A RIGHT ROYAL DAY OUT THAT'S FIT FOR A QUEEN
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NORTHERN BELLE EXPRESS
ILLUSTRATED NEWSPAPER
EDITION 1 CHAPEL COURT, HOSPITAL STREET, NANTWICH. CW5 5RP. NORTHERNBELLE.CO.UK
THE ART of
WITHOUT YOU
NONE OF THIS
TRAVEL
WOULD HAVE
BEEN POSSIBLE
THERE have been times in all our
lives where fear and uncertainty
took control as our world was
turned upside down, we dearly hope
that you, your friends and family
remain well. At the Northern Belle
we presented the most exciting array A RIGHT ROYAL DAY OUT
of luxury rail journeys for 2020, and
the popularity was evident as our
guests snapped up seats.
THAT’S FIT FOR A QUEEN WE are proud to introduce you to
some of our skilled artisans who
help design, maintain and restore
NOW IS YOUR TIME TO LIVE IT UP IN A REGAL FASHION the beautiful interiors of our
All that of course was quickly
brought to a halt, as the effect of TO celebrate a return to “new Champagne, where no doubt the carriages. Their attention to detail,
the virus took a hold, like many normality” after the COVID-19 press and media will also gather to expertise and passion for their trade
other businesses we had to adapt lockdown, what better way of witness this royal celebration. is unsurpassed. We have recently
and focus our attentions on rapidly getting the majestic Northern commissioned Aimee Harman to
unwinding our programme and Belle back on track than to call We head out on a circular route via design, create and install five new
handling the cancellations received on the services of the crimson- Carlisle where we stop for around mosaic floors for our cloakrooms.
from thousands of our guests, and painted steam locomotive an hour, then we travel across the Aimee said: “There is something
re scheduling wherever possible. that proudly bears the name world acclaimed Settle to Carlisle very magical that happens when I
PRINCESS ELIZABETH... line. You will be served a wonderful mosaic … it takes me to a place away
We introduced our VIP gift voucher light breakfast on the outward from the world and any worries I
programme, offering guests the This magnificent engine, which journey, and on the return, you may be having. It’s like a meditation
chance to transfer the full value of once hauled the Queen’s Royal will be treat like royalty and relax with your eyes open.”
their booking to a credit voucher Train, takes us on a regal journey in comfort with the first of seven
THE ROYAL
and receive an additional £100 in across Britain’s green and pleasant courses prepared by executive chef
land in pampered comfort while Matthew Green with an abundance
value free, this can then be redeemed
we dine like royalty on the
CARRIAGE
within twelve months of issue. This of fine wine and champagne.
most magnificent seven-course
was very well received and is still lunch, with the finest wines and
available for existing bookings. champagne, and look forward to
We thank all our guests for their brighter days ahead.
continued support, without you Our trip not only embraces the
none of this would be possible Golden Age of Steam, but also ON E
heralds a nostalgic reunion between of our
Princess Elizabeth and Duart – one most famous
of our Pullman-style carriages carriages, The Duart,
resplendent with its exquisite served for many years on the Royal
marquetry motif of the famous Train. It is self-sufficient and could
castle on the Isle of Mull – which be run alone as it has 24 seats, its own
Her Majesty used when it too used toilet facilities and a kitchen. This
to form part of her Royal Train. beautiful carriage is often privately
chartered by guests celebrating a
Your journey fit for a Queen, special occasion.
starts on the platform at Preston
station, with a glass of the finest Call 01270 895156 to enquire.
BOOK TODAY
PRINCESS ELIZABETH LUNCH CALL US: 01270 895156
19th Sept 3rd Oct 17th Oct Monday to Friday 09:30 - 17:30
northernbelle.co.uk
STEAM FROM PRESTON TO CARLISLE
EXPERIENCE THE EPITOME OF RAIL TRAVEL WITH THIS FANTASTIC JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME.
A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO TRAVEL BEHIND ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS STEAM
LOCOMOTIVES, PRINCESS ELIZABETH (NUMBER 6201).
£395
Per passenger
Book online: northernbelle.co.uk or call: 01270 895156
EDITION 1 CHAPEL COURT, HOSPITAL STREET, NANTWICH. CW5 5RP. NORTHERNBELLE.CO.UK
WIN 2 TICKETS! WORD SEARCH
FREE TO ENTER
Visit northernbelle.co.uk/express-competition
SIMPLY visit our website to complete the online questionnaire,
answering all six questions correctly. All correct submissions
will be entered into a random draw and the winner will be
notified by email and featured in the next edition.
