The Northern Belle, described as Britain's poshest train, is set to arrive in Birmingham with ticket prices reaching up to £1,000. This 1930s Pullman-style luxury train will call at Birmingham International Station before heading to Royal Ascot for Ladies Day.
Luxury Travel Experience
Tickets include admission to the racecourse's Queen Anne Enclosure and start at £795. For an additional £195, passengers can upgrade to the exclusive Krug Class, which offers an even more opulent experience. Despite the high cost, only a few seats remain available. Actor Bill Nighy, who featured the train on Channel 5 last year, described it as "the Grand Dame of luxury travel."
Historic Train Details
The Northern Belle, once part of the iconic Orient Express group, attracts significant attention from trainspotters and railway enthusiasts. Officials have warned against crowding the platform. The Ascot trip on Thursday, June 18, will be hauled by a heritage diesel engine, not steam. Passengers will enjoy a three-course brunch during the journey to Ascot.
Post-Race Celebrations
Following the race meeting, a champagne reception awaits on board, followed by a six-course feast with wine and port during the return journey. The train features its own musicians who serenade diners throughout the trip.
Additional Trips
On June 20, the Northern Belle will return to Birmingham for a trip to Edinburgh, including a visit to the late Queen Elizabeth's Royal Yacht Britannia at Leith. Two more Edinburgh trips are scheduled in July, along with a steam-hauled journey over the scenic Settle-Carlisle line. Fares for these trips start at £445.
A spokesperson stated: "We appreciate that the train is quite a spectacular sight and that people want to photograph it. We certainly wouldn't want to discourage that, especially on this trip when our passengers like to dress up for Royal Ascot. However, people's safety and the comfort of our passengers must come first, so we urge people to take care and consider others."
