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Planet Rail · Luxury day trip

Day Trip: Settle & Carlisle Steam Special on the Northern Belle (as seen on Channel 5)

One-day luxury steam train excursion on the Settle-Carlisle line through Yorkshire Dales

Illustration of Day Trip: Settle & Carlisle Steam Special on the Northern Belle (as seen on Channel 5)

Planet Rail's Settle & Carlisle Steam Special is a single-day luxury excursion on the Northern Belle vintage train, departing from cities across the Midlands and the North of England at approximately 8am and returning at 8pm the same day. The itinerary unfolds as a fine dining experience aboard rail: passengers begin with a red-carpet Champagne reception and three-course brunch on the outward journey to Carlisle. After arriving in the historic city, you have a brief window to stroll to the Roman Museum or Medieval Castle before returning to the train. The highlight is the steam-hauled journey over the Settle-Carlisle railway through Yorkshire Dales National Park, where you travel in comfort watching the locomotive pull the train through countryside and mountains. The return leg features a six-course dinner with award-winning British cheeses, wine, and Champagne service. This excursion suits couples seeking a refined rail experience and food-lovers who appreciate multi-course dining paired with heritage train travel.

What to know before you look closer

  • This is a one-day excursion with no overnight accommodation; passengers return to their departure city the same evening
  • Departure cities are listed only as a region (Midlands and the North); confirm your specific boarding point and time with Planet Rail
  • The brief leisure time in Carlisle is fixed; independent exploration is limited to a short stroll

Day by day

  1. Day 1rail

    Settle & Carlisle Steam Special on the Northern Belle

    The Northern Belle departs from various cities in the Midlands and the North, usually departing at approximately 8am and returning the same day at 8pm. Enjoy a red-carpet Champagne reception and a three-course brunch on the outward journey to Carlisle, time for a brief stroll to the Roman Museum or Medieval Castle, then a steam-hauled run over the Settle to Carlisle railway through the Yorkshire Dales National Park, with a six-course dinner on the journey home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Steam locomotive coupled to the Northern Belle at Carlisle before the train climbs through Yorkshire Dales National Park on the historic Settle-Carlisle line

Included

  • Spectacular steam hauled journey along the Settle to Carlisle line
  • Welcome sparkling Mimosa cocktail
  • Delicious three-course brunch on your outward journey
  • Time to explore Carlisle at leisure
  • Champagne reception back on board including canapés and Caviar blinis
  • Sumptuous six-course dinner: British seasonal table d'hôte menu including: Award-winning Great British cheese board with Port to accompany, delicious dessert and a selection of petits fours
  • Sommelier's choice - Bottle of wine per couple
  • Fortnum & Mason tea and Northern Belle blend coffee

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included in the price?
Yes. The price of 565 GBP per person includes all rail travel on the Northern Belle, the steam-hauled journey, and all meals and beverages listed.
What meals and drinks are included?
A Mimosa welcome drink and three-course brunch on the outward journey; Champagne reception with canapés and caviar blinis on the return; a six-course dinner featuring British seasonal fare, award-winning cheese, dessert, petits fours, and a bottle of wine per couple. Fortnum & Mason tea and Northern Belle blend coffee are also included.
How much time do we have in Carlisle?
A brief stroll, during which you may visit the Roman Museum or Medieval Castle. The train does not remain in Carlisle for an extended stay.
Which cities can I depart from?
The Northern Belle departs from various cities in the Midlands and the North of England. Contact Planet Rail for your specific boarding point.
What is the Yorkshire Dales scenery like from the train?
The train travels through Yorkshire Dales National Park on the historic Settle-Carlisle line, a scenic route known for its countryside and mountain views.
Can I reserve a table for two?
Yes, tables for two can be reserved for an additional 75 GBP per person, subject to availability.

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