Thomas Cook's First Excursion Train 175th Anniversary

Thomas Cook's first excursion train is a historic event that marks the beginning of modern mass tourism. The first excursion train took place on July 5, 1841. The train traveled from Leicester (where this railway series cover is postmarked 05.07.16) to Loughborough in England, covering a distance of about 12 miles.

Purpose:Thomas Cook, a British travel pioneer, organized the excursion train to promote temperance. He believed that providing people with alternatives to alcohol-related activities would encourage them to lead more virtuous lives. The train journey was planned as an alcohol-free and affordable day trip for the participants.

Ticket Price:The cost of a ticket for the excursion was one shilling (12 pence), which included both the train ride and a meal at Loughborough. This made the excursion accessible to a wide range of social classes.

Thomas Cook's innovative approach to travel revolutionized the way people thought about and undertook journeys and revolutionised the travel industry. His vision and business acumen made travel more accessible to the general public, marking the beginning of package tours and organized travel services.