The mighty Tornado steam locomotive, officially known as LNER A1 Peppercorn No. 60163, returns to mainline service this summer with an exciting schedule of heritage rail tours. Railway fans can ride this modern-built engine, designed in the style of the 1940s, on day trips that run across England’s most scenic routes. Highlights include the famous Atlantic Coast Express from London Waterloo to Exeter St Davids on 16 August 2025, alongside other steam-hauled adventures such as The Royal Duchy, The Jolly Fisherman and The Waverley.
Stepping aboard Tornado is like opening a living history book. This engine was completed in 2008 by the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust to fill the gap left by the original Peppercorn A1 class. Built with modern materials and safety systems, Tornado faithfully recreates the roar of steam travel while meeting today’s rigorous mainline standards. As it pulls out of the station, white steam drifts skyward and the whistle echoes over the platforms, carrying echoes of an age when railways were the fastest way to link cities, towns and seaside resorts.
The Atlantic Coast Express, a highlight of the summer timetable, resurrects a journey once known for its swift connection between the capital and Devon’s coast. On 16 August, Tornado will lead the train from London Waterloo, threading through verdant countryside and skirting the edge of Dartmoor before rolling into Exeter St Davids. Travellers can look forward to rolling hills framed by hedgerows, glimpses of coastal inlets and the gentle curve of rivers that hint at stories from Victorian postcards. The return trip offers the same grand vistas under a changing sky, making it a full day of panoramic sights and rhythmic clickety-clack that only a steam locomotive can provide.
Long before the Atlantic Coast Express became this summer’s standout tour, other memorable rides beckon on the calendar. On 25 May, 27 July and 31 August, The Royal Duchy runs from Bristol to Par. This route threads through the heart of Somerset and Cornwall, passing sleepy villages, stone bridges and sprawling fields. There’s a nostalgic thrill in watching the countryside roll by from a vintage carriage window, where every station stop brings a friendly wave from locals who remember these trains in their youth.
Families hankering after a classic seaside outing can board Tornado on The Jolly Fisherman route to Skegness. This trip revives the tradition of seaside holidays made famous in mid-20th century travel guides. Expect sea breezes and sandy views as the train winds across flatlands towards the Lincolnshire coast. Once there, a short stroll will find fish and chips, donkey rides and a pier that stands as a testament to simpler summer days gone by.
For those drawn to northern beauty, The Waverley offers a journey between York and Carlisle. As Tornado thunders through the stretch of line carved by 19th-century engineers, passengers will gaze upon rolling moorland, wooded valleys and the ancient walls that mark historic towns. This route recalls the development of mainline railways that once linked the industrial north with coastal ports, bringing goods, people and ideas to every station along the way.
Behind these tours stand dedicated teams at the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, West Coast Railways and specialist promoters. Their careful planning ensures that each trip runs smoothly, from booking to arrival. Vintage carriages are polished, platforms are prepared and crews conduct thorough safety checks. On board, friendly stewards are on hand to share stories about Tornado’s build, peppered with facts about Peppercorn’s original engines and the art of steam operation. It all adds up to an experience that feels both genuine and remarkably safe by modern standards.
Booking early is essential. Tickets for these steam-powered excursions have become highly sought after, and many dates fill quickly. Advance purchase guarantees a seat in one of the heritage carriages, where passengers can choose window seats for the best views. For rail enthusiasts, the attraction goes beyond the travel itself. Photographers gather at vantage points to capture the rising plume of steam and the polished crimson livery that gleams under an open sky.
This summer’s Tornado tours are more than just train rides; they offer a living link to Britain’s rich railway heritage. They invite families, friends and solo adventurers to step back in time and immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and rhythms of steam travel. As Tornado roars back onto the mainline, it renews a bond between the past and the present, reminding us all of the power and romance of rail journeys.
Whether you choose the coastal charm of the Atlantic Coast Express, the Cornwall-bound Royal Duchy, the seaside fun of The Jolly Fisherman or the northern splendour of The Waverley, you’ll find each trip holds its own magic. Seats are limited and each booking helps support the teams who maintain Tornado and keep heritage rail lines alive. Share this opportunity with friends and family who cherish the sound of steam engines and the nostalgia of heritage rail travel. There’s no better time to experience Tornado’s summer of steam-powered spectacle.
Image credit www.travelandtourworld.com