Read through this newspaper to find clues and answers.
northernbelle.co.uk/express-competition
HEART OF
NORTHERN BELLE CARRIAGE - BOUTIQUE - TRAVEL - SPECIAL - ROMANTIC - TRAIN - BELLE
DINING - EXPERIENCE - ALNWICK - DUART - ABOARD - PASSENGER
Team Photographer captures the very first outing for the WARWICK - CHAMPAGNE - STATION - PULLMAN - TRIPS - LUXURY - STEAM
Northern Belle in 2020. (Pre Covid-19)
WHO DUNN IT ? Each carriage is unique with its own
specially designed interior. One named
Duart, decorated with beautiful
marquetry motifs of the Royal Castle on
IT was a cold, wet and windy no time in popping the the Isle of Mull in Scotland, was even used
morning at Carnforth when champagne corks to serve up by the Queen as part of her Royal Train.
we pulled out at 6:30am on a glass of beautifully-chilled
our way to collect the first Laurent-Perrier to start the
passengers of the year for day.
our Valentine’s and Spirit of
Travel Lunch. The route took passengers
on a scenic round trip, via WHAT do Buckingham Palace, the
After arriving at York the East Coast, passing Titanic and the Northern Belle have in
station, following the 89- Selby, Hull, Goole, Hatfield common?
mile cross-country jaunt, we & Stainforth and Church
rolled out the red carpets on Fenton. The answer: all featured exquisite
the platform and welcomed marquetry by the expert craftsmen at
our guests on board. With it being Valentine’s, Dunn & Son Essex, who use traditional
romance was most definitely methods that have barely changed since
Our friendly stewards wasted on track. the 19th century.
Saturday 5th September 2020 Sunday 6th September 2020
Swansea, Cardiff & Newport Birmingham, Gloucester & Cheltenham
TORQUAY AT LEISURE
JOURNEY TO THE JURASSIC COAST IN ULTIMATE STYLE AND GLAMOUR.
Your day of discovery begins as the train glides into the platform and liveried stewards show you to your plush armchair
seats. Your table laid with pristine, crisp white linen and adorned with sparkling glassware and fine china is ready for your
moving feast. Enjoy a Bellini brunch and the ever-changing views from your window as we travel to the English Riviera.
£315
Per passenger
15 SEATS ONLY
Book online: northernbelle.co.uk or call: 01270 895156
EDITION 1 CHAPEL COURT, HOSPITAL STREET, NANTWICH. CW5 5RP. NORTHERNBELLE.CO.UK
HEAD CHEF RAIL
ALE
MATTHEW GREEN
HEAD Chef Matthew Green says: “2020 is set
to be Northern Belle’s most exciting year to
date and my new menus, which started with a
romantic Valentine’s Day lunch, will reflect that.
I look forward to sharing my new recipes and old
favourites throughout the year.”
NORTHERN BELLE
TRIP IS ‘FIREWORKS’
FOR TWINS
Lilian & Doris, 95, take a journey down
FEATURING the finest seasonal ingredients
Memory lane
from the British Isles, classic and innovative
dishes are crafted by our Executive Head Chef MEMORIES flooded back as On the way, they tucked into a
Matthew Green. Britain’s oldest identical twins seven-course dinner and were
Lilian Cox and Doris Hobday, reminded of how glamorous train
Matt joined the train as Junior Sous Chef in 2006 95, boarded the Northern Belle at travel used to be during the 1930s
the
and worked his way up the ranks to become Head
t
Chester station one Saturday, last
us
“J t”
Chef in January 2019. when they were young girls.
November.
ticke
“I love my job,” he says. “Every day while cooking The trip, organised by gift company Excited Doris, reflecting on the
I look out of the windows and see a different view ‘Red Letter Days’ as part of their trip later, said: “We thoroughly
of the beautiful countryside. It may be the rolling #NoMoreSlippers campaign, took enjoyed reliving the excitement and
hills of the Lake District today, the mountainous them to Morecambe Bay to watch glamour of making a journey by GUESTS who enjoy
Scottish Highlands tomorrow and then next an amazing fireworks display. a beer are in for a real
rail.”
week I’m off to London. That’s my inspiration. treat. Our Northern
The #NoMoreSlippers campaign Belle Rail Ale, brewed
aims to treat older people over the specially for us in
Southport.
festive period and encourage them
to make the most of their lives and Refreshingly light and
not let age become a barrier. delightfully tasty, this
is just the ticket for real
#heartofnorthernbelle ale lovers!
