9 minute read
All Aboard, the Belmond British Pullman
As Belmond’s brand-new luxury sleeper train, the Britannic Explorer, takes to the tracks, Dream Escape embarks on a railroad journey like no other on board the iconic British Pullman.
There is something deeply nostalgic and irresistibly charming about a beautiful old train, and none have quite such style, elegance, and historic significance as the legendary British Pullman.
This iconic train may whisk passengers back to the glamour of the 1920s, but today, its array of exciting day trips and intriguing itineraries are designed to delight a modern audience. Just some Dream Escape favourites include quintessential Sunday lunch outings, murder mystery escapades and gastronomic dinners cooked by Michelin-starred chefs. There are also carefully curated visits to captivating cities such as Bath and Oxford, trips to stately homes, and themed journeys to exclusive seasonal events across the country. Whatever the route or destination, each experience is designed to be a deeply luxurious and immersive journey back to the romantic and golden age of travel.
We joined the train at London Victoria for a day trip to Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, and the delightful sense of whimsical charm was immediately palpable. On the platform, sparkling coupes filled with a deliciously fruity rhubarb mead are served by smartly uniformed staff, whilst a singer in glamorous period dress entertains passengers with an evocative repertoire. Already, the mood was set.
Carpets are carefully positioned in front of each of the handsome train’s doors, and immaculate signs hung from each carriage, whilst vintage table lamps glow through the windows. The train’s charming, dedicated crew, who have a combined 200 years of experience between them, are on hand to warmly greet guests.
Crossing the train’s threshold, you can sense its glittering history. The carefully preserved art deco-style interiors are utterly breathtaking, from the mahogany fittings and intricate marquetry, hand-stitched fabrics and original vintage details, to the fresh flowers and shining silver that adorn the linen-clad tables. Even the bathrooms – complete with stained glass windows and mosaic floors – are a spacious delight. Polished brass vintage luggage racks gleam in the soft light, whilst intricately embroidered gold and cream curtains frame the view perfectly. As we pulled out of London Victoria, it felt as though we had left the modern world behind.
Seating is at private tables for two or four in any of the train’s magnificent carriages, and Dream Escape also organise private ‘coupes’, a separate compartment within each carriage that provides luxurious seclusion for up to four guests. For larger gatherings, Dream Escape recommends exclusive hire of entire carriages, or the whole train can be chartered for truly unforgettable celebrations.
Crossing the Thames at Battersea in southwest London, a sumptuous multi-course brunch is served by the train’s hugely knowledgeable and smartly liveried stewards. The mouth-watering aroma of freshly baked pastries wafts through the gently rocking carriages; they arrive at the table warm and laced with seasonal fruit. The aptly named ‘Battersea brunch bowl’ swiftly follows, filled with juicy berries, crunchy granola, creamy whipped yoghurt, and a tangy tangerine syrup.
Next, a deliciously indulgent smoked salmon royale, made with fish from esteemed London smokehouse H. Forman & Son, served with caviar, poached egg, toasted English muffin, and a decadent hollandaise. In honour of the Cipriani, Belmond’s legendary hotel in Venice, brunch is accompanied by a seemingly endless amount of fresh Bellini cocktails, made with ice-cold Prosecco and a seasonal pressed fruit purée. To say that this gets the journey off to a flying start would be an understatement…
After brunch, there is the opportunity to explore the train’s historic carriages. The first ever Pullman coach entered service back in 1874 and set the standard for luxury train travel in America before the company’s founder, George Mortimer Pullman, brought his business to the UK. Today, the train’s lavish carriages date back to the 1920s, with each bearing its own name, design and incredible history. There’s Audrey, which was damaged in a Second World War air raid in 1940 and carried Queen Elizabeth II, The Queen Mother and H.R.H. Prince Phillip. Perseus formed part of Winston Churchill’s funeral train in 1965, while Phoenix carried General Charles de Gaulle. More recently, the movie Paddington 2 was filmed on board.
We travelled in Gwen, which was built in 1932 and is famed for conveying H.M Queen Elizabeth (later The Queen Mother) to Brighton in 1948. Meanwhile, the striking interiors in Cygnus are particularly unique – all elegant emerald green and sleek walnut wood. The carriage was recently redesigned by American filmmaker Wes Anderson, and features his signature symmetrical lines, eye-catching colour palette, and whimsical, Art Nouveau-inspired style.
