Imagine riding in Britain's most luxurious train, hauled by some of the most famous steam locomotives in the world. The Northern Belle, described by the actor Bill Nighy as “the Grand Dame of luxury travel”, has plenty of new tours this summer to keep railway enthusiasts and those who enjoy the finer things in life happy.

The train has seven hand-decorated carriages, each named after a stately home or castle. One of which used to be part of the late Queen Elizabeth’s Royal Train.  It reportedly contains the favourite seat of the late Queen Mother, from where she would wave to excited onlookers and sip her gin and tonic as the train passed by.

Excursions for 2025 include 18 steam-hauled trips over the spectacular Settle-Carlisle railway line, proclaimed by Channel 5 in its eponymous programme as one of the world’s most scenic railway journeys.

For champagne-sipping racing fans, the Northern Belle is scheduled to travel to Ladies Day at Royal Ascot on Thursday, June 19 offering a full day of luxury travel, including a three-course brunch, entrance to the Queen Anne enclosure, and a six-course dinner on the return journey and to Glorious Goodwood on Thursday, July 31, which is also Ladies Day at the Goodwood racecourse, both excursions from London Victoria.

Another new tour this year is a visit to King Charles’ official Scottish residence at Holyrood Palace, departing from Manchester, Preston, and Lancaster on Thursday, September 25.

Destinations for history buffs include historic cities such as Edinburgh, Chester, and York, and for beach lovers, coastal resorts like Torquay, Llandudno, and Oban.

The Northern Belle was launched on 31 May 2000, travelling from Liverpool Lime Street to Grantham. The carriages were restored by the Venice-Simplon Orient Express, which became Belmond Limited in 2014.

However, while the Northern Belle can be hauled by steam locomotives, like the Flying Scotsman or Princess Elizabeth, it is not exclusively steam-powered. The luxury train is also hauled by other types of locomotives, including diesel locomotives. 

According to Rail Advent, Tours on The Northern Belle depart from stations all over the UK and cost £365. The company's website, www.northernbelle.co.uk, provides more details about its upcoming excursions.

Gift cards are available if you want to treat a special someone to a train trip of a lifetime from £50.

A spokesperson for Northern Belle said: "Our mission is simple; to exceed our guests' expectations. We are constantly striving to improve the experience, make special memories for our passengers and operate the most luxurious train.