A Luxurious London Day Trip Aboard the British Pullman

Having called London home since 2016, I've embarked on many wonderful day trips into the English countryside, but none has quite compared to the experience aboard Belmond's luxurious British Pullman train. For anyone visiting the UK, a journey on the British Pullman effortlessly pairs with stays at distinguished properties like The Cadogan in London or Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire. And thanks to Fora’s preferred partnership with Belmond’s Bellini Club, clients receive valuable amenities on-board.

Me and my husband ready for brunch aboard the stunning Cygnus carriage

The Experience

The British Pullman offers a diverse array of special day trips—from gourmet dinners and murder mysteries to visits to stately homes—there's a perfect adventure waiting to unfold for anyone. This particular journey was a birthday gift to myself, and given my love for historic British cities, I opted for the day trip to York, with its layered history and iconic Cathedral. Normally, the journey commences and concludes at Victoria Station in central London, where Belmond maintains a special lounge for guests. Fellow travelers assured us this lounge was a wonderful part of the overall experience (we departed from Stratford due to engineering work, but this is a rarity). Despite the unusual starting location, the staff greeted us warmly with coffee and treats before brunch.

Admiring the beautiful details in the other seats in our carriage

With a 4.5-hour train journey to York, we had brought reading materials in case we had any downtime. It quickly became evident this was unnecessary, as time passed swiftly thanks to the well-timed courses and delightful stories shared by the staff. We also loved chatting with fellow passengers!

Upon arrival in York, we had about four hours to explore. Belmond thoughtfully included a 2-hour walking tour in the ticket price. Even though we had visited York before, we cherished having an expert guide us, sharing the city’s rich history. Afterwards, we had ample time to wander on our own. We were fortunate to have a beautiful, sunny day, and everyone was out enjoying the riverside and parks.

Our arrival into York, ready for Belmond's guided tour

York Cathedral looking particularly beautiful on a sunny day

On our return to London, we were spoiled with an incredible 4-course dinner, beautifully paced, allowing us to savor the return ride, recounting stories of our time in York and admiring the picturesque countryside scenery.

Admiring the train exteriors before boarding for our return to London

The Design

My husband and I opted for the historic carriage re-imagined by filmmaker Wes Anderson, the Cygnus, and it was well worth the nominal increase in ticket prices. This special experience features distinctive bone china used exclusively in this carriage, along with stunning marquetry in the wood panels. Keep an eye out for the clever nods to swans, honoring the carriage’s name and history. It truly has character.

The Service

Impeccable! Every staff member we interacted with was warm and attentive, sharing marvelous stories gleaned from their many years working on the train. They also expertly guided us in selecting a beautiful souvenir with our £80 credit—a VIP amenity secured through Fora’s preferred partnership with Belmond. We ultimately chose the engraved crystal Champagne glasses, a perfect memento.

Enjoying one of many stories from the delightful staff

The Cuisine

It’s astonishing what exquisite dishes can be created from such a tiny kitchen! The team, led by Chef Jon Freeman, served a delicious multi-course brunch in the morning on the journey to York, followed by an incredible dinner plus three dessert courses, including cheese!

One of the dessert courses served on the custom china exclusive to the Cygnus carriage

Looking Ahead

In July 2025, Belmond is launching their brand new contemporary luxury sleeper train, the Britannic Explorer, with journeys from 3-6 nights to the Lake District, Cornwall, and Wales. This would make an incredible weekend getaway for those looking to recapture the feeling of discovery in new regions of the UK.

Up next, my husband and I have confirmed our next British Pullman experience to visit England’s first cathedral in Canterbury for a very special Christmas carol event in December. Hope to see you on board!

Tips for a Great Experience

• Book in advance with your Fora advisor (but check for last-minute availability). Some journeys sell out up to a year in advance, but there were a few empty seats on my train, so it’s always worth inquiring

• Dress the part. This is a glamorous experience and (almost) everyone donned lovely dresses and suits for the occasion. However, Belmond did encourage comfortable shoes for our few hours exploring York.

• Choose your carriage. Each historic train carriage possesses its own unique design and color scheme. I adored the signature Cygnus carriage with its emerald greens, but after touring the train, I also loved the golden hues in Gwen and the blues in Phoenix. Spend some time viewing each carriage on the website and make a request for your preferred one.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our London page.