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Princess Elizabeth - Spirit of Travel Lunch

Saturday 3rd October 2020

Preston

Your Journey

Your journey begins in style with a glass of Grand Marque champagne. Once settled into your plush armchair in our stylish dining carriages, a light brunch before a delectable five course lunch is served.

Step back into the spirit of the Roaring 20’s with an unforgettable celebration on- board the Northern Belle. Let the champagne flow and the dresses spin as live music fills the carriages. After-all, a little party never harmed anyone.

Admire the opent interior design of your carriage, which evokes the 1930s “Belle” trains, each vintage carriage is decked out in luxurious details. Look around and discover plush fabrics and handcrafted murals.

Our trip not only embraces the Golden Age of Steam, but also heralds a nostalgic reunion between Princess Elizabeth and Duart – one of our Plman-style carriages resplendent with its exquisite marquetry motif of the famous castle on the Isle of Ml – which Her Majesty used when it too used to form part of her Royal Train.

PRINCESS ELIZABETH (6201)

Affectionately known as "Lizzie" this locomotive was built in 1933 and named after a then young Princess later to become Queen Elizabeth 11. It is one of the two remaining preserved Princess Royal Class Locos.

"Lizzie" played a key role on the Diamond Jubilee celebrations - her whistle signalled the start of the Thames Jubilee Paget and haed the Royal Train during the Diamond Jubilee Tour.

Our special steam program reunites this Royal Engine with our oldest carriage Duart which was once part of the Royal Train.

THE JOURNEY

The route from Preston takes us first to Lancashire’s traditional county town of Lancaster and on to Carlisle, where there will be an hour’s stop during which passengers can photograph Princess Elizabeth, briefly explore the city or just relax on board.

Then, with a piercing blast of that same distinctive locomotive whistle that signalled the start of the Queen’s Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant in 2012, the Northern Belle will steam majestically off towards the spectacar 72-mile Settle-Carlisle line.

Painstakingly hewn out of the North Pennine moors and Yorkshire Dales during the 1870s by an army of 6,000 navvies, this has been voted number two in a list of “The World’s 10 Greatest Train Journeys”.

“Past cotton-grass and moorland boder, Shovelling white steam over her shoder” (to quote W H Auden’s famous “Night Mail poem), Princess Elizabeth will race through picturesque Appleby before working hard to reach the top of Ais Gill (1,169ft, 356m). Then the Northern Belle drops down to Garside until eventually – “Snorting noisily as she passes, Silent miles of wind-bent grasses” – she steams into Settle.

On the way, we will have plunged through 14 tunnels, including the 1.5mile (2404m) long Blea Moor Tunnel, and crossed 22 viaducts, notably the magnificent 24-arch, quarter-mile (402m) long and 104ft (32m) high one at Ribbleshead.

Finally after reaching the pretty little town of Hellifield, we head west through Blackburn and back to Preston. Our trip may be over, but we will have memories to last a lifetime.

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

View sample menu

Saturday 3rd October 2020

Departing from

Preston

  • Preston

  • Destination
  • Carlisle Station

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

Book Your Tickets

Saturday, 3rd October 2020
Princess Elizabeth - Spirit of Travel Lunch

Experience the epitome of rail travel with this fantastic journey of a lifetime. A unique opportunity to travel behind one of the world's most famous steam locomotive’s Princess Elizabeth (6201), this magnificent engine was built in 1933 and named after the then seven-year-old Queen to be, and was used to haul the Queen’s Royal Train.

Spectacular scenic journey by steam

Welcome sparkling Bellini reception

Delightful brunch on the outward journey

Morning tea and coffee

Time to explore Carlisle at leisure

Champagne reception back on board

Sumptuous Five-course dinner: British seasonal table d’hote menu including an award winning cheese board

Complementary bottle of wine per couple

Tea, coffee and petit fours

£395 per passenger

Sold Out

Add to waitlist

Join the waitlist!

Enter your phone number below to join the waitlist for this journey. If any seats become available, our reservations team will be in touch by phone.

If you have any questions, our reservations team is available on 01270 907010, Monday to Friday, 9:30am–5:00pm.

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 Princess Elizabeth - Spirit of Travel Lunch 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.

Sold Out

Add to waitlist

Join the waitlist!

Enter your phone number below to join the waitlist for this journey. If any seats become available, our reservations team will be in touch by phone.

If you have any questions, our reservations team is available on 01270 907010, Monday to Friday, 9:30am–5:00pm.

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 Princess Elizabeth - Spirit of Travel Lunch 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.

Sold Out

Add to waitlist

Join the waitlist!

Enter your phone number below to join the waitlist for this journey. If any seats become available, our reservations team will be in touch by phone.

If you have any questions, our reservations team is available on 01270 907010, Monday to Friday, 9:30am–5:00pm.

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

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.

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.

Princess Elizabeth - Spirit of Travel Lunch Dates

Experience the epitome of rail travel with this fantastic journey of a lifetime. A unique opportunity to travel behind one of the world's most famous steam locomotive’s Princess Elizabeth (6201), this magnificent engine was built in 1933 and named after the then seven-year-old Queen to be, and was used to haul the Queen’s Royal Train.