When you suppose of epic train journeys and romantic sleeper carriages, your thoughts little doubt goes to the Orient Express, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and even the Trans-Siberian Railway – all engineering feats famed for his or her scenic routes, glamour and/or attraction.
And whereas there is not any denying the attract of these long-established rail routes, there is a train journey nearer to house so that you can discover – one that is equally spectacular and worthy of consideration.
We are, of course, speaking about the Northern Belle: an opulent locomotive that evokes the opulence of Nineteen Thirties rail journey. It was additionally not too long ago named one of the world’s best train trips by Condé Nast Traveller readers in final yr’s Readers’ Choice Awards – scoring a formidable 93.13 out of 100. (PSA: this yr’s survey is now open: vote for your favourite train journey).
Departing from stations throughout the nation, the Northern Belle journeys throughout Wales, Northern England and Scotland, with upcoming steam journeys travelling from Darlington, Liverpool and Manchester to the finish vacation spot of Carlisle in Cumbria.
Made up of seven carriages, all named after British castles or stately properties, the Northern Belle is a superbly restored train that gives fantastic eating, champagne afternoon tea, seasonal dishes, dwell music and extra.
Choose from day journeys to the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith, Chatsworth House, nestled in the Derbyshire Dales, and the historic Roman baths of Bath, or embark on an extended journey and take in the majesty of the Great British countryside – all from the consolation of your carriage.
What’s extra, the Northern Belle has a number of seasonal journeys – together with Christmastime journeys to Edinburgh, York Christmas markets and past. Guests can get pleasure from a festive lunch on board the train, earlier than disembarking in these picturesque cities and cities for a spot of buying.
Appearing on Channel 5’s World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys, narrated by actor Bill Nighy, the Northern Belle has additionally been reviewed by Francis Bourgeois, famed trainspotter and social media extraordinaire.
Coming fifth on our readers’ decide of best rail journeys in 2025, the Northern Belle was simply behind the British Pullman, which scored 94.38 and is additionally based mostly in the UK, in addition to Switzerland’s Glacier Express (93.75), the Rovos Rail in Africa (95) advert the Eastern & Oriental Express, which scored 96.04.
Prices for the Northern Belle vary from £365-595, and all journeys and schedules might be discovered on the web site here.
This yr’s Readers’ Choice Awards survey is open: vote for your favourite train journey now.