'Hidden gem' day out on the Shakespeare Express from Birmingham to Stratford-upon-Avon

We spent Father’s Day in serious style this year - with a ride on the Shakespeare Express from Birmingham Moor Street to Stratford-upon-Avon, steam engine and all!

It was like stepping back in time, but with snacks and toddlers.

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We had Alice (7), Ada (4), and little Tommy (1) in tow, so yes - it was lively. But the train? Smooth, charming, and full of that vintage magic. We waved at every person on every platform like royalty, and the kids were wide-eyed the whole way.

The Shakespeare Express is a steam-hauled passenger excursion train that has operated since 1999. It operates two trips in each direction on selected summer Sundays from Birmingham Snow Hill to Stratford-upon-Avon with a journey times of 60 to 70 minutes in each direction.

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The views from the window? Green fields, old stone bridges, the kind of English countryside you imagine in books. Add bright sunshine and a gentle chug-chug-chug soundtrack and it was like a moving postcard.

Once we rolled into Stratford, it was full-on family adventure mode. Ferris wheel? Yes! We could see forever. Boat ride on the river?Tommy tried to climb in. Then came ice creams, feeding the swans, a wander around Shakespeare’s birthplace, and a lunch stop for good measure.

By 4pm, we were back on board - happy, full, slightly sun-pinked, and perfectly tired.

The ride home was slower, sleepier, and somehow even more peaceful. You can upgrade for a dining experience on the train (definitely doing that next time).

All in all, the perfect day out. A hit with the kids, the grown-ups, and even Tommy, who didn’t scream once. Highly recommend for families, romantics, or anyone who wants to swap the noise of modern life for something a little more golden.

Birmingham Moor Street station opened in 1909 and quickly became a key hub for suburban and long-distance trains.

Built in classic Edwardian style, it once bustled with steam engines and parcels bound for the city. By the 1980s, it had fallen quiet and was nearly closed—but a major restoration in the early 2000s brought it back to life.

Today, it’s a beautifully preserved throwback in the heart of Birmingham, blending heritage charm with modern rail travel just steps from the Bullring.

Booking with Vintage Trains – and why it’s worth it

We booked our trip directly through Vintage Trains, and the whole process was easy and smooth - just pick your route, date, and carriage type.

They even offer upgrades if you want to turn your journey into a full dining experience, complete with white tablecloths and silver service. Next time, we're going full steam ahead on that.

But Vintage Trains isn’t just about running scenic trips - it’s about preserving living history. These aren’t replicas.

These are real, working steam engines, lovingly restored and operated by a passionate team of volunteers and railway pros. Supporting them means helping to keep British rail heritage alive and steaming for future generations.

They don’t just run the Shakespeare Express either. You can hop aboard trips to Oxford, Worcester, the Severn Valley, and more - all with that same magical, vintage charm. It’s an experience that feels rare these days: unhurried, beautifully crafted, and proudly local.

So yes - it’s a fun day out. But it’s also a way to support something meaningful. Steam trains like this don’t run on nostalgia alone - they need passengers, volunteers, and a whole lot of community love to keep them on the rails.