The CITADEL Circle – 25-07-2026

125 Group are pleased to announce that we will be taking our HST to Carlisle on Saturday 25th July 2026.

Working with our good friends at Retro Railtours, who will manage all aspects of the bookings on our behalf, “The Citadel Circle” will operate as follows (ALL TIMINGS ARE APPROXIMATE UNTIL CONFIRMED BY NETWORK RAIL):

Outbound –

Departs Manchester Victoria – 0700

Crewe – 0815

Derby – 0930

Sheffield – 1010

York – 1110

Carlisle – 1330

Return –

Departs Carlisle – 1600

Crewe – 1800

Derby – 1930

Sheffield – 2010

Wakefield Kirkgate – 2040

The train will then travel north on the East Coast Main Line and should demonstrate its full speed capability before taking the spur from Low Fell to Norwood Junction for a more leisurely run across the Tyne Valley via Haltwhistle to Carlisle for a break.

The return will be via the West Coast mainline direct to Crewe (with connections for Manchester available – these are NOT included in the fare), before completing the circle for everyone by retracing our steps to set down at Stoke, Derby Chesterfield and Sheffield. Our final set down will be at Wakefield Kirkgate.

First Class and Standard class seating will be available on board and a counter service buffet serving hot and cold food and drinks will be available throughout.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard “The Citadel Circle” on the 25th July.

More details including fares and how to book here.

The Mancunian Princess & Teddy’s Nook Railtours

125 Group are pleased to be supporting UK Railtours with the following tours this month:

43025 on The Welsh Dragon railtour 02052026 with 6 MK3's in Intercity Exec and 43159 on the rear

Friday 29th May – The Mancunian Princess

This one-way positioning move from Manchester to Princes Risborough is a great chance to traverse some rare track for HST and enjoy a variety of town & country sights on the way south. Full details including timings, fares and bookings are on UK Railtours website here.

Saturday 30th May – Teddy’s Nook

This tour sees our HST heading to the North East as we visit the striking sea-side town of Saltburn. There is also an option to stay on board for an interesting mini tour as we head to Gateshead via the scenic Durham Coast. Full details including timings, fares and bookings are on UK Railtours website here.

Please direct any queries regarding these tours to UK Railtours.