The Flying Scotsman is legendary. Since its construction in the early 1920s, the iconic steam engine has offered passengers an elite train journey between England and Scotland’s capitals, taking in stunning scenery and offering a luxurious service along the way. 

If you’ve always wondered about what it would be like to experience this one-of-a-kind train ride, read on. We bring you the top reasons to book a private tour of Scotland and try this luxurious experience for yourself.

The history

Today, a trip onboard this famous train evokes days gone by – and rightly so. All the charm of this locomotive comes from its almost 100 years of history. As you sit back and relax into the journey, you find yourself surrounded by wood panelling and authentic materials that are faithful to the time the train was first driven.  

Having been designed by Sir Nigel Gresley as part of the A1 class, it was built at Doncaster Works in 1923 at a cost of £7,994. From there, it went on to break records, becoming the first locomotive to reach 100mph and the first to circumnavigate the globe. 

Now, there are several trains named the Flying Scotsman that deliver the service seen in those early days. Almost all of these trains follow the same route from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh Waverly.  

The sights

Another reason to hop aboard is to see all the exquisite countryside that’s on offer. The route is picturesque, giving passengers a chance to indulge in the same sights that those who travelled on this locomotive did all those decades ago. 

Lush green fields and rolling hills are in abundance as the train winds its way through some of England’s most striking counties, including Yorkshire and Northumbria, before arriving into Scotland. 

The service

Throughout the journey, passengers are treated to a five-star service. From breakfast served with champagne to decadent dining onboard, those who travel on this train are fully catered for and are given the finest dishes.

The waiting team have everything covered, so those taking this trip can ease into the trip without having to worry about anything.  

The exclusivity 

If you can get hold of tickets, you’ve done well. This is an experience that’s in demand and many people who want to get to Edinburgh in style try their hardest to book their place on this locomotive. 

For those who want to indulge in this luxurious journey, it’s worth looking out for the flying Scotsman UK tour, which gives access to a full itinerary that includes a stop at York. 

The memory-making

Ultimately, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Taking a trip onboard this legendary locomotive is sure to leave you with memories that last a lifetime.