The faint smell of steam, the friendly sound of ‘chug, chug’ growing stronger and hoards of middle-aged men with their cameras primed can mean only one thing.

As we wait patiently in the driving rain on Twickenham station’s recently-renovated platform three, the 61306 Mayflower makes its arrival most gracefully.

This is the Cathedrals Express and today, we are fortunate enough that this fine locomotive is stopping in Twickenham on its long and winding route from Windsor to Whitstable.

Avid Richmond and Twickenham Times readers will remember last August, Steam Dreams provided the first steam train to stop at Twickenham since the 1960s.

That was a fantastic day out, in the boiling sun, to Bath and today was to be no different, but for the monsoon-like weather conditions.

The undoubted highlight of this unique experience is, while the journey takes a little longer than today’s electrified trains, your senses are always kept busy.

Sitting in Pullman Class, we are treated to a breakfast consisting of croissants, yoghurt, cereal and, of course, an excellent fry-up, all topped off with a glass of champagne and orange juice.

And before we know it, we are pulling into Canterbury, my chosen destination for the day, and, despite the weather causing mayhem among the European tourists, it is a city worth seeing.

It is everything you might expect and is a great chance to stroll along the River Stour, immerse yourself in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and sample mead in one of many public houses.

The cathedral is worth a mention but is sadly closed today (it is Sunday, after all) – no matter, we can still pop our heads in and listen to the, to be honest, quite haunting hymns being sung by the congregation.

The journey back is just as enjoyable with, count them, seven courses on the menu.

Canapés.

Amuse bouche.

Parma ham, melon and buffalo mozzarella salad with rocket, mint and balsamic.

Glazed duck confit with port and fig compote, creamy mash and fine green beans.

Raspberry, Belgium white chocolate and blueberry torte.

Selection of English cheese with grapes, celery and biscuits.

Coffee and petit fours.

What an evening of fine dining and I have to say the duck was spot on – perhaps even better than the guinea fowl served up last time out.

But if you are reading this thinking ‘oh no, I wish I had booked up’, do not fret because it is only four months until Steam Dreams returns to Twickenham.

This December, you have the opportunity to sample the famous Cheltenham Christmas market or stay on until the picturesque city of Gloucester.

Book now to be certain of your seat on what is sure to be a postcard-style Christmas adventure into the West Country.

Steam Dreams’ Cathedrals Express; December 9, leaving Twickenham approx 10.10am, returning 9.20pm (subject to change); tickets £99-£239 per adult; visit steamdreams.co.uk or call 01483 209888 for more details.