A new luxury steam train journey from Southend through the picturesque scenery of Surrey and Sussex to one of the UK’s oldest preserved lines has been revealed.

The Steam Dreams Rail Company has announced a new day trip for 2024, taking rail enthusiasts from Shoebury to The Bluebell and Sheffield Park.

Day-trippers will travel in vintage train carriages such as Pullman coaches, and can choose between three classes with packages which include the Steam Dreams signature Champagne cocktail and a multi-course breakfast.

A Steam Dreams statement says: "This unique tour offers a captivating journey through time as we take a bucolic adventure through the rolling hills and gentle scenery of beautiful Surrey and Sussex with the chance to visit one of the UK’s best loved preserved lines."

The Bluebell Railway is the world’s first preserved standard gauge heritage railway line which takes passengers from East Grinstead to Sheffield Park, cutting through the beautiful Sussex Weald.

Lord Sheffield owned the large house which still stands to this day, and the home and its gardens are owned by the National Trust.

The 46100 Royal Scot will be picking passengers up from Shoebury at 6.45am on Tuesday, April 9 next year, stopping off at Southend Central on 6.55am and Leigh at 7.05am. It will arrive at Sheffield Park at 2.15pm, later returning to the south Essex stations before 11pm that day.

Prices for the experience start from £165 per person, with the top price for Pullman style dining costing from £410.

For more details about either of the trips and ticket information visit steamdreams.co.uk/tours.