Autumn is a great time of year to explore the UK countryside and watch the foliage turn from the summer green to the yellow, orange and brown associated with this time of year.
Despite the weather turning colder and there being a chill in the air it just makes for more of a dramatic background while passing through the rural settings. There is no better way to experience the British autumnal season than by taking a trip on the multitude of steam train journeys available at this time of year.
These treks through the countryside give passengers a unique voyage across the UK and allows enthusiasts to rekindle their passion for all things steam. The Railway Touring Company has a number of journeys available for the coming months and here are a selection of what passengers can expect.
The Cumbrian Mountain Express – Wednesday, October 23rd
Cumbria is home to one of the most picturesque train routes the UK has to offer; Carlisle to Settle. Now passengers can marvel at the wonder of the county from the comfort of an iconic train.
This service is hauled by a blue class 86 electric locomotive and then the Jubilee class No. 45699 "Galatea" and weaves through the best of the Cumbrian countryside. Setting off from London Euston at 06:26 GMT, it calls at Watford Junction, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Rugby, Nuneaton, Crewe and Preston before heading up to Carlisle.
Passengers will be able to sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Carlisle to Settle line in all its glory.
Prices start at £69 for adults, £39 for juniors and £177 for families travelling in standard class.
The Blue Bell Explorer – Saturday, November 2nd
The Blue Bell Explorer gives people the opportunity to visit the Severn Valley Railway and Bridgnorth experiencing one of the most picturesque heritage lines in the country.
Passengers can jump on at Bridgnorth from 07:30 GMT then sit back and enjoy the scenic views of North and South Down of the Sussex Weald. Picking others at the likes of Kidderminster, Birmingham New Street and Birmingham International the route carries on to its final destination of Sheffield Park.
Here passengers will be able to enjoy a three-hour break at the Bluebell Railway which is using a timetable running two steam trains.
Prices start at £79 for adults, £45 for juniors and £203 for a family travelling in standard class.
The Bath and Bristol Christmas Markets – Thursday, November 28th
One of the best things about the Christmas season is that many cities across the UK put on special markets where people can purchase a few presents for friends and family in time for the holiday season.
Now people can enjoy the Christmas markets of both Bath and Bristol by steam train. This route allows passengers to visit the famous Roman Baths or head to Bristol which has been given the title of 'best Christmas shopping in the south-west'.
The Southern Railway 'Battle of Britain' class locomotive No. 34067 "Tangmere" sets off from Poole at 09:30 GMT travelling along the south coast before reaching Bath and Bristol at 12:15 GMT and 12:35 GMT respectively. Passengers will have a good four hours to enjoy the festivities before the the return journeys.
Prices start at £74 for adults, £41 for juniors and £189 for families travelling in standard class.