stopping in at London. This is no Christmas film, but a real experience taking place on Friday 1^st December 2023. The special train is run by Steam Dreams, with more information and tickets available on the operator’s website.

Dinner will be served on board for those feeling a little peckish, in festively decorated 1930s-style Pullman Dining carriages. Each is named after British castles and stately homes.

Tickets start at £175 for Premium Standard (non-dining), while a Pullman Dining experience will set you back £370. However, it could be the most incredible way to kick off your Christmas season.

A magical journey by rail

The train will start its journey at Bury St Edmunds at 7am. Here, passengers will board beautifully restored carriages pulled by a stunning vintage diesel locomotive. The next stop is Ipswich, before the train heads through both Suffolk and Essex on the way to London. There will also be a stop at Colchester.

Once the train reaches London, a steam locomotive will take over for the journey into Bath. The route is set to be spectacular, as the train makes its way slowly but steadily along the Kennet Valley. Passengers will be whisked past Newbury and into Wiltshire, with views of rolling hills and the Westbury White Horses as they go.

The train arrives in Bath Spa at a respectable 1.30pm, just in time for a spot of lunch or afternoon tea. And of course, a browse around the Christmas Market stalls. It leaves again at just before 5pm, so you should have plenty of time to soak up the festive atmosphere in Bath.

Even if you’re not one of the lucky people on board, it could be worth getting up early for some train-spotting if you live in or are visiting the local area along the route. The sight of a vintage locomotive making its way through the Sussex landscape on a frosty winter morning is sure to be an unforgettable one.

There’s also a second train, the Northern Belle, departing from Ipswich Railway Station at 1.25pm on Saturday 9^th December 2023. This one is run by luxury train travel and day trips specialist Northern Belle, which prides itself on running ‘Britain’s Most Luxurious Train’.

Fancy staying in Bath instead? If you’d like to spend more time in the city to enjoy the markets, book a stay at one of our beautiful self-catering apartments or townhouses.

 Most are right in Bath city centre, just a short stroll from the chalets and twinkling lights of the market. What’s more, all come with parking – so you’ll be able to pack all of your purchases in the boot when it’s time to head home.