The Railway Touring Company
The Railway Touring Company
The Railway Touring Company
4
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
The Railway Touring Company has a long established reputation for providing an interesting variety of UK day trips by steam train and tours in the UK, Europe and Worldwide.
King's Lynn, Norfolk, England
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2023
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The Railway Touring Company
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.0
1,062 reviews
Excellent
668
Very good
153
Average
52
Poor
67
Terrible
123
Deirdre H
Rugby, England, United Kingdom56 contributions
Feb 2020
We joined the above at Rugby on its journey from London to Carlisle. We were steam hauled from Carnforth to Carlisle via Shap and from Carlisle to Preston via the Settle-Carlisle line by 35018 British India Line. The stop-over at Carlisle was roughly one and half hours so not much time to do more than sort lunch and admire the castle near to the station! However, we thoroughly enjoyed our adventure aboard taking in the wonderful scenery and meeting new people. We had opted for first class and it is well worth paying the 'extra'. The seating was very comfortable. we were nice and warm and the breakfast and light tea served was delicious. Tea and coffee were also on offer plus soft drink for the children. The staff were very informative and friendly too. Unfortunately on our return journey we suffered some engineering problems, which made us several hours late, but the staff coped very well and kept us informed as best they could. Buses were arranged to convey Nuneaton and Northampton passengers home, and we paid a small surcharge to exit the 24hr car park at Rugby. However, we look forward to another adventure in the not too distant future with this touring company and cannot thank their staff enough for their hard work coping with a difficult return journey.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your comments.
We are so pleased you enjoyed your day with us on our Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express. It is a very beautiful and scenic route.
We hope you will travel with us again soon.
Written March 3, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Goodltraveller
St. Albans, UK239 contributions
Mar 2020
This was our first day out using the Railway Touring Company and we were most impressed. We took the opportunity of travelling Premium First and so enjoyed a really substantial breakfast and a very enjoyable dinner on the return from York.
The train, hauled by "Union of South Africa" arrived very punctually in St Albans and we found our seats very quickly - a table for two. We started equally speedily having been name checked by our steward. The train would become totally full by the time all the pick up points had been reached.
There were plenty of very friendly staff and the train made very good time monitored by the very detailed information pack left on our table. This detailed all our stops including those for water replenishment and other technical reasons. Progress and arrival at each point was announced over the PA system and we arrived precisely on time in York when the engine was surrounded by its passengers!
We had three hours in York with a good briefing as to what to see and where to go.
Arriving back to the nominated platform, our coaches had been reconnected to a diesel as previously envisaged and we had a good return journey arriving back in St Albans 15 minutes ahead of schedule, after some fifteen hours.
Great fun! We are both railway buffs but had never done anything quite like this.
We will certainly repeat the experience and sincere compliments to the ?Railway Touring Company for its excellent organisation.
The train, hauled by "Union of South Africa" arrived very punctually in St Albans and we found our seats very quickly - a table for two. We started equally speedily having been name checked by our steward. The train would become totally full by the time all the pick up points had been reached.
There were plenty of very friendly staff and the train made very good time monitored by the very detailed information pack left on our table. This detailed all our stops including those for water replenishment and other technical reasons. Progress and arrival at each point was announced over the PA system and we arrived precisely on time in York when the engine was surrounded by its passengers!
We had three hours in York with a good briefing as to what to see and where to go.
Arriving back to the nominated platform, our coaches had been reconnected to a diesel as previously envisaged and we had a good return journey arriving back in St Albans 15 minutes ahead of schedule, after some fifteen hours.
Great fun! We are both railway buffs but had never done anything quite like this.
We will certainly repeat the experience and sincere compliments to the ?Railway Touring Company for its excellent organisation.
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback following your day out on our Yorkshireman trip.
It is great to hear you enjoyed your Premier Class experience on board.
York is a vibrant city with plenty going on to entertain everybody!
We hope you will travel with us again.
Written March 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mike W
Somerton, UK1 contribution
Aug 2020
My wife and I traveled from Taunton on the Royal Duchy on the 30th August. We were a bit apprehensive due to Covid-19 but were immediately put at ease when a RTC volunteer approached us on Taunton station and explained the procedure for boarding the train once it arrived.
