A day to look forward to
For a milestone birthday, retirement, anniversary or Christmas, a day together can be a thoughtful gift. Start with the kind of experience your parents would enjoy, then work through the practical details.
Explore gift cardsThink about how they like to spend time together. A fine dining journey puts the meal and time on board at the centre of the day. A scenic journey may appeal to parents who enjoy the countryside. For a destination trip, check how much time is spent away from the train and what the itinerary involves.
Choose from the journeys currently available rather than promising a particular destination or date as part of the surprise. The departure station and the length of the day can matter as much as the destination.
If you know their dates and preferred trip, browse the current journeys and check the full details before booking. If you want them to choose, a Northern Belle gift card lets you give a contribution towards their experience.
Decide whether your gift is intended to cover the whole booking or part of it. Check the current price for the number of guests you have in mind before choosing a card value. Read the gift card terms and check the expiry information; a gift card is not a reservation for a particular train or date.
Our traveller tips cover practical preparations for the day. Ask the team about anything that could affect their enjoyment rather than relying on a general description.
If siblings are contributing, agree who will make the purchase and what the gift covers. You can present the idea with a personal note about why you chose a day together, while leaving the itinerary for your parents to select.
For another perspective, explore our gifts for couples and birthday gift ideas. When you are ready, choose a gift card or browse the journeys to find a suitable day.