A vintage steam engine following the famous route of the "Golden Arrow" train was spotted earlier today in south east London.

The rare sight drew crowds of enthusiasts and residents alike, as the iconic train passed through the area on its outward journey.

The steam engine, which had set out early this morning, was captured in a video posted by Stephen Sangster on X (formerly Twitter).

He described the scene as the train glided through Petts Wood, its billowing steam merging with the morning mist.

The train, on its nostalgic route, passed iconic sights such as the White Cliffs of Dover, retracing the path of the historic "Golden Arrow" boat train.

For those who missed the train earlier today, there's good news—you can still catch it on its return leg this evening

The vintage engine will once again roll through Norwood, Petts Wood, and surrounding areas as it completes its journey, offering a final chance for locals to witness a piece of railway history.

Here are the times for the steam train's return journey this evening, according to the Real Time Trains website: 

  • Sevenoaks [SEV]: Pass 18:04
  • Dunton Green [DNG]: Pass 18:06
  • Knockholt [KCK]: Pass 18:12
  • Chelsfield [CLD]: Pass 18:13
  • Orpington [ORP]: Pass 18:16
  • Petts Wood [PET]: Pass 18:18
  • Petts Wood Junction [XPE]: Pass 18:20
  • Bickley Junction [XLY]: Pass 18:22
  • Bickley [BKL]: Pass 18:23
  • Bromley South [BMS]: Pass 18:24
  • Shortlands [SRT]: Pass 18:25
  • Shortlands Junction [XOR]: Pass 18:26
  • Beckenham Junction [BKJ]: Pass 18:28
  • Kent House [KTH]: Pass 18:31
  • Penge East [PNE]: Pass 18:32
  • Sydenham Hill [SYH]: Pass 18:35
  • West Dulwich [WDU]: Pass 18:36