On boarding the train hand sanitizers were available in each vestibule masks were been warn by all passengers and staff and the atmosphere was as relaxed as any steam trip day out that we have been on. We paid £50 extra for a table for 2 while others couples that did not pay the extra were lucky enough to have a table for 4 to themselves. We were not at all aggrieved by this as we paid for a table for 2 and it was all down to social distancing on the day and would regardless pay the extra on any upcoming trips that we may book.
All in all a great day out well organised including the optional bus trips, staff were exemplary in their roles well done RTC
On boarding the train hand sanitizers were available in each vestibule masks were been warn by all passengers and staff and the atmosphere was as relaxed as any steam trip day out that we have been on. We paid £50 extra for a table for 2 while others couples that did not pay the extra were lucky enough to have a table for 4 to themselves. We were not at all aggrieved by this as we paid for a table for 2 and it was all down to social distancing on the day and would regardless pay the extra on any upcoming trips that we may book.
All in all a great day out well organised including the optional bus trips, staff were exemplary in their roles well done RTC
Written September 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your comments.
We are happy to hear you enjoyed your recent experience with us on our Royal Duchy trip.
Our staff are well versed in all things Covid and we have all the systems/protocols in place on board to keep both them and all of our customers safe so it is good to hear you felt happy and safe whilst in our care.
We will pass your kind comments on to all involved.
Written September 21, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jill H
6 contributions
Sep 2021
NOT WORTH THE MONEY. The carriage seats were uncomfortable. The Buffet car was a trestle table with a tea urn, cans of drink and a few cakes. The excursion buses were insufficient for everyone wanting to go to Charlestown and some passengers had to go to Fowey instead!! Not enough time allowed to visit the Shipwreck museum- in fact only an hour and a half to get lunch at 3.30pm needing to be back to the coach for 5pm to re-join the Royal Duchy. Not enough booklets - 500 passengers only 200 were printed and although offered to have posted after the trip, the moment had passed. To sum it up, we felt we had paid a lot of money for a very disorganised and disappointing day. We will not be going again with this company.
Written September 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback.
I'm sorry to hear you of your disappointment.
As you are aware, timings did change for this trip making the time in Par shorter. However, we do state in our terms & conditions that this can occur & is fully outside of our control. Thankfully this is not something that happens often but very unfortunate this happened on your day.
Apologies in the regards to booklets, we usually have enough to share between per "couple" & always print around 10 extra. So once again I apologise & would be more than happy to issue you with one promptly.
Written September 22, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Andalfi1
Haworth, UK2 contributions
Jul 2021 • Solo
I am a regular traveller with the Railway Touring Company, travelling country wide, in any month of the year, I have generally found them to be an outstandingly professional company, in all aspects, from telephone booking to destination,
always delivering a great day out at an affordable price, I am writing this because I have just returned from a stunning trip around Kent, starting from London, and yet again have had a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
This is my way of saying thank you...
(Photos are all on RYTC trips this July 9th, 12th and 22nd.)
always delivering a great day out at an affordable price, I am writing this because I have just returned from a stunning trip around Kent, starting from London, and yet again have had a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
This is my way of saying thank you...
(Photos are all on RYTC trips this July 9th, 12th and 22nd.)
Written July 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for such positive feedback.
I'm delighted to hear you had an enjoyable experience taking in the stunning views on our Kentish Belle day trip.
We look forward to having you on board again in the future.
Written July 29, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Philip E
Shrewsbury, UK35 contributions
Jul 2021
We travelled on the Bournemouth Express on the 3rd July 2021 which was from London Victoria ( originally scheduled from Waterloo ) to Bournemouth and Weymouth and return. We went Premier Dining which provided a full English Breakfast and Four Course Dinner, quite expensive but overall worth it. This journey was mostly by steam, the outward journey was somewhat slow and dogged with delays, track issues around Winchester and then a further delay at Poole when the Locomotive injector was found to be fouling the third rail. We were around 90 mins late arriving at Weymouth. The return journey ran a little closer to time and saw some spirited running, the steward advised it was a different driver with more experience as the one on the outward journey was less experienced and rather slow. Food on the journey was very good and excellent service.
