The High Peak Explorer – A day out to the Peak District by steam train

Carmel Smickersgill, Tours & Activities Editor

Book now

The High Peak Explorer - A day out to the Peak District by steam train in the company of two historic locomotives.

30 March 2019

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Derek Phillips
Book now

This event has been cancelled

Steam-powered rail travel is part of Manchester’s industrial identity, so what could be more fitting than to celebrate this cultural heritage with a day out aboard a vintage steam train, starting at Manchester Victoria Station. On this journey organised by The Railway Touring Company, you’ll roll through the hills and valleys of the Peak District aboard the High Peak Explorer. Comprised of vintage carriages and hauled by two historic steam locomotives the High Peak Explorer will take you through the Peak’s rugged landscape to stop in the spa town of Buxton, before retracing its steps through the Peak Forest and returning to Manchester later that day.

On board, there are three travel options; Standard, which includes a reserved seat typically around a table for four, where you can bring your own picnic or purchase refreshments from the buffet car to enjoy en route. First Class, where you will be served morning coffee and a muffin and tea or coffee and a cake and biscuit in the afternoon. Or for that special occasion, you can travel Premier Dining, where you will be served a full English breakfast as well as a silver service four course dinner within the setting of a Pullman style Coach.

Once in Buxton, there will be time for you to explore England’s highest market town. With its history of mineral water, some of the town’s attractions include The Grand Pump Room and ancient St. Ann’s Well. You can also take a stroll along the Grade I-listed Crescent and through the Pavilion Gardens, or just explore the town’s independent shops and cafes at your own leisure.

For those who have yet to experience the power, sounds and joy of travelling by steam train, this day out will give you a new experience whilst taking you away from the city and hectic modern life to a former Golden Age of rail travel.

 

This event has been cancelled

Where to go near The High Peak Explorer – A day out to the Peak District by steam train

The Curling Club - Vinegar Yard
Castlefield
The Curling Club

New Jackson in Manchester is having a full scale seasonal takeover. Think curling lanes, lively bars and a packed line up of DJs and performances.

Chadderton Town Hall
Manchester
Event venue
Chadderton Town Hall

Chadderton Town Hall is a magnificent example of Edwardian architecture . Built in 1912/13 in the style of ‘English Renaissance’ and recently restored maintaining its traditional features in regal reds

Cumbria
Restaurant
Heft

A Michelin star restaurant and homely 17th century inn in the Lake District, with food provided by esteemed chef Kevin Tickle.

Tangerine
Chapel Street
Restaurant
Tangerine

Manchester’s latest must-visit multipurpose venue, offering top-level food, drinks and live shows.

Bar Posie
City Centre
Bar or Pub
Posie

A new cocktail bar from the crack team behind 10 Tib Lane and Henry C.

Manchester
Food hall
Kargo MKT

Mighty food hall in Salford Quays, with around twenty street food vendors, serving a huge range of cuisines.

Asap Coffee Interior/ Counter
Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
ASAP Coffee

If you’re looking for quality coffee and a decadent brunch in a setting that nails the Northern Quarter brief, you’d struggle to do better than ASAP Coffee.

Interior of George St Chapel
Manchester
Event venue
George Street Chapel

This beautifully restored former Independent Methodist Chapel in the heart of Oldham is as much a creative hub as a heritage landmark.

What's on:

Promotional image of Branford Marsalis playing saxophone
Until
MusicManchester
RNCM Autumn Season

The RNCM unleashes a season of daring stories, fearless players and performances ranging from jazz and opera to film scores and full-blown orchestral spectacle.

From £8

Culture Guides

Sepia image of a courtroom with the words 'Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird’
Theatre in the North

Winter brings a huge haul of seasonal shows, as well as productions that resolutely veer away from the fairy lights.

Music in the North

Manchester’s closing out the year – and looking to the new one – with a run of gigs from some of the country’s best underground exports.

A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night
Cinema in the North

There's no shortage of great films out at the moment, whether you're looking for the latest blockbuster, that hot arthouse flick fresh from Cannes or a cosy classic.

A white mattress is burning in a black rocky landscape.
Exhibitions in the North

In galleries around the North this autumn, you'll find tactile sculptures, Treasures with a capital 'T' and plant magic.

Food and Drink in the North

Hear ye, hear ye. Take some eating-out tips from our wintertime guide to food and drink in Manchester and the North.