Historic Oban at Leisure

5 out of 5 stars

It was a fantastic experience. We travelled from Manchester Victoria to visit Kew Gardens and we travelled in the Chatsworth Carriage. We were well looked after by Barry, Asim and Darryl, the cuisine was excellent, the ambience superb and the overall setting was luxurious. We had a table for two, but it was great to chat with the other travellers on the table for four opposite us. We will definitely consider the Northern Belle again in 2025.

5 out of 5 stars

This day out can only be described as unforgettable for all the best reasons. We boarded the train at Stafford at 0815 and returned at 2130. What a day. From the first to the last moment on the train everything was outstanding. Particularly the staff in our carriage (Harlech), working in intense heat due to it being the hottest day of the year, they were superb. Even cool towels for us all when we boarded for the return journey. How food of such a high standard can be served on a train can only be admired and applauded. Kew Gardens was also a great place to visit despite the heat. Finally, we were on a table of four, sitting with two really lovely ladies who were such good company throughout a long day.

5 out of 5 stars

Amazing experience going to Ladies' Day at Royal Ascot. The trip was as close to perfection as I've ever experienced. The brilliant staff on the train were so professional but also warm, friendly and fun. The food was sublime and attention to detail was like from a bygone day. Thanks to Asim, Joe, Katie and Chloe for so much attention and for creating for us an unforgettable journey!

5 out of 5 stars

We had an incredible day travelling on the Northern Belle to Ascot Ladies day. We boarded at Birmingham International and from start to finish had a fantastic experience. Thanks to Barry the team in Chatsworth carriage. Food, service and ambiance were amazing. A special mention to Zaina our drinks attendant . She oozes personality and we thought she was an incredible asset to the team. We will definitely be booking more trip 🚂

5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely excellent from start to finish. Silver service treatment with fabulous food. Staff extremely friendly, couldn't do enough to make your trip a memorable experience. We would definitely recommend booking this trip if you have a special occasion to celebrate

5 out of 5 stars

An exceptional day out on the Northern Belle with my sister. Staff were exceptional - Phil, Lucy and Tom in Belvoir carriage. Food was Michelin worthy, Plenty of food throughout the day/evening. Drinks a plenty, excursion to Chatsworth House was so well organised. Met some lovely people. Had a fantastic day out. Would highly recommend. The sun shone for us too! Everyone was so kind and helpful.

5 out of 5 stars

Booked the trip to Chatsworth for my husbands 60th, and it didn’t disappoint, food was excellent, service was good. A really special day! Special mention for the Blini 😋 😋

5 out of 5 stars

We travelled yesterday on the Northern Belle from Manchester as a birthday celebration for the two of us. We were in the Chatsworth carriage and our team of three were Barry, Zaina and Freya who were all absolutely wonderful. From the moment we arrived at Victoria to the sound of a piper playing the bagpipes to shaking hands with Barry as we left, the day was absolutely perfect. The traditional train is lovely; the food could not be faulted; the timings were perfect and Britannia was so interesting. There was a table magician and a musical duo - all lovely people and such fun. It was simply the best day out and we would have no hesitation in recommending it to others.

5 out of 5 stars

Amazing experience on board the Northern Belle to Glamis Castle. We were in carriage Alnwick and our servers were Tom, Lucy and cannot remember the other girls name (sorry). Fantastic service and the food was amazing. We were on a table with another couple whom we had never met but had a brilliant day with them. Cannot fault it and would highly recommend.

5 out of 5 stars

I have been on many journeys now on this superb train since 2015 and this recent one was just as good as ever. I was in Harlech carriage and I must say that the service was second to none. All of the staff were super efficient and it was a truly very enjoyable and perfect day. I will be back at Christmas

5 out of 5 stars

We have been on the Northern Belle on a number of occasions mainly for Christmas Lunch, but also one Afternoon Tea trip. This was our first day trip travelling from Newcastle upon Tyne to Dundee to visit Glamis Castle. With travelling on the Northern Belle before we thought we knew what to expect but food, drink, service on board entertainment and tour of Glamis Castle exceeded even our expectations. Carriage as always was immaculate as was Crockery, Cutlery, Glassware and Table Linen. Its not a Cheap day trip, but it is worth every penny. We hope to have more day trips like this in future, and would recommend The Northern Belle to any potential customers who want a once in a lifetime treat. But beware you will want to repeat and keep on repeating this experience.

5 out of 5 stars

A fantastic trip on Northern Belle. The staff on board were friendly and attentive, the food was delicious and the journey exceeded our expectations. The train is very comfortable and it was great to just sit back and relax and be waited on. We were entertained by a magician in the morning and by the musicians at night. The trip to the Royal yacht well organised and a treat to have a tour of Edinburgh and hear about its history. All in all a memorable trip and i have no hesitation in recommending the Northern Belle to anyone who is looking for a memorable day out.

5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful trip from Birmingham to Settle & back on this luxury train.Beautiful carriage, incredible food, brilliant staff. Read/seen about how good this trip was, expected it to be brilliant , it exceeded my expectations. The whole experience made ever greater by being pulled by a steam train. A truly amazing day.

