It’s full steam ahead for The Border City Express, which will be powered by an engine from the West Coast Railway pool of steam engines, which includes The Tornado and Scots Guardsman.
The route will be from City of Culture 2025, to the Border City of Carlisle.
Setting off from Bradford Foster Square and joining the Settle Carlisle line through to Carlisle with time to explore the Border City before the return journey back down the famous line, travelling over the Ribblehead Viaduct.
Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company are running the steam charter train, The Border City Express on Saturday, October 4, 2025 to mark three special events – Bradford’s year as City of Culture, Rail 200 celebrating 200 years of passenger rail and the Settle Carlisle line’s 150th anniversary.
Passengers will have the opportunity to visit the Farmers Market in the gardens of Carlisle Cathedral, in the Historic Quarter of the city. There will be time to explore the historic landmarks in Carlisle, including Carlisle Castle, the Cathedral and Tullie House Museum, before returning via the Settle Carlisle line to Bradford.
Passengers will have the opportunity to travel either in Premier Dining, First Class or Standard class, on heritage carriages through the Yorkshire Dales and Cumbria Lakeland countryside.