This page was last modified on 3 May 2001
We have had many requests to run our train to Spalding on the day of the famous flower parade, a duty which our type of train used to perform in the days of the “Merrymaker” excursions.
Initially our journey will take us the most direct route from Hastings to London via Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks, picking up along the way at stations listed below. We will then thread our way around west and north London before travelling direct to Spalding along the East Coast Main Line via Hitchin and Peterborough.
There will be over five hours of free time in Spalding to enjoy the events taking place in the town. These include the Festival of Colour parade which travels over four miles through the town during the afternoon; flower festivals in many of the local churches; markets selling fresh local produce, household goods, clothing, souvenirs and lots more; and a funfair. See the Spalding Flower Parade website for more details.
From enquiries we already have, this trip will be popular. Please book early to ensure your seats and enjoy the benefits of travelling on a through train from Sussex to the centre of Spalding, missing all the traffic congestion that inevitably takes place in the area on this special day.
Final timings as received from Railtrack: Please note that in most cases the departure times are a little earlier than originally publicised.
| outward | return | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
For travel from any of the stations listed above to Spalding and back the standard fare is £38, or £140 for a bay of four seats; Club Class fare is £53. There is a £5 supplement for travelling in either power car. Further details are below.
Travel at a seat with a table and enjoy refreshments throughout the trip and a meal and wine on the way home. Why not spoil yourself for the day! Travel will be in a DEMU trailer coach or, if the £5 supplement is paid (see below), in the Tunbridge Wells power car.
A £5 supplement should be added to individual (not bay) fares for travel in power cars: Tunbridge Wells (Club Class), or Hastings (standard seating). Capacity is limited; supplement will be refunded on the trip if seats are no longer available when booking is received.
Our train includes a Buffet Car; a selection of hot and cold snacks and drinks will be available throughout the day at a reasonable price.
Smoking is not permitted in any part of our train.
Club Class in power car Tunbridge Wells is now fully booked, but seats are still available in all other parts of the train, including Club Class accommodation in the adjacent DEMU trailer coach, and standard seating in power car Hastings.
The final timings have now been made available to us, and accordingly they are shown above. We apologise that we have been unable to publicise these sooner, the delay was beyond our control.
Bookings have now closed and the railtour has taken place.