A ‘COMPASS TOURS’ DAY EXCURSION
BY SPECIAL TRAIN
BY SPECIAL TRAIN
BRIEF ROUTE COMMENTARY: After picking up our passengers we begin with a run through rural East Lancashire, near to the hilly ‘witch country’, thence across the Pennines, via the scenic and steeply graded ‘Copy Pit’ line, which takes us across the Pennines and into West Yorkshire. An interesting array of local stone buildings are dotted on the hilly landscape as we head via Hebden Bridge and Sowerby Bridge, joining with the main ‘North Trans-Pennine’ rail route at Mirfield. The route through West Yorkshire continues past the huge Healey Mills yard and we join onto the Doncaster line just to the south of Wakefield. Our route to Doncaster takes us into South Yorkshire and we join the busy East Coast Mainline momentarily at Doncaster (still a big railway town). We opt for the sleepy ‘joint line’ from here, which runs through sparsely populated rural Lincolnshire via Gainsborough and Saxiliby. Our first point of call will be the cathedral city of Lincoln.
LINCOLN: Our arrival into Lincoln Central is expected to be around 12:30, with an expected minimum of 5 ½ hours to explore this popular and historical city, with its many attractions. It has an internationally renowned castle and Norman cathedral (dating from as early as 1072) accessed by steep cobbled streets running from the centre. In the vicinity are Roman and Medieval remains, which include a Tithe Barn and the ruined Bishop’s Palace. Other historical buildings worth a visit include Jew’s House, the Stonebow and the 12th century High Bridge crossing the river. There are also several other old churches worth a visit, a great shopping area, guided tours of the city, many local walks along the local rivers and canals, boat trips, a number of parks and gardens, plus some unique local museums and galleries. There may be adequate time available at this destination for the ambitious traveller to combine the many activities and attractions on offer, plus perhaps go exploring in the surrounding areas of Lincolnshire and still have time to enjoy a meal and a drink in one of the many bars, café’s, pubs or restaurants before re-joining the train for its early evening return. Our return time from Lincoln is likely to be around 18:00.
BOSTON: Remain on board the train for a ‘taste of Holland’, as we head for an area of Eastern England often compared to its Dutch counterpart, without having to jump on a plane or take a long journey on the North Sea ferry! This sparsely populated and extremely ‘flat’ area of England is quite unlike many others and perhaps the best way to enjoy it is from a train window. We continue along the ‘joint line’ as far as Sleaford, where we take the once seasonally busy Skegness line. The first few miles are single-track branch line, as is another long stretch near to Boston. After passing a number of tiny communities we reach Boston with an arrival of around 13:15, offering a stay expected to be in the region of 4 hours. Set on a wide waterway (beginning at the docks) leading into ‘The Wash’, the town leads into the sea along a route called the ‘Haven’ (an area popular with wildfowl from across the globe). The town itself is known for the ‘Boston Stump’, a nickname for its well-known St. Botolph’s Church – which built in the 14th century is the largest Parish church in the country. Also of great interest is the Maud Foster Windmill, built in 1819, is the tallest surviving and working windmill in the country with 5 sails known as ‘sweeps’ (and still producing ground flour). Other places of interest in the town include Blackfriars Arts Centre, Customs House, Fydell House, the Guildhall, Hussey Tower, Pescod Hall and Shodfriars Hall. You can also enjoy a tour of the docks showing visitors how a busy port runs, the historical Regalia Tours and the towns own variety of shopping and eating outlets, as well as the variety of local walks. Estimated return time is about 17:15.
SKEGNESS: Alternatively remain on board for the last leg of our route to Skegness, on which we enjoy further time out in remotest rural Lincolnshire, as the train takes a slightly winding path at a sleepy pace, before eventually arriving into Skegness at around 13:45, and we expect a stay of around 3 hours. This long-popular seaside resort is a famous and traditional family holiday seaside town with its famous logo of the ‘Jolly Fisherman’, which still welcomes visitors from across Britain year after year. The town’s main attractions also include a funfair, farming museum and selection of shops, café’s and restaurants in the theme of a real English seaside resort. Return should be around 16:45.
RELATED WEBSITES:
http://www.visitlincolnshire.com/
http://www.lincoln.gov.uk/menu_map_level_3.asp?sec_id=1901
http://www.bostonuk.com/
http://www.skegnessuk.com/
http://www.skegness-resort.co.uk/
http://www.skegness.gov.uk/pages/jollyfisherman.htm
ESTMATED TIMINGS: *PLEASE NOTE times are only those that have been requested. Confirmed final times will be sent out with your tickets around four or five days before the tour when Network Rail advise us of them.
CHILDREN UNDER 5 YRS can be brought on the train free of charge only if not taking up a seat and sharing seats with accompanying adults.
REFRESHMENTS: A buffet service of snacks, hot and cold drinks, and alcoholic beverages is available to all our passengers throughout the day – as well as an at seat trolley service in first class seating areas, operating at occasional intervals.
THE TRAIN: The train is hired in and operated through licensed UK rolling stock providers and train operating companies and formed entirely of traditional intercity carriages hauled by heritage British Built diesel traction throughout. First class passengers are seated in tables of 2 or 4 seats with curtains, larger more deeply cushioned reclining seating. Standard class is seated mainly in bays of 4 seats around a table (but some trains convey a little standard class accommodation with private ‘airline’ style bays which have 2 seats together with folding tables – please contact our office though if you are unsure as to whether they are specifically available). If you have specific seating requests or type – please give us plenty of notice, ideally when booking.
Many of our recent Railtours have been very busy or fully subscribed so early booking is advised!
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