DAYSOUT
THE STEAM DREAMS RAIL CO.
FROM KENT TO BATH: A JOURNEY THROUGH THE GOLDEN AGE OF RAIL TRAVEL BY SAMANTHA READY
© Stephen Hayward
© Duncan Savidge
Before dawn, Ashford International station feels unusually still. The familiar rhythm of commuter trains has yet to gather pace, the first coffees of the morning are warming cold hands rather than fuelling a day’ s work and there is a sense of anticipation on the platform. For one day at least, modern rail travel was about to make way for something altogether more nostalgic.
Steam Dreams has spent more than two decades proving that rail travel can still be an event. Rather than simply transporting passengers from A to B, the company curates memorable day excursions behind some of Britain’ s most celebrated steam locomotives, pairing heritage engineering with restaurant-quality dining, attentive hospitality( with a dash of northern charm) and journeys that encourage passengers to slow down and enjoy every mile.
Stepping aboard via a red carpet and warm welcome from your dedicated carriage host immediately transports you back to the golden age of rail travel. Crisp white linen, polished glassware, gleaming silverware and beautifully dressed tables set the tone long before the train leaves the platform. There is an unmistakable sense of occasion. The service team greet every guest warmly, coats are whisked away and, almost before the Kent countryside begins to unfold, a welcome peach Bellini appears in hand.
Gently hauled by a modern locomotive while conversation flowed around the carriage, it was only just beyond Reading that the day took on an entirely different character. The train paused briefly as No. 71000 Duke of Gloucester, Britain’ s last steam locomotive built by British Railways, coupled to the front of our Pullman carriages. Passengers instinctively gathered at windows and along the platform as the first hiss of steam drifted through the air. Moments later, with a whistle, a plume of white vapour and the unmistakable rhythmic beat of the locomotive gathering pace, the romance of steam travel truly began.
As Duke of Gloucester settled into its stride through the Berkshire countryside and onwards towards the West Country, breakfast was served.
We began with creamy The Estate natural yoghurt layered with seasonal berry compote and homemade granola, the fruit bright and vibrant against the gentle sweetness of the yoghurt while the granola added welcome crunch and texture.
The full breakfast followed, and this was no hurried railway fry-up. My plate combined perfectly grilled back bacon, an award-winning Chester sausage, richly spiced Stornoway black pudding, Freshfield scrambled eggs, roasted tomato, baked beans and a beautifully cooked flat mushroom, while Mr R opted for the Scottish smoked salmon on toasted English muffin with perfectly poached farm eggs and a chive hollandaise. Every element arrived hot, carefully prepared and surprisingly refined given the surroundings. In addition, we also received a generous bakery basket filled with flaky pastries, warm croissants and preserves accompanied by endless tea and freshly brewed coffee as the countryside drifted by beyond the picture windows.
The journey itself becomes part of the day’ s entertainment. Villages slip quietly past, church spires rise above morning mist and passengers lean from the open droplight windows to savour the unmistakable soundtrack of the locomotive working hard through the landscape. Every tunnel amplifies the deep bark of the engine, while station platforms become impromptu theatres as railway enthusiasts gather excitedly to photograph Duke of Gloucester’ s arrival.
52 • www. insidekent. co. uk