Atlantic Coast Express

Atlantic Coast Express

Saturday 16th August 2025

 

This is your chance to join the Association of Travel Clubs for a re-run of one of the great express trains of the 1950s/60s: the Atlantic Coast Express or ACE.  This was the Southern Region’s answer to the Western Region’s "Cornish Riviera"; it had more portions than any other train on BR (to Plymouth, Ilfracombe, Padstow, Bude, Torrington, Sidmouth and Exmouth).  It was one of the summer’s busiest trains.  In August, with departures at 1050/1100/1110/1120/1130, there were ACE queues right across the concourse at Waterloo, all covering different West Country destinations.

 

The motive power was exceptional, with Merchant Navy Class locos from Waterloo and with West Country or Battle of Britain engines waiting at Exeter Central to take the portions forward to their final destinations. Don't forget the Southern was the only region not to have water troughs, so you would always see the fastest engine changes on BR at Salisbury and Exeter Central. 

 

We depart from Waterloo in the morning at 07:15, travelling with our steam loco throughout via Basingstoke, Salisbury, Yeovil Junction to Exeter; arriving at 13:30, we take a break before returning on the Great Western route via Taunton, Bristol T.M, Bath and Salisbury, departing Exeter at 1640 and arriving back at Waterloo 22:15.

 

What is included:

• Return First Class Travel
• Breakfast with Bacon Cob and Muffins (if you require vegetarian option please state clearly)
• Unlimited Tea/Coffee
• Extensive Cash Bar
• Savoury Afternoon Tea on Return (if you require vegetarian option please state clearly)
• Gratuities
• Tour Book
• Services of your Tour Manager

 

We have seats at a table for two at £245.00 per head (strictly First Come-First Served) and seats at a table for four at £205.00 per head.

Payment details to ATTC can be found on the booking form (on-line bank transfer only).

 

This trip is going to be very popular, so please book with ATTC straight away.
 

To Book, please Click Here

 

The train operator for this tour is The Railway Touring Company.

 

The image accompanying this announcement is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent the locomotive to be used on the tour.

 

Please send any questions to Mike Kay, ATTC Tour Manager: mike.kay41@outllook.com