Letting off steam. The tale of a romantic train ride

With the end of the year approaching and all of the celebrating that comes with it, I’m in a reflective mood. Specifically, I’m musing over delicious summer moments, including fond memories of a very special, and rail-y classy, encounter.

A date invitation with a difference

I have a zest for life and am keen to embrace all sorts of experiences. So it’s always an absolute pleasure (and an honour) to be invited to share an adventure or attend a very special event.  

Past dates befitting these descriptions include: 

• rocking out at the formal, black-tie Henley Festival
• attending concerts at the Glyndebourne opera house
• track-side seats at The Grand Prix at Silverstone.

These aren’t your everyday events. And I feel extremely fortunate whenever my company is requested for such special occasions. 

One of this summer’s particular thrills was an invitation to ride the Northern Belle—a classic train, flanked by seven luxurious carriages that capture the opulence of first-class 1930s rail travel. This 24-hour date took us from Manchester Victoria, through the rolling countryside of North England, before arriving at Edinburgh Waverley and then returning to Manchester.

Trains? Really? 

I wouldn’t say I’m a trainspotter or a rail buff. But I do appreciate what it takes to maintain a classic machine. (Which is why I got such a kick out of the Mille Miglia vintage car race in Italy.) In all seriousness though, the romance of classic rail travel is completely different to cruising, driving or flying.  

I love the relaxing rhythm and tempo.
And the joy of watching the scenery change.

Rail’s golden age, spanning the late 19th to the mid-20th centuries, fascinates me. It was a period of intense pampering for First-Class guests on board. They sipped champagne from crystalware and ate lavish meals from fine bone China dinnerware. Few modern-day travel experiences capture a similar, heady opulence.

All aboard in Manchester Victoria

I’d arranged to meet my date on the station platform. It was a scene reminiscent of A Brief Encounter, which happens to be one of my favourite films.

Did I plan it that way? Maybe. If the chance to recreate one of cinema’s most deeply romantic moments is there, I’ll take it! (And I love to be playful and have a bit of a giggle, as does my date.) Our meeting was undeniably romantic and set the tone for our date. 

Dressing for the occasion

It’s not every day you get to ride a vintage train. So I chose an outfit to give a nod to that golden age, when people dressed in their finery to travel. I wanted something chic and stylish with a hint of 1930s panache. And my dress was just the ticket. 

A floaty lilac tea dress by LK Bennett was perfectly, elegantly retro. Then I added a modern twist by pairing it with my bright purple Louboutins and an Hermès Birkin bag in a matching shade. 

Taking a ride… On the Northern Belle

We travelled in the Duart carriage—once part of the Royal Train. It felt like the red carpet had been rolled out exclusively for my date and me. An impeccably uniformed member of the cabin crew showed us to our thrones… I mean seats, and a glass of something cold and sparkling was served shortly afterwards. 

We settled in and watched, fascinated, as our fellow passengers boarded the train and the station staff readied the engine and carriages. Then our conversation turned to what we’d both been up to in the month since our last date. 

It’s a great pleasure to catch up on the rich tapestry of life with gents I have an established friendship with. Our chatter meandered along easily as Manchester’s high-rises faded into the distance, replaced by the beautiful Yorkshire countryside. 

Clearly waiting for the perfect backdrop, breakfast was served once we left the city behind. We dined on Peak District honey and toasted granola, followed by London cured smoked salmon and Whitby crab, while sipping on Fortnum & Mason’s Royal Blend Tea. All served (as I’d hoped) in and on fine China fit for a queen. 

Honestly, there were moments when I believed we’d stepped back in time. I half expected Hercule Poirot to burst into the carriage and announce that there had been a terrible crime.

All change please

The final stop of our outbound journey was Edinburgh Waverley. As the train pulled smoothly into the station, I couldn’t help imagining myself as a silver screen Hollywood star, arriving North of the Border in the lap of luxury, to be greeted by adoring fans. 

But I didn’t have long to linger in my daydream. 

It was, ‘All change please.’ And my date and I headed to the next stage of our adventure. 

Lunch in Edinburgh

On the five-hour trip on the Northern Belle, breakfast is served early. So by the time we arrived in Edinburgh, our appetite had returned. Thankfully, my date had anticipated this and planned ahead. He’d booked us in for lunch at one of my favourite hotels in Bonnie Scotland, Gleneagles Townhouse. 

The Georgian-era architecture never fails to take my breath away and I spent a long, languid moment marvelling at the huge-dome ceiling and sculptures that adorn the walls of the restaurant. 

Sweet treats to share

The return journey on the Northern Belle was just as surreal and elegant as the trip to Edinburgh. Although my date and I were a little more content and (if possible) even more relaxed. With lots of flirting and suggestive conversation, we had certainly worked up an appetite for something sweeter.

The delights we shared once we’d returned to our hotel suite at Hotel Indigo weren’t the kind you’d serve on fine bone China! But they were equally delicious.  

Checking out of our hotel the following morning, I was sad to end this magical date. But I also felt sated and excited. It had been a thrilling ride. One that confirmed my love for vintage rail travel and sparked the desire to do it again. 

Ride the rails with me

The Northern Belle is just one of the classic trains gracing the UK’s railways. There are many romantic railway adventures to be had in Blighty and beyond. Perhaps you’re curious to join me on one of the following?

• The Belmond British Pullman (UK) – I was fortunate enough to enjoy an exquisite Christmas lunch on this 1920s-style train and would love to travel on her again.
• The Caledonian Sleeper (UK) – As a keen hiker, I can tell you that any adventurer worth their salt would love to board this sleeper train. It whisks you away from the bright lights of London so you awake in the beauty of the Scottish Highlands. 
• The Glacier Express (Switzerland) – Whether it’s winter or summer, I love the thought of gliding through the heart of the Swiss Alps,taking in the stunning panoramic views on a train brimming with modern comforts.
• The Orient Express to Venice – Undoubtedly the world’s most famous, most sumptuous train. So where else would I want to experience this than in my beloved Italy, with a journey that whisks me to Venice, one of the world’s most romantic cities.

Intrigued by the romance of train travel? Send me a signal without delay. Contact me.

PLEASE NOTE: Permission was granted by the gentleman mentioned in this blog to reveal details of our Northern Belle adventure. I will never post any details of the times that we share on this blog without prior consent.