19-07-2025
Northern Belle: World's poshest train to run trip from Cardiff
The 1930s Pullman-style Northern Belle, once part of the iconic Orient Express group, is a "luxurious yet intimate" train that travels the British countryside en route to some of the country's top destinations.
The luxury train features seven beautifully detailed carriages (each bearing the name of a great British castle or stately home) that have been lovingly restored by some of the country's top craftspeople.
The Northern Belle website adds: "Beyond the world of ordinary first-class, there has been an almost secret world.
"Since the dawn of railways there has existed a world of private luxury trains and only a handful remain.
"The Northern Belle is one such Train, and the most luxurious, carefully restored to its former glory by the Venice Simplon-Orient Express."
The Northern Belle is regularly voted one of the world's Top Ten trains, while one of the individually hand-decorated carriages is used to form part of the Royal Train.
It is even rumoured to contain the late Queen Mother's favourite seat.
Actor Bill Nighy also described the train as 'the Grand Dame of luxury travel' when it featured on Channel 5's The World's Most Scenic Railway Journeys.
The Northern Belle is regularly voted among the world's top trains. (Image: Cameron Pitts)
When to see the Northern Belle in South Wales
The Northern Belle is set to run a 'Cornish Lunch via Dawlish' trip from Cardiff on September 19, 2025.
Britain's most luxurious train will depart Cardiff Central Station at 10.30am on Friday, September 19, making stops at Bristol Temple Meads and Taunton Stations, before returning at 8pm.
Passengers, as well as those hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Belle, are advised that these times are "provisional" and are subject to Network Rail confirmation seven days before departure.
How to book tickets for the Northern Belle
If you want to be onboard the Northern Belle for its 'Cornish Lunch via Dawlish' trip from Cardiff, head to the website to book tickets.
Tickets include:
A round-trip on the Northern Belle luxury train
Welcome Champagne reception including canapés and caviar blinis
Seven-course lunch
Bottle of wine per couple (Sommelier's Choice)
On board entertainment
Fortnum & Mason tea and Northern Belle blend coffee
Escape the ordinary. ✨ Northern Belle 2025 journeys redefine luxury rail. Vintage carriages, gourmet dining, breathtaking Britain. Book your unforgettable escape: — Northern Belle (@northernbelletr) February 20, 2025
The Northern Belle website adds: "Your day will begin with a red carpet welcome at your departure station where our attentive Stewards will usher you aboard the Northern Belle luxury train for a journey to remember forever.
"Once you've been escorted to your plush seat, one of our liveried Stewards will carefully pour a glass of Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Brut NV Champagne as you study the sumptuous menu.
"Ahead lies a journey back to the Golden Days of rail travel, a time when nothing was too good for the pampered passengers."
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Prices
Tickets for the Northern Belle Christmas experience cost £445 per passenger.
You can also upgrade your ticket to:
Laurent-Perrier Class - for an additional £95 (per passenger)
KRUG Class - additional £195 (per passenger)
The Northern Belle will return to South Wales on December 5 for a 'Christmas Lunch' journey (from £395 per person), with pick-ups from Cardiff and Swansea.
