For visitors to the Yorkshire coast in 2026, arriving by vintage rail offers a majestic alternative to the modern commute. Whether you seek the rhythmic chuff of a steam engine or the sleek power of a heritage diesel, several high-profile excursions are scheduled to bring you directly to the heart of the "First Seaside Resort."

Mainline Steam Excursions

The Coast to Coast Express

Date: Saturday, 6 June 2026

Operator: The Railway Touring Company

Experience: This ambitious day trip links the Irish Sea to the North Sea, crossing the dramatic Pennines. It features a steam locomotive from the Carnforth pool for the outward journey and is often diesel-hauled for portions of the return.

Approximate Timetable:

Liverpool Lime Street: Departs 06:20 | Returns 21:40

Manchester Victoria: Departs ~07:15

Sheffield: Departs 09:50

York: Arrives 11:50 | Departs 16:50

Scarborough: Arrives 13:10 | Departs 15:50

The Scarborough Spa Express

Travel coast to coast across spectacular Lancashire and Yorkshire landscapes from Carnforth or Lancaster, to York or Scarborough - Steam Hauled all the way!

North Route

To York or Scarborough Via Skipton and Leeds:

Running Wednesdays on 17th June, 29th July and 19th August 2026. Departing from Carnforth, Skipton, Keighley, Shipley, Woodlesford (Leeds), Church Fenton and York.

South Route

To York or Scarborough Via Preston and Wakefield:

Running Wednesday 15th July and 2nd September 2026. Departing from Lancaster, Preston, Blackburn, Brighouse, Wakefield (Kirkgate), Castleford and York.

Luxury Diesel Charters

Yorkshire Coast Pullman

Date: Wednesday, 12 August 2026

Operator: Midland Pullman

Experience: Travel in a restored Class 43 HST luxury set. This tour includes fine dining options as you traverse the heart of England.

Approximate Timetable:

Paignton: Departs 06:20 | Returns 22:50

Bristol Temple Meads: Departs 08:20 | Returns 20:40

Scarborough: Arrives ~13:00 | Departs 16:00

Yorkshire Coast Pullman (East Anglia)

Date: Wednesday, 1 July 2026

Operator: Midland Pullman

Boarding Locations: Manningtree (06:30), Ipswich (06:45), Stowmarket (07:00), and Bury St Edmunds (07:20).

Multi-Day Rail Holidays

York and Railways of Yorkshire

Dates: Saturday, 18 July – Saturday, 25 July 2026

Operator: The Railway Touring Company

Experience: An 8-day comprehensive tour of the county’s rail heritage, featuring a dedicated visit to Scarborough and the nearby North Yorkshire Moors Railway.