THE Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company has announced the return of its popular festive charter train for Christmas 2024.

Following the popularity of their Christmas charter trains to York, the Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company is running a festive train to Chester on Tuesday, November 19.

The service, pulled by a heritage diesel engine, will have a first-class fine dining carriage as well as first and standard seating plus a buffet car.

Passengers will be able to join the train from Carlisle, Appleby, Kirkby Stephen, Settle, Hellifield and Clitheroe.

The popularity of the service saw last year’s charter train sold out in days for the standard class, and an extra carriage had to be added to meet the demand across Cumbria, the Borders, and North Yorkshire.

Settle-Carlisle Railway Development Company deputy chairman, John Moorhouse said: "We are amazed at the response and demand from the public in Cumbria and North Yorkshire, looking for an opportunity to take a charter journey from nearer home. 

"Usually charter trains bring people to North Yorkshire and Cumbria, however, we are providing an opportunity for people to visit somewhere they couldn’t reach by direct line and enjoy a trip on a heritage train.

"We have planned this charter to coincide with the Christmas markets in Chester, and provide people living along the Settle Carlisle line with an opportunity to do some Christmas shopping and sightseeing. 

"We are offering first class fine dining as well, so it will make the perfect early Christmas present, taking in the stunning views as you enjoy a three-course meal."