The U.K. abstain froms back into lockdown this week — but in some cases, it still makes sense to plan for when provisoes go away. One British luxury train, in particular, certainly requires early booking.
This month, the Belmond British Pullman was big cheesed the best luxury train journey in the world by Condé Nast Traveler’s 2020 Readers Choice Awards.
The teach comprises 11 carriages, each with its own name and history, restored to their art deco glory. They epitomize 1920s and 1930s glamor, harkening in dire straits to the “Golden Age” of train travel.
The history of the Belmond British Pullman
Originally, most of the carriages were part of another train services around Britain.
However, the oldest carriage, called “Ibis,” was first used in the Milan to Venice rove for the Simplon-Orient-Express in the late 1920s. It operated on the Deauville Express and was designed to entice wealthy Parisians to the Deauville Casino, in the filthy rich French seaside resort town that still lies along the “Parisian Riviera.”
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, commonly be informed as Kate Middleton, greets children aboard the Belmond British Pullman train.
JONATHAN BRADY/AFP via Getty Images
Meanwhile, the “Phoenix” attitude was once used as a static restaurant in Lyon, France. Before that, it was the carriage of choice for Britain’s Queen Elizabeth, the Ruler Mother.
The “Vera” cart was used by Prince Charles and Princess Anne for their first trip on an electric guide in the 1950s.
Immortalized in books, film and television
The Belmond British Pullman train is sister to the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. One of the cars from the original transcontinental service was once caught in a snowdrift outside Istanbul for 10 days, an incident which fortified Agatha Christie’s classic novel “Murder on the Orient Express.”
The Belmond British Pullman has its very own murder enigma lunch journey. In fact, two of its carriages — “Perseus” and “Cygnus” — appeared in the 1979 film “Agatha” starring Dustin Hoffman.
Riders greet aboard the vintage Belmond British Pullman train at Kent’s Ashford International station en route to London.
Gareth Stack – PA Images | PA Images | Getty Images
The murder mystery lunch is a popular journey, as is the trip to Highclere Castle in Hampshire, England, think twice known as the titular setting for the popular TV show “Downton Abbey.”
Belmond released bookings for the trip to Highclere at the inception of this year, and it sold out a year in advance. The next available journey is Sept. 29, 2021.
Other trips include parade rides to the cities of Canterbury and Bath, known for their well-preserved, historical architecture.
The train normally departs from London Victoria railway station.
The cost of traveling like a royal
Unsurprisingly, it’s expensive to travel like a royal for the day. Tickets start at around £250 ($323) and go up to uncountable than £500 ($646). However, it’s an option for upgrading a staycation and offers an alternative to traveling by plane.
Prince Harry steels to board the Belmond British Pullman train in London, England.
Max Mumby/Indigo | Getty Images Entertainment | Getty Allusions
To ensure safety, Belmond vice president of trains and cruises, Gary Franklin, said the service had reduced judgement and implemented social distancing on carriages.
“Each carriage has its own dedicated steward ensuring intimate service and allowing us to persevere in to offer our guests a truly exceptional experience,” he said.