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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.
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.
Discover our carefully crafted seasonal menu, showcasing fine British cuisine prepared fresh onboard by our expert chefs.
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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.
£420 per passenger
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Enter your phone number below to join the waitlist for this journey. If any seats become available, our reservations team will be in touch by phone.
If you have any questions, our reservations team is available on 01270 907010, Monday to Friday, 9:30am–5:00pm.
Some days deserve more than a glass. Founded in 1743, Moët & Chandon is the most celebrated Champagne house in the world, poured for royalty and favoured by Napoleon himself.
Everything in your Cardiff Castle - Marquess of Bute's Gothic Mansion day, plus:
Single travellers receive half bottles.
Sold Out
Enter your phone number below to join the waitlist for this journey. If any seats become available, our reservations team will be in touch by phone.
If you have any questions, our reservations team is available on 01270 907010, Monday to Friday, 9:30am–5:00pm.
For the once-in-a-lifetime days, there is KRUG: the most prized Champagne in the world, and the highest class of travel on the train.
Everything in your Cardiff Castle - Marquess of Bute's Gothic Mansion day, plus:
A bottle of Krug Grande Cuvée to share, per couple
Your wine upgraded from the Northern Belle Collection, per couple
Reserved seating in Duart, a former Royal Train carriage, or Glamis, named after the Queen Mother's childhood home
A parting gift to take home
Single travellers receive half bottles.
Sold Out
Enter your phone number below to join the waitlist for this journey. If any seats become available, our reservations team will be in touch by phone.
If you have any questions, our reservations team is available on 01270 907010, Monday to Friday, 9:30am–5:00pm.
What an amazing experience , I had heard about this from family and friends but what we experienced surpassed all my expectations, from getting on the train until getting off it was perfect, the food was amazing , every single course ! the drinks which were all part of the day were also really great as were the staff, the entertainment as well, the whole ambience of the day made us feel really pampered, even the couple that we shared a table with had similar work interests to ourselves which enhanced the whole experience. In one were Amazing!
This wonderful trip from Lincoln Central Station to Settle & Carlisle was absolutely fabulous from beginning to end. The attention to detail was superb and the customer service outstanding. Chloe (train manager) and her staff made us feel welcomed and valued as customers and Chloe herself was the perfect host. The quality of all food was outstanding and served beautifully and with care, and the selection of drinks was excellent. We upgraded to the Krug package and the royal carriage reservation and drinks upgrade were a real treat. The Duart carriage is beautiful and has its own bathroom which was kept extremely clean and well stocked with individual fluffy white hand towels throughout the journey. The 3.5 hours free time in Carlisle proved sufficient to explore the Castle, Museum & the Cathedral, and we were delighted that we travelled over the Ribblehead viaduct and enjoyed the scenic journey from Settle to Carlisle in both directions.
We spent a fantastic day on the Northern Belle train from Edinburgh to the West Coast mountains and lochs. The opulence of the train, the speed of the journey and the whole experience was sumptuous and to be enjoyed. The food and drink on board was amazing, specially considering how small an area there was to prepare it. we were thoroughly spoilt and looked after by Lucy and Katey, who are a credit to Northern Belle. Definitely a great way to celebrate a special event.
We boarded at Cardiff and headed to Chatsworth House and form our very first step aboard Alnwick we absolutely loved it all. The service, food quality, taste and quantity were all excellent and a massive out shoutout to Zina and Phil for looking after us - we have absolutely zero faults to report on the whole experience and we cannot wait to book again! When we arrived at Chatsworth House (also beautiful) we were all very excited to get back on the train and head back - that’s how good it was - you actually wanted to spend another 5 hours on a train!
This was our second trip and it was absolutely fabulous. Service is outstanding and the food exceptional. It is worth every penny. An amazing day in Llandudno at Bodnant Gardens and Conwy Castle followed by fantastic food and entertainment
An OUTSTANDING, FANTASTIC experience. We travelled from York to Carlsie via the Ribblehead Viaduct. On boarding at York the smartly dressed carriage Maitre d bade us welcome & directed us to our seats. On entering the carriage, the decor & set table, were a sight to behold. The table was laid out perfectly, utterly complementing the decor. We sat down in the 'armchairs', sinking into them easily. The menu was varied with each course being cooked to perfection; a joy to eat. My wife has Gluten & Dairy allergies & the Chef & staff went out of their way to ensure that she had the same fantastic culinary experience we had. They had prepared course so that she did noti mss a course. The courses being presented to the same high standard. The staff were extremely attentive throughout, with no query, or request, being to much. We were served by polite, smiling, attentive staff throughout the journey. There was even a '2 piece' band to accompany the dinner meal. A lovely day was had by all of us. Thank you to all staff at Northern Bell, especially Mark & Katy (Warick) - Thank YOU. You helped make the experience.
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 touchNorthern 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 £105 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.
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.
Step on board and experience the journey featured on Channel 5's 'World's Most Scenic Railway Journeys'. Settle in, relax and enjoy a bellini brunch as the train travels to the Principality of Wales.
Our Best Available rate is subject to availability at time of booking, it is not applicable for parties of 12 or more. Please contact [email protected] for group pricing.