Surrey

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT? WHERE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1123" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-LOCO-46100-ROYAL-SCOT.jpg" alt="Steam Dreams - The Royal Scot locomotive stream train." class="wp-image-54559" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-LOCO-46100-ROYAL-SCOT.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-LOCO-46100-ROYAL-SCOT-800x599.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-LOCO-46100-ROYAL-SCOT-1000x749.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-LOCO-46100-ROYAL-SCOT-400x299.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-LOCO-46100-ROYAL-SCOT-768x575.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Channel your inner Agatha Christie and step back to the Golden Age of steam train travel aboard the 46100 Royal Scot. This is the Steam Dreams Rail Co where you&#8217;re guaranteed Victorian nostalgia by the brass bucket-load while beautiful scenery unravels outside your window.



The Guildford-based steam train company has just unveiled a new schedule of summer departures from London Victoria &#8211; including lunchtime and sunset journeys through the Surrey Hills. There&#8217;s also a Garden of England tour through the Kent countryside.



I joined the Sunset Tour departing from Platform 2 at London Victoria aboard the 46100 Royal Scot, a steam locomotive built in 1927 for the London Midland and Scottish Railways. It&#8217;s a 4-hour journey that takes you on a circular route through Surrey &#8211; via south-west London. The route takes you through Virginia Water and Chertsey to Byfleet and Woking. It continues through pretty countryside through Guilford Shalford, Chilworth, Gomshall and Dorking West. It&#8217;s a relaxing and leisurely journey passing through Reigate, then onto Purley and Clapham Junction, before returning to Victoria. 



There&#8217;s a choice of three classes &#8211; the deluxe Pullman Dining, which includes a three-course dinner (or lunch); First Class, a refined no-dining option; and the charming Premium Standard.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-Pullman-Dining.jpg" alt="The Pullman Dining carriage on the Steam Dreams steam trains." class="wp-image-54560" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-Pullman-Dining.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-Pullman-Dining-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-Pullman-Dining-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-Pullman-Dining-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-Pullman-Dining-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Regardless of which class you choose, there&#8217;s a timeless romance to steam train travel. Each of the handsome vintage carriages has been lovingly restored with elegance, luxury and sophistication in mind. 



The Pullman class though is pure unbridled luxury &#8211; and like stepping back in time. Think wood-panelling, plush seating with plump velvet cushions, and thick drapes at the windows. Tables are laid with crisp white linen and dressed with pretty floral crockery, vintage Champagne glasses and fresh flowers.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-AE-04.jpeg" alt="The Pullman Dining carriage on the Steam Dreams steam trains." class="wp-image-54561" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-AE-04.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-AE-04-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-AE-04-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-AE-04-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-AE-04-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



One carriage is dedicated to the glamorous Hippocrene Bar, a relaxing lounge with luxe sofas and armchairs. It&#8217;s available exclusively to First Class passengers. Built in 1973, it was refurbished in 2021 with glossy wood panelling, intricate marquetry and period detail.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-AE-07.jpeg" alt="Dinner on board the Steam Dreams steam train." class="wp-image-54562" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-AE-07.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-AE-07-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-AE-07-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-AE-07-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-AE-07-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



The Pullman Dining sunset dinner is a set three-course menu created by executive chef Nick Allen with provenance, seasonality and freshness in mind. There are pescatarian, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. 



As we chug through the suburbs of south-west London heading for the Surrey Hills, sipping on Champagne, fresh-baked bread arrives at our table. Then shortly after, our starters arrive &#8211; a delicious South Coast crab rillette with a new potato and spring onion salad, picked radish and dressed shoots. I could get used to travelling like this. 



There&#8217;s an extensive drinks list with a good choice of wines, including a choice of fine wines, as well as ales, cider and spirits. We order a bottle of sparkling wine. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-AE-06.jpeg" alt="Dinner on board the Steam Dreams steam train." class="wp-image-54563" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-AE-06.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-AE-06-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-AE-06-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-AE-06-400x300.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-AE-06-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Next came mains. It was a filet of cod for me and Kent Downs lamb for my friend &#8211; both served with English asparagus, baby heritage carrot, and kale with a side of new potatoes. My fish was lovely, and the lamb got the thumbs up too. It was perfectly tender.



Pudding was a Garden of England apple and vanilla tart with vanilla cream, apricot glaze and fresh lemon balm. We finished with fresh coffee.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-AE-05.jpeg" alt="Dinner on board the Steam Dreams steam train." class="wp-image-54564" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-AE-05.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-AE-05-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-AE-05-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-AE-05-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-AE-05-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Travellers in First Class and Premium Standard are welcome to bring a picnic hamper on board, or purchase food from the buffet car.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kid-friendly-nbsp">KID-FRIENDLY?&nbsp;</h2>



It&#8217;s quite a grown up experience, so I&#8217;d suggest you leave the kids at home. 



Children are welcome in First Class and Premium Standard. The Pullman Dining is reserved for adults and children aged 12 and over only. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-and-dogs-too">AND DOGS, TOO?</h2>



No, dogs are not permitted on board. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disability-access">DISABILITY ACCESS</h2>



The heritage carriages are not set up for wheelchair boarding. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="999" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-AE-01.jpeg" alt="Amber Evans on board the Steam Dreams steam train." class="wp-image-54565" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-AE-01.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-AE-01-800x800.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-AE-01-400x400.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-AE-01-768x767.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/Steam-Dreams-AE-01-500x500.jpeg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Good for: Whether you&#8217;re an train enthusiast or just fancy chugging through the country side, this is a unique experience. Romantics will love it, and it would be a great way to celebrate a special occasion. 



Not for: If you&#8217;ve got a strong aversion to trains, this might not be for you. 



The damage: Pullman Dining is from £175 per person, First Class is from £100 per person and Premium Standard is from £75 per person on the Sunset Steam Tour. 



Departures: The Steam Dreams Sunset Express goes from London Victoria on 9 July, 23 July, 6 Aug, 13 Aug and 20 Aug. The train leaves at 6.15pm and returns at 10pm.



<a href="https://steamdreams.co.uk/half-day-journeys/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Steam Dreams Rail Co.</a>

Review: Steam Dreams Sunset Tour through the Surrey Hills

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