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Planet Rail · Luxury short break / day excursion

London Luxury Short Break & The Great British Seaside on the British Pullman – Day trips to Whitstable, Hastings or Broadstairs

London hotel and Belmond British Pullman day trip to Kent coast

Illustration of London Luxury Short Break & The Great British Seaside on the British Pullman – Day trips to Whitstable, Hastings or Broadstairs

Planet Rail operates this three-day London luxury short break combining a central four-star hotel stay with a day excursion aboard the Belmond British Pullman, a celebrated heritage train restored to original 1920s and 1930s grandeur. You arrive in London on Day 1, check into one of seven accommodation options ranging from four to five stars, and have the afternoon free to explore the South Bank or London's parks near your hotel. Day 2 is devoted to the Belmond British Pullman: after breakfast you walk to Victoria station, board the vintage train, and settle into a plush armchair. A steward serves a sparkling Bellini as the train departs, followed by a three-course brunch in the dining car. You spend the day at your choice of Whitstable, Hastings or Broadstairs on the Kent coast, then return to London for a champagne reception and three-course dinner aboard, enjoying half a bottle of wine per person. Day 3 offers free time in London before you depart for home. This package suits luxury seekers, couples seeking a short romantic escape, and travelers who appreciate fine dining and heritage rail travel.

What to know before you look closer

  • Final hotel depends on your choice from seven accommodation options across different London neighborhoods and star ratings; Planet Rail confirms your specific hotel when you book
  • Travel to and from London is not included; you arrange your own transport to Victoria station
  • This is a short break centered on one full day aboard the train; two of the three days are largely unstructured time in London

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: London

    London

    Your luxury short break to London begins as you check in at your highly rated 4-star hotel in London, close to Victoria station for your departure aboard the British Pullman the next day. Many of London's principal sights are within walking distance of your extremely comfortable hotel. This afternoon why not stroll towards the river Thames and explore the South Bank or relax in London's Royal parks. You might decide to head towards Piccadilly, Bond Street or Regent Street for up-market shopping or visit one of London's world-class museums or art galleries. This evening you may decide to make your way into London's West End for a show or dinner in an up-market restaurant.

    Meals: Breakfast (from Day 2 onwards)

  2. Day 2railovernight: London

    The Great British Seaside aboard the luxury British Pullman train

    This morning after a leisurely breakfast it is just a short walk to London's Victoria station. Here you board the beautiful vintage train and settle into your plush armchair, admiring the authentic Art Deco touches of your carriage. Your steward serves you a sparkling Bellini, followed by a delicious brunch. The train winds its way south-eastwards to your chosen seaside destination (Whitstable, Hastings or Broadstairs) where you enjoy free time to explore. You are welcomed back on board with a glass of chilled champagne, then linger over a delectable three-course dinner with half a bottle of wine as you travel back to London.

    Meals: Breakfast, Brunch (on train), Dinner (on train)

  3. Day 3

    Free-time in London – Homeward bound

    This morning after another delicious breakfast at your hotel you may have further time to explore the delights of central London. Then make your way back to one of London's main stations for your journey home as you reminisce on the delights of the last few days.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Depart London Victoria aboard the Belmond British Pullman, settle into a plush armchair amid Art Deco design, and receive a sparkling Bellini while the train winds south-eastward toward the Kent coast
  • Day 2Enjoy a three-course brunch on the outward journey, then free time to explore your chosen seaside destination before returning to London with a champagne reception and three-course dinner on board

Included

  • 1 or 2 nights' bed & breakfast accommodation at a top-rated 4-star central London hotel
  • Round-trip travel aboard the Belmond British Pullman luxury train to the Great British Seaside
  • Welcome sparkling Bellini
  • Fine-dining silver service
  • Delicious three-course brunch on the outward journey
  • Morning tea & coffee
  • Free time for shopping and sightseeing
  • Champagne reception back on board
  • Sumptuous three-course dinner
  • Half a bottle of wine per person
  • Coffee, tea & petits fours

Not included

  • Travel to/from London
  • Personal expenses
  • Optional room upgrades (available on request)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes, round-trip travel aboard the Belmond British Pullman from London Victoria to Whitstable, Hastings or Broadstairs is included, plus all meals and beverages on board
What is the Belmond British Pullman?
A luxury vintage train with original 1920s and 30s carriages restored with Art Deco design, marquetry, mosaic floors and crystal. Each carriage seats 20 to 26 passengers; the full train carries up to 226
Which hotels are available?
Seven options across central London: Park Plaza Victoria Hotel, St. James' Court (a Taj Hotel), The Clermont Victoria, Conrad London St. James, The Stafford London, Taj 51 Buckingham Gate and Hotel 41. All are rated four or five stars
Can I stay two nights instead of one?
Yes. A two-night option is available from GBP 845 per person, including breakfast at a four-star hotel
What meals are included?
Hotel breakfast on Days 2 and 3, a three-course brunch on the train going out, morning tea and coffee, a champagne reception on the return, and a three-course dinner with half a bottle of wine per person
When does this trip run?
Departures are scheduled in June and July 2024

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