Second steam train for triple celebration for Railway 200, Settle Carlisle 150 and City of Culture

Following the success of the West Yorkshireman steam train in May, Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company is releasing tickets today (1 July 2025) for a second celebration train from Bradford City of Culture to Carlisle.

Over 400 people joined The West Yorkshireman at Bradford Foster Square on May 31. Now, due to demand, a second steam train is set to travel to Carlisle along the most scenic railway line in Europe (according to the Lonely Planet publishers).

It’s full steam ahead for The Border City Express, which will be powered by an engine from the West Coast Railway pool of steam engines, which includes The Tornado and Scots Guardsman.

The route will be from City of Culture 2025, to the Border City of Carlisle.

Setting off from Bradford Foster Square and joining the Settle Carlisle line through to Carlisle with time to explore the Border City before the return journey back down the famous line, travelling over the Ribblehead Viaduct.

Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company are running the steam charter train, The Border City Express on Saturday, October 4, 2025 to mark three special events - Bradford’s year as City of Culture, Rail 200 celebrating 200 years of passenger rail and the Settle Carlisle line’s 150th anniversary.

Settle-Carlisle Railway Development Company Deputy Chairman, John Moorhouse, said: “Our May Charter train was so successful, we sold out all the tickets, leaving many people disappointed that they couldn’t join us. We decided to run a second train in Bradford’s City of Culture year.

“This is also a very important year for the rail industry as we celebrate Rail200, the 200th anniversary of passenger rail.

“Passengers will have the opportunity to visit the Farmers Market in the gardens of Carlisle Cathedral, in the Historic Quarter of the city. There will be time to explore the historic landmarks in Carlisle, including Carlisle Castle, the Cathedral and Tullie House Museum, before returning via the Settle Carlisle line to Bradford.”

Passengers will have the opportunity to travel either in Premier Dining, First Class or Standard class, on heritage carriages through the Yorkshire Dales and Cumbria Lakeland countryside.

Tickets go on general sale via the Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company website www.settle-carlisle.co.uk today (Tuesday, July 1, at 10 am.