This trip has now departed.

This trip is has now departed. Use the buttons below to browse other trips like this or trips from the same departure locations.

Cardiff Castle - Marquess of Bute's Gothic Mansion

Wednesday 20th July 2022

Sheffield, Chesterfield, Nottingham, Derby, Stoke-on-Trent

Your Journey

Your journey begins as you are welcomed aboard the Northern Belle by your steward, who escorts you to your seat. Settle in, relax and enjoy a sparkling Bellini and three course brunch as the train travels to Wales. 

On arrival at Cardiff, it is a short walk to the Castle which lies on the other side of the famous Principality Stadium and at the heart of the city’s shopping district. 

Step back in time as you discover the many layers of history at Cardiff Castle with over 2000 years of history from the Romans, the Norman keep built by William the Conqueror up to the Marquess of Bute in the Victorian era who converted the castle to incorporate a Gothic Mansion built with his enormous wealth. 

Marvel at the ornate rooms within the Mansion including the Arab room, the banqueting hall and the bibliophile or Marquess’s library. 

Back aboard the train enjoy a sparkling glass of champagne as you sink back into your seat. Enjoy the ever changing views from your window as the train wends its way home. A delicious five course dinner is served with specially selected wine to round off this day of discovery.

THE SCENIC JOURNEY

Your journey will wend down the Welsh & English border railway line crossing in and out of England and Wales several times, often called the Marches when the area was red by the Marcher border Lords.

Glance down at the graceful River Dee Valley as you pass over the Traphont Cefn Mawr viaduct before we travel into Shropshire with views of the Welsh Berwyn mountains in the distance.

Then we get to appreciate the Shropshire Hills via Craven Arms and Ludlow, before we reach the fertile lands of Hertfordshire with its abundance of apples and Beef cattle.

Passing over the River Wye, the fourth longest river in the UK we head back into Wales via Abergavenny over the river Usk and into Cardiff.

Wednesday 20th July 2022

Departing from

Sheffield, Chesterfield, Nottingham, Derby, Stoke-on-Trent

  • Sheffield Station

  • Chesterfield

  • Nottingham Station

  • Derby Station

  • Stoke on Trent Station

  • Destination
  • Cardiff Central

We are currently awaiting provisional timings.
Timings are subject to network rail confirmation 7 days prior to departure.

Book Your Tickets

Wednesday, 20th July 2022
Cardiff Castle - Marquess of Bute's Gothic Mansion

Follow in the footsteps of Channel 5's 'World's Most Scenic Railway Journeys' and discover a fantasy Gothic Mansion built by the richest family in the World in the Victoria era. Set within the grounds of the Medieval Cardiff Castle lies the Mansion built by the 3rd Marquess.

Round trip travel on the Northern Belle

Welcome drink; sparkling Bellini cocktail

Delicious three course brunch on the outward journey

Morning tea and coffee

Admission into Cardiff Castle & Gardens

Champagne reception back on board

Five course dinner: British seasonal table d’hôte menu including Great British cheese board, biscuits and chutneys

Bottle of wine per couple

Tea, coffee and petit fours

£420 per passenger

Sold Out

Upgrade your journey
Laurent-Perrier Class

In addition to our Cardiff Castle - Marquess of Bute's Gothic Mansion journey why not upgrade your on-board experience to include the following:

Champagne reception upgraded with Laurent-Perrier Brut Millésime Vintage 2012

Bottle of wine upgraded from our Northern Belle Collection per couple

Bottle of Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Brut NV per couple

Additional £95per passenger

Single travellers will receive half bottles of these derivatives.

Sold Out

Experience another class
KRUG Class

In partnership with KRUG champagne we introduce another class of travel.

In addition to our Cardiff Castle - Marquess of Bute's Gothic Mansion journey why not upgrade your on-board experience to include the following:

  • Bottle of KRUG Grand Cuvée Champagne per couple

  • Bottle of wine upgraded from our Northern Belle Collection per couple

  • Seating allocated in Duart formerly a carriage on The Royal Train or Glamis named after Her Majesty’s childhood home

  • A memorable gift on departure

Additional  £195per passenger - very limited availability

Single travellers will receive half bottles of these derivatives.

Sold Out

Have questions?

Please read our most frequent questions here, if you don't see what you're looking for, visit our full list of Travellers Tips.

If you still have questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our reservations team.

Get in touch

Northern Belle has limited tables for two. We are happy to take a request, however this is not a guarantee and there is a chance that you may be sharing a table of four with another couple. Subject to availability you may guarantee a table for two by paying a supplement of £75 per passenger. When booking online if private tables of two are available you can select your preference, but you can select a shared table without a supplement subject to availability.

All of the Northern Belle carriages are vintage pullman style. Each row of seats is a table for two and across the aisle a table for four.

Yes. If notified at the time of booking, we will do our best to comply with any dietary requirements. These include Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten Free, Pescetarian and the exclusion of certain ingredients such as nuts, onions and dairy. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide meals requiring strict religious observance in preparation. Please order at least 14 days prior to travel to ensure we can order the supplies to the train whilst on tour. Please note that due to the small preparation areas on the train we cannot guarantee cross contamination within the kitchen and if you have severe allergic reactions then please call the reservations team to discuss. When you book on line you will find a section to list your passenger’s dietary needs and other comments.

We are able to accommodate passengers with slight walking difficulties. However, we recommend they are accompanied by a carer. We regret that our carriages cannot be boarded on wheelchair. Staff are able to assist passengers to their seats and folding wheelchairs can be stored during the journey.

Some journeys are not suitable for people with disabilities. Should you have any special requirements please contact your nearest reservations office.

For a journey aboard the Northern Belle luxury train, adhere to the smart casual dress code. Choose comfortable yet stylish attire and wear appropriate footwear for day trips that may involve walking.

All Journeys on Wednesday 20th July 2022

Please Note

  • All timings shown on this website are for your guidance only—a confirmed schedule will be supplied with your travel documents
  • The Northern Belle is hauled by a heritage diesel locomotive unless advertised as a 'steam special'
  • Please ensure you bring your travel documents on the day of your journey
  • If booking up to eight (8) weeks prior to departure, a non-refundable 15% deposit is required to secure your seats
  • Payment is required in full if you are booking within eight (8) weeks of travel
  • Bookings of two attract a surcharge of £75 per passenger for a private table for two
  • Bookings of five or six attract a surcharge of £150 for the use of the private table for two
  • Full payment and cancellation details can be found in our Terms and Conditions page >

Our Best Available rate is subject to availability at time of booking, it is not applicable for parties of 12 or more. Please contact reservations@northernbelle.co.uk for group pricing.

Cardiff Castle - Marquess of Bute's Gothic Mansion Dates

Follow in the footsteps of Channel 5's 'World's Most Scenic Railway Journeys' and discover a fantasy Gothic Mansion built by the richest family in the World in the Victoria era. Set within the grounds of the Medieval Cardiff Castle lies the Mansion built by the 3rd Marquess.