ROYAL LOCOMOTIVE BEARING THE KING’S CYPHER REQUESTED TO HAUL FESTIVE CAPITAL
THUNDERER FROM HEXHAM TO LONDON THIS DECEMBER
RAIL enthusiasts and festive travellers are being offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity this
December, as organisers of the Festive Capital Thunderer, Excursions By Rail, confirm that a Class 67
locomotive, which now proudly bears His Majesty King Charles III’s Royal Cypher, has been formally
requested to work the train alongside Hanson & Hall’s 50008 “Thunderer”.
The Royal Train, which has transported Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Their Majesties King
Charles III and Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and many other members of the
British Royal Family, is expected to be decommissioned in the near future. If confirmed, this would
make the Festive Capital Thunderer one of the final public journeys behind a Royal Locomotive,
offering passengers a unique chance to be part of history.
The Festive Capital Thunderer will depart from Hexham on Saturday 6th December 2025, heading
south along the East Coast Main Line to London King’s Cross. Additional pick-up points are scheduled
at:
Prudhoe
Wylam
Blaydon
Newcastle
Chester-le-Street
Durham
Darlington
Northallerton
Thirsk
And York
Passengers will enjoy a day out in the capital during the height of the Christmas season, with time
to shop, explore the festive markets, and soak up London’s Christmas lights before the return
journey north.
The train will feature First Class, Premium Class, First Class, and optional extra dining options.
Passengers in First Class and Premium Class can upgrade to enjoy:
Festive Afternoon Teas served with scones, jam, and cream
Mince Pies
Mulled Wine and Cheeseboards
Commenting, Luke Allan Holmes, CEO of Excursions By Rail, a finalist in the North East Business
Awards’ Rising Star category, said:
“This is more than just a rail journey – it’s a historic moment. With the Royal Train soon to be
retired and the Royal Locomotives bearing His Majesty The King’s Cypher, the Festive
Capital Thunderer could represent one of the very last times the public could travel behind
these engines. We’re proud to bring such an iconic part of our nation’s history to the North
East, and we know demand will be incredibly high.”
Tickets are already selling quickly, and demand is expected to surge following the announcement
that one of the Royal Locomotives could be hauling this special train journey. Tickets are strictly
limited, book now to avoid disappointment at www.ExcursionsByRail.co.uk or by calling 01388-
661394 (option 3).
The allocation of a Royal Locomotive is subject to availability, as it may be required for official
duties by His Majesty The King or another member of the British Royal Family.