5 out of 5 stars

From Telford to Carlisle via the Ribblehead viaduct and back, we had a fabulous time. We could not fault the food or the service, which was five stars. The scenery was to die for, helped by all day sun, and we enjoyed time in Carlisle to look around the Cathedral. The magician was entertainingly ham, and the musicians did a great double happy birthday, but what made the trip for us was the happenstance of being seated next to a lively and lovely German couple, who were shooting a YouTube video. Lots of laughs, and you can catch it on their two Germans in Britain Channel.

5 out of 5 stars

My husband booked the Northern Belle to celebrate my 60th birthday. We boarded at Liverpool Lime Street for our onward journey to Carlisle (Settle & Carlisle Steam Special). From the moment we were greeted by staff at the door to our carriage for the day (Glamis), a birthday card was waiting on the table from the Glamis staff (Debbie, Asim & Jo), our table was beautifully ‘dressed’, the food was perfectly cooked & presented until we arrived back at Liverpool, the day couldn’t have been more perfect. Nothing was too much trouble & we would like our thanks to be passed on to Debbie, Asim, Jo & to the chef & team for making my 60th celebration a truly memorable & unforgetable day.

5 out of 5 stars

Boarded the Northern Belle at Wakefield for a full days outing to Carlisle and what a fabulous experience it was from start to finish. The food and service were first class, we were in the Chatsworth carriage and our stewards Barry and Zayna looked after us impeccably with enthusiasm, grace and humour. The cost of the trip may seem expensive but when a full 12 hours experience is factored in with a 3 course brunch, 6 course dinner, champagne, wine and port included along with a magician, a band and the luxurious experience, it all makes for a wonderful memory. Can highly recommend.

5 out of 5 stars

Special birthday treat for my husband we went to The Cheltenham Gold Cup on the Northern Belle. It really is luxury travel and we were looked after extremely well by the staff always with a smile and nothing was too much travel. My husband was chuffed to receive a birthday card from them as well which was a lovely touch. The food is second to none and the tartlet “Arnold Bennett” was delicious melted in the mouth thank you chef. The ongoing travel into Cheltenham race course was well orchestrated and the staff on the steam train and at the station also looked after us very well. The five course dinner on our journey back was just a delight I particularly enjoyed the shin suet pudding and the beef. I wanted my husband to enjoy his day and he loved every minute of the experience and hasn’t stopped talking about it.

5 out of 5 stars

What an unforgettable and amazing experience for my birthday! Genuinely one of the best things I’ve ever done. From start to finish the day was PERFECT! The most wonderful staff, fantastic food, entertainment, everything just stunningly beautiful. Anyone considering doing a trip, DO IT! It’s a must! We had the spirit of travel luncheon and upgraded to a couples table and Laurent Perrier package, it was worth every single penny. We will definitely be back to do another one!

5 out of 5 stars

We were greeted by the most friendly and amazing smile, from the moment we got on board, the staff went above and beyond to ensure our comfort and satisfaction, the welcoming atmosphere and attentive staff made the day very pleasant. The menu offered a delightful array of dishes, each expertly crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Every bite was a culinary delight. My dining experience was truly exceptional. and I can’t wait to return. The luxurious train, coupled with exceptional service, made our day truly memorable Highly recommended!

5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely fantastic this Christmas trip is a must the best experience you can give someone the staff are absolutely lovely the food amazing could not fault this at all.

5 out of 5 stars

The Christmas Festive Lunch journey from Liverpool to Holyhead was great. We were in the Glamis carriage and the decor was lovely. The food was delicious and the porn star martini was very good. We were serenaded by songs and there was also a magician going from table to table. A thoroughly enjoyable experience.

5 out of 5 stars

First trip in 4 years and just as good as ever, if not better - superb, friendly attentive service attending to our every need in that wonderful atmosphere only found on the Northern Belle and the entertainment too from the singing duo and magician at the table. All four of us had a great day out from Carlisle to Dundee - topped off by a tour of Glamis Castle.

5 out of 5 stars

Fabulous excursion from Darlington to Edinburgh made an excellent experience by being hauled by Flying Scotsman to mark its Centenary. Absolutely faultless service, food, and organisation. The preparation and presentation of the carriage (Duart) was superb and was regularly maintained throughout the return journey. Nothing was too much trouble for the hardworking staff who cannot be praised highly enough. Main meal of beef was cooked to perfection and melted in the mouth. Absolutely recommended to anyone. A wonderful day.

5 out of 5 stars

We did the Flying Scotsman centenary special journey - from York to Edinburgh. What a wonderful day! The superb, efficient team worked hard to make our day memorable. The luxurious carriages and excellent food and beverages added to the glamour of the day. I’d recommend one of the Northern Belle journeys to anyone wanting this kind of special day out.

5 out of 5 stars

What an absolutely wonderful experience. A perfect day with friends spent being served outstanding food and drink by kind, attentive staff whilst relaxing in luxurious surroundings. The whole experience ran like clockwork and will be fondly remembered.