25th Sept - Shrewsbury, Chester & Crewe
26th Sept - Liverpool & Warrington
27th Sept - Manchester, Bolton & Preston
16st Oct - Coventry & Birmingham
MURDER MYSTERY LUNCH
AGATHA CHRISTIE WOULD APPROVE OF THESE INTRIGUING JOURNEYS
THROUGH THE BRITISH COUNTRYSIDE, WHICH ARE DESIGNED TO
BRING OUT THE SUPER-SLEUTH IN YOU. LET THE PACE OF LIFE SLOW AS
YOU GAZE AT THE SCENERY AND ENJOY THE DELIGHTS OF TRAVEL
• Round-trip travel aboard the Northern Belle luxury train
• Seven-course British seasonal table d’hôte lunch
• Bottle of wine per couple from a selection of fine wines
• Murder Mystery to solve hosted by costumed actors
£275
Per passenger
Book online: northernbelle.co.uk or call: 01270 895156
EDITION 1 CHAPEL COURT, HOSPITAL STREET, NANTWICH. CW5 5RP. NORTHERNBELLE.CO.UK
WE RETURN TO
THE LINE ON YOUR
A SCORCHING WELFARE
FRIDAY IS OUR
MANCHESTER Victoria Station on
a scorching first Friday in August, PRIORITY
the champagne is flowing … and
after nearly five months waiting LET’S address the issue...
impatiently in a siding, the Northern
Belle is finally back on track. The health and well being of our
guests and crew is of paramount
Milling around on the platform, importance to us. In view of the
dressed in their summer finery Covid-19 outbreak we would
CROWDS GATHER
and excited at the prospect of a like to take this opportunity to
wonderful day out in Edinburgh share with you the measures
after the long Covid-19 lockdown, that are in place.
AS HISTORY IS MADE
are our first 165 passengers of the
new season. Our train undergoes a thorough
clean before it departs our home
The trains 1930s-style Pullman depot by a team of experienced
carriages are gleaming in the WHEN THE FLYING SCOTSMAN MET THE NORTHERN BELLE
cleaners. Once out on the rails
dawn sunlight and the heritage WELL, what an exciting year 2019 So how on earth do we follow that the on-board team follow
locomotive, proudly bearing the was for us all at Northern Belle – in 2020? comprehensive opening and
name Windsor Castle, has been especially with Flying Scotsman closing down procedures which
given an extra shine of polish. Then, pulling two of our special Well, we have pulled together involve wiping down all surfaces
bang on time at 6.40am, the guard excursions during the summer. another wonderful selection of including but not limited to
waves his flag and we are on our journeys to historic cities, seaside tables, door handles and grab
way, picking up more passengers at Newspapers and TV stations gave resorts, stately homes, famous rails. A housekeeper travels on
Wakefield and York en-route for the massive coverage, describing it as castles, race meetings and loads all of our trips to ensure that
Auld Reekie, the Scottish capital. a “historic day” with “the world’s more. our cloakrooms are regularly
most famous steam engine hauling replenished and public areas
one of the world’s most luxurious As well as more steam journeys, a
series of Murder Mystery trips and are kept clean and tidy. On our
trains”. busier departures we plan to
At Leisure excursions, we are also
We are sure none of you who were hoping to run theatre trips – if the have an additional housekeeper
fortunate enough to travel on those Government allows them to reopen to provide extra reassurance for
two sold-out services from Crewe after Covid-19. our travellers.
and Manchester would argue.
Then we have relaxing journeys Our Lead and Second stewards
Nor were the thousands of which just meander through have accredited qualifications
eager train-spotters and railway beautiful countryside while over and above the mandatory
enthusiasts aged from eight to 80, pampered passengers relax in our requirements and have recently
who crowded station platforms, luxurious 1930s-style “Pullman” received infection control
bridges and level crossings to wave carriages and tuck into a sumptuous awareness training in response
at the train. lunch or dinner. to the recent outbreak. The on
board crew are temperature
tested before departing the home
depot and understand that they
must not report for duty if they
have any symptoms or have
Saturday 7th November 2020
been in contact with anybody
that has been diagnosed or
The scene at Wakefield Kirkgate station
FIREWORKS DINNER being tested for the virus or
has recently returned from a
restricted area. Crew members
Soon it’s time to tuck into a delicious Liverpool, Manchester & Preston returning from overseas travel
three-course brunch, followed by are not permitted to resume
morning tea or coffee, before we’re their duties without clearance
by a Manager.
VIP
pulling into Waverley Station.
