A LUXURIOUS DAY ON THE NORTHERN BELLE, THE BRITISH ORIENT EXPRESS

 

Probably one of the best days I’ve had in a long time. What a wonderful experience!

I adore being taken back in time to the wonderful 1930’s! An era I often feel I should have been alive in, where men & women alike really knew how to dress and glamour was the essence of the time.

The Orient Express has always fascinated me and for as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to experience a day enjoying the luxury, class & glamour of this wonderful time of years gone by.

The Northern Belle is the British Orient Express & has wonderful experience days you can book to sample a taste of this luxurious train. And so, for Christmas 2019, I booked a day trip for my parents, Tony & I February 2020. But of course covid hit & sadly the trip had to be cancelled and re booked a few times until at last, in September 2021, we at last set aboard the luxurious Northern Belle in Birmingham.

The second you board the train you are immediately transported and it’s wonderful to dress up & see everyone else dress up for the occasion.

We were immediately shown to our seats in the stunning Chatsworth carriage and made ourselves comfortable.

The service was out of this world all day & we were instantly served a glass of champagne as we settled in.

It’s called Afternoon Tea but in truth it’s a 5 course Afternoon Tea that continues throughout the entire journey which you can graze & eat a leisure.

Almost as soon as we left the station we were served a delicious Leek & Cheese tartlet and a duck scotch egg. A little while later the wonderful finger sandwiches arrived. A bottle of Laurent Perrier Champagne hit the spot and washed it all down perfectly.

Once the savoury delights were polished off we were served the most delicious finger deserts & more kept coming until we were fit to burst. But it didn’t end here, no Afternoon Tea is complete without warm scones with jam and clotted cream which really were divine.

The train took us along the beautiful Welsh Coastline & we were blessed with a glorious day outside so the views were stunning.

On the return to Birmingham we were served Strawberries & Cream. Tea & Coffee was in constant supply throughout the day along with an extensive bar and I certainly indulged in quite a few glasses of Champagne.

Throughout the day we were entertained by wonderful musicians and a table magician which were all excellent and very entertaining.

Spending the day with my parents and Tony without us all rushing here there and everywhere whilst enjoying this fantastic experience was one of life’s wonderful moments and we all had a simply wonderful day.

The Northern Belle is not a cheap day by any means but the memories, the experience, the service, the food, the entertainment and of course the beautiful train were worth every penny and I cant wait to do it again.