Thanks to Francis Bourgeois, train spotting is now cooler than ever. This year celebrated 100 years since one of the UK's most iconic trains was first built - the Flying Scotsman. The famous train will be thrilling British transport lovers up and down the country this year, and for Londoners, there will be several opportunities to get a first hand glimpse.
Now, more tickets have been added to the calendar, and anyone hoping for a short trip to Sussex will be very excited. The Bluebell Railway has announced the Flying Scotsman will be taking in 11 miles of countryside in the South East, an easy drive south of Croydon. In a statement, the train company said: "The Flying Scotsman will be running non-stop return services between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead for seven days from 23 - 29 August." The scenic journey will take place during sunset and adult tickets start at £85.
However, Londoners won't have to wait that long to see the train in the capital. On Wednesday, June 7 train lovers will be able to step aboard and take a round trip from London Paddington to Cardiff via the steam-hauled train. You will pass through the Thames Valley and stop at other stations along the way, including Slough. This route is now fully booked but the waiting list is open - train lovers can still visit the Flying Scotsman at the station.
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Just three days later, on June 10, the Flying Scotsman will haul a special charter train from London Euston to Chester and back in one day. The route will follow the West Coast Main Line to Crewe and then onwards to Chester. This route is now fully booked but the waiting list is open - train lovers can still visit the Flying Scotsman at the station.
On 17 June The Portsmouth Flyer will be pulled by the Flying Scotsman on a trip starting at London Victoria and ending in Portsmouth. A few stops will be made along the way - including one at Staines - and guests will be able to choose to alight at Portsmouth and Southsea to explore the city or Portsmouth Harbour to immerse themselves in naval history. This route is now fully booked but the waiting list is open - train lovers can still visit the Flying Scotsman at the station.
The locomotive returns to London Paddington on 21 June for a round trip to Salisbury. The steam-hauled train will pass through the vale of Pewsey and offer views of a famous Wiltshire White Horse before reaching the historic city. This route is now fully booked but the waiting list is open - train lovers can still visit the Flying Scotsman at the station.
For the first time in 2023, the Flying Scotsman will return to London King's Cross on 24 June. This will be a very special trip, with travellers given the rare opportunity to ride behind the Flying Scotsman along its former LNER route out of King's, that will end by the seaside in Great Yarmouth. This route is now fully booked but the waiting list is open - train lovers can still visit the Flying Scotsman at the station.
It'll be a busy summer in London for the Flying Scotsman with plenty of opportunities to witness the iconic train - built 100 years ago - in action.
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