Historic Edinburgh at Christmas

Saturday 13th November 2027

Hull, York

£525
Per passenger
Luxury christmas train journeys to Edinburgh from York

Your Journey

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, adding an extra touch of festive sparkle to an unforgettable day.

EDINBURGH

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.

Discover our carefully crafted seasonal menu, showcasing fine British cuisine prepared fresh onboard by our expert chefs.

View sample menu
Book your tickets
Book today with a 15% deposit

Saturday 13th November 2027

Departing from

Hull, York

  • Hull Station

  • York

  • Destination
  • Edinburgh Waverley Station

Timings shown are provisional.
Timings are subject to network rail confirmation 7 days prior to departure.

Book Your Tickets

Saturday, 13th November 2027
Historic Edinburgh at Christmas

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!

Round-trip travel aboard the Northern Belle luxury train

Sparkling Mimosa or signature Bloody Mary

Delicious three-course brunch served on the outward journey

Free time to explore Edinburgh for shopping and sightseeing

Champagne welcome back on board, with a signature cocktail & small-bite pairing and caviar blinis

Sumptuous six-course dinner: a British seasonal table d’hôte menu featuring an award-winning Great British cheeseboard with port, a delicious dessert, and a selection of petits fours

Sommelier’s choice — one bottle of wine per couple

Fortnum & Mason tea and Northern Belle blend coffee

£525 per passenger

Book today with a 15% deposit

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Elevate your journey
Moët & Chandon Class

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 Historic Edinburgh at Christmas day, plus:

Your reception Champagne upgraded to Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage

A bottle of Moët & Chandon Impérial NV to share, per couple

Your wine upgraded from the Northern Belle Collection, per couple

+ £95per passenger

Single travellers receive half bottles.

Book with Moët & Chandon class
Experience another class
KRUG Class

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 Historic Edinburgh at Christmas 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

 + £195per passenger - limited availability

Single travellers receive half bottles.

Book with KRUG Class

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 £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.

All Journeys on Saturday 13th November 2027

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 £105 per passenger for a private table for two
  • Bookings of five or six attract a surcharge of £210 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 [email protected] for group pricing.

Customer Reviews

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!

Una
18 Aug 2026

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.

Lynda
16 Aug 2026

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.

Chris
10 Aug 2026

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!

Leon
07 Aug 2026

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

Tracey
02 Aug 2026

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.

Andy
23 Jul 2026

Luxury Christmas Train Journeys To Edinburgh

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! Arrive in style on the Northern Belle vintage train, Edinburgh is a treasure trove of art, culture and history. Luxury christmas train journeys to Edinburgh from York and Hull.

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