To celebrate 150 years of passenger travel on their line, the Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company has chartered a steam train with heritage carriages to travel from Carlisle to York, home of the National Railway Museum.
Throughout 2026, events to celebrate this milestone will take place along the line, and the Settle Carlisle 150 Express Charter Train will provide an opportunity for passengers to travel back to the age of steam and take in the views through Cumbria and Yorkshire.
The steam train will set off from Carlisle on the Spring bank holiday (May 25, 2026) and have pick-up points for passengers at Appleby, Settle, and Skipton, before arriving in the historic city of York.
The Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company have requested the Battle of Britain Class ‘Tangmire’ locomotive from West Coast Railways’ pool of heritage engines.
Passengers will have time in explore York and visit the National Railway Museum and other attractions before the return journey via the Settle Carlisle line.
The Settle Carlisle Railway was named Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards Winner last year, placing it in the top 10 per cent of listings around the world.
For their 150th anniversary year, Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company, who also provide the trolley refreshments on the regular Northern train service on the line, have chosen Riding for the Disabled as their charity of the year for 2026.
John Moorhouse, Deputy Chairman, Settle–Carlisle Railway Development Company, said:
A steam train is the perfect way to celebrate the 150th anniversary of our passenger service. The line was built at the peak of the era of steam trains, and has survived threats of closure several times during its 150 years.
We have requested the Battle of Britain Class 34067 Tangmere to head the train, which will be made up of heritage carriages.
Passengers can choose from Premier Dining, First Class or Standard Class in comfortable heritage carriages as the train sweeps through the Yorkshire Dales and Cumbrian scenery—described by Lonely Planet as in the top 10 the most scenic railway journeys in Europe.
Tickets are on sale now via the Settle–Carlisle Railway Development Company website: https://settle-carlisle.co.uk/
