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Planet Rail · Day trip / Escorted excursion

Day trip: Great British Seaside: Hastings on board the Belmond British Pullman

One-day vintage train excursion from London to Hastings on the Belmond British Pullman

Illustration of Day trip: Great British Seaside: Hastings on board the Belmond British Pullman

Planet Rail's day excursion aboard the Belmond British Pullman offers a full day of luxury travel and coastal exploration without leaving central London overnight. The vintage train, featuring original 1920s and 1930s Art Deco carriages, departs London Victoria at mid-morning. Passengers are served a sparkling Bellini and three-course brunch while the train travels southeastward to the historic seaside town of Hastings. Upon arrival, you have free time to wander the narrow streets of the Old Town, stroll the renovated pier, or ride the Cliff Railway to the hilltop views of East or West Hill, where Hastings Castle stands as a remnant of the Norman Conquest. The return journey features a champagne reception and a three-course dinner with wine, allowing you to reflect on the day while taking in the English countryside once more. This experience suits luxury-seekers and history enthusiasts who want a refined rail journey combined with seaside leisure, all concluded by evening.

What to know before you look closer

  • This is a day excursion with no overnight accommodation; you return to London the same day
  • Hastings exploration time is unguided and self-directed; specific duration not stated in the itinerary

Day by day

  1. Day 1rail

    London Victoria to Hastings and return

    Board the Belmond British Pullman at London Victoria Station at approximately 10:00. Your steward serves a sparkling Bellini followed by a three-course brunch as the train travels south-eastwards to Hastings. On arrival enjoy free time to explore the Old Town, the renovated pier, the Cliff Railway and the remains of Hastings Castle. Re-board for a champagne reception and a three-course dinner with wine on the return journey, arriving back in London at approximately 18:45. Confirmed timings supplied with travel documents.

    Meals: Brunch, Dinner

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Board the Belmond British Pullman at London Victoria at 10:00 and receive a sparkling Bellini as the train departs southeastward toward Hastings
  • Day 1Free time in Hastings to explore the Old Town shops, ride the Cliff Railway, or visit the remains of Hastings Castle
  • Day 1Return journey features a champagne reception followed by a three-course dinner with wine aboard the vintage train

Included

  • Round-trip travel on the Belmond British Pullman luxury train
  • Welcome sparkling Bellini
  • Delicious three-course brunch on the outward journey
  • Morning tea & coffee
  • Visit to Hastings
  • Free time for shopping and sightseeing
  • Champagne reception back on board
  • Sumptuous three-course dinner
  • Half a bottle of wine per person
  • Coffee, tea and petits fours

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes, round-trip travel on the Belmond British Pullman from London Victoria to Hastings is included, along with brunch and dinner
What meals are provided?
A sparkling Bellini, three-course brunch on the outward journey, and a three-course dinner with half a bottle of wine per person on the return journey, plus tea, coffee, and petits fours
Is the trip escorted or independent?
The train journey is guided by stewards; your time in Hastings is free and unguided for self-directed exploration
What can I see in Hastings?
The Old Town, a renovated pier, the Cliff Railway (for panoramic hilltop views), and the remains of Hastings Castle built after the Norman conquest
What time does the train depart and return?
The train departs London Victoria at approximately 10:00. A specific return time is not stated; contact Planet Rail for details

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