A HISTORIC locomotive is set to visit Basingstoke this summer as part of a tour across the region, giving enthusiasts a chance to spot the Jubilee class engine.

Steam locomotive number 45596, known as Bahamas, will visit Basingstoke on August 5, on its route to visit Bournemouth and Weymouth as part of the Dorset Coast Express.

With lockdown restrictions easing, dozens of historic steam-powered trains will take thousands of people on nostalgic days out across the country.

Bahamas, a Jubilee Class locomotive, was built more than 85 years ago for London Midland & Scottish Railways.

Following extensive restoration, it returned to mainline running in the North of England 2019 only to have to return to the engine shed to bide its time for over a year due to the pandemic.

It will be the engine's first departure from the capital in decades, and will also haul trains to Kent, Somerset and Cornwall over the cause of July and August.

On August 5, it will leave from London Victoria and stop at Staines, Woking and Basingstoke on its way to Bournemouth and Weymouth.

“We are very excited to have secured these dates with Bahamas,” the Railway Touring Company’s MD Kelly Osborne said.

“We look forward to working with the Bahamas crew to provide some great days out recreating the golden age of rail travel.”

Passengers will travel on vintage rail coaches and can enjoy a dining service with full English breakfast and a four-course dinner on board as they watch the scenery go by.

Alternatively, travellers can opt for first class service with morning coffee, bacon roll and pastry with a savoury dish on the return or bring along their own picnic.

Ms Osborne added: "“Already a number of our steam excursions for this summer are full.

"After a very tough 15 months for the heritage rail industry, it’s tremendous to see such enthusiasm and support from people.”

You can find out more at railwaytouring.net.