However the delay leaving at Weymouth was very poorly handled, complete lack of information and dis-interested stewards who later leaving tried to blame the passengers for not boarding quickly enough. I have pointed this out to the Company who in the end apologised but it took three e-mails to get that apology. I totally get that things go wrong and often outside your control, but you have to accept that if a justifiable complaint is made that you should at least confront it. It took several days to just get an acknowledgement and then the response was very contrite without any words of sorry or we apologise. This is a very poor complaint procedure and better training of the office staff and stewards is needed.
However the delay leaving at Weymouth was very poorly handled, complete lack of information and dis-interested stewards who later leaving tried to blame the passengers for not boarding quickly enough. I have pointed this out to the Company who in the end apologised but it took three e-mails to get that apology. I totally get that things go wrong and often outside your control, but you have to accept that if a justifiable complaint is made that you should at least confront it. It took several days to just get an acknowledgement and then the response was very contrite without any words of sorry or we apologise. This is a very poor complaint procedure and better training of the office staff and stewards is needed.
Written July 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback.
Sorry you felt the handling of our stewards and an apology wasn't as it should be.
Please be assured we take complaints seriously and in some situations we will need to have some time to "investigate" the compaint raised.
Our communication with you has now been ressolved, however I will once again send our apolgies to you.
Written July 28, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Judy M
Stotfold, UK8 contributions
Aug 2020
We booked our second trip with this company back in February to go on the Cumbrian Mountain Express later in the year in August. Having had a shared table with another couple previously we booked a table for two at an extra expense of £50. COVID then decided to rear its ugly head and we weren’t even sure if the trip would go ahead, however we were pleased to find out in late July that all was good and we could go albeit socially distancing ourselves from others. Fine we thought - booked a table on our own so no problem. We later found out that everyone would be on ‘tables for two’ and they wouldn’t have to pay the extra for this! We brought it to the attention of the company by email (no response) and also on the train itself to which we got the answer ‘well you booked the table before COVID so there’s nothing we can do. Not even a free bottle of wine or anything at all from the bar was offered - it was like we’ve got your extra £50 so that’ll help boost the old coffers. It rather soured the whole trip really although we met a really nice couple who were exactly in the same £50 boat as us. Shame I don’t think we’ll be using this company again.
Written August 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are sorry to read that you were disappointed with the decision to not refund you the supplement. From our records we can see that your original booking was confirmed many months prior to the Covid-19 pandemic when a table for two supplement would have applied. As a business we are working hard to ensure the onboard arrangements now not only follow government guidelines but also meet our customers needs whilst keeping everyone safe.
Written September 7, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paul G
Colwyn Bay, UK33 contributions
Feb 2022 • Family
We picked up the Cumbrian Mountain express from Crewe. It was my son's birthday treat for his 14th. He is the big train nut. There was a mix of people on the train some were enthusiasts some just having a big Day out.
We did standard and took a picnic though you could buy food on board for a reasonable fee. One could also purchase beers but could take your own. My son spent most of return from Carlisle with head out of window thus ending up as if he were a miner coming out of a pit by time we got back. The staff on board were very knowledgeable and gave commentary at relevant points on the trip. The hour and a half at Carlisle was long enough to stretch legs but didn't really need much more.
All in all my son had been looking forward to this trip for a long time and it was even better than he had hopef
We did standard and took a picnic though you could buy food on board for a reasonable fee. One could also purchase beers but could take your own. My son spent most of return from Carlisle with head out of window thus ending up as if he were a miner coming out of a pit by time we got back. The staff on board were very knowledgeable and gave commentary at relevant points on the trip. The hour and a half at Carlisle was long enough to stretch legs but didn't really need much more.
All in all my son had been looking forward to this trip for a long time and it was even better than he had hopef
Written March 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback on our Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express trip.
Happy 14th birthday to your son from us all here! It sounds like he had a blast.
We are glad you all enjoyed your day with us on board.
Written March 2, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GusElan
3 contributions
Sep 2021 • Friends
Spending many hours in a genuine vintage railway carriage in splendid style.
With proper sprung and comfortable seating in a compartment carriage hauled by a steam engine, but not any old steam, but The Flying Scotsman.
A superb early morning start and steady progress saw us cruising on quiet lines in the rural Lincolnshire through the pseudo Dutch landscape.
