PEOPLE living along the Settle Carlisle line can take a festive trip to Chester, to enjoy the Christmas markets by heritage diesel and have the option of fine dining enroute.

Following the popularity of their Christmas charter trains to York, the Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company is running a festive train to Chester on Tuesday, November 19, 

The service, pulled by a heritage diesel engine, will have a first class fine dining carriage as well as first and standard seating plus a buffet car.

Passengers will be able to join the train from Carlisle, Appleby, Kirkby Stephen, Settle, Hellifield and Clitheroe, however find dining is only available before Hellifield.

The charter train will be taking in the scenic journey down the world-famous Settle-Carlisle line along the way, named the best train ride in Europe by the travel experts and publishers,  Lonely Planet .

The popularity of the heritage services meant that last year’s charter train sold out in days for the standard class, and an extra carriage had to be added to meet the demand from people across Cumbria, the Borders and North Yorkshire, looking to enjoy a day out with a direct service.

Settle-Carlisle Railway Development Company Deputy Chairman, John Moorhouse said: "We are amazed at the response and demand from the public in Cumbria and North Yorkshire, looking for an opportunity to take a charter journey from nearer home. 

“Usually charter trains bring people to North Yorkshire and Cumbria, however we are providing an opportunity for people to visit somewhere they couldn’t reach by direct line and enjoy a trip on a heritage train.

“We have planned this charter to coincide with the Christmas markets in Chester, and provide people living along the Settle Carlisle line with an opportunity to do some Christmas shopping and sight seeing. 

“We are offering first class fine dining as well, so it will make the perfect early Christmas present, taking in the stunning views as you enjoy a three-course meal.”