Special steam-hauled trains to pull Harry Potter carriages from Wakefield to Scarborough this summer
Two special steam-hauled excursion trains will run from Wakefield to Scarborough this summer to mark the 400th anniversary of the seaside resort becoming a spa.
Passengers will sip champagne as they travel in refurbished British Railways 1950s carriages, some of which were featured in the blockbusting Harry Potter movies.
The Scarborough Spa Express will set out from Lancaster on Wednesday, July 15, before calling at Blackburn, Brighouse, Wakefield Kirkgate and Castleford, with the trip repeated on September 2.
A spokesman said: “This is going to be one the loveliest days out this summer – a nostalgic railway journey across some of the country’s most beautiful countryside to a traditional seaside resort.
“Premier first class passengers will be able to sip a complementary Bucks Fizz and tuck into a full traditional English breakfast during the outward journey.
“Then maybe a stroll along the promenade and perhaps a fish ’n’ chips lunch before lazing away the afternoon in a deckchair on the beach.
“Finally, to round off a great day there will be champagne back on the train followed by a slap-up four-course dinner with wine served on the way home in the evening.”
Passengers who don’t wish to travel all the way to Scarborough can instead leave the train at York, to visit the historic city’s sights.
It is not yet known which steam engine will pull thre Dalesman. One possibility is Scots Guardsman, crimson-painted Jubilee class Galatea, Tangmere, or Oliver Cromwell, which operated British Rail’s last scheduled steam service.
Fares on the train start at £93 (£45 for children).
For more details, see www.westcoastrailways.co.uk/scarborough-spa-express.