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.

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!