What Can I Expect

Your voyage on the Northern Belle scenic railway special will be no ordinary journey. You will be taking a Grand Tour of the North-West's finest countryside, onboard one of the country's most opulent trains.

The first leg of your sensationally scenic voyage will see you heading north through Lancaster and Carnforth, crossing the beautiful Lake District and Penrith, to arrive in Carlisle. During this diesel-pulled journey, you'll have nothing more strenuous to do than sitting back, enjoying your breakfast brunch and Bellini from the comfort of your armchair seat.

On arrival at Carlisle, most passengers take the chance to disembark and stretch their legs. It's also a great opportunity to watch the steam locomotive arrive and couple up with Northern Belle. The steam, the smell, the noise. The skills of the drivers. It's a joy to witness!

The next part of your Northern Belle tour really is unique. Pulled by the lovely Princess Elizabeth steam loco, you will now head south along the Settle and Carlisle line. Quite simply, this is one of the world's most scenic railway journeys.

You will traverse the sweeping Yorkshire Dales, climbing up to Dent, the country's highest railway station. And after a long tunnel, you cross the famous Ribblehead viaduct. It's a remarkable piece of Victorian engineering that spans 400m and sits proudly at 32m above the green fields of God's own country.

Accompanying these timeless and ancient landscapes you'll observe from your window, is the impeccable comfort and service the Belle is renowned for. A delicious five-course meal will be served at your table, as you traverse some of the most picturesque views you'll ever see.

As you gently roll back into the station at the end of your round trip, you'll all agree that travelling the very special Settle to Carlisle line is a like journey through time, telling the story of England and most probably with every type of weather, all in just one day.

These Northern Belle scenic railway specials always sell out, so make sure you buy your voucher and book your seat on this most magnificent of trains powered by steam, along a historic route filled with wonders. 

When Is It Available

• Selected dates throughout the year
• Due to popularity please book well in advance to avoid disappointment
• Departures times vary and a confirmed schedule will be supplied upon booking
• All dates are subject to availability at your chosen location
• Some cities only have limited departures so please book early and check the schedule
• Please arrive 30 minutes before departure

Scheduled dates: 

2024 Dates:

• Saturday 16th November: Telford, Shrewsbury, Wrexham, Chester

2025 Dates:

• Saturday 29th March: Manchester, Preston

Suitable For

• Minimum age is 11
• Smart casual wear is appropriate, recommend jackets for men (but no jeans or trainers)
• Because of the vintage nature of the train wheel chair access is not possible onboard, help is available for passengers with disabilities, with facilities to stow folding wheelchairs
• For the comfort of all, this is a non-smoking train throughout and passengers are asked to turn off their mobile telephones whilst on board
• If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise us when booking and we will do our best to comply. We are, however, unable to provide meals requiring strict religious observance in their preparation

Spectators

Anything Else

• There are seven passenger carriages, each with the same interior layout of tables for two and four
• Seating will be side by side on a table of four
• It may be possible to upgrade to a table of two at the time of activation for an additional charge
• Vouchers are valid for trips up to the voucher value. Prices for experiences may vary in line with demand. You may need to look further ahead for a date of equal value or if you wish to travel on a date that does not correspond with your voucher or upgrade to an alternative experience, you may pay a supplementary fee. No refunds will be made for bookings that have dropped in price