COMPASS TOURS
PROUDLY PRESENT:
PROUDLY PRESENT:
This scenic journey would normally involve changing trains several times.
After picking up our passengers to the backdrop of Morecambe Bay and rural Lancashire we depart Preston and the train journey begins with a run through rural East Lancashire, near to the hilly 'witch country', thence across the Pennines, via the scenic and steeply graded 'Copy Pit' line, which is routed via Burnley and takes us across the border into West Yorkshire. An interesting array of local stone buildings are dotted on the hilly landscape as we head via Hebden Bridge and Sowerby Bridge, joining with the main 'North Trans-Pennine' rail route at Mirfield.
LINCOLN: Our arrival into Lincoln Central is expected to be around 11:45, with an expected minimum of 6 hours to explore this popular and historical city, with its many attractions. It has an internationally renowned castle and Norman cathedral (dating from as early as 1072) accessed by steep cobbled streets running from the centre. In the vicinity are Roman and Medieval remains, which include a Tithe Barn and the ruined Bishop's Palace. Other historical buildings worth a visit include Jew's House, the Stonebow and the 12th century High Bridge crossing the river. There are also several other old churches worth a visit, a great shopping area, guided tours of the city, many local walks along the local rivers and canals, boat trips, a number of parks and gardens, plus some unique local museums and galleries. There will be adequate time available at this destination to combine the many activities and attractions on offer, plus perhaps go exploring in the surrounding areas of Lincolnshire and still have time to enjoy a meal and a drink in one of the many bars, café's, pubs or restaurants before re-joining the train for its early evening return. Our return time from Lincoln is likely to be around 18:40.
BOSTON: Remain on board the train for a 'taste of Holland', as we head for an area of Eastern England often compared to its Dutch counterpart, without having to jump on a plane or take a long journey on the North Sea ferry! This sparsely populated and extremely 'flat' area of England is quite unlike many others and perhaps the best way to enjoy it is from a train window. We continue along the 'joint line' as far as Sleaford, where we take the once seasonally busy Skegness line. The first few miles are single-track branch line, as is another long stretch near to Boston. After passing a number of tiny communities we reach Boston with an arrival of around 12:40, offering a stay expected to be in excess of 4 hours at the interesting town. Set on a wide waterway (beginning at the docks) leading into 'The Wash', the town leads into the sea along a route called the 'Haven' (an area popular with wildfowl from across the globe). The town itself is known for the 'Boston Stump', a nickname for its well-known St. Botolph's Church - which built in the 14th century is the largest Parish church in the country. Also of great interest is the Maud Foster Windmill, built in 1819, is the tallest surviving and working windmill in the country with 5 sails known as 'sweeps' (and still producing ground flour). Other places of interest in the town include Blackfriars Arts Centre, Customs House, Fydell House, the Guildhall, Hussey Tower, Pescod Hall and Shodfriars Hall. You can also enjoy a tour of the docks showing visitors how a busy port runs, the historical Regalia Tours and the towns own variety of shopping and eating outlets, as well as the variety of local walks linking visitors to the coast.
SKEGNESS: Remain on board for the last leg of our route to Skegness, on which we enjoy further time out in remotest rural Lincolnshire, as the train takes a slightly winding path before eventually arriving into Skegness at around 13:25, and we expect a stay of around 3 hours. This 'long-popular' seaside resort is a famous and traditional family holiday seaside town with its famous logo of the 'Jolly Fisherman', which still welcomes visitors from across Britain year after year. The town's main attractions also include a farming museum and selection of shops, café's and restaurants in the theme of a real English seaside resort. Return should be around 16:30.
Enthusiasts: please enquire for further details of any requested traction.
| STATION | ||
| Barrow | ||
| Dalton | ||
| Ulverston | ||
| Grange-over-Sands | ||
| Arnside | ||
| Silverdale | ||
| Carnforth | ||
| Lancaster | ||
| Preston |
* These are requested timings, official timings will be sent to you with your tickets several days before the tour when we receive the timings from Network Rail who have to plan our excursion around other scheduled services. Thankyou for your patience.
PENRITH & NORTH CUMBRIAN PASSENGERS: After previous requests to provide something in 2005 for this area our North Cumbria passengers will have the option of joining this excursion by way of a special connecting coach, which should depart from Penrith station entrance at around 06:00 (dependant on confirmed timings for the train) to connect into the train at Carnforth station. In the evening the coach will return passengers from Carnforth (station entrance) to Penrith station entrance, with an expected return time of 23:45 into Penrith. Places on connecting coach link must be pre-booked and will be at a £6 supplement per person on top of the train fare to cover the expected hire cost of the transport.
TRAIN ENTHUSIASTS:
There will be an option to join us Lincoln Central at reduced fares - e.g. Lincoln to Skegness £15 standard class short distance return (please enquire for details).
Compass Tours will it do its best to meet any special needs or requests providing these are possible and ideally given to us over two weeks before the date of travel.
All tickets are purchased subject to the normal booking conditions of Compass Tours. Purchase of these confirms your acceptance of these conditions. If you require a copy visit our website or send an SAE with a written request.
If you need further information or general enquiries (ie: seating availability) please:
Enquiry/Reservation Line:
Also see our site booking page for details and be sure to read our terms and conditions available by clicking the links at the bottom of this page to the relevant sections.
Further details on our destination are available by clicking the links to recommended websites above.
Tour information - Details about our railtours and further options
Contact us - if you require more information
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