Diesel-Powered High Tea: Ride Historic 1800 Coach Cars from New Freedom to Table 1837

NEW FREEDOM TRAIN FIELD GUIDE

Diesel-Powered High Tea: Ride Historic 1800 Coach Cars from New Freedom to Table 1837

A 2.5-hour round-trip on the Northern Central Railway that includes a 1.5-hour English-style High Tea at Table 1837 in Glen Rock; this guide explains what to expect and how the journey unfolds.

Diesel-Powered High Tea: Ride Historic 1800 Coach Cars from New Freedom to Table 1837.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
New Freedom
Operator
Northern Central Railway
Category
Train
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Travel back in time aboard the Northern Central Railway to Glen Rock for a luxurious, 1.5-hour English-style High Tea at Table 1837. The experience pairs a scenic round-trip on vintage coach cars with a three-tier tea service—finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with preserves and cream—followed by champagne, a tossed salad with grilled chicken, and a plated crème brûlée dessert, all set against the period charm of 1800-style coaches.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE MENU

A Tiered English High Tea at Table 1837

Table 1837’s English-style High Tea is served as a three-tier collection to share: assorted finger sandwiches, fresh-baked scones with lemon curd or jam and Devonshire cream, whipped butter and fruit. The meal continues with a glass of champagne, a tossed salad with grilled chicken, and finishes with crème brûlée.

THE RIDE

A Scenic Round-Trip on the Historic NCR Line

The round-trip departs New Freedom and follows the historic Northern Central Railway to Glen Rock aboard the luxury Trail Sisters, pairing scenic rail travel and the vintage atmosphere of 1800 coach cars with a fine-dining destination.

THE CAR

Abraham Lincoln Coach: 1870s Ambiance

One of the featured passenger cars embraces the look and feel of an 1870s coach with Victorian motifs, reversible plush green seats, authentic nineteenth-century heating via coal stoves, and operable windows that bring the outside in.

What the day feels like

What the Afternoon Feels Like

The outing is a deliberately paced, culinary-focused rail excursion: board the Northern Central Railway’s luxury Trail Sisters for a scenic trip to Glen Rock, settle into vintage coach seating, and spend 1.5 hours at Table 1837 enjoying a formal English-style High Tea. After the dining window the train returns you to New Freedom for the trip’s conclusion.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this outing suits—and the small logistical limits to note.

1
Active FamiliesAll ages are welcome, and the group seating arrangements (parties of 4, 6, and 8) make the experience suitable for families traveling together.
2
Couples & CelebrantsCouples and small celebratory parties fit naturally within the seating plan, which is arranged to accommodate groups and pairs within 4-, 6- and 8-person tables.
3
Small GroupsSmall groups will find the pre-planned tableings convenient; seating is organized in defined party sizes to streamline the dining service.
4
Members & Repeat VisitorsMembership holders should note there are discounted tickets available and are asked to call or email to book; seating remains arranged in set party sizes.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

The full outing is scheduled as a 2.5-hour round-trip with a 1.5-hour High Tea at Table 1837; arrive 30 minutes before departure to check in.

Check-in & Boarding

Please visit the Glen Rock Mill Inn gift shop (on-site) to check in and receive your boarding pass; the train boards at New Freedom Historic Station, 117 North Front Street.

Booking & Membership

Membership holders should call 717 942 2370 or email [email protected] to book discounted tickets.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

Where does the train board?

The train boards at New Freedom Historic Station, 117 North Front Street.

How long is the experience?

The full outing is 2.5 hours total, which includes a 1.5-hour English-style High Tea at Table 1837.

When should I arrive to check in?

Guests should arrive 30 minutes before departure to check in and receive their boarding pass at the gift shop.

Where do passengers deboard for the High Tea?

Passengers deboard the train at the Glen Rock Mill Inn to attend the Table 1837 High Tea.

How are seats arranged for the High Tea?

Guests are seated in groups of 4, 6, and 8, with table plans arranged around groups or couples as appropriate.

How can membership holders book discounted tickets?

Membership holders should call 717 942 2370 or email [email protected] to book discounted tickets.