BIRMINGHAM HISTORY TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Farewell to Steam — A 60‑Year Reprise from Birmingham: the Clun Castle Special, Saturday 1st November
A full‑day steam‑hauled recreation of the 1965 Farewell to Steam from Birmingham via London Paddington to Bristol and back; this guide lays out joins, timings and what to expect.
Farewell to Steam — A 60‑Year Reprise from Birmingham: the Clun Castle Special, Saturday 1st November.
Vintage Trains recreates the Farewell to Steam special that ran from London Paddington in November 1965: a steam‑hauled heritage excursion that follows the original route to Bristol and returns to Birmingham and Widney Manor, celebrating 60 years of railway history.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A 1965 Reprise — Sixty Years On
This special recreates the Farewell to Steam train of November 1965, recalling the day Clun Castle hauled the original train from Paddington and marking 60 years of heritage with a purpose‑built tribute.
Paddington to Bristol and Back
The excursion follows the original Paddington route to Bristol Temple Meads and returns to Birmingham and Widney Manor; the train will be steam‑hauled throughout, with a short diesel‑hauled section after turning the train into London Paddington.
Steam, Dining and a Long Day on the Line
Expect a full‑day rail experience of approximately 15 hours, combining continuous steam haulage (except the short diesel section) with on‑board dining as you retrace a key chapter of Western Region railway history.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
The day unfolds as a long, ceremonial rail journey: passengers join at Birmingham New Street or Widney Manor in the morning, ride a steam‑hauled train to Paddington and onward to Bristol, then return to the West Midlands in the evening. The recreation emphasises heritage traction and period atmosphere while offering dining on board.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this excursion suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Approximate duration: 15 hours. Depart Birmingham New Street ~08:05 (return ~21:34) or Widney Manor ~08:25 (return ~22:04). Paddington: arrive ~13:24 depart ~14:04. Bristol Temple Meads: 17:24–18:24.
Prepare for a full‑day rail excursion; on‑board dining is offered as part of the experience.
Join the train at Birmingham New Street or Widney Manor. The event is run by Vintage Trains as the Farewell to Steam Special; consult operator communications for exact boarding instructions.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Where can I board the Farewell to Steam Special?
You can join the train at Birmingham New Street or Widney Manor.
How long is the excursion?
The trip is approximately 15 hours in total.
Is the train steam‑hauled for the whole route?
The train will be steam‑hauled throughout, with a short diesel‑hauled section after turning the train into London Paddington.
What are the key station times at Paddington and Bristol?
The train is scheduled to arrive at Paddington around 13:24 and depart about 14:04; it arrives at Bristol Temple Meads around 17:24 with departure around 18:24.
Who operates the Farewell to Steam Special?
The excursion is operated by Vintage Trains under the official title Farewell to Steam Special.
Is this a commemorative recreation of the 1965 event?
Yes — the outing recreates the Farewell to Steam special of November 1965 to mark 60 years of that event.