We’ve five hours to wander round
Edinburgh and see the sights before
we’re back on board for the return Join the Northern Belle luxury train for an exciting evening of
journey. fine cuisine and themed entertainment. A dazzling firework
There’s more champagne, of course, finale completes the fabulous evening.
followed by a scrumptious five- INCLUDES
course dinner washed down with CREDIT VOUCHER
some lovely wines as we head home • Welcome champagne reception on board
WE are allowing all passengers
after what, everybody agreed, was • Seven-course British seasonal table d’hôt dinner
booked on the Northern Belle
a glorious day out. Of course, the • Bottle of wine per couple
• Tea, coffee and petits fours to convert their booking, for
beautiful sunshine helped. But whatever reason, to a ‘VIP
whatever the weather, a trip on the • Musical entertainment
• Firework display Credit Voucher’ for the full
Northern Belle is always just the amount paid. This will allow
ticket. you the flexibility to book any
We’ve some wonderful journeys
£285 other journey without losing
Per passenger
planned for the rest of this year. your deposit.
Check them all out on our website – 24 SEATS ONLY
Visit: northernbelle.co.uk
northernbelle.co.uk – and we’ll see Book online: northernbelle.co.uk or call: 01270 895156 Call: 01270 895156
you on board soon.
EDITION 1 CHAPEL COURT, HOSPITAL STREET, NANTWICH. CW5 5RP. NORTHERNBELLE.CO.UK
THERE’S ONLY ONE
CHRISTMAS LUNCH
CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN OPULENT STYLE ABOARD THE NORTHERN BELLE
LUXURY TRAIN, THIS DECEMBER. ‘TIS THE SEASON FOR FAMILY & FRIENDS.
Settle into a plush seat in your festively-decorated carriage and look forward to a magnificent seven-course lunch with all
the trimmings. Your table is set in lavish style with crisp white linen, sparkling glassware and bespoke china.
Liveried stewards take care of all your needs as the train journeys through enchanting wintery landscapes. Admire
the changing views through your picture window. Take in the sumptuous details of your vintage carriage, evoking the
glamour of 1930s “Belle” trains.
Read about the trains history and imagine the famous faces that once passed through its corridors. A convivial
atmosphere and entertainment from a table-top magician make this a journey to remember.
It’s the perfect way to enter into the festive spirit, either as an indulgent treat for yourself or as a special gift for loved ones.
INCLUDES
• Round-trip travel aboard the Northern Belle luxury train
• Welcome champagne reception on board
• Seven-course lunch: British seasonal table d’hôte menu including Great
British cheeseboard, biscuits and chutneys
• Bottle of wine per couple
• Tea, coffee and petits fours
£265
Per passenger
DATES AND DEPARTURE POINTS ARE LISTED ON THE BACK PAGE
Book online: northernbelle.co.uk or call: 01270 895156
HAVE A GREAT DAY
THE SAFE WAY
Three simple words that mean so much “THE SAFE WAY” becomes part of our everyday vocabulary.
We have been working hard over the last two months to make absolutely sure that travelling on the Northern Belle is as safe as
possible both for our guests, colleagues and local residents. At the same time not detracting from the enjoyment of the day.
Please see the following pages which set out the processes which we have put in place to ensure our guests have a safe and
enjoyable journey.
Our guest are asked to wear face coverings whilst boarding and departing the train, also while moving around the train,
face coverings are not required at your seat.
SOCIAL DISTANCING ON-BOARD CLEANLINESS
The safety of our guests, If you have had contact with On-board crew will be
colleagues and local people is anyone infected with the virus temperature checked prior to
our priority at the same time please don’t travel, contact us departure, and will not travel
not detracting from the most and we will change your booking with a high reading. Crew will
wonderful day ahead. without charge. Call 01270 907 010 or be wearing suitable PPE relevant to the
email reservations@northernbelle.co.uk. day.
Tickets will be sent electronically At the station you will be greeted Seating on board will allow for
to your mobile or tablet, anyone by our host and escorted to the social distancing, in effect on
without that facility will receive platform keeping a safe distance. your date of travel. Your booking
a ticket via mail in a wipe clean Groups of passengers will board party will be seated together.
pvc wallet. separately and seated avoiding close
contact with others.
Food and drink will be served Carriages are fitted with Please limit movement around
covered and wine dispensed sanitised hand dispensers which the train. On the return you
only by your steward wearing we encourage guests to use will disembark by invited order,
gloves. Cutlery will be sealed frequently. Increased levels of please keep a safe distance on
and crockery protected by a disposable sanitation will be visible throughout the your return to the station. Face protection
top shield. Menus will be disposable and journey, with vestibules treated every 30 is advisable especially when moving
sanitised prior to them being displayed. minutes. Carriages have been fitted with around the train.
air filtration systems.
