Britain’s ‘most luxurious train’ costing up to £570 will stop in Greater Manchester for first time ever

A luxury train where passengers can enjoy a seven-course meal as they take in the scenic views, is coming to Greater Manchester this spring.

Dubbed ‘Britain’s most luxurious train’, The Northern Belle — a 1930’s Pullman-style train — will be making its VIP visit to Rochdale Station on Friday April 21st. Passengers will feel like they’ve stepped straight onto the set of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express as they dine inside its elegant carriages.

Perfect for railway enthusiasts and food-lovers, this unique experience will cost between £295 and £570, which includes a champagne arrival drink and gourmet meal accompanied by live entertainment.

After departing Rochdale, the Northern Belle will stop off at Hebden Bridge and Brighouse, before weaving its way around the Yorkshire countryside for five hours, as passengers tuck into a champagne afternoon tea or seven-course Spirit of Travel lunch.

Adding to the opulent experience, guests will be entertained by strolling musicians and the train’s resident magician. The Belle will then make a return to Rochdale just in time for tea, dropping off the lucky lot at around 4.35pm.

The Northern Belle was once part of the iconic Orient Express group, and each one of its carriages are named after a castle or stately home, detailed with bespoke marquetry and mosaics. Last year, the train was voted the ninth most luxurious in the world by readers of Condé Nast magazine – the only British train to be named in the top 10.

Diners can feel like Celia Johnson or Trevor Howard in the film Brief Encounter as they sip on tea or champagne and tuck into a delightful lunch — with prices starting at £295 for a champagne afternoon tea or £375 for lunch with fine wines.

For an extra £195 passengers can also upgrade to Krug Champagne Class in the special carriage, which was once part of the Royal Train, or Glamis, named after the former Queen Mother’s childhood home.

Rumour has it that the Duart Carriage houses what was once the Queen Mother’s favourite seat, where she liked to relax with a gin and tonic while looking out the train window and waving. 

It’s no wonder Hollywood actor Bill Nighy called the train the ‘Grand Dame of luxury travel’, while narrating The World’s Most Scenic Railways Journeys on Channel 5 last year – and is an opinion the team behind the Northern Belle are very proud of.

Book yourself onto this wonderful piece of history and travel in style. Tickets are available via the Northern Belle website.