Yorkshire's new Settle to Appleby rail service is first of its kind in England

And over the last month a daily chartered tourism service - the kind seen in picturesque territories such as Switzerland - has been allowed to run on the line in what bosses believe to be a first in England.

Rail Charter Services Ltd, which developed the concept, has dubbed it the ‘Staycation Express’ in reference to the growing trend of people taking holidays in their own country during the pandemic.

Company director Adrian Quine said: “This service really is ground breaking for the rail industry. This is the first time that a dedicated timetabled tourist train has operated in England and has the potential to be a game changer in other popular areas of high seasonal demand.

"We are working closely with the local tourism authorities, the mayor of Appleby and the wider rail industry who have all shown both pragmatism and a genuine willingness to get this exciting new service up and running.

“Our aim is that this new dedicated tourist train service can help get the local economy back up and running and provide a safe and enjoyable environment for families to enjoy this stunningly scenic route.”

Under normal circumstances the route would be dominated by Northern, but in March the government suspended rail franchise agreements, initially for six months.

On the new service, all passengers on the new service are guaranteed a window seat in their own socially distanced seat bays for a maximum of two people, while families of four are given two bays across the corridor from one another.

A guide will provide limited commentary as the train passes points of interest such as the Three Peaks - Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside - the Ribblehead Viaduct and Dent, the highest mainline station in England.

The service has been backed by city fund manager Jeremy Hosking, who owns a number of preserved locomotives and coaches.

The trains are operated by his company, Locomotive Services (TOC) Ltd, and promoted through the new company, Rail Charter Services Ltd, which he co-owns.

John Moorhouse, chairman of Settle Carlisle Development Company, said: “The astonishing new enterprise is an unparalleled first ever opportunity to ride on a regular, deluxe tourist train service on the famous Settle – Carlisle railway.

"The Settle Carlisle Development Company is proud to be associated with this unique venture which at last brings the experience, regularly available to rail travellers in Switzerland, New Zealand and other picturesque parts of the world to our own country and our splendid scenery.”

The new timetabled charter trains run six trips a day to and from Skipton and Settle in Yorkshire to Appleby in Cumbria - picturesque locations which are ideal for circular walks.

The trains run the 112-mile round trip from Monday to Saturday until September 12.

First class single tickets cost from £17.50 per person (but with minimum of two people travelling) or £49 for a family of four.

Book at www.railcharterservices.co.uk.