Enjoy a trip to the stunning Surrey Hills on board The Mayflower steam train
AS stressed out commuters will tell you, taking a train isn’t always the first thing that springs to mind when you want to unwind and relax.
Unless, that is, you’re travelling the old-fashioned way on the Summer Steam Express.
This gorgeous 1948 steam train makes the most of the long, light, summer evenings by chugging out of London every Tuesday from June to September, to take passengers on a leisurely round trip to the stunning Surrey Hills.
Forget crowded platforms, jostling for seats, and unfathomable delays due to “leaves on the line”, boarding the beautiful steam locomotive The Mayflower at London’s Waterloo station feels like stepping back in time to a bygone era. You won’t need your M&S ham sarnie either — not when a three-course dinner is part of the experience, served in the Pullman-style dining cars.
Boarding The Mayflower with my husband Patrick, I felt glad I’d put some extra lippy on to match my swish surroundings as I was greeted with canapés to enjoy while settling into my comfy seat.
As the train blasted out a departure choo choo, and the wheels started their soothing whir and chugging rhythm, it was hard not to feel like I was starring in hit movie The Railway Children.
Inside, the carriages resemble a movie set with wood panelling, comfortable seats, table lamps and curtains at the huge picture windows to show off the views.
If only train travel was always like this.
As we made our way out of the ’burbs and through Guildford, the scenery transformed from hectic city to tranquil countryside, and back gardens with swings replaced by paddocks of grazing livestock and golden fields filled with corn and fresh hay bales.
Top restaurant
The company also offers Steam Express experiences to destinations elsewhere around the UK, using a variety of vintage locomotives, including the Flying Scotsman.
Tucking into a glass of fizz I took in the vistas along with my bubbles as The Mayflower climbed her way steeply through the Surrey Hills, before descending to the foot of the North Downs for sunset.
Just glorious, and it was hard to believe I was just over an hour away from the capital. All food is prepared freshly on-board under the steam power of the locomotive’s chef for a top restaurant experience.
You can choose between a set three-course menu in the dining car, or take your own food on board if you prefer. I opted for the set-menu as a treat. After all, I can eat a picnic on a normal train any time.
Indulgent and utterly delicious I tucked into smoked salmon, chicken and a to-die-for chocolate pudding as pastoral scenes flashed by. All too quickly the three-and-a-half-hour round trip was over and we pulled back into Waterloo — relaxed, happy and extremely full-up.
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