9 October 2025: Steam Dreams Rail Co, renowned for its nostalgic and unforgettable steam train experiences,  is delighted to unveil its enchanting 2026 holiday,  a four-day sojourn to the Cornish Riviera, taking place from Tuesday 22 September to Friday 25 September 2026. This exclusive escape invites guests to step back into the golden age of travel, where the romance of steam blends seamlessly with refined hospitality, elegant hotels and curated experiences. From the moment the journey begins at London Paddington, every detail has been carefully designed to evoke nostalgia, sophistication and discovery against the breathtaking backdrop of Cornwall's dazzling coast.

Days rich in scenic rail journeys and handpicked excursions are balanced with evenings spent unwinding in exquisite coastal hotels, each chosen for its charm, authenticity and elevated sense of place. Whether travelling in Pullman Dining or First Class, guests will be immersed in Cornwall's famed hospitality, where characterful interiors, sweeping sea views and warm welcomes combine to create a stay of rare distinction.

Pullman Dining passengers will enjoy a level of indulgence befitting Cornwall's most prestigious coastal retreats. In St Mawes, The Idle Rocks, a Relais & Châteaux jewel poised on the harbour wall, offers individually designed rooms and unrivalled charm, while the boutique St Mawes Hotel combines elegance with sea views. In St Ives, choices include the iconic Carbis Bay Hotel, a coastal estate with a private Blue Flag beach and serene spa; the historic Tregenna Castle, celebrated for its grandeur and sweeping vistas; or the Harbour Hotel, a chic clifftop haven overlooking Porthminster Beach, complete with a luxurious spa and panoramic bay views.

First Class passengers will be accommodated in a collection of hotels imbued with character and Cornish charm. In St Mawes, the boutique St Mawes Hotel offers a refined yet relaxed atmosphere, while the traditional Rising Sun Inn exudes warmth and authenticity overlooking the harbour. In St Ives, options include Tregenna Castle, set within 72 acres of landscaped gardens with commanding sea views, or Pedn Olva, a stylish cliffside retreat with bright interiors and breathtaking outlooks across the harbour and open sea.

The rail journey itself is a masterpiece of timeless travel. Departing London Paddington with a warm welcome from liveried stewards, guests are ushered aboard a vintage locomotive, for a swift run to Taunton where we are joined by our majestic steam locomotive. The train glides through pastoral countryside, across soaring viaducts and shimmering estuaries, before crossing the iconic Royal Albert Bridge into Cornwall as twilight descends. Guests alight at Truro for St Mawes or continue to Penzance, gateway to St Ives, before a seamless transfer to their hotel. The following days reveal Cornwall's splendour in full, a tapestry of dramatic coastlines, heritage railways and world-renowned gardens, where natural beauty and cultural artistry intertwine. On the final morning, after a leisurely breakfast, a steam locomotive carries guests away once more, Cornwall's coastal beauty receding into a landscape of fishing villages, patchwork fields and wooded valleys, before an express run from Taunton by vintage diesel to London Paddington.

Organised excursions will be announced in due course but are expected to include visits to some of Cornwall's most celebrated treasures, such as the world-famous Eden Project, the evocative Lost Gardens of Heligan, a nostalgic heritage journey aboard the Bodmin & Wenford Railway, and a day trip to the picturesque fishing port of Padstow, renowned for its boutique shops and celebrated seafood.

This curated holiday includes two days' travel by private charter train, three nights' accommodation with breakfast, seamless coach transfers, a dedicated luggage courier service and the attentive presence of a team of staff throughout the journey. Pullman Dining guests will also enjoy fine dining on board with wine served alongside the main meal on Days 1 and 4, as well as three-course dinners at their hotels on Days 2 and 3. First Class passengers will be treated to champagne afternoon tea on both outbound and return journeys, alongside a three-course dinner at their hotel on Day 2.

Holiday packages are priced from £1,600 per person in First Class and £2,750 per person in Pullman Dining. Single supplements are £300 for First Class and £600 for Pullman Dining, with parties of two able to reserve a private window table for £350 in First Class or £500 in Pullman Dining. An exclusive upgrade is also available for Pullman Dining guests, offering a Carbis Bay Junior Beach Suite for £2,245 (available for parties of two only). A 25% deposit is required at the time of booking, with a further 25% due by 2 March 2026 and the final balance payable by 1 June 2026.

For further information and to book call 01483 209888 or visit steamdreams.co.uk  

 - ENDS-

Images and press releases can be accessed via the MEDIA RESOURCE LIBRARY

For further information contact Steam Dreams:  jo@wixhill.co.uk / tim@wixhill.co.uk.