EDITION 1 CHAPEL COURT, HOSPITAL STREET, NANTWICH. CW5 5RP. NORTHERNBELLE.CO.UK
IT’S ALL A BIT...
...CHEESY
LIFE is full of mysteries, unanswered questions
and endless enigmas. Why do we dream? What
is consciousness? What happened before the Big
Bang? While we cannot shed any light on these
we can answer one question that is regularly
asked by our guests: “Why do you serve the
cheese before the dessert?”
IN CONVERSATION WITH...
In culinary circles it’s a hot debate that has divided
ANDREW OVERTON
opinion. Mary Berry is a cheese-first kinda girl, them to Belvoir Castle in Proudest moment?
while Michael Roux Jr is a fan of finishing with Leicestershire. It was eventful to
say the least! We had arranged Probably the Northern Belle
the cheese. A remarkable dichotomy given their being recognised as the most
respective nationalities. for the Duchess of Belvoir
to do a welcome speech for successful launch product in
The French have traditionally served cheese our guests, but unfortunately the Orient-Express group –
before dessert – this way all the savoury dishes she had fallen asleep upstairs repaying its capital investment
are kept together rather than switching the pallet THIS year marks the 20th and didn’t make it down. We in record time.
from savoury to sweet and then back to savoury. Anniversary of the Northern also had the Mayor of York
Belle. Since the first trip in May Best memory?
Le fromage is taken extremely seriously in France and a brass band assembled
from the order of service to the way it is sliced. 2000, we have welcomed more on the platform at York but Gosh, very hard that one. Too
than half a million guests, unfortunately the driver many to choose from. OK, the
In modern times, Britain now unbrielievably served four million canapes forgot to stop and the train very first time the Belle came
produces almost twice as many cheese varieties and have travelled a distance whizzed through at 65mph. into Manchester Victoria
as our French neighbours. France has around 400 equivalent to the moon and Fortunately, the day was saved
compared with our 750. Indeed the International hauled by steam – the sound
back. by Jane McDonald, our very of the whistle echoing around
Cheese Awards are held in Nantwich, the home first on board entertainer, who
of our Travel Centre. An 80,000 square foot The man in the driving seat the station was one I will
dazzled guests. never forget. Former Liverpool
marquee is erected each year to house the 5,000 at the start of this incredible
entrants from around the world. journey was Andrew Overton football star and TV pundit
What’s your favourite
- the Northern Belle’s first Alan Hansen dancing in the
carriage?
So while the above provides a gouda explanation aisle with ex-Everton captain
General Manager, who was
it still doesn’t answer the grate question – why do It has to be Alnwick. I was born Dave Watson was pretty
tasked with getting the
we do it the French way? and brought up in the North- special too!
carriages restored and ready
for their inaugural journey. East and have great childhood
In part it is to do with the history of our train. What does the Northern Belle
Andrew and his wife Nicola memories of the area.
Originally we were part of the Orient-Express mean to you?
group taking people from the North to Folkstone bobbed into our Travel Centre What was your favourite trip?
to connect with the legendary Venice-Simplon- for a cuppa and a catch up. It’s all about delivering
Orient-Express – the continental way for a That’s easy – the coastal lines happiness and making friends.
continental journey. What do you remember about of Morpeth up to Berwick.
the Northern Belle’s first ever The views are stunning. The Andrew is now enjoying his
Today we stick to this tradition for one very journey? Dawlish coastal line comes a well-deserved retirement but
simple reason – we like to end on a sweet note. close second. will soon be taking up a new
The first journey was a practice very important role – that of a
#tasteofnorthernbelle run for invited guests taking Grandad!
Friday 20th November 2020
WINCHESTER CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Manchester, Crewe & Birmingham
KICK START THE FESTIVE SEASON IN STYLE WITH AN INDULGENT DAY EXCURSION
TO THE CITY OF WINCHESTER AND ITS PICTURESQUE CHRISTMAS MARKET
Winchester is often referred to as “England’s Christmas Market Capital” and we are confident
that you will enjoy your visit to this medieval city. The location of the market is stunning; set in
the inner and outer close of the Cathedral. The stalls offer a wide selection of Christmas gifts,
decorations and festive food making it one of the best markets in Europe.
£335
Per passenger
Book online: northernbelle.co.uk or call: 01270 895156
EDITION 1 CHAPEL COURT, HOSPITAL STREET, NANTWICH. CW5 5RP. NORTHERNBELLE.CO.UK
DREAM
EXPRESS
“IT’S THE BEST HUE TO SEE VIETNAM”
In an occasional series, journalist Mal Tattersall samples some of the
world’s other great train journeys...
