The National Railway Museum in York has announced dates for the 2026 tour of the most famous steam engine in the world, Flying Scotsman.
First entering service in 1923, Flying Scotsman became a world record breaker in 1934 as the first steam locomotive to officially reach 100 miles per hour.
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 as well as 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 and beloved steam engine, as well as standing as an important brand ambassador for the memorable experience offered by heritage steam travel.
As well as visiting multiple heritage railways, Flying Scotsman will also be on display at the National Railway Museum in York from the 28 March to 24 April for visitors to explore up-close. It will also be making an appearance at Locomotion’s Summer Festival between 4 and 31 August. 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.
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.”
Flying Scotsman will make its first excursion to the Midlands for mainline service in February, operating for the first time with Vintage Trains, the 21st century’s only charitably-controlled train operating company. Vintage Trains will be offering a selection of Flying Scotsman experiences, from one hour return train rides running at mainline speeds, to elegant fine dining experiences – all hauled by the legendary locomotive.
The Great Central Railway in Nottingham will be playing host to Flying Scotsman from 16 to 31 May. Not only is this the first time in 25 years that Flying Scotsman has operated on a heritage railway in the East Midlands, the locomotive also has historic ties to this railway. The Grand Central Railway Nottingham is part of the former Great Central main line and, prior to its closure in the 1960s, Flying Scotsman worked on the line as it was based in Leicester.
In June, Flying Scotsman will visit the East Lancashire Railway for a mix of static display (3, 4, 10 and 12 June) and passenger rides (5-7 and 13-14). All dates are subject to change, please refer to the National Railway Museum website for details and updates.
Further heritage railway visits and mainline excursions are in the planning stages, with details set to be released later in the year. If you are planning a trip to see Flying Scotsman, please ensure that you do so in safety and do not trespass on the railway line.
Flying Scotsman enthusiast Paul Morrison describes riding behind the locomotive as a ‘dream come true’: “Seeing Scotsman for the first time, my jaw dropped as I tried to take in the sheer size of this magnificent marvel of engineering. Everything about it was so impressive. I just wanted to get on board and let my senses take over – the sounds of steam and whistle, the unique smell of steam rolling past the carriage window and of course the very sight of Flying Scotsman. I remember marvelling at the mix of polished brass, pistons, plaques, enormous wheels and even the signature green paint (and the soot in my hair!). It all added up to a vision of power, resilience and a symbol of a golden age.”
Flying Scotsman continues to be an incredible beacon for heritage rail, and a strong draw for visitors to both the National Railway Museum and Locomotion. In 2025, the National Railway Museum’s 50th anniversary as well as the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR200), Locomotion received over 50,000 visitors during their Summer Celebration (when Flying Scotsman was on display), and of the almost 40,000 people who visited the National Railway Museum during April, Flying Scotsman’s presence was cited as the number one reason for their visit.
