RAIL enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Northern Belle, a posh vintage train that promises a level of luxury comparable to Canada’s renowned Rocky Mountaineer. With its striking 1930s Pullman-style carriages, the Northern Belle is set to captivate passengers with an opulent experience, complete with fine dining and world-class champagne. Departing from Wrexham station, this extraordinary journey will transport passengers back to the golden age of train travel.
Priced between £295 and £570, passengers will be treated to an indulgent experience aboard the Northern Belle. The train, which once formed part of the iconic Orient Express, has garnered a reputation for its exceptional service and lavish surroundings. A spokesperson for the train expressed, “It might sound like a lot of money, but this will be no ordinary railway journey.” They emphasized that the passengers will be pampered from the moment they step onto the train, greeted with a red carpet at Wrexham station.
Highlighting the nostalgic appeal of the experience, the spokesperson continued, “Then as they are handed their first glass of champagne, we transport them back to the golden days of train travel during the heady days of the 1930s.” As the journey unfolds, passengers will be serenaded by resident musicians and entertained by an onboard conjuror, adding a touch of magic to their experience.
The Northern Belle has gained international recognition for its luxurious offerings. Actor Bill Nighy, during an episode of Channel 5’s “The World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys,” hailed the train as “the Grand Dame of luxury travel.” Additionally, the train received accolades from Condé Nast Traveller magazine, ranking ninth among the world’s most luxurious trains and being the sole British representative in the top 10.
Each vintage carriage of the Northern Belle is individually decorated, and it boasts a rich history. Notably, one of the carriages previously belonged to the Royal Train and is rumored to have housed the late Queen Mum’s favorite seat, adding a regal touch to the experience.
The Northern Belle’s journey from Wrexham will commence at 1.05 pm on Friday, June 23, following its pick-up of passengers at Crewe and Chester. Passengers will have the option to choose between an Afternoon Tea, featuring an array of sandwiches, cakes, pastries, and petits fours, or a lavish seven-course gourmet dinner accompanied by carefully selected wines. For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury, an upgrade to the “Krug Class” allows passengers to indulge in some of the world’s most expensive champagne for an additional fee.
Rail enthusiasts and those seeking an extraordinary travel experience are advised to secure their tickets promptly, as the Northern Belle’s visits to Wrexham station are infrequent. Prepare to embark on a nostalgic journey through time, where elegance, grandeur, and impeccable service converge aboard the Northern Belle.
