A vintage steam engine dating back to 1934 was spotted travelling through Orpington on a one-off trip from London to Kent to mark Armistice Day.

The trip named “Kentish Bell” is a one-off return trip from London Victoria to Sheerness on Sea traveling past a number of iconic Kent landmarks.

According to the Railway Touring Company, the carriages are being pulled by Jubilee class steam locomotive No. 45596 Bahamas, dating back to 1934 when it was constructed in Glasgow .

In 2013, the boiler of this historic locomotive received works before running regular mainline services across various lines in England.

The train currently features a plaque with the words reading “Armistice Day”, as it takes a trip to mark Armistice Day and the end of World War I.

Passengers could pay to travel on this historic, one-off journey today with ticket prices starting from £99 for adults and £70 for juniors.

The train began its journey at 9:43am from London Victoria, before passing through Bromley South at 10:17am and arriving at Sheerness-on-Sea at 12:48pm today.

It was spotted travelling through the Orpington area at around 10:36 by Chairman of Knoll Residents Association, Stephen Sangster, who watched as a spectator with his young son this morning.

Stephen Sangster said: “As the vintage steam train chugged through, we were enveloped in a billowing cloud of nostalgia! I stood with my young son and neighbours, as if we were witnessing a fleeting journey through time.

“The speed, the steam, and the poignant purpose on this Armistice Day made it more than just a train— it was a living tribute to a bygone era and a fitting tribute to all those who died and served for our freedom today.”

The train used the southeastern and Chatham lines, passing through Sevenoaks to Tonbridge, before taking the Ashford line eastwards towards Paddock Wood, then heading to Maidstone West and Strood.

It will then reverse, taking a route through Rochester, Chatham, Sittingbourne and Swale, before eventually arriving at Sheerness-on-Sea, which was a former Royal Navy dockyard up until 1960.

On its return, the train will pass by landmarks including the White Cliffs of Dover, which was of significant importance during World War II when its network of tunnels were used as vital communication base.

The train will then begin its journey back through Kent, travelling through Bromley South before heading towards London Victoria.

Where and when can you see it?

The train will be making its return journey from Sheerness-on-Sea at 1:30pm today, before travelling to Bromley South, arriving at 5:09pm.

The train will then continue to London Victoria, arriving at 5:43pm, where its journey will finish.