The iconic steam locomotive, owned by the National Railway Museum, is set for a series of appearances as the nation commemorates the bicentenary of the modern railway.
The legendary engine will make its first excursion at the Nene Valley Railway from February 22 until March 9, with a blend of static display and passenger rides on selected days.
Three evening dining trains are also on the agenda, along with a photo charter, which will see Flying Scotsman haul a freight train for the first time since 1994.
Following an Easter display in York at the National Railway Museum, from April 5 to 20, Flying Scotsman will visit the Didcot Railway Centre in Oxfordshire from May 12 to June 2, with rides available on selected dates.
At Didcot, it will be reunited with the GWR 4073 “Castle” Class locomotive, Pendennis Castle; both engines were formerly owned by Sir William McAlpine and share a history of rivalry and international adventure.
The summer residence will be at the Locomotion museum in County Durham from July 26 to August 25, with a mix of display and steam rides on selected days.
Science Museum Group head of locomotion Sarah Price said: “We are delighted to be able to confirm Flying Scotsman’s first touring dates of the year, with more still to announce.
“We want to offer the broadest range of people the chance to get up close to this incredible piece of British engineering during our national celebration of the railways.
“The public’s level of interest in Flying Scotsman remains immense and tickets will go fast, so please do check our website for the latest information.
“As ever, 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.”
Northern Steam Operations Limited (NSOL) have been appointed as Flying Scotsman’s custodian after a competitive tender process, and will be managing and maintaining the engine until 2032.
NSOL will work with DB Cargo as the first Train Operating Company.
Stuart Whitter, chairman of NSOL, said: “We have been working hard with Science Museum Group and the National Railway Museum to prepare this historic engine for operation, and to create an exciting programme of heritage railway destinations for 2025.
“We are very much looking forward to delivering the maximum public exposure to this iconic locomotive across a historic year for the railways.”
Last year, almost 320,000 people viewed, climbed aboard, or took a ride on Flying Scotsman during its stays at the National Railway Museum and Locomotion.
Dates are subject to change; for updates, please visit https://www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/flying-scotsman/events
