Steaming into Christmas (Lancashire)
Step aboard the festively decorated Pullman carraiges of the East Lancs Railway and enjoy a silver service traditional Christmas Lunch "Dining with Distinction".
Step aboard the festively decorated Pullman carraiges of the East Lancs Railway and enjoy a silver service traditional Christmas Lunch "Dining with Distinction".
Step aboard the festively decorated, beautifully restored Pullman carriages of the East Lancashire Railway while being steam hauled through the beautiful Irwell Valley. With polished panelling, luxurious furnishings and crisp linen it’s the perfect way to enjoy a traditional Christmas Lunch. Expect a sparkling welcome drink on boarding and a sumptuous 3 course, silver served meal followed by tea/coffee and an after-dinner chocolate – all served by your own waiter who will ensure every aspect of your experience is catered for. Wind you way past Christmas card villages and fairy light festooned stations as you enjoy this Pullman-style Dining with Distinction experience.
ITINERARY
Tuesday - Morning departure from Dorset to arrive in Blackburn that afternoon. You are welcomed with tea/coffee while the bags are portered. This evening enjoy a 3 course dinner.
Wednesday - We visit Lytham Hall near Lytham St Annes - an impressive 18th century Georgian mansion set in 78 acres of landscaped parkland and gardens. A self-guided tour of the mansion which is dressed for Christmas takes you on a festive musical journey through each room. Stunning trees, decorations and lights adorn the hall and stewards will impart information. There is an emporium of antique and vintage goodies, gardens, animal centre, shop, café and over 3 miles of garden paths.
Thursday - Morning visit to Oswaldtwistle Mills, a former weaving mill converted to a home and lifestyle centre - it has everything to amaze, charm and intrigue visitors of all ages. Over 100 retailers under one roof - it is a perfect place to find that special Christmas gift. Later we continue to the highlight of our holiday - we drive to Bury station on the East Lancs Railway for their famous "Dining with Distinction" Christmas Lunch - boarding commences at 12:30pm. Our heritage steam train hauling its resplendent rake of Pullman dining cars puffs its way through the Lancashire countryside (1pm to 3:45pm) while you are treated to a delicious 3 course Christmas lunch served in the time honoured style. Dress code is smart/casual.
Friday - Homewards bound with memories of a very special Christmas experience. Return to Dorset by early evening.
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Blackburn
Built over 700 years ago however its modern facilities provide guests with all the expected standards of a 4 star hotel. A converted manor, enhanced and situated in a tranquil setting. Bedrooms provide private bathroom with toiletries, hairdryer, satellite television, phone, iron, wifi and tea tray. The Cameo restaurant is renowned for its excellent cuisine, and two bars offer space to relax. There are full leisure facilities including an indoor pool, gym, sauna and jacuzzi. Lifts serve all floors in the new annexe but not the historic building – if you require lift access please inform us.
Tour Price: £469.00 Per Person
Single room supplement: £95.00
Price Includes: All coach travel, 3 nights hotel accommodation, Half board meals, Entry to Lytham Hall, East Lancs Railway fare & lunch.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Beaminster Area | Convenient local point in Beaminster to be advised |
| Blandford Area | Convenient local point in Blandford to be advised |
| Bournemouth Area | Convenient point in Bournemouth to be advised |
| Branksome Area | Convenient point in Branksome to be advised |
| Bridport Area | Convenient local point in Bridport to be advised |
| Britannia Inn | Britannia Inn, Fortuneswell, Portland |
| Charlestown | The Alexandra Inn, Chickerell Road, Charlestown |
| Chickerell | Bluebird Garage, Chickerell Road |
| Corfe Castle | Convenient point in Corfe Castle to be advised |
| Courtlands | Portland, Courtlands bus stop |
| Dorchester South Station | Dorchester South Station bus stop |
| Dorchester TOT | Top O'Town Car Park (by cafe), Dorchester |
| Easton | Easton Square, Portland |
| Ferndown Area | Convenient local point in Ferndown to be advised |
| Foords Corner | Foords Corner bus stop, Wyke Regis |
| Jestys Avenue | Bus stop end of Jestys Avenue on Littlemoor Road |
| Littlemead | Broadwey, Littlemead bus stop (Swan Inn) |
| Lodmoor Hill | Lodmoor Hill Bus Stop (near Post Office) |
| Lyme Regis | Convenient local point in Lyme Regis to be advised |
| Lyndale bus stop | Wyke Regis, Lyndale Bus Stop |
| Nottington | Broadwey, Nottington Corner bus stop |
| Poole Area | Convenient local point in Poole to be advised |
| Poundbury QMSE | Poundbury Queen Mother Square bus stop (Coach heading into Dorchester) |
| Radipole | Spa Hotel bus stop, Radipole |
| Redlands | Redlands, Opposite Garage |
| Ringwood Area | Convenient local point in Ringwood to be advised |
| Rodwell | Rodwell Traffic Lights, Rodwell Rd/Rodwell Ave |
| Sgt Bunn | St Bunn Bakery, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| Sherborne Area | Convenient local point in Sherborne to be advised |
| Southwell | Portland, Southwell, Opposite Eight Kings Inn |
| St Edmunds Church | St Edmunds Church, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| St Johns Church | Weymouth, St Johns Church, outside Dentist |
| St Nicholas Church | St Nicholas Church, Buxton Road, Weymouth |
| Sturminster Newton Area | Convenient point in Stur. Newton to be advised |
| Swanage Area | Convenient local point in Swanage to be advised |
| To be advised | To be advised - Approx. 2 weeks before travel |
| Upton Area | Convenient local point in Upton to be advised |
| Victoria Square | Victoria Square bus stop, Portland |
| Wareham Area | Convenient local point in Wareham to be advised |
| Westwey Road | Westwey Rd, Magistrates Court, Weymouth |
| Weymouth Bluebird | Weymouth, Outside Bluebird Office, K1 bus stop |
| Wimborne Area | Convenient local point in Wimborne to be advised |
| Wool Area | Convenient local point in Wool to be advised |
| Wyke Smuggler | Smugglers Inn, Wyke Regis |
| Yeovil Area | Convenient local point in Yeovil to be advised |
