The Steam Dreams Rail Co. has announced a new series of luxury steam train journeys for summer 2025, offering passengers the chance to experience the golden age of rail travel while exploring the picturesque Chiltern Hills.

The company will run two special itineraries—The Spirit of Summer Lunchtime Tour and The Sunset Steam Express—on a new route departing from London Paddington on July 10 and August 21, 2025.

Both journeys will be hauled by the iconic 70000 Britannia locomotive, which has previously pulled the Royal Train. The historic engine will steam out of London Paddington before gliding along the Thames Valley towards Oxford, then turning southeast through the ancient woodland and rolling countryside of the Chiltern Hills, an officially designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

“We are thrilled to introduce this breathtaking new summer route through the Chiltern Hills, showcasing some of the most picturesque countryside England has to offer,” said Juliet Soley from Steam Dreams.

Passengers can choose between two classes of travel. The premium Pullman Dining option (£235 per person/approximately $300 USD for lunch, £195/$250 USD for the evening journey) offers an exquisite culinary experience with locally sourced seasonal menus, served at elegantly set tables with white linens, fine china, and fresh flowers.

First Class travel (£145/$185 USD for lunch, £100/$128 USD for evening) provides spacious, cushioned seats with large picture windows. Guests can bring their own picnic or add a Classic Afternoon Tea for an additional £26/$33 USD.

The lunchtime tour will depart at 10:30 AM and return at 3:00 PM, while the evening journey runs from 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM, giving passengers the opportunity to enjoy sunset views across the countryside.

The Steam Dreams Rail Co. has been operating nostalgic rail journeys for over 25 years, with their first tour departing London for Salisbury in December 1999. The company was acquired by Locomotive Services Group in 2022, bringing with it expanded resources and a larger stable of historic locomotives.

The company also proudly notes that it was the first rail charter to become carbon neutral, having offset its carbon footprint for the past decade.

Bookings for these exclusive journeys can be made by calling 01483 209888 or visiting the Steam Dreams website.