Travelling on the Northern Belle – one of the world’s most luxurious trains – was (honestly) essential book research. It leaves from many destinations around Britain but we chose a round trip from nearby Wakefield station, which might not sound ‘opulent’ but once you step from the red carpet on the platform on to this beautiful train, you are transported into a genteel world of 1930s yesteryear and could easily be traversing Europe with Poirot.
People who travel on it are often doing it for a celebratory reason, and their excitement colours the atmosphere. Everywhere there is exquisite wooden marquetry, polished brass, heavy tapestries, velvet cushions. The linen is blindingly white, the crystal glasses shine like diamonds, the name of the train is emblazoned everywhere, from plates to carpets. Even…
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Woman's Weekly (Digital) - 1 Issue, 18-Mar-2025