Discover The UK’s Best-Kept Secrets With Return Of Popular Vintage Train

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As Americans are way behind the times in traversing the world by rail, Europeans have had the concept down pat for decades.

The UK is turning back the clock, bringing back an iconic steam train that once ruled the rails as early as the 1940s—the first model, anyway.

Ultimately, the train took a page from LL Cool J’s playbook and made its first comeback in the 2000s.

In other words, this train sounds like it’s tapped into my introverted side when I enter a party —”Please, don’t notice me”…”Oh wait, please notice me!”.

The train’s second coming was dubbed the “60163 Tornado“. According to The Irish Sun, it’s ready to make its next debut after a major overhaul.

Beginning August 16, 2025, despite looking like you’ll jump through a brick wall to Hogwarts, this rumbling locomotive will carry passengers from London’s Waterloo and loop around 7 UK counties, uncovering some of the country’s best-kept secrets

Depart London’s Waterloo For Woking And Basingstoke

If there are 2 truly hidden gems along this exciting new route, it’s the first pair of stops beyond London.

Your first stop will be Woking, a worthwhile day trip at the least to discover the vast Surrey countryside and little-known attractions off the radar of mainstream travelers.

The Lightbox is a must-visit. This award-winning, contemporary art gallery anchors the the charming town center surround by lush, green spaces and a couple of other gems, such as Shah Jahan Mosque (the UK’s first purpose-built mosque), and Horsell Common (featured in War of the Worlds).

Woking visitors will get a sneak peek of Basingstoke as the Basingstoke Canal flows through town, it’s much easier to reach if you hop aboard the ‘Tornado’ and chug along to the next stop.

Once you reach Basingstoke, you’ll have more scenic countryside away from the bustle of London, where more surprises await, such as The Vyne, a lovely 17th-century Tudor manor open to the public, or if you’re up for a fun excursion nearby, check out the popular Bombay Sapphire Distillery in Laverstoke.

Kelly Osborne, Managing Director of The Railway Touring Company, specifically highlighted these 2 awesome towns as places that will benefit the most from the ‘Tornado’, stating “We are delighted to be working with the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust to provide opportunities for people from Woking and Basingstoke to travel with Tornado and for many more to see the locomotive in action”.

Next Stops: Discover UK’s Coastal Gem Before Circling Back to London

Ever heard of Exeter? Most travelers haven’t, but now’s your chance to discover its magic!

The next stop after Basingstoke is what’s referred to as the UK’s Southwest Coast, with Exeter making the best base for exploration.

Not only are there beautiful shores often overshadowed by London’s bright lights, but Exeter boasts 2,000 years of history, most notably by the rightfully named Exeter Cathedral (shown above) and the remnant of the Roman wall in the timeless Quayside district.

Should you want to hit up the beach this summer (and who wouldn’t?), South Devon’s tourism board highlights Black Pool Sands, a Blue Flag-certified beach backdropped by dense evergreen forests or Teignmouth Town, with an expansive Victorian pier perfect for sunsets, as well as plentiful family-friendly activities if you’ve got the kiddos tag along.

The Final Stretch: Discover The Stunning Cities Of Bristol & Bath

As astounding as London may be, other UK cities don’t get the attention they deserve — Bristol being one of them.

In fact, Bristol can flex its accolades, as in the past decade, it has been crowned the UK’s “#1 Place to Live” and the “Coolest City” by Condé Nast.

This vibrant waterfront city is magnetizing from the start, with beautiful castles, eye-catching street art, and color-wheel facades lining the cityscape. Best of all, it’s super affordable in comparison to London’s notoriously high prices. Grab a pint at Old Market Tavern for just $5.

Next up is the Roman era city of Bath, named after the famous Roman bath sites still open to the public.

While Bristol has a few accolades London can’t touch, believe it or not, Bath was actually crowned as 2025’s ‘Best Destination in the World’ where spas galore and fascinating bygones have stood the test of time.

Ticket Prices

Arriving in the UK ready to spend is standard practice, and it’s no different for this vintage train ride.

Single adult tickets go for approximately $175. Those wanting a more cushy experience, ‘premier class’ tickets, expect to fork over $454, but it does include a full English breakfast and a four-course dinner.

While the Irish sun does not specify the total duration of the full loop, the most surprising aspect of the ‘Tornado’ is it can be up speeds up to 100mph despite looking like its straight out of a Victorian-era postcard.