Saphos Trains Reviews: The Ultimate Guide to Luxury Steam Train Experiences in the UK
Saphos Trains has emerged as one of Britain’s premier luxury steam train operators, offering passengers an authentic taste of the golden age of railway travel. With meticulously restored carriages and world-famous steam locomotives, Saphos delivers experiences that consistently earn glowing reviews from travelers across the UK. This comprehensive review explores what makes Saphos Trains a standout choice for heritage railway enthusiasts and luxury travelers alike.
What is Saphos Trains?
Saphos Trains operates luxury steam-hauled excursions throughout Britain’s most scenic countryside, providing passengers with an authentic vintage railway experience. Founded as part of Locomotive Services Limited in 2017, the company has quickly established itself as a leading provider of heritage steam experiences. The operation is based at Crewe and runs tours using immaculately restored steam locomotives paired with beautifully refurbished period carriages.
Fleet and Rolling Stock Excellence
The heart of Saphos Trains’ operation lies in its impressive fleet of historic steam locomotives and vintage carriages. The company operates several world-famous engines including:
46100 ‘Royal Scot’ – Built in 1927, this flagship locomotive was selected to travel to the USA for the Century of Progress Exposition in 1933. The engine remains one of the most popular with passengers and train enthusiasts alike.
34046 ‘Braunton’ – This Southern Railway West Country Class locomotive, built in 1946, features innovative design elements including air-smoothed casing. Braunton has been expertly restored and continues to operate mainline excursions.
The rolling stock includes three classes of accommodation: Standard Class, First Class, and the premium Pullman Dining carriages. Each carriage has been painstakingly restored to exceptionally high standards, featuring the classic cream and carmine livery that reflects traditional British railway colors.
Routes and Destinations
Saphos Trains offers an impressive variety of routes across Britain, taking passengers through some of the country’s most spectacular scenery. Popular destinations include:
English Riviera Express – A steam-hauled journey through Somerset and around the Devon coast to Dartmouth, recreating one of the great holiday trains of the golden age. Passengers enjoy stunning coastal views and time to explore the charming resort town.
The Golden Arrow – Following the same route as the legendary boat train through Kent’s Garden of England, with stops in historic Canterbury.
Settle & Carlisle Fellsman – The spectacular journey through the Yorkshire Dales, climbing toward “the roof of England”.
Welsh Marches Express – Traversing the beautiful border countryside between England and Wales with visits to historic Shrewsbury.
Customer Reviews and Experiences
Saphos Trains maintains a solid 3.7-star rating on Trustpilot with 49 reviews, indicating generally positive customer experiences. Recent passenger reviews highlight several key strengths:
Exceptional Service Standards – Multiple reviewers praise the attentive and professional staff. Philip, a steward frequently mentioned in reviews, receives particular acclaim for his dedication and friendly service.
Dining Excellence – The Pullman Dining experience consistently receives high marks, with passengers describing “delicious food,” “excellent presentation,” and “generous portions.” The five-course meals, prepared onboard, showcase regional ingredients and fine wines.
Authentic Atmosphere – Travelers appreciate the authentic period details, from wood paneling and table lamps to the classic livery and vintage touches.
However, reviews also highlight some areas for improvement. Several passengers mention challenges with excessive heat in carriages during summer months, and some note that customer service responsiveness could be enhanced.
Booking and Pricing
Saphos Trains offers three accommodation classes with varying price points. Standard Class provides comfortable seating with refreshments, while First Class includes enhanced service and amenities. The premium Pullman Dining experience, priced from £425, includes multi-course meals with wine pairings.
The company operates tours from multiple departure stations across Britain, making their services accessible to travelers throughout England, Wales, and Scotland. Advanced booking is essential, particularly for popular routes and peak seasons.
Safety and Operations
As a fully licensed train operating company under the Office of Rail & Road, Saphos Trains maintains rigorous safety standards. The company operates on Network Rail infrastructure, adhering to all mainline railway protocols and regulations. Their experienced crews and maintained locomotives ensure passenger safety throughout every journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Verdict
Saphos Trains delivers an authentic luxury steam railway experience that successfully captures the romance of Britain’s golden age of rail travel. While some operational challenges exist, the combination of historic locomotives, beautifully restored carriages, and attentive service creates memorable experiences for passengers. The company’s commitment to heritage preservation and passenger comfort makes it a worthy choice for special occasions and steam railway enthusiasts.
For travelers seeking an authentic taste of vintage British rail travel, Saphos Trains offers one of the most comprehensive luxury steam experiences available in the UK today. With routes covering Britain’s most scenic countryside and cities, there’s truly something for every heritage railway enthusiast.
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