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Planet Rail · Day excursion

Edinburgh at leisure on the Northern Belle

Day excursion to Edinburgh on the Northern Belle luxury dining train

Illustration of Edinburgh at leisure on the Northern Belle

The Northern Belle is a luxury Pullman train that carries passengers from Midlands and North of England stations to Edinburgh and back in a single day. Planet Rail operates this fine-dining rail experience, which combines travel through the countryside and Scottish borderlands with free time to explore Edinburgh, Scotland's capital. The day begins when you board at your chosen station, settle into a plush armchair, and receive a sparkling Bellini welcome drink. A three-course brunch follows, served at your seat as the train travels northward. Upon arrival in Edinburgh, you enjoy several hours of leisure time to visit attractions such as Edinburgh Castle on the Royal Mile or explore the city's Georgian architecture and cultural sites at your own pace. After returning to the train, a champagne reception welcomes you back before a four-course British seasonal dinner, accompanied by wine, cheese, and petit fours. This excursion suits couples and luxury-seekers who prioritize fine dining and comfort, as well as food-and-wine travellers seeking a gastronomic journey by rail.

What to know before you look closer

  • This is a day excursion with free time in Edinburgh; the itinerary does not include a guided tour of the city.
  • Departure stations are various cities in the Midlands and North of England; check with Planet Rail which station is convenient for you.

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    Departure station to Edinburgh and return

    Join the Northern Belle at your chosen station (various cities in the Midlands and the North). Settle into your plush armchair and enjoy a sparkling Bellini welcome drink, followed by a three-course brunch served at your seat as you travel through Northern England and the Scottish borderlands. Arrive in Edinburgh and enjoy free time to explore the city at your leisure – visit Edinburgh Castle on the Royal Mile, museums, shops, cafes and restaurants in this UNESCO World Heritage city. Return to the Northern Belle for a Champagne reception, followed by a sumptuous four-course dinner with fine wine as you travel southwards back to your original departure station.

    Meals: Brunch, Dinner

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Settle into a plush armchair aboard the Northern Belle, welcomed with a sparkling Bellini and a three-course brunch served at your seat as the train travels through Northern England and the Scottish borderlands.
  • Day 1Explore Edinburgh at leisure, with time to visit Edinburgh Castle on the Royal Mile and other attractions in Scotland's capital.
  • Day 1Return aboard the Northern Belle with a champagne reception and a four-course British seasonal dinner, including a cheese board, biscuits, chutneys, coffee, and petits fours.

Included

  • Round-trip travel aboard the Northern Belle luxury train
  • Welcome sparkling Bellini
  • Fine-dining
  • Delicious three-course brunch on the outward journey
  • Morning tea and coffee
  • Free time to explore Edinburgh
  • Champagne reception back on board
  • Sumptuous four-course dinner: British seasonal table d'hôte menu including Great British cheese board, biscuits and chutneys
  • Half a bottle of wine per person
  • Coffee, tea and petits fours

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The from-price of GBP 495 (USD 661) covers round-trip travel aboard the Northern Belle luxury Pullman train, all meals, drinks, and free time in Edinburgh.
What meals are included?
Brunch on the outward journey: three courses served at your seat. Dinner on the return: four courses, a British seasonal menu with a Great British cheese board, biscuits, chutneys, coffee, and petits fours. A welcome sparkling Bellini and a champagne reception are also included, plus half a bottle of wine per person.
Where do I board the Northern Belle?
Planet Rail operates departures from various stations in the Midlands and the North of England. Contact the operator to confirm which station suits you.
How much time do I have in Edinburgh?
After arriving in Edinburgh, you have free time to explore the city at your leisure before returning to the train for the return journey and dinner service.
What class is the Northern Belle?
The Northern Belle is a luxury Pullman dining train with plush armchairs and fine-dining service at your seat.

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