LUXURY TRAIN TRAVEL – GROUPS & PRIVATE CHARTER

Step aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, one of the world’s most coveted travel experiences. This Art Deco masterpiece combines adventure and elegance, gliding through breathtaking European scenery to the continent’s most alluring cities. Each journey promises an atmosphere of romance, style, and timeless glamour.

At a Glance

• Guests: 108
• Season: March to November
• Cabins & Suites

The train’s carriages are the original 1920s icons, lovingly restored to their former glory. Guests can choose from 40 Historic Cabins with upper and lower berths, six opulent Grand Suites, and eight elegant Suites.

Each Historic Cabin features a washbasin, hot and cold water, towels, bathrobes, and slippers. A shared WC is located at the end of each carriage. For added indulgence, our Grand Suites and Suites include private en-suite facilities and a range of exclusive services—perfect for those seeking extra space and refinement.

Dining on Board

The train’s three restaurant cars create a magical setting for every meal, from long, scenic lunches to intimate, romantic dinners. Renowned Chef Jean Imbert leads the culinary journey, blending the train’s rich gastronomic heritage with his passion for seasonal produce and classical techniques. Every menu celebrates precision, creativity, and the joy of fine dining.

Bar Car ‘3674’

Raise a glass in Bar Car ‘3674’, where the resident pianist plays the baby grand as you sip signature cocktails. This is the social heart of the train, filled with charm, music, and timeless sophistication.

Ideal For

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is perfect for celebrations, corporate incentives, product launches, cultural and leisure groups, alumni travel, and photoshoots. Entire private charters are also available for bespoke journeys.

Insider Tips

Departure Locations: Classic routes depart from London, Paris, and Venice, with additional departures from Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Amsterdam, Brussels, Rome, and Florence.

Dress Code: You can never be overdressed on board. Guests are encouraged to embrace the glamour of the occasion, with smart daywear in the afternoon and formal evening attire for cocktails and dinner.

What’s Included

• All table d’hôte meals on board
• Sommelier’s selection of wines served in the restaurant cars

Scheduled Journeys

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers a collection of carefully curated journeys across Europe, each one blending romance, glamour, and breathtaking scenery. Travel in either direction on these legendary routes and experience the golden age of rail in true luxury.

• London ↔ Venice
• Paris ↔ Venice
• London or Paris ↔ Budapest
• London or Paris ↔ Vienna
• Rome or Florence ↔ Paris
• Amsterdam ↔ Venice
• Brussels ↔ Venice
• Paris ↔ Cannes
• Paris ↔ Venice (via Cannes)
• Paris ↔ Albertville
• Paris ↔ Moûtiers
• Paris ↔ Bourg-Saint-Maurice

Bespoke Charter Journeys

For those seeking the ultimate in exclusivity, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express can be privately chartered, allowing you to design a journey that is entirely your own. These bespoke itineraries bring together glamour, privacy, and complete flexibility, creating an unforgettable rail experience tailored to your wishes.

Examples of bespoke charter routes include;

• London or Paris ↔ Rome
• London or Paris ↔ Verona for Lake Garda
• Venice ↔ Reims
• London or Paris ↔ Prague
• London or Paris ↔ Vienna
• London or Paris ↔ Budapest
• London or Paris ↔ Florence
• Venice ↔ Florence
• Fully customised routes available on request

Stopovers are required on these longer journeys, with luxury hotel accommodation available as part of your tailored itinerary.

Capacity & Onboard Spaces

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers an intimate setting with space for a maximum of 108 guests, ensuring a truly exclusive travel experience.

Restaurant Cars

• Côte d’Azur – 30 seats
• L’Oriental – 36 seats
• Étoile du Nord – 36 seats

Bar Car

• Bar Car ‘3674’ – 1

Boutique

• Onboard Boutique – 1

Accommodation

• Historic Cabins – 40
• Suites – 8
• Grand Suites – 6 (available in both day and night configuration)

Sister to the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the British Pullman, A Belmond Train, England captures the spirit and glamour of the Roaring 1920s and 1930s. Each carriage has been lovingly restored to its original splendour, allowing today’s guests to step back in time and savour the golden age of rail travel.

A Journey of Glamour and Fine Dining

Every journey aboard the British Pullman is paired with exquisite dining. Our chefs craft seasonal menus using only the finest, freshest ingredients, while our sommelier selects exceptional wines and champagnes to complement each course. Dining becomes a celebration in itself, elevated by the service of liveried stewards and the beauty of vintage surroundings.

