A luxury train is set to travel through two Lancashire cities in the coming weeks as it launches its 2025 Christmas events.
The Northern Belle, known as Britain’s most luxurious train, will travel through Preston on its way to Edinburgh this winter.
In the Scottish city, passengers will enjoy the “magical” Christmas markets with food and drinks and gifts available.
What is the Northern Belle Christmas experience?
The Northern Belle’s website explains the plan for the day trip which starts with passengers accessing the train via the red carpet.
To start the journey, passengers will be offered a sparkling Mimosa or Bloody Mary cocktail.
It added: “A leisurely three-course brunch will then be served during the journey north to Scotland, before up to five hours of free time to explore Edinburgh.
“On returning to the train, a champagne reception awaits before a magnificent six-course dinner with fine wines is served during the journey home.
“Throughout the evening, our resident musicians will serenade you while our onboard magician wanders from table to table, adding an extra touch of festive sparkle to an unforgettable day.”
Is travelling on the Northern Belle worth it?
If you're wondering what it's like to travel on the luxury train, some passengers have shared their thoughts on Tripadvisor where it has a 4.6 rating from 1,412 reviews.
One person said: "Excellent trip. First impression upon entry to the carriage was a wow! Service and food could not be faulted. Catered for my 'non red meat' request and my wife's pescatarian menu request without fuss and went above and beyond. Can't fault what was a very special day and occasion."
Another passenger shared: "A Fine Dining experience, more than met our expectations with the menu.
"Staff excellent, funny and very efficient. Carriages are well equipped and immaculate."
How to book Northern Belle Christmas experience
The Christmas experience can be booked online for £495 per person with options to upgrade at an additional cost.
The experience will be on Wednesday, December 3 and includes:
- Round trip travel to Edinburgh on the Northern Belle
- Sparkling Mimosa or Bloody Mary cocktail
- Three-course brunch served on the outward trip
- Free time to wander around Edinburgh, do some shopping and sightseeing
- Champagne when back on board the train along with a cocktail and some small bites
- Six-course dinner
- One bottle of wine per couple
- Fortnum & Mason tea and Northern Belle blend coffee
The experience can be upgraded for a further £95 (Laurent-Perrier Class) or £195 (KRUG Class) each.
Northern Belle Christmas experience timings
On December 3, the Northern Belle will depart from Manchester, Crewe, Preston and Lancaster.
The website explains that the train will depart from Manchester Victoria station at 6.20am, Crewe station at 7.35am, followed by Preston at 8.35am and Lancaster at 8.55am.
Passengers will arrive in Edinburgh at 12.30pm and leave again at 4.50pm.
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The train will arrive at Lancaster at 8.45pm, and passengers getting off at Preston can expect to arrive at the station at 9.25pm.
At 10.40pm, the train will arrive at Crew,e and finally, at 11.45pm, passengers will arrive at Manchester Victoria.
It’s worth noting that these timings are provisional and will be confirmed seven days before the journey.
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