When I was told I was going to be going on a Christmas train to Bath in a day, I had no idea what to expect but my mum was very keen so I was soon swept along with it all.
Our day out with the Steam Dreams Rail Company started early at Colchester Station on Friday, December 1 with a pick up time of 7.54am.
Once onboard, Mum and I were greeted by old-fashioned carriages with luxury chairs and a beautifully set table.
As the journey began, we met the team who would be looking after us and were given a complimentary glass of champagne as well as our first course of breakfast.
For starter we had a tricolour of melon with granola and natural yoghurt, followed by either a traditional full English breakfast or smoked salmon on toasted artisan sourdough.
I went for the full English and my mum opted for the smoked salmon.
We both polished off our plates and then were served a selection of small pastries and cups of tea.
The first leg of the trip saw us hauled by a vintage diesel through Suffolk and Essex on our way to London.
Once past the capital we stopped for around half an hour to allow a steam locomotive to take over the rest of the journey to Bath.
We made another brief stop at Newbury Race Course so that the train could take on some water. This was an oppurtunity for passengers to get out and see the steam engine up close.
Throughout the trip I almost felt like royalty not only because of the first-class service but because each at train station we passed, people lined up to get pictures and videos of us passing through.
The locomotive, Braunton, that took us on our journey to Bath was designed by Oliver Bulleid and was fully restored in 2008. Over the winter of 2011, Braunton was fitted with all the modern equipment to allow it to be used on the mainline railway network and, although restricted to 75mph, it is capable of speeds in excess of 100mph.
When we reached Bath, it was only a short 10 minute walk to the city centre and Christmas markets.
It really did get you into the Christmas spirit with hundreds of stalls selling festive goods. I must be honest and say the only thing I bought was some caramelised peanuts and a Yorkshire pudding wrap but there really was something for anyone.
The only downside I would say is that I don't feel you got long enough in Bath to really take it all in, but I understand why we only got three hours there because any longer would have meant getting back home after midnight.
After our three hours wandering through the Christmas market, we headed back to the station. I must say I have never seen a platform so busy but the staff made it so easy for us when getting on the train.
Once back onboard, we were greeted with another glass of champagne and the carriage really had been transformed and made it feel even more like Christmas.
Ok I must come clean...
While waiting for our food to arrive, I may have spilt my drink all over the pristine white tablecloth and myself. However, this was no problem for the lovely waiter as he changed my tablecloth for me while I used the toilet and it was soon as if nothing had happened.
I must admit I am not a salmon fan and, when I saw it listed as the starter on the four course menu, I started to panic. However, it was very tasty and I finished the whole plate.
The main course was obviously a roast turkey and it was incredible - served with freshly steamed vegetables. It went down a treat.
I did think it was odd to have the cheeseboard before the dessert but that did not stop me from cleaning up and having a selection of cheese and crackers.
Now, you know that freshly cleaned table cloth I mentioned... It didn't stay clean for long as while I was eating my dessert, I managed to spill my freshly poured cup of tea.
Once again, the waiter forgave me. What a lovely man!
We arrived back in Colchester at about 10.45pm well in the Christmas spirit.
Our tickets for pullman dining cost £370pp.
There will be another opportunity to visit the Christmas markets in Bath again next year. I would love to be there.
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