What an amazing start to Christmas, a luxurious, relaxing trip on the northern belle. The... read more
What an amazing start to Christmas, a luxurious, relaxing trip on the northern belle. The... read more
This was our second time onboard the Northern Belle and our second time doing the festive run... read more
12/8/23 My husband & I travelled on the NB
I can’t Thank the ladies enough for their hospitality & generosity on the beautiful, colourful & Very comfortable Chatsworth.
The food was endless & the presentation was mouth watering.
Tremendous charisma & presence from anwen. What a chatty, friendly, kind & approachable host. Always smiling. Really made us feel relaxed & at ease. (See pic)
I can't tell you how much we enjoyed being passengers in luxury. It was lovely spending the day in trustworthy hands.
All the staff work so hard to accommodate for the train. It’s remarkable.
Thank you for a special memorable day
Your warm words of appreciation have truly brightened our day! We're absolutely thrilled to hear about your delightful experience and the wonderful hospitality you received from our team of ladies.
The endless food offerings and their mouthwatering presentation are indeed integral to the journey, and we're delighted that they met your expectations.
Anwen's charisma, friendliness, and approachability really shine through in your description, and we're so glad that her presence made your journey even more enjoyable. Your picture speaks volumes about the relaxed and joyous atmosphere that she contributed to creating.
We're also touched by your mention of trust and how much you enjoyed being in our care. Your comfort and satisfaction are our utmost priorities, and we're overjoyed to have provided you with a special and memorable day.
Our entire staff, from those you see to those who work behind the scenes, puts in dedicated effort to ensure that every detail of your journey is remarkable. Your recognition of their hard work means the world to us.
Thank you for choosing to travel with us and for sharing your heartfelt feedback. We're truly honoured to have been a part of your journey and hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back aboard for more memorable experiences in the future.
In this day and age it’s very easy to criticise something good or bad. This review is definitely a good one. My wife and I booked a day on the Northern Belle and I must say it was just about perfect from beginning to end. From the first impressions were set by Jeff at Leeds station until we left the train later that day, all we had was a very good time. The highlight for us personally was most definitely the staff on board. Assigned to our carriage (Alnwick) we’re Tommy, JO and Mark and they were absolutely brilliant from beginning to end. Their work ethic, professionalism and attention to detail stood out impeccably. The food was truly first class, full of flavour, hot and well presented so thank you to the back room staff (chefs) in the kitchen for that. The entertainment was befitting for the trip we were on and did their part in style and we loved it.
So thank you to the engineers at the front to the guards at the back and the train manager (Paul) and everyone in between on the Northern Belle for a very memorable 39th wedding anniversary. Thank you
We greatly appreciate you taking the time to share your remarkable experience with us. Your thoughtful words truly resonate, especially in today's world where feedback can often lean towards criticism.
It brings us immense joy to read that your journey aboard the Northern Belle was nothing short of perfect from start to finish. From the warm greetings provided by Jeff at Leeds station to the moment you disembarked, we're thrilled that you and your wife enjoyed a truly memorable day.
We're particularly delighted to hear about the exceptional service you received from our staff members Tommy, JO, and Mark on board the Alnwick carriage. Their dedication, professionalism, and attention to detail are attributes that we take immense pride in. Your appreciation for the culinary delights prepared by our talented chefs warms our hearts, and we're elated that the entertainment added to your enjoyment as well.
Your mention of the entire Northern Belle team, from the engineers to the guards, and the train manager Paul, truly captures the collaborative effort that goes into creating such special experiences. We're absolutely delighted to have been a part of your 39th wedding anniversary celebrations.
Thank you once again for your heartfelt review and for choosing the Northern Belle for your special occasion. We're honoured to have played a role in making your day memorable and look forward to welcoming you back for more wonderful journeys in the future.
Despite the exceptionally early start the whole experience was amazing. Staff, meals, drinks and views all excellent. Can't wait to find another trip to experience
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful feedback with us! We're absolutely delighted to hear that you had an amazing experience, even with the early start. It's heartwarming to know that the staff, meals, drinks, and views all contributed to making your journey exceptional.
