World-famous Flying Scotsman to visit West Midlands this month - dates and prices
A short video explains the key details of the Flying Scotsman’s 2026 tour.
The Flying Scotsman will return to the West Midlands this year, with a number of departures from Birmingham stations.
Vintage Trains is offering a variety of experiences travelling behind the world's most famous steam locomotive, including a special dining train for Valentine’s Day.
The Flying Scotsman - experiences from Birmingham
The Flying Scotsman - mainline speed - prices from £48.76 - £177.02 per person
February 18, 19 and 20
Departing from: Birmingham Moor Street
Classes of Travel: First Class & Standard
Vintage Trains write: “Travel behind the legendary Flying Scotsman this February half-term. Departing from Birmingham Moor Street, right in the heart of the city, you’ll be seated directly behind the world’s most famous steam locomotive as it takes to the national rail network and opens up. Fast, loud, and unforgettable.”
The Shakespeare Express, with the Flying Scotsman - prices from £83.74 per person
February 14 and 21
Departing from: Birmingham Snow Hill
Classes of Travel: Standard Class (Non-Dining)
Vintage Trains write: “Travel behind the legendary Flying Scotsman this February from the heart of Birmingham while travelling through the Warwickshire countryside!”
The Shakespeare Express, with Flying Scotsman - Brunch - prices from £132.50 - £286.20 per person
February 21
Departing from: Birmingham Snow Hill
Classes of Travel: First Class with Brunch
Vintage Trains write: “Travel behind the legendary Flying Scotsman this February from the heart of Birmingham with First Class Dining featuring a delicious brunch served at your table while travelling through the Warwickshire countryside behind the world’s most famous steam locomotive!”
The Shakespeare Express, with Flying Scotsman - Afternoon Tea - prices from prices from £132.50 - £286.20 per person
February 21
Departing from: Birmingham Snow Hill
Classes of Travel: First Class with Afternoon Tea
Vintage Trains write: “Travel behind the legendary Flying Scotsman this February from the heart of Birmingham with First Class Dining featuring an Afternoon Tea dining served at your seat while travelling through the Warwickshire countryside!”
The Shakespeare Express, with Flying Scotsman - 3-Course Dinner - prices from £83.74 - £318 per person
February 21
Departing from: Birmingham Snow Hill
Classes of Travel: First Class with 3-Course Dinner
Vintage Trains write: “Travel behind the legendary Flying Scotsman this February from the heart of Birmingham with First Class 3-Course Evening Dinner served at your seat while travelling through the Warwickshire countryside!”
The Valentines Shakespeare Express - 3-Course Dinner - prices from £148.40 - £318 per person
February 14
Departing from: Birmingham Snow Hill
Classes of Travel: First Class with 3-Course Evening Dinner
Vintage Trains write: “Travel behind the legendary Flying Scotsman from the heart of Birmingham this Valentines Day, with a First Class 3-Course Evening Dinner served at your seat, while travelling through the Warwickshire countryside behind the world’s most famous steam locomotive.”
The history of the Flying Scotsman
The Flying Scotsman was built in Doncaster, the first locomotive of the newly formed London and North Eastern Railway (LNER). It went into service on February 24 1923, with number 1472. Sir Nigel Gresley designed the locomotive as part of the A1 class - the most powerful locomotives used by the LNER at the time.
By 1924, when it was selected to appear at the British Empire Exhibition in London, it had been renumbered 4472 and given the name 'Flying Scotsman' after the daily 10.00 London to Edinburgh rail service which started in 1862.
LNER passenger locomotives had always been painted Apple Green, but during the Second World War, Flying Scotsman was repainted in wartime black, in common with all railway stock. After the war, it became green again and was rebuilt as an A3 Pacific.
In 1948, British Railways was formed and rail travel in Britain was nationalised. Scotsman, now numbered 60103, was painted blue for a time, then BR Green. It remained this colour until 1963, when it was retired by British Rail.
From 2006, Flying Scotsman underwent an extensive restoration in the workshop of Riley & Son (E) Ltd. The £4.2m project to bring the locomotive back to life - resplendent in BR Green livery in its guise as 60103 - was completed in 2016.