Vietnam. Mal, the Englishman abroad.
THE Dream Express ... that’s the feel you could lean out and touch. She has booked the fourth berth,
proud name of my train which over numbered 24, and, misreading the
the next 36 hours will trundle the After a couple cans of cold Saigon numbers on the wall, initially looks
1,000 miles from Vietnam’s ancient beer, I’m fast asleep when about 11.30 accusingly at me as if I am lazing in
capital Hanoi to sprawling, modern I wake to realise we have stopped at it.
Ho Chi Minh City in the south. another station.
But there’s not much Northern Belle- Then comes the sound of feet
style luxury about the diesel- hauled tramping down the corridor outside
train with its seemingly never- followed by loud, brash American
ending line of blue and red carriages voices.
snaking down the station platform, Is there ever such a thing, despite
which now resembles a giant market what Graham Greene wrote in his
stall selling food and drink to book about Vietnam, as a Quiet
passengers. American?
Paint is peeling from the walls of Suddenly the door opens and this
my “soft four-berth” compartment, rather large lass heaving a giant
the air conditioning grille hangs at backpack gazes in at the three virgin
a precarious angle and the tattered berths.
curtains look like they haven’t ‘Doi Moi’
been washed since 1975 when the “Hey, anybody using these? she asks “Where are you going?” the French
train began running again after the cheerily, quickly adding: “OK if I lady asks her eventually. “Hughie,”
Vietnam War. take one?” replies the English girl.
“Hughie?” repeats the French lady,
looking puzzled.
“Yes, Hughie,” says the English girl, a
tad impatiently.
“Hughie Greene?” I, being of a
certain age, ask mischievously.
“No,” she replies, with a serious
face. “I don’t think it’s Green, just
Hughie.”
“Ah, W-h-ey,” explains the French
Everything but the kitchen sink ... stocking up on the station platform
lady, pronouncing it slowly and
phonetically.
Still, I note with gratitude, at least “Guess so,” I reply, without any great
enthusiasm, as I’d been hoping to “I dunno which way,” says the
the sheets on my bunk are spotlessly Houses are just feet from the track
keep the compartment to myself. English girl. “But it’s a long way. It’s
clean. Half an hour later I spot her again,
“Have you booked it?” spelled H-U-E or something silly.”
Finally, just 15 minutes late at 8.25pm giggling with a friend down the
“Booked one down the corridor,” Then she dumps her backpack and corridor. as I stroll to the none-too-
and with a long blast of the engine’s
she explains. “But somebody else is scarpers. inviting lavatory.
klaxon, we start crawling out the
station. And to my great delight I asleep in it. So this will do.” Eventually she shuffles back to the
find I’ve got the compartment all to compartment and, after a bit of a
My heart sinks a little. Anarchy on
myself. struggle, heaves her way into the top
the train. Three hours out of Hanoi
I’m not going all the way to HCMC, and people are in each other’s bunks bunk above me.
as everybody in Vietnam calls Ho already. She snores slightly during the night.
Chi Minh City. Just as far as DaNang, But not as loud, I suspect, as I do.
Just then a French couple appear.
from where I will take a cheap taxi to
They have booked two berths in In the morning she gets off like
the nearby picturesque tourist town
the compartment, including the at Hue and disappears. I hope
of HoiAn.
one the large American is trying to she enjoys the historic city, now a
If all goes well, I’ll be there in time misappropriate. UNESCO World Heritage site, with
for a late lunch. its ancient citadel on the banks of the
I’m glad to see them. Three rather
I stare fascinated out the grubby than two might be a little more legendary Perfume River.
windows as the Dream Express, cramped, but better to share with Perhaps tonight, or at least so I like
its horn now blaring a constant two quiet French folk than one noisy to think, she will end up in some
warning signal, rattles slowly down American. karaoke bar, lustily singing “I did it
the middle of Hanoi’s famous Train my Hue”.
Then the door opens again. This time
Street.
an English girl, rather distressed,
The houses here on either side of the with frizzy hair, peers hesitantly in
single track line are so close that you through thick specs. A restaurant just inches from the line.
- Mal Tattersall.
