Where and when you can see the Flying Scotsman in the Midlands in 2026

The world-famous steam locomotive will be making several appearances in and around the West Midlands in February 2026, with further trips nearby in Nottinghamshire in May.

Flying Scotsman in Birmingham and the West Midlands 2026

Valentine’s Day special – Saturday 14 February 2026

Birmingham to Stratford-upon-Avon and return.

The Flying Scotsman will haul the Valentine’s Shakespeare Express on Saturday 14 February 2026, operating three special journeys from Birmingham Moor Street / Snow Hill to Stratford-upon-Avon and back.

Organised by Vintage Trains, the roughly two-hour round trip runs through the Warwickshire countryside and offers a choice of travel experiences:

• First Class dining in luxury Pullman cars, with options including brunch, afternoon tea or a three-course evening dinner served at your table
• Tourist class seating, featuring large picture windows and access to a buffet car

Due to demand, First Class with Brunch still has limited availability, while First Class with Afternoon Tea has already sold out.

The Shakespeare Express returns

Thanks to incredible demand, the Flying Scotsman will also haul The Shakespeare Express on Saturday 21 February 2026.

• Three departures will run on the day
• Passengers can again choose First Class (brunch, afternoon tea or a three-course dinner) or Tourist class seating

This offers another chance to travel behind the locomotive on a longer scenic journey from Birmingham.

Birmingham Moor Street

During half term, the Flying Scotsman will operate five one-hour return trips each day on:

• Wednesday 18 February
• Thursday 19 February
• Friday 20 February
• Saturday 21 February

As part of the experience, passengers will have a rare opportunity to take photos and selfies with the locomotive at Moor Street station, either before or after their journey. These trips are aimed at families and those wanting a shorter steam experience.

• Tickets are strictly limited and sold on a first-come, first-served basis
• Bookings open at 1pm on 19 December 2025
• All tickets must be booked via vintagetrains.co.uk

Flying Scotsman in Nottinghamshire – May 2026

Later in the year, the Flying Scotsman will operate from the Great Central Railway Nottingham (GCRN) for the first time in several years.

• 23, 24, 25, 30 and 31 May 2026

• The locomotive will haul five return trips daily at 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm
• Journeys run from Ruddington Fields to Loughborough and back
• Visitors can choose from: Open seating First Class Private traditional compartments A restored Inspection Saloon, once used by senior railway engineers

This will mark the first time in more than a decade that the Flying Scotsman has operated passenger trips from Nottinghamshire.

• First Class Observation (one person, return): £99
• Traditional Compartment (up to eight, return): £420
• Premium Compartment (up to six, return): £400
• Open seating (adult, return): £60
• Open seating (child, return): £30

A quick reminder about the Flying Scotsman

• Built in 1923
• The first steam locomotive to achieve an authenticated 100mph
• One of the most recognisable locomotives in the world, attracting large crowds wherever it appears