Leaving 4 hours to explore. Returning again cruising through the dark evening guessing which station we are passing, up towards The Cross.
The stewards and announcers are perfect, a very clear sound of the P.A. The brochure is full of information.
I and my group slept well and fully satisfied.
A very good value for money, far far better than a theme park.
With proper sprung and comfortable seating in a compartment carriage hauled by a steam engine, but not any old steam, but The Flying Scotsman.
A superb early morning start and steady progress saw us cruising on quiet lines in the rural Lincolnshire through the pseudo Dutch landscape.
Leaving 4 hours to explore. Returning again cruising through the dark evening guessing which station we are passing, up towards The Cross.
The stewards and announcers are perfect, a very clear sound of the P.A. The brochure is full of information.
I and my group slept well and fully satisfied.
A very good value for money, far far better than a theme park.
Written September 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback.
I'm delighted to hear you enjoyed your time with us & the Flying Scotsman.
We hope to welcome you back on board in the future.
Written September 30, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
nikndel
Benfleet, UK415 contributions
Sep 2021
Booked day before trip thought it was a bit expensive but as my trip to Norfolk to see Flying Scotsman was in doubt owing to fuel situation may be my only chance to travel behind this famous train. They returned my email answers fast and I booked over phone with ease. Was in standard class old coaches of my youth brought back happy memories all staff friendly . TBH they could have strapped me to the roof and the day would have still been great. Everything ran on time but people of Skegness didn’t get much view of loco but most probably nothing RTC could do. Worth every penny thank god the wife made me go
Written September 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback.
I'm glad you enjoyed your day out with us & the Flying Scotsman,
Your comment in regards to "being on the roof" did make me smile!
Unfortunately we're unable to control the stations & surroundings for locals to see the locomotives up close.
We hope we can welcome you on board again in the future.
Written September 30, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paul C
Birmingham, UK39 contributions
Where can I see reviews of touring holidays not just steam days out. i.e. week or more holidays?
pearlyway
LINCS93 contributions
Our review was for a touring holiday. We have been on three tours. My partner is keen on trains but not an avid enthusiast. The company tries to balance trains with tourist interest
Jane C
West Sussex, UK42 contributions
Hi. Does anyone know if you can take a picnic on first class? We’re hoping to take a trip for four of us on the Victoria to Weymouth/Bournemouth route in August. It would seem a good compromise for us costwise between the Premier and Standard seats. Thank you in advance.
Alan D
Preston, UK51 contributions
We took nibbles as we hadn't paid for food, but we weren't in First Class so it might be different.
ussh2
UK171 contributions
I am looking at doing the Royal Duchy - can anyone advise what the seating is like in first class as its a long time sat on the train and need to be comfortable - there is no info on the website at all, unlike all the american train websites we have used where you have a good pictures and descriptions
RTCUK1
King's Lynn, UK1 contribution
Hi,
Please telephone us at the office and provide us with your email address and we can send you some photographs of the carriage interiors.
01553 661500
Cofton owl
England, UK5 contributions
As this is an anniversary trip is it ok to take alcohol on the train????
Andy R
109 contributions
I think that you can but woukd expect a corkage charge. The on board drinks are normally reasonably priced from my experience
Patricia P
1 contribution
What is the difference between standard, first and premier classes please?
Shirley E
Horsham, UK503 contributions
The person who has answered the question below is quite right. The standard class is just tables in the middle of 4 bench type seats. You can buy bacon rolls and tea or coffee or even take your own food a board. There is no table cloths or lamps etc. The journey is the same, just the comfort differs.
Hope this helps
les317537
Wymondham, UK2 contributions
Are the trips wheel chair friendly
19phil50
Blackpool, UK241 contributions
This is a difficult question to answer, as previous answers have said it uses heritage rolling stock, if the user is confined to a wheelchair I would say no, but if the user is able to transfer with only carers help. It should be possible
Summer
London, UK148 contributions
Hi did anyone pay extra fees for journey to quintessential
Summer
London, UK148 contributions
Hi did anyone else have a charge in fact 3 charges from Quintessential the same day on there statement same CD code as payment for railway journey if so what is it for?
The Railway Touring Company - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
The Railway Touring Company Information
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