125 Group

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.

Our first Railtours of 2026!

Our plans to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the HST this year are shaping up, so we are pleased to confirm our first Railtours for 2026.

The North-South Connection – Friday 1st May

This one-way stock move between Manchester Victoria and Reading calling at:

  • Manchester Victoria (approx 10:30)
  • Stockport (approx 11:00)
  • Stoke on Trent (approx 11:30)
  • Nuneaton (p.u approx 12:10)
  • Watford Junction (s.d approx 13:30)
  • Reading (s.d. approx 15:00)

Fares between all points are £39 standard / £59 First Class & light refreshments will be available from the buffet counter. Shop125 will also be on board, located in Coach C.

This tour is now available for booking and more detail is available via our friends at the Branch Line Society here.

The Welsh Dragon – Saturday 2nd May

Recreating the HST operations from the 1990s, our train will operate as follows:

  • London Euston (approx 09:00)
  • Watford Junction (p.u approx 09:20)
  • Milton Keynes Central (approx 09:40)
  • Nuneaton (approx 10:20)

We then run via Crewe to Llandudno where the annual Transport Festival will be underway. If you wish to spend longer on our set, stay on board for a mini-trip via Llandudno Jcn. to Holyhead and back. Our return trip from Llandudno will leave early evening, setting down at the stations above and arriving into Euston approx 22:00.

Fares will be available as follows:

Main tour to/from Llandudno:

  • First Class: £99 (Table for 2 supplement of £20 per person)
  • Standard Class: £73 Adult (£58 accompanied under 18)

Main & Mini tour combined:

  • First Class: £119 (Table for 2 supplement of £20 per person)
  • Standard Class: £89 Adult (£74 accompanied under 18)

The main tour & combined tours can be booked via our friends at the Branch Line Society here.

Mini tour only (limited availability):

  • First Class: £35
  • Standard Class: £25

The Mini tour is now available for booking via our friends at the Branch Line Society here.

Refreshments including freshly cooked items will be available from the buffet counter. Shop125 will also be available on both tours, located in Coach C.

All times stated are approximate and more detail will follow once these are confirmed by Network Rail.