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Celebrating a big birthday.

What an amazing start to Christmas, a luxurious, relaxing trip on the northern belle. The... read more

Reviewed today
595merrilla
,
Wakefield, United Kingdom
Festive Luxury, a truly magical experience!

This was our second time onboard the Northern Belle and our second time doing the festive run... read more

Reviewed 6 days ago
duke68012
,
Bury, United Kingdom
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All reviews christmas lunch day trip from start to finish first class return journey orient express train journey red carpet food was amazing fine dining treated like royalty feel special fabulous experience special birthday from manchester main course strolling musicians
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Reviewed 23 August 2023 via mobile

The train arrived , we were welcomed by the staff to our carriage which was amazing ,
the tables were laid out lovely and the decor was amazing. Just a pity they didn't clean the windows. The staff were lovely. The thing that let the whole experience down was the food ,diffently not what was advertised. For brunch the souffle was like a dense suet pudding. The slice of preserved tomoto was really tough. I will say the salmon was good. For dinner the canapès were served on tough biscuit for one and the toast for other which was definitely not crisp. The topping were not what was discribed on the menu. The caviar with the quails egg was nice ,just a pity they served it on what seemed like cold potatoe cake. The soup was chilled leek and potatoe which thankfully was served warm, but not much taste. The main was stuffed chicken which was OK, not a lot of taste. Served with asparagus, which was chopped not whole, served with the peas. Menu said baby carrots you received one over cooked carrot. Was meant to be a tarragon jus it was not very good gravy , and far too much off it. Summer pudding was tasty just a pity it only came with one teaspoon of cream which was meant to be lemon verbena. I will say the cheese was very tasty.
When we arrived at Carlisle we were told to return for 2.00pm, we didn't get back on the carriage until nearly an hour later, I understand things can happen but there was little communication as to what was happening.
The scenery was lovely.
Not worth what we paid very disappointing.

Date of experience: August 2023
Thank ycbennion
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cameron P, Reservations at Northern Belle, responded to this reviewResponded 31 August 2023

Thank you for sharing your honest feedback about your recent journey on the train. We're truly sorry to learn that your experience did not fully meet your expectations and that some aspects left you disappointed.

We appreciate your compliments about the welcoming staff, the carriage decor, and the overall ambiance. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the cleanliness of the windows. We understand that the details matter, and your feedback will be taken into consideration to enhance the overall experience.

We deeply regret that the food did not live up to your expectations. We take your comments about the brunch and dinner offerings seriously and will use this feedback to improve the quality and presentation of our dishes.

Communication is key, and we apologise for any confusion caused by the delay in returning to the carriage during your stop in Carlisle. We will take steps to ensure that communication is more transparent in the future.

We're glad to hear that you enjoyed the scenic views during your journey. It's our aim to provide a complete experience that encompasses both comfort and beauty.

We understand your disappointment in relation to the value of the experience based on what you paid. Your feedback is extremely valuable to us as we continuously strive to improve and provide exceptional experiences for our passengers.

We're truly grateful for your input, and we sincerely apologise for any shortcomings you encountered during your journey. We hope to have the opportunity to regain your trust and provide you with a more satisfying experience in the future.

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Reviewed 23 August 2023

An amazing day of luxury and wonderful service and who doesnt want to go to Devon in a day! This was a day of pure pampering thanks to Anwyn, Phil and Lucy who looked after us on the Belvoir carriage of the Northern Belle. They really were fantastic. Make sure you have dieted for a few days as the food really is amazing and keeps in coming! The service from all three in beautiful surroundings really did make this a special experience and the added bonus was 24 degrees sunshine in Devon. Included was the Dart Valley steam train and ferry tickets to Dartmouth and a lovely afternoon strolling by the river and a glass of wine before we headed back to the Nothern Belle for the journey home. Most people were celebrating an anniversary or birthday so a lovely atmosphere on the train. Worth every penny and 5 star review fully deserved.

Date of experience: August 2023
Thank Andy S
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cameron P, Reservations at Northern Belle, responded to this reviewResponded 31 August 2023

Thank you for sharing your delightful experience with us! We're thrilled to hear that your day on the Northern Belle was a wonderful blend of luxury, exceptional service, and the beauty of Devon.

It's heartwarming to know that Anwyn, Phil, and Lucy took such wonderful care of you on the Belvoir carriage. Their dedication to creating a special experience truly shines through in your description, and we're grateful for their contributions to making your journey memorable.

We're glad to hear that the food exceeded your expectations and that you enjoyed the culinary offerings. We understand the importance of indulging in delicious cuisine during such experiences.

The addition of the Dart Valley steam train and ferry tickets to Dartmouth sounds like a fantastic way to explore and enjoy the stunning surroundings of Devon. The sunshine and the lovely atmosphere on the train further enhanced your experience, and we're delighted that you felt the journey was worth every penny.

Your glowing review means the world to us, and we're truly honoured to have been a part of your special day. Thank you for choosing Northern Belle, and we look forward to welcoming you back for more exceptional journeys in the future.

