Today I want to bring you my review of a British Pullman Christmas train trip from London. With vintage carriages, Art Deco opulence, and a five-course lunch, this once-in-a-lifetime festive experience is worth treating yourself to. I’ve been invited to experience this rail journey as a guest of British Pullman, A Belmond Train. I’m on board now and I’m excited to share about it with you in this sponsored post.
British Pullman Christmas Train Trip from London
During the festive season, the carriages of the Belmond train are wonderfully transformed to capture the vintage spirit of Christmas. Guests are invited to luxuriate in restored comfort, enjoy a meal with all the trimmings, and take in the beauty of the English countryside.
Departing from Victoria station, heritage carriages decked with seasonal trimmings transport travelers back in time and offer a chance to enjoy a day filled with champagne, fine dining, and festive cheer.
As the train makes its way into Kent, through seaside towns like Margate and Ramsgate, past Faversham and Rochester, and back to Victoria station via Nunhead, guests are treated to attentive service and live entertainment.
Arrival & Welcome
I arrive at Victoria station on a Friday morning. I meet a friend, and we walk over to the check-in area by Platform 2. Three singers in period costume welcome us, and behind them is a room with a Christmas tree, festive drinks, and mince pies.
Back out by the platform we see people posing for photos in front of a vintage luggage display. From there we walk to the train, where we’re welcomed aboard by a uniformed attendant who takes us to our seats in a refurbished 1930s train carriage named Vera.
The carriage has been meticulously restored and upholstered in rich green-and-cream fabrics, carpet, and curtains. The marquetry features antelope and palm trees, and we soon learn that my friend has been seated in the exact chair Nelson Mandela once sat in.
Soon champagne materializes in sparkling cut glassware, and we settle in for a glamorous 1920s-style vintage train journey. Our festive table settings are prepared with specially commissioned China and antiqued cutlery, and it all feels like our own personal Christmas miracle.
Departure
At 11:05am the train leaves the station. On the table are Christmas crackers and elaborate brochures that detail the history of each carriage. As we browse the latter, it brings back fond memories of my journey in Zena on my last vintage train trip).
Underneath the brochures we find the day’s menu. It offers a five-course meal with a choice of two different main courses. The staff cater for many dietary requirements, and we both find plenty to get our appetites excited about.
As we finish our first glass of bubbles, our meal and wine service begin. Our charismatic server furnishes a first course of salmon, which we choose a Chardonnay to accompany.
Journey
When our second course of roasted celeriac soup with white sourdough arrives, we enjoy it as we soak up the increasingly beautiful views of the Kentish countryside. It’s raining outside, and we feel utterly cozy ensconced in our carriage. It’s the perfect winter day for a scenic train ride from London.
As the carriage makes its way to the coast, we take in views of sheep-studded pastures and enjoy main courses of fish and beef with vegetables.
When we reach Dover, the train stops and we’re invited to alight and get some fresh air. As passengers file out onto the platform, the same trio of singers that welcomed us in London serenades us with several Christmas songs. It’s a wonderful festive interlude.
Back on board, we settle in for dessert. It comes in the form of a Black Forest snowflake with dark cherry compote. It’s a beautiful confection, and one befitting the season.
While we enjoy it, the singers appear in our carriage to entertain us with a few more songs. They’ve doffed their coats to reveal sparkly red dresses that are perfect for Christmas.
The serenade is followed by a cheese course. A tray with Neal’s Yard cheeses comes to the table accompanied by chutney, spiced pickled orange, a selection of grapes, and a moreish Eccles cake.
As the train makes its final approach to Victoria station at 4pm, we enjoy views across the Thames as we tuck into petit fours, coffee, and tea.
Festive British Pullman Train from London
Our experience on board the British Pullman train from London has been the perfect Christmas treat, from the beautiful vintage carriage to the festive lunch and exceptional service.
The views out the windows were the stuff of English countryside dreams. In fact, the whole journey felt like a dream. As we descend from the carriage and make our way back to the bustling reality of Victoria station, my friend inquires about booking another trip with a group of friends before the festive season is over.
I hope my blog post has inspired you to do the same. Tickets for upcoming dates for the Christmas lunch service are selling out quickly, so make sure to book yours soon.
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