Manchester at Christmas - Shopping & Sightseeing

Your day begins as your steward welcomes you on board the Northern Belle and shows you to your seat. Elegant tables laid with starched linen, uniquely-designed silverware and polished glasses complement the luxurious carriages.

Fine dining is a highlight of every journey and once you have settled into your seat, a delicious brunch with a Bellini is served. In the care of your steward, sit back in your plush armchair seat, enjoying the views and celebrating Britain’s glorious railway heritage as we journey to Manchester.

On arrival in Manchester you have free time to explore the city’s sights and attractions under your own leisure. 

MANCHESTER XMAS MARKETS

Manchester's Christmas Markets have been attracting thousands of visitors to the city centre every year since 1998 offering mouth-watering international food, drinks and delicately crafted Yuletide gifts in the heart of this buzzing city.

With more than 300 beautifully festooned stalls and chalets spread across the city centre, the Christmas Markets are free and accessible to all.

Soak up the atmosphere and follow the market trail as it winds through the city centre, tempting you with gifts, crafts, jewellery, clothes and toys. European and local producers offer everything from fine amber jewellery, handcrafted leather bags and top-quality bonsai trees, to handmade Belgian kitchenware, framed photo prints and French soaps.

And when planning a visit, don’t miss the amazing array of food and drink! Manchester’s Christmas Markets are famous for traditional bratwurst, but visitors can also treat themselves to Hungarian goulash, Spanish paella or a good old-fashioned hog roast.

On return to the train, a champagne reception awaits. A sumptuous dinner accompanied by our sommelier’s choice of wine is served as you mull over the many highlights of the day.

INCLUDES

• Round-trip travel aboard the Northern Belle luxury train
• Welcome sparkling Bellini
• Three-course brunch on the outward journey
• Morning tea and coffee
• Free time in Manchester
• 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 petits fours

MANCHESTER

Youthful, diverse, energetic and bursting with character; Manchester is one of the most exciting places to visit in the UK right now where everybody and anybody is very warmly welcomed.

Known throughout the world as the birthplace of the industrial revolution, Manchester has a proud history in science, politics, music, arts and sport. And today the city combines this heritage with a progressive vision to be a city that delivers surprise and delight in equal measures. 

Manchester city centre is jam-packed with unique and eclectic restaurants, bars, shops, museums, and galleries, whilst the surrounding Greater Manchester boroughs offer a patch-work of visitor experiences including quaint market towns, traditional pubs and beautiful green spaces and waterways to be explored on foot or bike. The city region is easily navigated, with great transport links both in and around Greater Manchester.