Special rail tour to pass through Cheshire East

Keen day trippers in Cheshire East are being urged to climb aboard a special rail tour to the North East of England.

The one-off North Eastern Express Rail tour to Darlington, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne departs on Saturday, May 7, and will pick up travellers at stations in Cheshire East.

Residents can board the train at Knutsford, Plumley, Mobberley and Ashley and investigate the rich railway heritage of Darlington, take in picturesque Durham, visit the Beamish Living Museum of the North and tour the city of Newcastle.

It is being organised by Mid Cheshire Rail Users’ Association (MCRUA), of which Cheshire East Council is a member and pays a contribution each year to help promote sustainable travel.

Councillor Jamie Macrae, Cabinet member with responsibility for prosperity, said: “This special rail excursion should prove to be a marvellous day out for the residents of Cheshire East.

“It is a one-off tour and is aimed at promoting the use of the Mid Cheshire Rail line, which features various Cheshire East rail stations.

“This is another fine example of how Cheshire East works with others to improve community life.”

The first stop is Darlington where tourists can visit Shildon, dubbed the cradle of railways. The train continues to Durham for its cathedral, university and riverside or an optional trip to the museum.

The final destination is Newcastle where visitors can take in the Quayside area, bridges and many other places of interest.

The Mid Cheshire Rail Users Association (MCRUA) has been organising special excursions for more than 22 years and around 480 passengers enjoyed its last trip on the Great Western Express, to Oxford, Bath and Bristol.

Fares start at £45 for MCRUA members and £50 for non-members, with prices ranging from £41-45 for senior citizens.

To book, visit www.northeasternexpress.org.uk, where payments can be made using debit card, credit card or PayPal or by downloading a booking form from the website.