Your kind words truly motivate us to continue providing the best service and experiences for our valued customers like you. We can't wait to welcome you back on board for another memorable trip. Please know that we're here to assist you in finding the perfect journey whenever you're ready to embark on your next adventure with us.
Thank you once again for your glowing review. We're looking forward to creating more amazing memories with you in the future.
We did the West Highland line trip. What a complete waste of Money, time and effort. We only went as far north as Tyndrum which is hardly the Highlands. We then went near on back to Glasgow and on to Stirling and then back to Glasgow. What was the Stirling trip for!! Waste of time.
The chicken breast was dry and they forgot to give our table dessert and we only got it because we had to ask for it.
Use your money for something else!!!!
Thank you for your feedback.
We apologise that the excursion was not to your liking.
We sadly did not get permission to travel as far as Fort William that day but did extend the journey to Stirling to ensure sufficient time to serve the Seven course lunch.
As we do not own the Rail Network we are at the mercy of Scot Rail/Network Rail when our path is provided.
A good proportion of the journey was on the West Highland line past Loch Lomond which offers lovely views of forests, Lochs and Waterfalls.
Single track lines and engineering possessions can sadly mean we get diverted last minute for health and safety reasons.
We do apologise your meal was not to the liking we always ask passengers to highlight any issues with the stewards to get a replacement on the day. We can then offer an alternative if you were not happy.
If you would like to discuss the excursion directly please email reservations and I can call you next week.
Kind regards
Howard B
Director of Sales.
reservations@northernbelle.co.uk
This is my email to Northern Belle still awaiting a reply with 3 days to go....
It is with great disappointment, sadness, anger & frustration that I am writing this email.
As a Present for both myself and my partner who celebrated our 60th Birthdays in January of this year, our daughter Olivia saved up and bought us a lifetime experience on-board the Northern Belle Culzean Castle on 5th August 2023.
We were so thrilled with this present and booked the train to Edinburgh at a cost of £82 and an accommodation costing us £750 as these are normal rates for Edinburgh during the month of August. We bought new outfits and were on a countdown for our special trip.
Having not received the tickets Olivia contacted Northern Belle by email on Monday 31st July to enquire about these and the travel journal, to which she got a reply saying she would get the tickets & journal within the next 24 hours.
So imagine how distraught we were when Olivia informed us yesterday Tuesday 1st August that the train has been cancelled, and to add insult to injury the email stated:-
“We hope that you are looking forward to joining us on this unforgettable journey on board our most wonderful vintage train.
It is with regret we must advise you that our journey on Saturday 5th August will not go ahead”
Firstly, I cannot believe that this trip has been cancelled at such short notice. I am absolutely furious that the months of planning and excitement for the trip have been taken away from us 4 days before we are due to go. Also the fact that Olivia is upset as she bought the trip for us.
I would ask you to provide a reply for each of the points below:-
Why was this cancelled at such short notice
Why have we only been offered 50% off for the 8th October excursion
What compensation are you going to provide with respect to us booking accommodation and train travel which cannot be changed at such short notice
I am disgusted that a company of your stature and reputation can cancel an excursion which cost £1080.00 four days prior to the event.
I look forward to your comments and immediate reply
Regards
Carol
Father in law booked on very expensive trip on his 85th Birthday. Cancelled 4 days before due to travel. No reason given. Basic email received. Tried to call at 4.50pm but just got voice massage saying office now closed despite being open til 5.30 pm. How to ruin an old man's special birthday trip. Shameful.
Dear Sir / Madam,
We are extremely sorry that this excursion had to be rescheduled due to restricted access to the line we needed.
We do not do this lightly as we had a sell out train and we do not wish to upset any of our passengers.
On this occasion the path Network Rail / Scot Rail could provide did not allow sufficient time to visit the castle.
Therefore we would have not been able to fulfil the tour as advertised. In this situation we felt it best to offer a full refund and an opportunity to book an alternative date with an incentive.
We do apologise for any upset caused for your father in law and hope he had a nice birthday.
Regards
Northern Belle Team.