HASLEMERE station is included in a rare Royal Train stop for a ‘Christmas Special’ return trip to York’s famous St Nicholas Fair.

Starting at Eastleigh on Saturday, November 26, the beautifully restored first-class compartments and dining saloons pulled by locomotive 67005 Queen’s Messenger will pick up 380 passengers between Fareham, Havant, Petersfield and Woking.

The high-speed run to York will arrive in time for lunch, with four hours to see the fair and city before the return trip. The return journey for passengers travelling in standard class is around 25 per cent less than the cheapest pre-booked regular advance fare.

Pathfinder Tours managing director Barry Cordell said: “Rail tours starting in the south are very few and far between. Our ‘Festive York Explorer’ rail excursion is very special on two counts. It is the first rail tour serving Hampshire and Surrey since 2003, and we are honoured it will be hauled by one of the DB Cargo operated royal locomotives.”

Pathfinder plans other trips to various destinations in 2017 if the day goes.well.

“Our train will be suitably decorated to celebrate the start of the festive season. However our passengers chose to travel, they will be treated like royalty,”?Mr Cordell added.

• To book call 01453 835414