The Retro Cestrian Bard

The Retro Cestrian Bard
Saturday 22nd August 2026

Come and join us on our trip to Stratford-upon-Avon this Summer. Picking up at stations in Cheshire, you have the rare opportunity of a direct train to the historic town, famed as the home of the great William Shakespeare.

This day-trip journey from stations in Cheshire to Stratford-upon-Avon, will take a circular route via the West Midlands, returning via Hereford and the Marches route. You will have just over 3 hours to enjoy Stratford before the special train returns north to your local station.

Catering

A buffet serving hot and cold snacks will be available, along with our famous ‘Real Ale Bar’, serving a variety of hand-pumped Real Ales, wines and hot snacks. We are one of the only mainline operators to serve real ales by hand-pump in Britain!

Train information

We have requested two Class 37s to haul this tour. As we have fewer First Class carriages than usual, we expect First Class to sell out very quickly - so we recommend reserving as soon as possible to avoid disappointment! We are sorry that we're unable to serve West Yorkshire stations this year, due to the ongoing Transpennine Route Upgrade works.

As usual, there will be two classes of accommodation to suit all budgets. Our First Class option will make your day extra special. With padded seats, our ex-Intercity First Class coaches provide the perfect ambience to enjoy the scenic journey. You can also enjoy a complimentary hot drink and biscuits upon boarding. If you want to recreate the Golden Age of train travel, this is certainly your opportunity.

Our Standard Class coaches are also very popular. Our standard class accommodation is very comfortable, with large windows aligned with seats - allowing you to enjoy your Retro experience.

Timings

Timings below are provisional and have not yet been confirmed by Network Rail.

Fares

The following fares are available:-

Special requirements

Please contact us by email: info@retrorailtours.co.uk if you have any seating preferences, or if you will be bringing any children under the age of 5 (at no extra charge).

Bookings

if you have any queries, please email us at info@retrorailtours.co.uk

Bookings are now open via our Online bookings page; alternatively you can print a paper booking form.

Derby to Stalybridge "Empties"

By popular demand, we are now running the empty carriage stock to/from Derby to Stalybridge in passenger service via Dore Curve. This will be strictly for full tour ticket holders only, at a supplement of just £25 that you can add onto your booking. A full catering service will not commence until Stalybridge. We will depart Derby Midland around 0445 and return around 2300.

The 'Stratford Blue' Bus Tour

In partnership with Transport Museum Wythall we are adding an exclusive option to the Retro Cestrian Bard with a 1950s vintage bus tour of Stratford upon Avon. On arrival in Stratford we transfer directly from the train to board an original Stratford Blue Motor Services Leyland double decker bus to take a one-hour tour of Stratford. On route we pass a number of the town's highlights including Anne Hathaway's cottage, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Shakespeare's birthplace, the River Avon and more. This exclusive tour is restricted to just 50 seats and is only available to Retro Railtours ticket holders. Please note that this is not a guided tour with commentary, you will receive information on the sights that we pass on the route. You can either alight back at the station, or in the centre of Stratford where you will have a couple of hours to explore before the return train departs. There are a limited number of bus tickets available, so pre-booking is essential. The bus ticket costs £27 per person, and the fare goes towards the ongoing upkeep of the vintage buses at the museum - you can purchase the add on Here

If you have any queries, please email us at info@retrorailtours.co.uk