Pullman Car No. 246 ‘Lydia’
History
Completed in 1925 by the Midland Railway Carriage & Wagon Company (constructed in 1924), ‘Lydia’ was exported across the English Channel to operate Orient Express services between Milan, San Remo, Nice and Cannes. In 1929 the carriage returned to Britain and ran from London to Dover, the Midlands and the North. As the carriage was a favourite of Prime Minister Winston Churchill, ‘Lydia’ was reserved for his use during World War II (Winston Churchill and General Eisenhower used the carriage in the lead-up to D-Day in 1944), and was even used for his state funeral in 1965.
The carriage was gifted to the National Railroad Museum in America, and it made the journey across the Atlantic in 1969 for a tour that would last four years. ‘Lydia’ was repatriated in 2000 and arrived at Newport Docks in November that year.
In 2024 ‘Lydia’ was brought to South Devon Railway for restoration. After over 50 years out of public use, Lydia is recommissioned and carrying passengers again. You can journey back to the elegance of the 1920s and the world of opulent train travel aboard ‘Lydia’ at South Devon Railway.
Image credit: I. Yolland
Dining – Coming Soon
Soak in the history and watch the countryside glide by as you enjoy a delicious dining experience whilst travelling in prestigious Pullman Class. A choice of Pullman dining will be available soon, from Pullman Ploughman’s Lunch to a Pullman Gin Train. With premier service, a heritage, luxurious setting, and outstanding Dart Valley backdrop, this is where memories are made.
Private Hire
Pullman Car No. 246 ‘Lydia’ embodies heritage to the hilt, not only having been part of the Pullman ‘family’ but also with a wartime pedigree and being a favourite carriage of Winston Churchill. Whatever your reason – a wedding, special celebration, corporate event – this 20 seat premier class carriage offers luxury, history, and prestige.
Image credit: I. Yolland
Book Now
Filming
With an iconic history to her name, Pullman Car No. 246 ‘Lydia’ is the perfect candidate for filming/photographic shoots. Whether using her beautifully designed interiors, or the heritage train exterior and crest, South Devon Railway can offer the the carriage, locomotives, ‘set’, and top it off with the stunning countryside!
More Info