Railtours

Saturday 5 April 2025: HDL East West DEMU railtour to Oxford, Bicester and past Bletchley to Milton Keynes

Our second railtour of 2025 is to Didcot Parkway, Oxford, Bicester Village, and onward to Milton Keynes.

This will for most be the first opportunity to sample the former Varsity Line 19-mile route from Bicester to Bletchley via Winslow; it closed to passengers in 1968, was mothballed in 1993, but has now been re-engineered as a 100-mph line; East West Rail is expected to re-open it fully later this year.

A nine-coach train!

We will for the first time be running a 9-coach train in service — two DEMUs coupled together. This follows the recent return to traffic of motor coach 60000 Hastings, and the re-emergence of one of our stalwart trailer cars 60501 which was stood down a couple of years ago for overhaul.

The existing 6-car train will remain formed as before, with the additional 3-car unit, 60000-60501-60116, coupled to it. For railtour purposes we have labelled the 3-car unit’s vehicles W, X and Z (with the letter Y reserved for the future return to main-line running of trailer 60502).

Those wishing to book in W, X or Z should note that there is no gangway through the driving cabs and engine-rooms, and so no access to the other part of the train — nor to the Buffet car! A trolley service of hot & cold drinks and refreshments will operate in each portion of the train, in addition to the usual Buffet counter and First Class catering arrangements.

Fares

Standard Class fares	seat in trailer coach (C/D/X)	£82	£65 from Guildford/Reading
	bay of 4 seats in trailer coach (C/D/X)	£310	£260 from Guildford/Reading
	seat in motor coach (E/W/Z)	£89	£72 from Guildford/Reading
First Class fares	seat in trailer coach (B)	£109	not available from Guildford/Reading
	seat in motor coach (A)	£116	not available from Guildford/Reading

Part-fares

We are aware that some of you may wish to make a booking just between Didcot/Oxford/Bicester and Milton Keynes. In line with our usual practice, we are not accepting ‘part-fare’ bookings yet. We have, however, reserved a portion of Coach X for the time being; our intention is that we would release these seats some 3 weeks prior to the date of the railtour, including for ‘part-fare’ bookings.

However, exactly how this all plays out will depend upon how our bookings go. We will keep you posted via the Update panel on this page and via our Bluesky feed.

Route and Timings

This 321-mile trip runs from Hastings via Tonbridge and a reversal at Redhill; reduced fares for individual Standard Class seats apply for those joining & alighting at the last pickup points of Guildford and Reading.

Finalised timings are awaited — please see the leaflet for our estimates.

When the finalised timings are given to us, we will publish them here.

Booking

Fares, estimated timings and further details may be found in the leaflet; please check our Seat Availability Guide before making your booking.

• Book on the web (new!): Please check our Seat Availability Guide, then fill in our booking form online in your web browser; instant seat-reservation is possible. Payment is still (for now) made via the Faster Payments system in your online banking, using HDL’s payment details which are defined at www.hastingsdiesels.co.uk/payments; one payment per booking, please.

• Book by email: Please check our Seat Availability Guide, then complete the PDF form on your computer or device, save it, and email it to us. Payment may be made via the Faster Payments system in your online banking, using HDL’s payment details which are defined at www.hastingsdiesels.co.uk/payments; one payment per booking, please.

• Book by post: If the above is not workable, you may still use the original method in which you check our Seat Availability Guide, then complete the form on your computer and then print it (or print it and then fill it in by hand); then post it to us together with your cheque made payable to Hastings Diesels Limited.

Terms & Conditions

Tickets are sold subject to our Code of Conduct and Booking Conditions. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Smoking or vaping are not permitted anywhere on our train, and e-scooters may not be brought onto the train under any circumstances. Bicycles cannot be carried, except folding bicycles with prior approval. Please consult our Accessibility Policy.