Northern Belle

We have travelled on the orient Express. This Christmas lunch we had and journey was exquisite. The staff were smart and 6 star service. We were in the Duerant carriage our hosts amazing. The food Ritz standard. On board entertainment too. What a way for us to start our Christmas.

My wife and I travelled from Preston to Edinburgh. Our journey was one of our best experience. The food and service was excellent worth the cost and we highly recommend the Northern Bell. There was only two down points. The Edinburgh Christmas markets was a big let down, and the down part of the train was the arm chairs although comfortable to sit in but very difficult to get out off to the piont my wife ended up with a bruised hip. Looking forward to another trip next year.

Had a lovely day, but the price didn't reflect on the service, not worth it the food was lovely but not being a drinker i asked for tea but found this to be an inconvenience and in the long jerny there and back to Scotland only received one. More interested in selling cocktails and such. There was a few regulars that received more attention. I have waited a long time for that trip but didn't meet my expectations at all i have been on many trains including the jackabite and the Northern Belle was very overpriced for the experience. There's many trips offering the same for a fraction of the price.

Train arrived 90 mins late. Was cold and so waiting room at cardiff was packed. No communication from northern belle from over hour then we're told ot would be arriving in 15 mins but that turned out to be half hour later. When in board. Staff were fantastic. Very attentative. We had extra money for alcohol as apology for late arrival but we decided to spend ours between alcohol and merchandise as not that bigg drinkers. Food was lovely. Served hot and efficient. Train moved faster on some of the journey to make up time and some people found it was unpleasant going fast while trying to eat. Overall though a lovely experience once on board and glance did.

What a wonderful experience. From boarding at Telford the whole day was first class. The staff were exceptional and very attentive and polite. We had a table for 2 which was worth the extra money if you prefer not to sharing with strangers. Brunch was served very soon after. We had previously told them we didn’t want fish so we had a full English breakfast which was gorgeous. Then more food and tea and coffee was plentiful. Reaching Carlisle we were allowed an hour and a half walk around then re board the train to a large glass of champagne. Then a six course dinner which was again excellent. The magician and the singers were an added special extra. I can’t speak highly enough of the whole experience. Yes it was expensive but worth every penny. I hope to return some day

We were unlucky enough to be seated in the 'Duart' carriage on the Glasgow train. The carriage was older than the rest and therefore didn't have air conditioning. It turned into an absolute sauna, with the staff handing out fans and wet towels to try and keep us cool. It didn't help. It was an extremely uncomfortable several hours. The toilet was also out of order, but at least walking through the other carriages was cooler. A big disappointment for a 70th birthday, with a whole week in Glasgow organised around the trip. We just had to grin and bear it. The carriage is not fit for purpose. It was also loud and the open windows meant it smelt of the engine. Let down by the post-trip customer service. On messaging about our trip, I was told that the Train Manager and Operations Manager would 'peruse' my complaint and get back to me within 28 days. Not sure why it would take so long to respond, but I've still heard nothing back, well over a month later, despite follow-up emails. It doesn't take much to write an email, but they clearly don't care.

An absolutely amazing day out on the Northern BelleTrain 6 1/2 hour round trip. In the luxurious surroundings as we stepped back in time Champagne Reception, a sumptuous seven course lunch intertwined with entertainment. For me it really was a once in a lifetime experience. An amazing gift from my husband for a special Birthday that created so any unforgettable memories... Add this to your bucket list if you get the opportunity

Unfortunately I didn’t get the chance to experience the actual trip due to Northern Bell cancelling the departure/arrival station 3 weeks beforehand. They offered alternative stations which involved expensive extra travel costs but they were not interested in the slightest when I asked them to pay this extra travel expense. Very arrogant attitude from a supposedly premier brand. All they said was that I had to pay or receive a full refund. Even national train services provide ‘Rail Replacement Busses’ when a portion of their service is cancelled but Northern Bell obviously feel it is beneath them to provide transport from/to the original station & think that offering an alternative station is good enough. Appalling customer service. This was a Surprise 20th Wedding Anniversary present for my wife which I researched & booked in Feb 2025, paying over £1400 & Northern Bell have forced me to cancel this surprise 3 weeks before the event. I think everyone needs to read the small print in the T&C’s because this could happen to you.