Free from the city, the train ups its pace as it passes Windsor, Reading and Henley-on-Thames, before dashing through the countryside, passing a patchwork of fields dotted with sheep, meandering streams and chocolate box villages with towering church spires. It is a truly picture-perfect pastoral scene.
Soon, we pulled into Oxford Parkway station, where a fleet of luxury coaches are on hand to make the 15-minute drive to Blenheim Palace (Dream Escape can also organise private transfers). Much like the Pullman, the ancestral family home of the Dukes of Marlborough is another icon of British history. Built between 1705 and 1722, Blenheim Palace is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, one of England's largest houses, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s also the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, and has appeared in countless films and TV series, from Bridgerton to Bond.
With just over four hours to explore, there is ample time to stroll amongst the stunning formal gardens and admire the grand fountains and sweeping parklands (landscaped by Capability Brown) before venturing inside the Palace’s historic walls. Dream Escape organise private guided tours of the staggeringly opulent Palace State Rooms, as well as the fascinating Churchill Exhibition and a new immersive experience that explores ‘life below stairs’.
Later that afternoon, passengers are seamlessly whisked back to the station just in time to watch the British Pullman majestically glide in. Back on board, the tables have all been immaculately re-laid for dinner, corks are immediately popped, and the Champagne does not stop flowing. Much like brunch, dinner is a gastronomic affair. Menus on board are designed by head chef Jon Freeman with a focus on local ingredients and British dishes with an innovative twist. Menus change with the seasons; when we travelled, the starter was a succulent piece of Cornish hake served with a silky tartar sauce, sweet Windsor beans and tangy red pepper. The main course was an excellent rump of Kent lamb, with Sharpham Park pearled spelt, spring greens, sweetcorn puree and lamb sauce. There’s an extensive wine list on board and an excellent selection of bottles from some of the UK’s very best vineyards, many of which the train visits during the summer months.
Dessert – a creamy lemon tart served with preserved lemon cream and the satisfying crunch of sweet hazelnut praline - is served just as the sun sets over the beautiful British countryside. As London’s skyline ebbed ever closer, there was just enough time for some delicious hand-rolled truffles and excellent coffee from H.R.Higgins – one of London's finest merchants – and a digestif or cocktail if desired. Back at Victoria Station, we bid a fond farewell to both the wonderful crew and the magnificent train itself, feeling honoured to have joined its list of illustrious passengers.
Leading leisure and hospitality group Belmond own a collection of luxury hotels, river cruises, and safaris across the world, and the iconic British Pullman is just one of its exquisite trains. All year round, Dream Escape guests can embark on various round-trips from London, from full-day city breaks to shorter lunch and dinner trips. In the summer, Dream Escape organises onboard adventures to English vineyards and distilleries, charming seaside towns, and exclusive seasonal events such as Goodwood’s Festival of Speed. During the winter months, the train dons its festive finery and heads to Bath for the enchanting Christmas markets and Canterbury Cathedral for the world-famous carols, as well as hosting cosy lunches and a sparkling New Year’s Eve celebration on board.
For a longer adventure, Belmond’s luxury sleeper train, The Royal Scotsman, is a truly unforgettable experience. With exquisite interiors, breathtaking views, and heartfelt service, Dream Escape organise epic and exceptionally luxurious two- to seven-night journeys through the magnificent Scottish Highlands, with wild swimming, foraging, water rafting, whisky tastings, castle visits, and so much more along the way. Considered a once-in-a-lifetime experience by many, this legendary train is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2025. It recently unveiled two new Grand Suites, which mirror the look and feel of a luxury country house, as well as an on-board spa in collaboration with Dior Beauty, where Dream Escape guests can enjoy relaxing treatments on the move.
Another incredibly exciting option is Belmond’s hotly anticipated Britannic Explorer - the first luxury sleeper train in England and Wales - which launched in summer 2025. This pioneering, meticulously designed train whisks passengers from London on luxurious three- and six-night journeys through the picturesque landscapes of Cornwall, the Lake District, and Wales. Designed with timeless elegance by Albion Nord, the train features 18 exquisitely crafted cabins and suites which blend serene sophistication with heritage charm. On board, passengers can indulge in a world-class dining experience across two dining cars, where menus are created by Simon Rogan, a Michelin-starred chef and pioneer of sustainable British gastronomy.
Whichever unforgettable railroad adventure you choose, it is guaranteed to be a dazzling journey back in time. All aboard!
Words: Sophie Farrah
