Prepare for an unforgettable experience aboard what’s hailed as “one of the world’s poshest trains,” departing from Bristol next month. The magnificent 1930s Pullman-style Northern Belle, once part of the iconic Orient Express, will welcome passengers with a red carpet reception at Temple Meads station at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, July 4.
This extraordinary journey is bound for the Royal Horticultural Society’s Hampton Court Garden Festival, the UK’s second-largest garden show. The festival spotlights environmental awareness and offers practical advice on cultivating your own fruit and vegetables.
Guests will begin their voyage with a glass of champagne, followed by a sumptuous three-course brunch as the train gracefully travels to Hounslow, on London’s outskirts. Upon arrival, travelers can choose between a scenic coach ride to Hampton Court or an extension to the renowned Royal Windsor Castle.
The return trip promises an equally indulgent experience, featuring a second champagne reception and a lavish six-course dinner paired with exquisite wines. Entertainment aboard the Northern Belle is nothing short of spectacular: musicians serenade diners during the meal, while a magician roams the carriages, adding a whimsical touch to the evening.
Hollywood actor Bill Nighy, who dubbed the Northern Belle “the Grand Dame of luxury travel” during a Channel 5 feature, emphasizes its standing as one of the world’s premier train journeys.
The Northern Belle makes additional stops throughout the year, returning to Bristol in September for a Cornish Lunch excursion via Dawlish, Devon, and offering a festive Christmas Lunch trip in December.
Tickets start at £365. For full details and bookings, visit the Northern Belle website.