Journalist Mal travelled with specialists InsideAsia, who tailor travel to Vietnam to suit all interests and budgets and have a range of small group tours. A 12-night Classic
Vietnam trip including all accommodation, transport and transfers, private guiding, breakfasts, domestic flights and a range of cultural experiences costs from £2,821pp
including direct flights from London with Vietnam airlines. See www.InsideAsiaTours.com or phone 0117 244 3380
A SELECTION OF THIS YEARS FEATURE TRIPS
SEPTEMBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020
Fri 4 Sept Spirit of Travel Lunch £255 Fri 2 Oct Edinburgh at Leisure £315 Sat 21 Nov London Theatre Show £405
Classic Afternoon Tea £210 Departs: Manchester, Huddersfield & York London at Leisure £335
Departs: Newport, Cardiff & Neath Sat 3 Oct Princess Elizabeth | Lunch £395 Departs: Chester, Liverpool & Crewe
Sat 5 Sept Torquay at Leisure £315 Departs: Preston Fri 27 Nov Chatsworth House at Christmas £375
Departs: Swansea, Cardiff & Newport Fri 16 Oct Murder Mystery Lunch £275 Departs: Newcastle, Durham & Darlington
Sun 6 Sept Torquay at Leisure SOLD OUT £315 Spirit of Travel Lunch £255 Sat 28 Nov Edinburgh Christmas Markets £375
Departs: Birmingham, Gloucester & Cheltenham Departs: Coventry & Birmingham Departs: Hull & York SOLD OUT
Fri 18 Sept Harrogate, Victorian Spa Town £370 Sat 17 Oct Princess Elizabeth | Lunch £395 DECEMBER 2020 | CHRISTMAS LUNCHES
York at Leisure £315 Departs: Preston
Wed 2 Dec Doncaster, Leeds & York £265
Departs: Birmingham, Derby & Nottingham Sun 18 Oct Spirit of Travel Lunch £255
Thu 3 Dec Darlington, Durham & Newcastle £265
Sat 19 Sept Princess Elizabeth | Lunch £395 Classic Afternoon Tea £210
Fri 4 Dec Glasgow & Edinburgh SOLD OUT £265
Departs: Preston Departs: Preston, Bolton & Manchester
Wed 9 Dec Shrewsbury & Telford £265
Sun 20 Sept Great British Sunday Lunch £255
NOVEMBER 2020 Thu 10 Dec Cardiff, Bristol & Bath Spa £265
Classic Afternoon Tea £210
Fri 11 Dec Newport & Cardiff £265
Departs: Wigan, Preston & Lancaster Sat 7 Nov Fireworks Dinner £285
Sat 12 Dec Crewe, Chester & Liverpool £265
Fri 25 Sept Murder Mystery Lunch £275 Departs: Liverpool, Manchester & Preston
Tue 15 Dec Chesterfield, Derby, Nottingham & £265
Departs: Shrewsbury, Chester & Crewe Sun 15 Nov London Theatre Show £405 Grantham
Sat 26 Sept Murder Mystery Lunch £275 London at Leisure £335 Wed 16 Dec Norwich & Ipswich £265
Departs: Liverpool & Warrington Departs: Doncaster, Sheffield & Derby Thu 17 Dec London £265
Sun 27 Sept Murder Mystery Lunch £275 Fri 20 Nov Winchester Christmas Markets £335 Fri 18 Dec Coventry & Birmingham £265
Departs: Manchester, Bolton & Preston Departs: Manchester, Crewe & Birmingham Sat 19 Dec Liverpool, Manchester & Preston £265
2021
FEBRUARY 2021 MAY 2021
Thu 11 Feb Spirit of Travel Lunch £255 Fri 7 May Historic Roman Baths, Bath £370 Fri 18 Jun Brief Encounter Lunch £255
Classic Afternoon Tea £210 Bristol Aerospace Museum £370 Brief Encounter Afternoon Tea £210
Departs: York, Harrogate & Leeds Historic Bath at Leisure £315 Departs: Crewe & Manchester
Fri 12 Feb Spirit of Travel Lunch £255 Departs: Liverpool, Warrington & Crewe Sat 19 Jun Alnwick Castle & Gardens £370
Classic Afternoon Tea £210 Sat 8 May Scarborough at Leisure £315 The Holy Island of Lindisfarne £370
Departs: Chesterfield, Derby & Nottingham York at leisure £315 Berwick Upon Tweed at Leisure £315
Sat 13 Feb Valentine’s Day Lunch £265 Departs: Chester & Warrington Departs: Derby, Chesterfield & Doncaster
Spirit of Travel Lunch £255 Fri 14 May Glamis Castle £370 JULY 2021
