The National Railway Museum in York has announced dates for the 2026 tour of the iconic steam engine, Flying Scotsman.
Flying Scotsman was the first steam locomotive to officially reach 100 miles per hour – in 1934. The record-breaking locomotive had only entered service the year before, in 2023.
Owned by the National Railway Museum since 2004, the locomotive No. 60103 will be taking to the tracks from February on a tour of the UK, running mainline excursions and visiting heritage railways.
There will also be two long residencies at the National Railway Museum and Locomotion in Shildon.
This yearly tour, managed by Northern Steam Operations Limited (NSOL) since 2025, is a highly anticipated opportunity for rail fans across the UK to experience this internationally renowned steam engine.
Flying Scotsman timetable
Vintage Trains – Birmingham
Flying Scotsman, the world’s most famous steam locomotive, returns to Birmingham with Vintage Trains in February 2026 with a series of classic steam journeys, including a special dining train for Valentines day.
National Railway Museum – York
A chance for enthusiasts to explore up-close this legendary locomotive.
Locomotion Summer Festival – Shildon
Flying Scotsman will be on display at the museum in Shildon and, on selected days, visitors will be able to step back in time with a ride behind the locomotive, travelling along a section of the original Stockton and Darlington Railway line. Further information on these events will be released later in the year.
Great Central Railway – Nottingham
An fabulous opportunity to travel behind Flying Scotsman, as the legendary locomotive returns to the Midlands. Passengers will step aboard at Ruddington Fields station for a scenic return journey along the northern section of the Great Central Railway to Loughborough and back, travelling through picturesque countryside while experiencing the sights, sounds and atmosphere of the most iconic steam locomotive in the world.
East Lancashire Railway
Take a trip behind the legendary Flying Scotman along the entirety of the ELR line. The legendary locomotive will be hosting passenger rides, giving enthusiasts the unforgettable opportunity to travel behind this world-famous engine.
This train can only be boarded at Bury Station. The journey takes around an hour and a half and is non-stop with no opportunity to alight at any of our other stations.
Further information on these events will be released later in the year.