Copyright birminghammail
A "posh" train is set to chug across the UK this Christmas , and folks are clamouring to hop on board - but there's a snag. A variety of luxury rail journeys are on offer throughout the UK, typically aboard vintage carriages that have been lovingly refurbished and styled, complete with sumptuous food. These plush trains provide passengers with a chance to soak up the stunning scenery of some of the UK's most renowned and picturesque towns and cities, all while luxuriating in the comfort and elegance of an intricately detailed, cosy and lavish train ride. The Northern Belle is one such luxury locomotive that's causing quite a stir. It whisks passengers back to the glamour of 1930s rail travel , with beautifully restored carriages adorned with ornate details, and offers the option for guests to book scenic trips or disembark at destinations for a spot of exploration. Read more: We found a way to listen to 100 million songs and an audiobook free for one month The company dishes up gourmet meals paired with fine wine, as musicians serenade diners to fully immerse them in the experience. Recently, news of upcoming festive season trips was shared on Instagram. Secret Manchester posted a series of images of the opulent train, writing: "This opulent train promises guests an unforgettable festive journey, complete with fine dining, live entertainment, and interiors inspired by the iconic Orient Express", reports the Manchester Evening News . But there's a catch - it comes with a hefty price tag. Tickets start at around £395 per person, depending on the chosen journey. Booking a Christmas lunch on the Northern Belle luxury train offers various ticket options, with the most affordable (£395) including a return journey on board with a Champagne reception alongside a "signature cocktail and small-bite pairing and caviar blinis". Passengers will then be treated to a seven-course festive lunch comprising "a British seasonal table d'hôte menu featuring an award-winning Great British cheeseboard with port, a delicious dessert, and a selection of petits fours". Also included is a bottle of wine per couple, Fortnum and Mason tea and Northern Belle blend coffee, plus entertainment in the form of "a table magician and strolling musicians". There's a wide range of destinations to select from across the UK, with a return trip covering Manchester, Huddersfield and Leeds available on multiple dates throughout November and December. Passengers can also reserve a trip starting in Chester and covering Liverpool, Wigan and Preston, or they can board for a London excursion. The Northern Belle also operates journeys in Hull, Norwich, Coventry, Grantham, and numerous other towns and cities nationwide. There's also the opportunity to go Christmas shopping in cities such as Edinburgh and York. Instagram users shared their views in the comments section beneath Secret Manchester's post. One person joked: "Is this the last train home from Blackpool on a Saturday? That's proper posh." Another labelled it as "dope", while another exclaimed: "I'm so desperate to do this! I bet it's worth every penny, especially at Christmas when the views will be so wintery and beautiful". Others merely tagged their mates to draw their attention to the post.