Departs: Coventry & Birmingham Scone Palace £370
Sat 3 Jul Longleat House & Safari Park £255
Sun 14 Feb Valentine’s Day Lunch £265 Dundee at Leisure £315
Departs: Derby, Birmingham & Coventry
Great British Sunday Lunch £255 Departs: Darlington, Durham & Newcastle
Sun 4 Jul Great British Sunday Lunch £255
Departs: Crewe, Chester & Manchester Sat 15 May Historic Roman Baths, Bath £370
Classic Afternoon Tea £210
Sun 28 Feb Great British Sunday Lunch £255 Bristol Aerospace Museum £370
Departs: Birmingham & Northampton
Classic Afternoon Tea £210 Historic Bath or Bristol at Leisure £315
Sat 10 Jul Weymouth Harbour | Seafood Festival £315
Departs: London Departs: Wakefield, Sheffield & Derby
Departs: Cardiff, Newport & Bath Spa
Sun 16 May Great British Sunday Lunch £255
MARCH 2021 Sun 11 Jul Weymouth Harbour | Seafood Festival £315
Classic Afternoon Tea £210
Departs: Coventry & Birmingham
Fri 12 Mar Mother’s Day Lunch £265 Departs: York, Leeds & Wakefield
Spirit of Travel Lunch £255 AUGUST 2021
Thu 20 May RHS Chelsea Flower Show £410
Departs: York, Darlington, Durham & Newcastle Departs: Manchester, Stoke & Birmingham Fri 13 Aug Edinburgh Fringe Festival £315
Sat 13 Mar Mother’s Day Lunch £265 Fri 21 May Spirit of Travel Lunch £255 Edinburgh & Royal Yacht Britannia £370
Spirit of Travel Lunch £255 Classic Afternoon Tea £210 Departs: Manchester, Wakefield & York
Departs: Glasgow & Edinburgh Departs: Wigan, Preston & Manchester Sat 14 Aug Edinburgh Fringe Festival £315
Sat 27 Mar Spirit of Travel Lunch £255 Edinburgh & Royal Yacht Britannia £370
JUNE 2021
Classic Afternoon Tea £210 Departs: Liverpool, Wigan, Preston & Lancaster
Departs: Crewe, Chester & Liverpool Fri 4 Jun Edinburgh & Royal Yacht Britannia £370 Thu 26 Aug Spirit of Travel Lunch £255
Sat 28 Mar Great British Sunday Lunch £255 Edinburgh at Leisure £315 Classic Afternoon Tea £210
Classic Afternoon Tea £210 Departs: Manchester, Huddersfield & York Departs: Edinburgh, Perth & Stirling
Departs: Preston, Bolton & Manchester Sat 5 Jun Historic Roman Baths, Bath £370 Sat 28 Aug Inveraray Castle £370
APRIL 2021 Bristol Aerospace Museum £370 West Highland Lunch £255
Historic Bath or Bristol at Leisure £315 Departs: Edinburgh & Dumbarton
Fri 16 Apr Edinburgh & Royal Yacht Britannia £370
Departs: Manchester, Stoke-on-trent & Stafford Sun 29 Aug Great British Sunday Lunch £255
Edinburgh at Leisure £315
Fri 11 Jun Spirit of Travel Lunch £255 Classic Afternoon Tea £210
Departs: Manchester, Huddersfield & York
Classic Afternoon Tea £210 Departs: Darlington, Durham & Newcastle
Sat 17 Apr RHS Cardiff Flower Show £370
Departs: Sheffield, Chesterfield & Derby SEPTEMBER 2021
Cardiff at Leisure £315
Hereford at Leisure £315 Sat 12 Jun RHS Chatsworth Flower Show £370 Fri 17 Sept Harrogate Autumn Flower Show £370
Departs: Preston, Wigan, Warrington & Chester Chatsworth House £370 Harrogate Victorian Spa Town £370
Sat 24 Apr Harrogate Spring Flower Show £370 Departs: Norwich & Ipswich York at Leisure £315
York at Leisure £315 Sun 13 Jun Great British Sunday Lunch £255 Departs: Birmingham, Derby & Nottingham
Departs: Birmingham, Derby & Sheffield Classic Afternoon Tea £210 Sat 18 Sept Harrogate Autumn Flower Show £370
Sun 25 Apr Brief Encounter Lunch £255 Departs: Norwich & Ipswich Harrogate Victorian Spa Town £370
Brief Encounter Afternoon Tea £210 Thu 17 Jun Ladies Day at Royal Ascot £510 York at Leisure £315
Departs: Chester & Liverpool Departs: Manchester, Crewe & Birmingham Departs: Telford, Shrewsbury & Crewe
Book online: northernbelle.co.uk or call: 01270 895156
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