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The Flying Scotsman is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a series of luxury-packed trips

June 20, 2023
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2 min read
The Railway Touring Company's The Flying Scotsman Centenary Weekender runs from 30 June to 4 July, picture Bob Green
The Flying Scotsman is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a series of luxury-packed trips
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The Flying Scotsman, perhaps the most legendary locomotive in the world, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year with a series of special trips across the United Kingdom.

Famed for its daily service between London and Edinburgh, the Flying Scotsman is offering several rare opportunities to experience its carriages on several specially added daytrip routes traversing various scenic landscapes.

Among the celebratory routes is the Great Yarmouth Flyer, departing from London King's Cross and winding through the picturesque Fens and Norfolk, England.

The centerpiece of the celebratory program will be the Flying Scotsman Centenary Weekender from June 30 to July 4. This journey promises an unforgettable weekend tour from London to Edinburgh via York, England.

On the trip, Standard-class passengers will enjoy a one-night stay in a York hotel, followed by three nights in an Edinburgh hotel. Tickets start at 925 British pounds (about $1,178) per person (not including accommodation).

For those seeking a more indulgent experience, Premier class offers additional perks such as five breakfasts, four lunches and reserved seating in first-class coaches. Premier-class tickets start at 1,635 pounds ($2,083) per person (not including accommodation).

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You can book your tickets through The Railway Touring Company website.

In honor of the centenary, various exhibitions will commemorate the rich history of the iconic steam train; there will also be a Centenary Festival at the Locomotion railway museum in Shildon, England. The event will feature hands-on activities and drop-in workshops documenting the train's history.

Here are some of the notable trips you can still book tickets for:

  • The Great Yarmouth Flyer, June 23: London to Great Yarmouth, England
  • The Flying Scotsman Centenary Weekender, June 30 to July 4: London to Edinburgh, with stops at York, England
  • The Waverley, July 9: York to Carlisle, England.
  • The Waverley, Aug. 6: York to Carlisle
  • The Waverley, Sept. 10: York to Carlisle
  • The Hadrian, Oct. 14: Derby, England, to Carlisle

For a comprehensive list of the Flying Scotsman centenary program and further information, visit the Railway Museum website.

Bottom line

The Flying Scotsman, the world's most famous locomotive, is celebrating 100 years of service by staging a series of rare trips that venture beyond its usual routes.

If you’d like to splurge on a ticket for one of the journeys, book here.

Featured image by BOB GREEN/THE RAILWAY TOURING COMPANY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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