Historic Oxford at Leisure

Friday 1st November 2024

Liverpool, Warrington, Crewe

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Your Journey

Your day will begin with a red carpet welcome at your departure station where our attentive Stewards will usher you aboard the Northern Belle luxury train for a journey to remember forever. Once you’ve been escorted to your plush seat, one of our liveried Stewards will carefully pour you a sparkling Mimosa cocktail as you study celebrated Head Chef Matthew Green’s sumptuous menu.

Ahead lies a journey back to the Golden Days of rail travel, a time when nothing was too good for the pampered passengers. As the date of your journey draws near our Executive Head Chef and his team will be hard at work in the kitchen carriage preparing a sumptuous three-course brunch and six-course dinner, accompanied by our Sommelier’s choice of wine. Each course boasts the finest seasonal ingredients from the British Isles, classic and innovative dishes are crafted in our recently refurbished kitchen carriage.

En route to Oxford a delicious three-course brunch is served as the glorious British countryside passes by. On arrival, spend your day at leisure, discover the history of the city, visit the abundance of shops and café’s or simply find a nice spot to rest and admire the views. Whatever you choose to do, spend it at your own leisurely pace.

After an incredible day we rejoin the Northern Belle for a Champagne reception, before tucking into a sumptuous six-course dinner during the leisurely journey home.

OXFORD

The City of Dreaming Spires, Oxford is known the world over for its university that proudly claims to have produced more British prime ministers than any other place of learning. Gladstone, Asquith, Eden, Macmillan, Wilson, Thatcher, Blair, Johnson and Liz Truss are just some of the 29 alumni who ended up in Downing Street.

Stroll through the gardens of some of the ancient colleges which attract scholars from all over the world, marvel at the famous Bodleian Library and visit the castle with its atmospheric crypt. Or if it’s a bit of retail therapy you fancy, then the city has plenty to offer with lots of quirky little shops as well as big department stores. And then perhaps round off the day by taking a cruise along the river or get some gowned under-graduate to take you punting.

Friday 1st November 2024

Departing from

Liverpool, Warrington, Crewe

  • Liverpool Lime Street

  • Warrington Bank Quay

  • Crewe Station

  • Destination
  • Oxford Station

We are currently awaiting provisional timings.
Timings are subject to network rail confirmation 7 days prior to departure.

Book Your Tickets

Friday, 1st November 2024
Historic Oxford at Leisure

Join the Northern Belle luxury train on a day excursion to Oxford - The City of Dreaming Spires.

Round-trip travel on the Northern Belle luxury train

Welcome sparkling Mimosa cocktail

Delicious three-course brunch on the outward journey

Free time to explore Oxford

Champagne reception back on board including canapés and Caviar blinis

Sumptuous six-course dinner: British seasonal table d’hôte menu including: Award-winning Great British cheese board with Port to accompany, delicious dessert and a selection of petits fours

Sommelier’s choice - Bottle of wine per couple

Fortnum & Mason tea and Northern Belle blend coffee

£440 per passenger

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Upgrade your journey
Laurent-Perrier Class

In addition to our Historic Oxford at Leisure journey why not upgrade your on-board experience to include the following:

Champagne reception upgraded with Laurent-Perrier Brut Millésime Vintage 2012

Bottle of wine upgraded from our Northern Belle Collection per couple

Bottle of Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Brut NV per couple

Additional £95per passenger

Single travellers will receive half bottles of these derivatives.

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Experience another class
KRUG Class

In partnership with KRUG champagne we introduce another class of travel.

In addition to our Historic Oxford at Leisure 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

Additional  £195per passenger - very limited availability

Single travellers will receive half bottles of these derivatives.

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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 £75 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, ensuring jeans are avoided. Choose comfortable yet stylish attire and wear appropriate footwear for day trips that may involve walking. Enjoy the luxurious setting while maintaining a stylish and refined appearance.

Historic Oxford at Leisure Dates

Join the Northern Belle luxury train on a day excursion to Oxford - The City of Dreaming Spires.

Friday 1st November 2024

Liverpool, Warrington, Crewe

Friday 31st October 2025

Liverpool, Warrington, Crewe, Stafford

All Journeys on Friday 1st November 2024

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 £75 per passenger for a private table for two
  • Bookings of five or six attract a surcharge of £150 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.

Read our fabulous reviews

Browse more

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Unforgettable!

    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.

    Hywyn R
    27 Jun 2024
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Kew Gardens. A great day.

    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.

    WyreForest
    27 Jun 2024
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Unforgettable Journey

    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!

    Kathryn M
    24 Jun 2024
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Amazing Royal Ascot trip

    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 🚂

    Stafford
    21 Jun 2024
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Settle to Carlisle - Fantastic !

    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

    Kay B
    16 Jun 2024
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Exceptional Northern Belle - best day out.

    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.

    Daydream
    07 Jun 2024
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Ipswich to Chatsworth

    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 😋 😋

    Notsominijo
    07 Jun 2024
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Wonderful day trip to the Royal Yacht Britannia

    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.

    Claire M
    19 May 2024
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Amazing Experience

    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.

    Sarah G
    12 May 2024
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Another Superb Journey On The Northern Belle

    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

    mariedimartino
    11 May 2024
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    A addictive Day trip from Newcastle upon Tyne to Glamis Castle

    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.

    travellingman2150
    10 May 2024
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Derby to Edinburgh and Royal Yacht

    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.

    Jachem
    08 May 2024
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Truly the most luxurious train trip ever

    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.

    Christine P
    29 Apr 2024
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Perfectly Spectacular and Fun

    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.

    John S
    26 Apr 2024
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Steam Special - 60th Celebration

    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.

    Jackie G
    14 Apr 2024
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Fabulous day trip to Carlisle

    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.

    Judestar66
    11 Apr 2024
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Travel in style

    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.

    Denise F
    18 Mar 2024
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    The best experience EVER

    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!

    Soap12
    17 Mar 2024
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Exemplary Service

    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!

    469joanneh
    22 Dec 2023
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Christmas lunch

    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.

    V6479HCjuliec
    16 Dec 2023
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    A thoroughly enjoyable experience

    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.

    JoannaC485
    15 Dec 2023
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    A glorious gourmet day out to Scotland

    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.

    V4592TYpatrickt
    03 Oct 2023
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Flying Scotsman to Edinburgh - a taste of days gone by.

    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.

    MEllerton
    16 Sep 2023
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    A very fine train journey indeed

    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.

    Corinne H
    15 Sep 2023
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Flying Scotsman Steam Special 100th Anniversary

    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.

    M1179GMnicko
    15 Sep 2023