North East passengers will have the chance to travel in style throughout 2023 on a train claimed to be Britain's most luxurious.
The Northern Belle will be making journeys that stop off at Newcastle, Darlington and Durham, some of which come with a seven-course tasting menu prepared by chef Matthew Green and accompanied by champagne. There's also a champagne afternoon tea for those who want a quintessential British rail experience.
But it's not just about the food and drink, musicians will be moving through the train's 1930s Pullman-style carriages, while there's also a resident magician performing. Each carriage is individually decorated with tapestries and mosaics, and have previously been hauled by steam locomotives such as the Flying Scotsman.
Read more: Five of the best scenic train rides to take in the beauty of North East England
In 2022, Condé Nast Traveller readers voted the trains as the ninth most luxurious in the world, the only British entry into the top ten. Once part of the Orient Express group, it was a favourite of the Queen Mother, and was described as "the Grand Duchess of Luxury Train Travel" by Bill Nighy on Channel 5's World's Most Scenic Railways Journeys.
Prices start from £295 for a Champagne Afternoon Tea, whilst the Spirit of Travel Lunch starts from £375. The Northern Belle also has journeys leaving from the North East for Scone Palace and Glamis Castle in Scotland, both of which include food and wine.
A spokesperson for the train said: "It might sound like a lot of money, but this will be an unforgettable day out that transports passengers back to the golden days of rail travel. Nothing too good for our passengers from the moment they first step on board over a red carpet on the station platform and are handed their first glass of champagne."
The first Northern Belle journey to stop in the North East, a journey to Glamis Castle and Scone Palace is on Thursday May 11 2023, with the spirit of travel lunch and champagne afternoon tea events taking place the follow day, Friday May 12. To find out more, visit the Northern Belle website.
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