Exciting days out by steam from Manchester and Stockport: Save £20pp with Manchesterworld.com

Treat yourself, family or friends to a journey to remember with The Railway Touring Company and enjoy a £20pp discount with manchesterworld.com.

With a choice of dates, scenic routes and fascinating destinations, there is a steam adventure waiting just for you.

The famous Settle and Carlisle Line

The dramatic scenery of the remarkable Settle & Carlisle Line, which includes the mighty Three Peaks and the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct, is even more amazing by steam. Take The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express on Saturday, February 8, from Manchester or Wigan North Western and you can experience this incredible journey in style.

First you will cross the rugged Cumbrian Fells, climbing up to Shap summit and steaming through beautiful Lune Gorge, to Carlisle. At this ancient border city there will be chance to stretch your legs and check out the castle, cathedral and, possibly the museum, shops and cafes. Then, climb back on board for the run across the Settle and Carlisle Line, which will be even more stunning if there is snow lighting up the breathtaking hills and valleys.

North Wales coast by steam

On Saturday, March 1, why not take The Mancunian for a special day out by steam along the beautiful North Wales coast? Departing from Manchester and Stockport, this train will head for Chester, steam along the Dee Estuary with views across to the Wirral Peninsula, through Prestatyn, Rhyl and Colwyn Bay, along the delightful Irish Sea coastline and stop a Llandudno Junction, where passengers wanting to visit seaside Llandudno will change for the short branch line journey into the resort.

If you chose to stay on board, watch out for Robert Stephenson’s Tubular railway bridge across the Conwy estuary and the castle as the train runs close to the Irish Sea, with magnificent views, and across the Menai Strait on the Britannia Bridge to the Isle of Anglesey and into the seaport of Holyhead where you can see the town and marina before heading for home.

Visit Shakespeare’s Stratford upon Avon

Step on board The Stratford Flyer for a day out visiting Shakespeare’s hometown of Stratford upon Avon on Saturday, March 8, leaving from Manchester, Stockport and Macclesfield.

The journey will take you through the industrial heartlands of Birmingham and by contrast the pleasant Warwickshire countryside to Stratford where you can see Shakespeare’s birthplace and New Place home, enjoy a stroll along the river Avon and Stratford Canal, see the theatre or visit the town’s interesting shops and historic pubs before the train leaves for home stopping again at Macclesfield, Stockport and finishing at Manchester Victoria.

Treat yourself – dine on board

The Railway Touring Company’s travel options include Standard, with refreshments to purchase on board, or bring your own picnic, and First with light meals in the morning and afternoon served to you at your seat.

Special occasion? Go for Premier Dining. Sit back at your linen-clad table to enjoy a full English breakfast and a four-course dinner, all freshly prepared on board, silver served to you as you watch the world go by.

Save £20pp

The Railway Touring Company is offering manchesterworld.com readers a £20 per person discount. Visit The Railway Touring Company for details, booking code and T&Cs.