At a Glance

• Maximum Guests: 225
• Journeys: Day Trips across England
• Season: March to December
• Carriages: 10 unique dining cars, seating between 19 and 25 guests

The British Pullman is ideal for celebrations, corporate incentives, charters, cultural and leisure groups, alumni travel, brand launches, and photoshoots.

Cygnus by Wes Anderson

For something extraordinary, guests may upgrade to the Cygnus carriage, reimagined by celebrated filmmaker Wes Anderson. Perfect for groups of up to 25, Cygnus offers a bespoke menu, free-flowing champagne, and its own surround-sound system. Entire carriage hire is also available for private celebrations, making it one of the most exclusive experiences on the rails.

Insider Tips

Departure Location: All journeys depart from London Victoria Station, with options for bespoke charters running one-way or return.

Charter Journey Examples;

• London ↔ York
• London to the private Bluebell Railway line
• London transfers to weekend venues, with return two days later
• Michelin-starred dining experiences with Chef Raymond Blanc
• Round trip lunch or dinner journeys

Dress Code: The British Pullman invites you to dress for the occasion. While formal attire is not required, smart dress is encouraged. Many guests choose to embrace the glamour, making each journey feel like a true celebration.

Carriage Capacity

The British Pullman features four distinct styles of beautifully restored carriages, each seating between 19 and 25 guests. Guests may choose from tables for two, three, or four, with the latter set within private compartments for added exclusivity. At any time, up to ten passenger carriages operate, each with its own unique character and history.

Capacity Overview

• Lucille, Zena – 25 seats each
• Cygnus, Perseus, Phoenix, Minerva – 23 seats each
• Gwen, Vera, Audrey – 20 seats each
• Ione, Ibis – 19 seats each

Experiences Onboard the British Pullman

Celebrate in Style

From business functions and brand launches to wedding receptions, anniversaries, or milestone occasions, the British Pullman provides an unforgettable backdrop. Host your celebration on a scheduled journey or charter the entire train for the ultimate private event. Every detail is designed to impress, from seasonal menus paired with fine wines and champagnes to attentive service throughout.

Bespoke Options for Groups

Enhance your journey with bespoke touches that make the experience truly your own. Options include branded menus, personalised items such as serviettes or antimacassars, additional drinks packages, and customised gifts for your guests.

Bespoke Options for Charters

Chartering the British Pullman allows you to create an entirely tailored experience. In addition to branding menus and onboard items, we can design bespoke gifts, create personalised dining menus, and arrange live entertainment. Surprise stops with platform performances, entertainment at stations, and limited branding opportunities in the check-in lounge add even more impact.

Out and About

Best of British – Explore iconic locations including Chatsworth House, Blenheim Palace, Bath, Bristol, Canterbury, and Oxford.
Sporting Events – Travel in style to world-class events such as Glorious Goodwood and the Grand National.
Dining Journeys – Indulge in a celebrity chef dinner on board or travel to Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons for a gourmet lunch.
Signature Journeys – Enjoy non-stop round trips through the British countryside with exceptional lunches or dinners.
Special Occasions – Mark festive moments in style with Christmas lunches, markets, carol services, or a sparkling New Year’s celebration.

Beyond the Train

Your journey can extend beyond the tracks with stays at our partner hotels:

• Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Hotel, Oxfordshire
• The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel, London

There is no finer way to experience the Cheltenham Gold Cup than aboard the Northern Belle, Britain’s most luxurious fine dining train. The glamour begins the moment you arrive at London Paddington, where liveried stewards welcome you with a red carpet greeting and guide you to your plush armchair seats. Surrounded by intricate marquetry, hand-stitched fabrics, and mosaic floors, you step into a moving work of art.

As the train glides through the countryside, you enjoy a sparkling Bellini brunch served with the finest wines and Champagne. Study the form, take racing advice from our onboard tipster, and watch the scenery unfold from the comfort of your Pullman carriage.

On arrival in Evesham, a private coach transfers you to Toddington GWSR Heritage Railway Station. Here, a magnificent steam locomotive awaits to take you on a nostalgic 45-minute journey through the Cotswolds, the Malverns, and the Vale of Evesham. In truly unique fashion, the train delivers you directly to the back of the Grandstand at Cheltenham Racecourse, just a furlong from the Paddock.

