Princess Elizabeth steam train sets off from Glasgow

Crimson-painted locomotive Princess Elizabeth, which used to pull crack British Rail expresses between London and Scotland, will take passengers on a trip over the spectacular Settle-Carlisle line through the Yorkshire Dales.

Leaving on Sunday, August 8, it will be coupled up to operator Northern Belle’s 1930s-style Pullman carriages.

A Northern Belle spokesman said: “All steam-hauled trips on our train prove popular – but especially over the Settle-Carlisle line, which has been voted the greatest railway journey in the world.

“We have already sold more than 200 tickets for this day and there are only a few left.

“But if you miss this train, there are several other trips from various Scottish stations next month.”

When the train featured on Channel 5’s World’s Most Scenic Railways programme earlier this year, actor Bill Nighy described it as “the Grand Duchess of Luxury”.

Built in Crewe in 1933 for just £11,675 – barely the price of a decent car these days – the locomotive was named after the Queen. who was just a seven-year-old schoolgirl at the time, and quickly became known as “Lizzie”. 

In 1936 the engine broke the world record for a long-distance passenger train, maintaining an average 70.15mph while hauling eight carriages over 401 miles.

The locomotive is named after The Queen

Then this century it was chosen to haul the Queen’s Royal Train during her Diamond Jubilee Celebrations.

Fares start at £210. For more details see northernbelle.co.uk or phone 01270 899681.