Armed with a ticket to ride, Alison Masters hops aboard a steam engine and shares her tales from the tracks
Despite my reluctance to admit I'm
impressed by my steam-engine driving brother and father, even I can't help but get excited about a ride on The Cathedrals
Express.
We boarded the steam special to Canterbury at Bromley South, where it arrived from Victoria, and received a warm welcome, complete with
champagne.
The locomotive, a Battle of Britain Class 34067 Tangmere, ventures onto the mainline for a range of excursions, organised by Steam Dreams, to destinations such as Bath, Exeter, York and Salisbury, where passengers can spend time taking in the scenery of these beautiful cities.
The round trip took us first across the North Downs, over the River Medway and through
luscious green countryside dotted with wildlife.
As we tucked into a delicious brunch, the evocative smell of smoke and steam, of England's heritage, hung in the air.
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After arriving in Canterbury, we took a stroll around the city, taking in the sights of the cathedral and river and indulging in the irresistible shops.
It's easy to think steam is slower than some of today's modern trains, but the return stretch along the Kent coast proved otherwise, reaching speeds of up to 75 mph.
While we enjoyed a four-course dinner on the journey back, Steam Dreams chairman Marcus Robertson joined us in the Pullman coach and explained the skill involved in running a steam engine.
The pinnacle of the journey came as The Cathedrals Express pulled us full steam ahead along the coast to Dover, with the sparkling blue sea on one side and the imposing white cliffs on the other. It really was an unforgettable day out.
The Tangmere's next trip to Canterbury via Bromley departs on July 23. Call 01483 209888.
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