Your experience includes a Club Enclosure admission ticket, offering prime access to viewing lawns at the winning post, the Parade Ring, and a variety of stylish bars. After a thrilling day of world-class racing and the spectacle of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, you rejoin the steam train for a stress-free departure—avoiding all racecourse traffic.

Back in Evesham, the Northern Belle awaits for your luxurious return journey. As Champagne is poured, you indulge in a sumptuous five-course dinner with specially selected wines. Raise a glass, sit back in comfort, and reflect on an unforgettable day at the races.

Dress Code

Travel on the Northern Belle is the perfect opportunity to look your best. We recommend smart-casual attire, with many guests choosing to dress more formally to embrace the glamour of the occasion—after all, you can never be overdressed aboard the Northern Belle Luxury Train.

While Cheltenham Racecourse does not enforce a strict dress code, we advise you to consider the March weather, which can often be chilly. A stylish yet warm coat is recommended. To preserve the elegance of the experience, we kindly ask that guests avoid jeans and trainers.

Seating

The Northern Belle recreates the golden age of rail, inspired by Britain’s legendary Belle and Pullman trains of the 1920s and 1930s. Each carriage has been meticulously restored by leading British craftsmen, including marquetry experts, muralists, and mosaic artists. Every carriage is named after a great British stately home or castle, with interiors reflecting its heritage.

Inside, you’ll discover specially commissioned upholstery, mosaic floors, and fine furnishings that create the atmosphere of an English country house. The train offers seven dining carriages, with seating arranged in bays of six. Tables of four are positioned on one side of the aisle, with tables of two on the other.

Private tables per couple are available. Otherwise, guests may be seated at a shared table for four, in keeping with the convivial spirit of the Northern Belle.

Optional Grandstand Seats with Lounge Access

Upgrade your experience with reserved Main Grandstand seating at Cheltenham Racecourse, offering the finest views of the action directly over the winning post. Seats are reserved for the full day and allocated in blocks, ensuring your group stays together.

In addition to prime race views and the thrilling atmosphere, these seats provide direct access to a private lounge. This exclusive space serves as your base for the day, with easy access to betting facilities, a cash bar, and additional food and drink options away from the crowds.

Full Package Includes;

• Round trip travel aboard the Northern Belle luxury fine dining train to Gold Cup Day of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival (departing London Paddington)
• Red carpet welcome at London Paddington and a sparkling Mimosa cocktail welcome drink
• Delicious Bellini three course brunch on the outward journey followed by morning tea and coffee
• Coach transfers to/from Evesham Station to Toddington GWSR Steam Railway Station
• Return steam train transfer to/from the back of the main Grandstand at Cheltenham Racecourse (cash bar & reserved seating on board)
• Club Enclosure admission badge to Cheltenham Racecourse, giving you access to the main Viewing Lawns, Parade Ring, Shopping village and bar areas
• Champagne reception back onboard the Northern Belle in the evening with canapés & caviar blinis
• Sumptuous five course dinner followed by Fortnum & Mason tea, coffee and petit fours
• Sommelier’s choice bottle of wine per couple with cash bar service throughout the journey for all other drinks
• Strolling musicians & tipsters onboard
• Reserved main Grandstand seat upgrades available
  (additional cost)

Provisional Itinerary – Cheltenham Gold Cup Day

Enjoy a seamless day of luxury travel and world-class racing with the Northern Belle. Below is the planned schedule for Gold Cup Day.

Outbound Journey

• 08:40 – Northern Belle departs London Paddington

• 11:10 – Arrive at Evesham Mainline Station

• 11:15 – Coach transfer to GWSR Heritage Steam Railway Station

• 11:45 – Steam train departs for Cheltenham Racecourse

• 12:35 – Steam train arrives directly at Cheltenham Racecourse

Racing Schedule

• 13:30 – First race

• 17:30 – Last race

Return Journey

• 18:40 – Steam train departs Cheltenham Racecourse

• 19:30 – Steam train arrives back at GWSR station, followed by coach transfer to Evesham

• 20:46 – Northern Belle departs Evesham

• 23:24 – Northern Belle arrives back at London Paddington

Please note: All timings are provisional and subject to change. Final timings will be confirmed closer to the event date.