The UK’s answer to the Orient Express is ‘magical’ | UK | News

There’s something so romantic about luxury train travel – with echoes of bygone days of the world famous Orient Express.

But if you would like a similar experience closer to home then one very British train journey might just tick all of your boxes.

The Belmond British Pullman even has royal and celebrity fans – from Princess Kate who boarded the luxurious train in 2017 to Spice Girl Emma Bunton who hopped on with pals in 2021.

The private luxury train operates day and weekend journeys around Britain in its gloriously vintage carriages. Until 2023 it also served as the British leg of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express service between London and Venice.

Its website explains more about its special trips to the UK’s most beautiful cities and landmarks – including on special days in the calendar throughout the year.

It said: “Vibrant cities, ancient castles, stately homes and celebrated sporting events… When you step aboard British Pullman, there’s a whole world of possible destinations.

“Discover the historic gems of Bath, York or Canterbury.

“Feel like royalty as you explore Blenheim Palace or Sandringham.”

It added: “Feel the buzz at key calendar moments, such as the Chelsea Flower Show and Royal Ascot.

“Wherever you go, you’ll start and end your day in style aboard our vintage carriages.”

And fans of the service have taken to travel review site Tripadvisor to agree, waxing lyrical about their experiences aboard the famous train.

One said: “Absolutely magical afternoon on the Pullman.

“The hospitality of the staff in Perseus Carriage was exceptional, and food/drinks kept flowing.”

Another happy passenger said that “the train was amazing” adding that “the food was incredible and the staff were first class”.

Another simply said: “Worth every single penny and would do it again.”

One of the train’s carriages – Cygnus – was designed by American filmmaker Wes Anderson.

Recent packages aboard the train start from £485 per passenger for a Moving Murder Mystery which includes a five course lunch with wine and Champagne.

It was also awarded the honour of the best train journeys in the world by travel website CN Traveller, as part of their Reader’s Choice Awards for 2023.

Today’s Pullman passengers will follow in the footsteps of royalty and British icons.

A Belmond Pullman coach was used as Winston Churchill’s funeral train in 1965, whilst both the late Queen Elizabeth and King Charles have undertaken Pullman journeys numerous times.