Search

Planet Rail · Luxury day trip

Day Trip: Champagne Afternoon Tea on the Northern Belle

One-day luxury rail excursion with champagne and afternoon tea on the Northern Belle

Illustration of Day Trip: Champagne Afternoon Tea on the Northern Belle

Planet Rail's Champagne Afternoon Tea day trip aboard the Northern Belle is a six-hour luxury rail excursion for those who enjoy fine food and elegant travel. The Northern Belle is a restored 1930s Pullman train with individually decorated carriages, each lovingly restored by British craftspeople. You board at noon from a city in the Midlands or North of England and return the same evening at 6pm. Upon boarding, a liveried Steward opens a bottle of Laurent-Perrier Champagne as you settle into your carriage. The day revolves around a full afternoon tea service that includes delicate sandwiches, home-baked scones with clotted cream and jam, cakes, pastries, and Fortnum & Mason tea. Throughout the journey, table magicians and strolling musicians perform at your table. The package also includes a glass of sherry or port and an exclusive box of chocolates. This excursion suits couples and luxury-seekers, particularly those who prioritize fine dining and wine over landscape or hiking.

What to know before you look closer

  • The exact departure city and route are not published in advance; Planet Rail will confirm your local station and the day's routing when you book.
  • The Champagne bottle is per couple, not per person; solo travellers should confirm pricing with the operator.

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    Champagne Afternoon Tea on the Northern Belle

    The Northern Belle departs from various cities in the Midlands and the North, usually departing at approximately 12pm and returning the same day at 6pm. Settle into an individually decorated 1930s Pullman-style carriage for a welcome bottle of Laurent-Perrier Champagne and a traditional afternoon tea of sandwiches, cakes, scones with clotted cream and jam, pastries and Fortnum & Mason tea, with strolling musicians and a table magician on board. You do not disembark during this journey.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1The Northern Belle departs at noon from your chosen Midlands or North England station. A liveried Steward opens a bottle of Laurent-Perrier Champagne as you settle into your individually decorated 1930s Pullman carriage and study the Afternoon Tea menu.
  • Day 1Throughout the six-hour round trip, you enjoy delicate sandwiches, home-baked scones with clotted cream and jam, cakes, pastries and Fortnum & Mason tea, accompanied by a table magician and strolling musicians.

Included

  • Round-trip travel on the Northern Belle luxury train
  • Welcome bottle of Laurent-Perrier Champagne per couple
  • Traditional afternoon tea, including sandwiches, cakes, pastries and scones
  • On board entertainment including table magician and strolling musicians
  • Glass of sherry, port or similar
  • Exclusive box of chocolates
  • Fortnum & Mason tea and Northern Belle blend coffee

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The from-price of GBP 365 per person includes round-trip travel on the Northern Belle, Champagne, afternoon tea, entertainment, and chocolates.
What is the Northern Belle?
It is a luxury train with individually decorated 1930s Pullman-style carriages that have been restored by British craftspeople. It operates day trips from various cities in the Midlands and North of England.
What food and drink are included?
A welcome bottle of Laurent-Perrier Champagne per couple, a full afternoon tea with sandwiches, cakes, scones with clotted cream and jam, and pastries. You also receive Fortnum & Mason tea or Northern Belle blend coffee, a glass of sherry or port, and a box of chocolates.
How long is the trip?
It departs at approximately 12pm and returns the same day at 6pm, a six-hour round trip.
What entertainment is provided?
A table magician and strolling musicians perform throughout the journey in your carriage.

Similar journeys