Edinburgh is a truly wonderful place to visit at any time of year, but the Scottish capital really comes into its own in the run-up to Christmas.
Not only are there the elegant shops of Princes Street, but magical Christmas markets spring up all over the historic city.
In recent years, highlights have included a spectacular light show illuminating the majestic Castle, a funfair in West Princes Street Gardens, festive workshops, and performances by choirs and street artists. Cosy “warming zones” have also proved popular, with stalls serving hot chocolate and mulled wine.
There has even been the UK’s largest Christmas tree maze, created from 450 illuminated fir trees with surprises hidden along the winding paths.
As always, the magic begins early for passengers when they board the Northern Belle over a red carpet on the station platform before settling into a plush armchair and sipping a sparkling Mimosa or signature Bloody Mary cocktail.
A leisurely three-course brunch will then be served during the journey north to Scotland, before up to five hours of free time to explore Edinburgh.
On returning to the train, a champagne reception awaits before a magnificent six-course dinner with fine wines is served during the journey home.
Throughout the evening, our resident musicians will serenade you while our onboard magician wanders from table to table, adding an extra touch of festive sparkle to an unforgettable day.
Few cities in the world can match Edinburgh, with its imposing castle perched high on the hill overlooking the elegant Georgian architecture below. Stroll up Castle Hill, following in the footsteps of kings and queens, soldiers, and even the odd pirate or two. Visit one of the many museums, browse the countless shops, or simply wander among the historic sights. And don’t forget to pay homage to Greyfriars Bobby, the faithful Skye terrier who kept vigil by his master John Gray’s grave for 14 years. Many visitors touch Bobby’s statue, believing it will bring them luck.
Hull Station
York
Edinburgh Waverley Station
Where better for a bit of Christmas shopping than Edinburgh’s elegant Princes Street? Then warm up with a glass of malt whisky in one of the old town’s historic little pubs – but beware, several are said to be haunted by other spirits!
£495 per passenger
Book NowIn addition to our Historic Edinburgh at Christmas journey why not upgrade your on-board experience to include the following:
Single travellers will receive half bottles of these derivatives.
Book with Laurent-Perrier ClassIn partnership with KRUG champagne we introduce another class of travel.
In addition to our Historic Edinburgh at Christmas 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
Single travellers will receive half bottles of these derivatives.
Book with KRUG ClassPlease 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.
Where better for a bit of Christmas shopping than Edinburgh’s elegant Princes Street? Then warm up with a glass of malt whisky in one of the old town’s historic little pubs – but beware, several are said to be haunted by other spirits!
The late Queen Elizabeth’s beloved Royal Yacht Britannia is moored at Leith, just a stone’s throw from Edinburgh, and our luxury coach will be waiting to whisk you there in minutes.
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.
I just wanted to write a short email to give fantastic feedback for Lucy, Glenn and Arwen on the Hull-Edinburgh trip today (9th November) - Harlech. All three of them were absolutely excellent and made this very first and very special trip excellent for me and my mum. Thank you so, so much. I cannot believe how tirelessly and diligently they all worked to resolve minor issues and they really do deserve heaps of praise. We've never travelled in this way or experienced this kind of service before.
Just a quick note to say a big Thank You ! to you and all at Northern Belle. My family and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole Northern Belle experience ! Memories for a lifetime !!! Special thanks should go to the “greeter” at Chesterfield station (sorry, I don’t know here name), the lady who played the bagpipes at the railway station, the chefs, the driver (a very smooth journey at speed after the initial delay), the magician, the musicians and the onboard crew … in particular the stewards, Jo, Asim and Jamie, who provided a 5* silver service. Exemplary service from beginning to end !! I also really appreciate the exceptional efforts to which your onboard chefs went to accommodate the menu changes for my mentally-disabled son. They were all perfect !
I feel the need to contact you to express our sincere thanks to you, your booking teams, the staff on board and exceptional attentive service on board during our wonderful journey on Saturdays Settle Carlisle train experience We were booked on Belvoir carriage in seats 19 and 20. Treated to excellent service by Phil, Lucy and Tom during our journey They were pleasant, spent time talking to passengers, provided efficient professional service and ensured our experience on board went without a hitch Thank you Northern Belle for a wonderful day and now looking forward to our next trip to Torquay on 20th August
This was our third time onboard the Northern Belle and it was just as magical as ever. Having previously enjoyed Edinburgh at Christmas routes we opted for a summertime excursion as a pleasant change. The addition of a trip on the Dartmouth Steam Railway and Riverboat made for a great addition to the trip, especially with the hot and sunny weather we enjoyed amidst the lush landscape of the area. We all book for the opulence of the train and the exceptional food (huge thanks to the chef for the culinary delights we feasted on) but the heart of the experience truthfully is the wonderful staff who offer warm greetings and high attention to detail.
May I just take this opportunity to thank you and all your colleagues again for the most incredible experience on board The Northern Belle. It was a very special part of my 60th birthday celebrations and exceeded all of our expectations. The most amazing celebration and I am eternally grateful.
We travelled on the Derby to Sheffield return first class on the Christmas special with a 7 course lunch on Britains most luxurious train. It was like going back to the 1930's with a champagne reception and turkey main course. The train staff were wonderful. the food was top quality and the entertainment and atmosphere was well worth the money.
Hull, York
Derby, Swinton, Sheffield, Church Fenton, York, Darlington
Burton, Derby, Sheffield, Doncaster
Manchester, Crewe, Preston, Lancaster
Chester, Liverpool, Wigan, Preston
Grantham, Nottingham, Chesterfield, Sheffield
Hull, York
Derby, Sheffield, Doncaster, York
Burton, Derby, Sheffield, Doncaster
Crewe, Manchester, Preston, Lancaster
Grantham, Nottingham, Chesterfield, Sheffield