NRM Sets Out Flying Scotsman UK-Wide Tour Plans for 2026

The National Railway Museum in York has confirmed the itinerary for Flying Scotsman’s 2026 UK tour, setting out a packed programme of main line excursions, heritage railway visits and museum appearances for the world-famous steam locomotive.

Built in 1923, Flying Scotsman earned global recognition in 1934 when it became the first steam locomotive officially recorded at 100 miles per hour. Now carrying the number 60103, the engine has been part of the National Railway Museum’s collection since 2004 and remains one of the most recognisable locomotives in railway history.

From February, Flying Scotsman will return to the national network, running a series of main line services alongside visits to heritage railways. The tour also includes two extended residencies, with time split between the National Railway Museum in York and Locomotion in Shildon. Since 2025, the annual programme has been overseen by Northern Steam Operations Limited, with the aim of bringing the locomotive to audiences across the country while promoting heritage steam travel.

Visitors will be able to see Flying Scotsman on display at the National Railway Museum in York from 28 March until 24 April, allowing close-up access to the locomotive. Later in the year, it will appear at Locomotion’s Summer Festival between 4 and 31 August. During its stay at the Shildon museum, the engine will be exhibited and, on selected days, will haul passenger rides over part of the original Stockton and Darlington Railway. Further details about these events are due to be announced.

The 2026 programme will see Flying Scotsman operate its first Midlands main line services in February, working for the first time with Vintage Trains, the only charitably controlled train operating company in the UK. The operator will offer a range of experiences, including short return trips at main line speeds and fine dining services, all hauled by the historic locomotive.

From 16 to 31 May, Flying Scotsman will visit the Great Central Railway in Nottingham. This marks its first appearance on an East Midlands heritage railway in 25 years and carries historic significance, as the preserved line forms part of the former Great Central main line. Before the route’s closure in the 1960s, Flying Scotsman was based in Leicester and worked services over the same stretch of railway.

In June, the locomotive is scheduled to appear at the East Lancashire Railway. It will be on static display on 3, 4, 10 and 12 June, while passenger services are planned for 5 to 7 June and again from 13 to 14 June. Additional heritage railway visits and main line excursions are still being finalised and will be announced later in the year. Visitors are being reminded to view the locomotive safely and not to trespass on railway lines.

Andrew McLean, Head Curator at the National Railway Museum, said:

“We’re delighted to be working with Northern Steam to ensure as many people as possible have a chance to see and be driven by this incredible locomotive. It really is an unforgettable experience; whether you are an ardent follower of heritage rail or it is your first ever time aboard a steam train, the experience never gets old.”

Image: National Railway Museum