Northern Belle

An absolutely amazing day out on the Northern BelleTrain 6 1/2 hour round trip. In the luxurious surroundings as we stepped back in time Champagne Reception, a sumptuous seven course lunch intertwined with entertainment. For me it really was a once in a lifetime experience. An amazing gift from my husband for a special Birthday that created so any unforgettable memories... Add this to your bucket list if you get the opportunity

My first trip on 23rd April 2022 on the Chester to Carlisle to Settle line. The staff were incredible and so helpful. They made the trip. Food was to die for and plenty of it! I had the most amazing trip and will now have a yearly treat just for me! If you want a treat, please look no further. You will have an incredible time.

Northern Belle: Carlisle to Settle

Joined the Northern Belle at Chester for our day out. Blessed with beautiful weather throughout the day; excellent company; attentive and friendly train staff and delicious and well presented food (brunch and 5 course meal).

All in all a very enjoyable experience and we would certainly repeat it in the future.

Sheffield to Conwy and Bodnant Gardens on Saturday 30th April 2022
I was a little disappointed with the experience after being so excited to be travelling for my only day’s holiday of the year. People must have been so much shorter when the carriages were built.I found the leg room was very tight with people having to store handbags etc. under the table. Help should have been available on boarding to put extra coats, bags etc in the high racks. No red carpet on boarding, a small detail but part of the “ experience”. No flower on table, another small detail. The food was acceptable but nothing I wouldn’t make at home. I found the salmon dry and I thought the ‘caviar’ was the type you can buy in a jar from the general supermarket.I expected Fine Dining. The table was set beautifully with crisp table linen.
I didn’t understand why I was only given a glass of wine because I was on my own, definitely not half a bottle which I would have expected. I think this was my main complaint and don’t understand why I was given less just because I was on my own. I did enjoy Bodnant Gardens but I would have preferred to have the option of visiting the town of Conwy and not the Castle.

This is an outstanding day trip - from Edinburgh Waverley station to Inverary Castle north of Glasgow. The train goes through constantly changing countryside and the castle is well worth seeing - the gardens as well if you have time. We went on 26 August and were served throughout the journey by Jason and his colleagues in Amber carriage.They were absolutely brilliant, serving wonderful food for brunch and dinner and offering a mine of information about the trip. There was also a magician on the way out and a musical duo on the return journey. The house wines are also excellent and not expensive. The trip on the Northern Belle is expensive but well worth the outlay.

Booked for a trip to Edinburgh and a tour of royal yacht Britannia. When we had been on the train about an hour plus we were informed that the yacht had to be cancelled as there was not going to be enough time. Told by train manager Paddy that “they only found this out this morning”. It was a beautiful August day and the carriage was extremely hot. Was told that unfortunately the air conditioning has broken down “this morning”. The food and staff were excellent. About half an hour from Edinburgh the staff were clearing the tables and setting up for the evening meal which was really disappointing, felt like we were in a busy cafe. Would have been special to get back on to see it all set up. The advertised music on the return journey never materialised.
It appears to me that what is provided is good. However, don’t except a smooth day. To top it all off when I finally managed to get in touch with customer service, they were off hand, to say the least. Would not use Northern Belle again seem like they feel they can advertise a special experience but you may not get it all. Shame.

Our first time in Cardiff- busy due to the Rugby international but still very enjoyable. The train was quality and more importantly the staff serving us exceeded our expectations. An excellent day.

My husband brought us The Northern Belle Birmingham to York at leisure experience as a Christmas present in 2019. Due to Covid our trip in September 2020 was postponed until September 2021 and boy the wait was worth it.
We boarded The Northern Belle Emerald Carriage at Birmingham international and were greated by Jo and Gary who advised us that they will be looking after us throughout our journey. Both Jo and Gary made us along with the other guests in our carriage feel very welcome and looked after our needs with professionalism and politeness, nothing was to much for them.
They are a credit to the Northern Belle Team and deserve recognition for their hard work and welcoming attitude.
The food was divine, and the presentation was exceptional and it tasted delicious.
Gary made sure we had plenty of tea and coffee throughout our journey York.
We spent 6 hours in York and then boarded The Northern Belle for are journey back to Birmingham. our carriage was presented immaculately for dinner, bottles of wine were waiting for us. Again the food was out of this world. 5 courses of delicious food.
We would definitely recommend a Northern Belle experience and if you are lucky enough to have Gary and Jo to look after your carriage, your experience will be out of this world.