No wonder Channel 5 chose to feature our trip over the magnificent Settle-Carlisle line on one of their “The World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys”.
Narrator Bill Nighy was obviously impressed by the Northern Belle too, telling viewers it was “the Grand Dame of luxury travel”.
The 73-mile route, snaking through the Eden Valley and the Yorkshire Dales, has been dubbed the most beautiful in the world.
And what better way of seeing it than comfortably ensconced in one of the Northern Belle’s plush vintage Pullman-style carriages?
Especially when the train is being hauled by a famous steam locomotive from a bygone era!
The day starts, as usual, as you board the Northern Belle over a red carpet laid across your home station platform.
Within minutes, a liveried steward hands you a sparkling Mimosa cocktail before a delicious three-course brunch is served as we travel North.
Then after a little sightseeing in Carlisle – with the original diesel locomotive now replaced by steam engine – we set out again.
As we head for Settle, with your table adorned with pristine white linen and sparkling glassware, our staff begin serving a sumptuous six-course dinner with the fine wines.
Each dish boasts the freshest seasonal ingredients, classic and innovative recipes, crafted with meticulous attention in our kitchen carriage, before finishing with our Great British Cheese Board and a lovely glass of port.
It all makes for a wonderful dream day you will remember for the rest of your life.
Until the 1970s, steam-hauled expresses like the Thames-Clyde Express and The Waverley thundered between London and Scotland over this line, which was hewn out of the rugged Yorkshire Dales and the Cumbrian Fells by an army of 6,000 navvies during the 18th century.
Opened in 1875, one of the highlights is the magnificent 24-arch Ribblehead Viaduct, which is 104ft high and stretches for quarter of a mile across the wonderfully-named Batty Moss.
Coventry Station
Birmingham International Station
Wolverhampton
Stafford Station
Crewe Station
Carlisle Station
This was the Northern Belle journey that featured on Channel 5’s “The World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys” and left an impressed Bill Nighy raving over the Belle as “the Grand Dame of luxury travel”.
£595 per passenger
Book NowIn addition to our Settle & Carlisle Steam Special journey why not upgrade your on-board experience to include the following:
Single travellers will receive half bottles of these derivatives.
Book with Laurent-Perrier ClassIn partnership with KRUG champagne we introduce another class of travel.
In addition to our Settle & Carlisle Steam Special 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
Single travellers will receive half bottles of these derivatives.
Book with KRUG ClassPlease 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 touchNorthern 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. Choose comfortable yet stylish attire and wear appropriate footwear for day trips that may involve walking.
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.
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