15th March 2019

This years iconic locations to look out for!


Whilst you are waiting to board the Northern Belle, some of you may recognise your departing stations surroundings, with some locations being used in worldwide critically acclaimed films.

Arguably the most famous and recognisable of our departure stations would be Carnforth, where a film dubbed the most romantic film of all time, Brief Encounter (1945) was filmed. Starring Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard and filmed in the Second World War, one of the reasons for using Carnforth station was that it was so far from the southeast of England, that it would receive sufficient warning of an air-raid attack. This would be enough time to turn out the filming lights to comply with wartime blackout restrictions. Shooting usually started at 10:30pm and continued until 6am, before the morning commute started. The station clock is the iconic reminder of the film, where Johnson and Howard famously shared a kiss situated underneath. It still stands proudly working today informing the thousands of passengers and passers-by of the time. The films international success has made Carnforth Station a Mecca for romantic film fans.

We also depart from one of the UK’s busiest stations, London Kings Cross. The station has become well known for its association with the Harry Potter films, particularly the fictional Platform 9 ¾ which is where Harry and friends would board the famous Hogwarts Express to take them to Hogwarts. Fun fact, the scenes for the running into the wall scenes were actually taken place in-between platforms 4 and 5! Look out for a luggage trolley embedded in the wall at the station, where many tourists visit to take a photograph (free of charge!)

The Chatsworth House in Derbyshire

The Chatsworth House in Derbyshire

Many of our end destinations have also been locations for some very famous films. Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, provided exterior and interior shots for Mr Darcys swanky mansion in Pride and Prejudice (2005) starring Keira Knightley. There is actually a tribute to the film that stands today at Chatsworth House, in the style of a Mr Darcy bust. Made of resin mixed with marble dust it was created by Nick Dutton in 2004 and was actually a prop used in the film – it can be found in the Orangery shop, through the Sculpture Gallery.

Other locations you may recognise whilst walking around the wonderful cities we have to offer; Winchester Cathedral, which was used in The Da Vinci Code (2005) starring Tom Hanks. You may also recognise the Pulteney Bridge in Bath which was used in the 2013 film starring Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway and Russel Crowe, Les Misérables

Pulteney Bridge in Bath

Pulteney Bridge in Bath