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Reviewed 21 August 2023 via mobile

My wife & I booked along with friends who have previously been on Northern Belle's trip to Cumbria & had waxed lyrically about their excursion.
So our friend (Geraldine Hayward) booked the four of us with Northern Belle to Cornwall, from Bristol Temple Meads.
Entering the 'belvoir' coach, initial thoughts were 'lovely table settings', although when sitting down I could feel every spring in the seat cushion & I realised why there was a separate cushion originally placed on my seat - Not the best preparation for a six hour plus return journey!
Our 'half glass' of Laurent-Perrier La Cuvee was a welcome start to the journey, accompanied by the Caviar Canapé.
Not sure if the 'Crispy Lamb' agreed with the taste of the orange cream, but the sourdough croúte was hard, as if had been left for a while & bordered being stale!
The Smörgasbord starter contained a rollmop herring with strands of onion which was unpopular with our party & other diners nearby!
The intermediate course followed by the cheapest chilled leak & potato soup that could have possibly made the table, with 'dollop' créme fraiche dropped from a spoon into the centre - nothing like the 'cream swirl' as stated!
The main course citrus & parsley mousse was extremely dry & made the brest of chicken somewhat
unappetising, although the accompaniments were satisfactory. The one 'sole' baby carrot should be branded that way, as opposed to the 'carrots' on the menu!
The Dessert of: Summer fruit pudding was absolutely awful & I'm being understated with our opinions here!
An-upside-down casing of bread containing a meager amount of what resembled Aldi or Lidl frozen 'forest fruits' looked unappetising & tasted even worse!
The selection of British cheeses, biscuits, Port & the following coffee & petits fours, were the only redeeming items in our opinion, of the whole menú!
We very much doubt that if the Condé Nast Traveler readers or representatives were witnessing the menu we experienced, 'Northern Belle' would definately not receive a place in the world's top ten', as stated in the back of the menú - So Matthew Green (Head Chef), think again!
We reached our destination - An unbelievable 'backwater' station in Par, Cornwall !!! Only to reboard & disembark within ten minutes of our arrival, not exactly allowing travellers exercise to ward off potential DVTs, having been seated, eating & drinking for 3 hours or more, or indeed an extended chance of fresh air! The Liveried Steward & waitresses serving our carriage were very helpful & approachable & carried out their duties perfectly throughout.
Everyone enjoyed the entertainment. The magician & especially the musicians, who obliged in singing 'Happy birthday to you', to Geraldine's for her birthday that day. Overall, nice carriage ambiance. Poor information of timings for destination & return.
Poor destination (only advised, when we were actually on the train!) & poor time allowed at Par, prior to return boarding!
Poor food menú & dietary selection option's & definitely not worth the money!

Date of experience: August 2023
Thank kevintW8860DT
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cameron P, Reservations at Northern Belle, responded to this reviewResponded 31 August 2023

We appreciate you taking the time to share your detailed feedback about your recent journey with Northern Belle. We're genuinely sorry to learn that your experience did not meet the standards we aim to uphold.

It's concerning to hear that the initial comfort of the 'belvoir' coach seating did not meet your expectations. Your description of the seating conditions is noted, and we understand the importance of providing a comfortable environment for our passengers.

We're truly disappointed to hear that the culinary experience did not live up to your expectations. Your insights about the individual dishes, their presentation, and taste are important to us. We deeply apologize for any disappointment or dissatisfaction you experienced with the menu offerings.

The limited time at your destination and the quick turnaround for reboarding are aspects we will review and take into consideration for future trips. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you and your fellow passengers.

We're pleased to hear that the staff on board were helpful and that the entertainment provided some enjoyment during your journey. Your positive comments about the ambiance and the efforts of our liveried stewards and waitresses are appreciated.

Thank you for sharing your honest thoughts. Your feedback will be shared with our team to ensure we learn from this experience and make improvements where necessary. We hope to have the opportunity to regain your trust and provide you with a more satisfying experience in the future.

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Reviewed 18 August 2023

What can one say the trip to Weymouth the staff who were looking after us in the carriage Glamis were in a word silver service of the highest standard well looked after from greeting service and during the trip. Food is always of an excellent quality really does make your taste buds tingle. Looking forward to my next trip

Date of experience: August 2023
Thank dorotheef763
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cameron P, Reservations at Northern Belle, responded to this reviewResponded 31 August 2023

Thank you for sharing your glowing review of your journey on the Northern Belle to Weymouth. We're truly elated to learn that your experience was nothing short of exceptional.

It's wonderful to hear that the staff in the Glamis carriage provided you with silver service of the highest standard. Ensuring that you felt well looked after and cared for from the moment of greeting throughout the trip is a top priority for us, and we're delighted to have met your expectations.

We're equally thrilled that the quality of our food resonated so positively with you. Your description of it making your taste buds tingle is truly gratifying and serves as a testament to the dedication of our culinary team.

We're honoured to have been a part of your journey to Weymouth and are excited to welcome you back for more enriching experiences in the future. Thank you for choosing Northern Belle, and we look forward to making your next trip just as memorable.

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Reviewed 14 August 2023 via mobile

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

Date of experience: August 2023
1  Thank Pam H
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cameron P, Reservations at Northern Belle, responded to this reviewResponded 31 August 2023

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.

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