Orient-Express Hotels, Trains & Cruises has launched an exciting new ‘Journeys in the United Kingdom’ brochure featuring the British Pullman and Northern Belle. The new brochure offers a vast array of historical and cultural days out, celebratory occasions, luxurious weekend trips, unforgettable dining experiences and sporting events. The Royal Scotsman train is also highlighted as the newest addition to the Orient-Express UK portfolio.
The UK programme which includes over 20 special steam hauled departures provides the perfect opportunity to explore the magnificent landmarks and sights of Britain in the most opulent of surroundings, whilst being served delicious cuisine and being looked after by attentive stewards.
The British Pullman with its vintage carriages and historical significance is a unique British thoroughbred. As an immaculate restoration, it represents an authentic opportunity to travel in the glamorous style of the art deco period. The British Pullman also plays an integral part in the world’s most romantic adventure – a journey from London to Venice or (vice versa) on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
All British Pullman departures are from London Victoria with regular day trips to favourites like Bath, Southampton, York and Brighton. Outings to special gardens such as Great Dixter and Wisley, stately homes like Beaulieu and Chatsworth and the sporting occasions of Cowes, the Grand National and British Grand Prix, are also included in this year’s brochure.
The magical elegance of the Orient-Express is nowhere more clearly expressed than through 'The Dinner'. These glamorous evenings are the ultimate in pure social extravagance and as a result of last years popularity more dates have been added to the 2005 schedule. The Dinner departs on 14 April, 25 May, 22 June, 8 September, 20 October, 17 November and is priced at £275 per person.
Many people associate the Orient-Express with a certain fictional murder – and in order to satisfy guests’ appetite for mystery and intrigue the British Pullman is offering six Brighton Murder Mystery trips in 2005. The trip includes brunch with bucks fizz on the outward journey where guests are introduced to the suspicious characters embroiled in a dastardly plot. Guests then partake in a guided tour of the Royal Pavilion at Brighton where the mystery deepens before returning on the British Pullman and enjoying a four course lunch whilst trying to solve the mystery! The price is £260 per person and departs on 4 March, 1 April, 8 and 29 July, 9 September and 21 October.
Departures from Plymouth and Exeter have been added to the 2005 schedule. The British Pullman will operate a lunch trip from Plymouth and a dinner trip from Exeter on the 23 April priced at £195 per person.
The mulberry and cream carriages of Northern Belle now depart from more than 40 regional towns and cities including Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Birmingham, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow. As well as the existing departure points, Blackburn, Cambridge, Darlington, Northampton, Macclesfield, Perth, Stirling, Stoke-on-Trent and Wakefield have all been introduced for the first time in 2005, making a journey on Northern Belle even more accessible.
Northern Belle is a recreation of the spirit of adventure and style that surrounded the classic rail cruises of her namesake in the 1930’s. These cruises took passengers to all corners of the British Isles from London to York then northward to Durham, Carlisle, Edinburgh returning via Berwick and Newcastle. Today, Northern Belle is a ‘tourer’ par excellence, a modern classic. Furnished with the same intricate marquetry and glistening brass, as her sister trains, she travels throughout Britain to offer passengers once again journeys through stunning countryside in the style of a bygone era, with all modern comforts.
Northern Belle’s Grand Tour of Great Britain will be operating for its fourth season. This spectacular 7 day / 6 night all inclusive tour of Great Britain includes stopovers at flagship hotels in Edinburgh, Chester and Bath and gala dinners at the Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh and the Georgian Pump Room in Bath. Departs 24 June and 2 September. Price per person is £2850.
There have been a number of NEW destinations added to the Northern Belle programme for 2005:
• Cheltenham Gold Cup operating from Liverpool and Manchester departs on 18 March. Price per person is £350 and includes brunch with bucks fizz on the outward journey, entrance to race course and four course dinner with champagne and wine on the return journey.
• Wimbledon operating on 21 June from Birmingham, Crewe and Manchester gives guests the opportunity to witness the drama, tension and skills on display at one of the highlights of the worlds sporting calendar. Price per person is £750 and includes brunch with bucks fizz on outward journey, ticket to No.1 court, champagne reception, complimentary bar, finger buffet and afternoon tea followed by a three course dinner with champagne and wine on the return journey.
• Masters Tennis Tournament operating from Birmingham, Manchester and Warrington departs on 3 December. Price per person is £375 and includes brunch with bucks fizz on outward journey, reserved seat in the Grand Tier box with champagne and a three course dinner with champagne and wine on the return journey.
• Buckingham Palace & Diana Memorial is an interesting new addition for fans of the monarchy. The trip includes a guided tour of Buckingham Palace and a visit to Hyde Park to see the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial. Price per person is £235 and departs from Birmingham, Crewe and Liverpool on 2 July.
• A trip to beautiful Harrogate ‘England’s Floral District’ on the Northern Belle makes a wonderful day out. Guests partake in a walking tour of Harrogate prior to enjoying free time to explore the delightful array of boutiques and antique shops before indulging in tea in the famous Bettys Tea Rooms. Price per person is £235 and departs on 20 July from Birmingham and Coventry.
• The Palace of Westminster trip departs from Doncaster, Leeds and York on 10 August and is priced at £235 per person. The trip includes a delicious brunch with bucks fizz on the outward journey, a guided tour of the Palace of Westminster and a four course dinner with champagne and wine on the return journey.
Other NEW Northern Belle departures include: Swansea Bay & The Heart of Wales, Windermere which includes a guided coach tour and a cruise on the lake, Blair Castle a spectacular 13th Century castle set in the heart of the Highlands and Inverary Castle in western Scotland set beside the scenic Loch Fyne.
The 2005 Northern Belle schedule, in addition to existing weekend breaks, boasts two NEW weekend destinations. For the first time, Northern Belle will be operating a Dublin weekend on 9 July from Birmingham, Chester, Coventry, Crewe and London with prices starting from £695. The trip includes two nights B&B and a guided tour of the Guinness factory. In addition to this, there is a Chester Leisure & Golf weekend, also departing on 9 July departing from Birmingham, Coventry and London which includes two nights B&B at the Carden Park hotel and includes complimentary use of the golf & leisure facilities with prices starting from £595 per person.
The new brochure is laid out in such a way that it can be searched in three ways and steam hauled departures are marked with a steam symbol:
- Calendar of departures - which lists journeys in chronological order with price, timings, departure points and what’s included
- Destinations - that fall within four categories of: Halcyon Days, Fine Dining, Passion & Prowess and Timeless Weekends
- Departures by station
For further information about all British Pullman and Northern Belle journeys call 0845 077 2222 or visit www.orient-express.com
ENDS/.
For further information please contact:
Anna Nash or Kathryn Malone
Public Relations
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Ltd
Sea Containers House
20 Upper Ground
London, SE1 9PF
Tel: 0207-805-5050/5064 Fax: 0207-805-5938
E-mail: Anna.nash@orient-express.com / kathryn.malone @orient-express.com
