Luxury rail tours through England

Luxury Trains in England: Heritage and Renewal

England didn’t invent the luxury train… but it easily could have

The first true luxury train—with sleeping cars, onboard service, and refined dining—was born in Paris in 1883 with the launch of the Orient Express. Conceived by the Belgian entrepreneur Georges Nagelmackers, this train linking the French capital to Constantinople embodied the very best of continental European rail travel, blending comfort, elegance, and a sense of the exotic.

And yet, when people think of luxury train travel, England often comes to mind first. Why does this association remain so strong in the collective imagination, even though it all began elsewhere?

The answer lies in both history and culture. Historically, England is the birthplace of the modern railway: the first commercial lines appeared there as early as the 1820s. England didn’t create the luxury train, but it certainly could have—its setting, aesthetics, and way of life seemed naturally suited to it.

British style: a natural stage for rail luxury

When we picture the United Kingdom, images come easily to mind: Victorian manor houses, velvet-lined boudoirs, hushed tea rooms, and impeccably trained staff worthy of Downton Abbey. This entire world finds its fullest expression aboard England’s luxury trains, where every detail reflects a form of understated refinement so characteristic of British taste.

From the late 19th century onward, England developed its own prestige railcars, notably through the Pullman Car Company. Trains ran between London and Brighton, Folkestone, and onward to Scotland, offering elegant journeys in richly decorated carriages: polished wood, deep carpets, brass lighting, afternoon tea served the proper way. A true art of travel—quiet, polished, and sophisticated.

Trains as icons of popular culture

British trains are so closely associated with luxury in part because of the role they play in popular culture. From Sherlock Holmes to Agatha Christie, from James Bond to Harry Potter, the English train is a character in its own right—symbolizing mystery, elegance, and tradition.

These references have shaped a powerful collective imagination. Traveling aboard a luxury train in England feels like stepping into a novel, a film, or a television series. It’s a suspended moment in time, in a setting where almost nothing seems to have changed.

Luxury train travel in England and Great Britain

Great Britain offers several luxury trains delivering exceptional travel experiences. They are typically associated with high-end service, lavish interiors, fine dining, and scenic routes, usually on relatively short itineraries. Among the most emblematic luxury trains in Great Britain are:

• The Belmond Northern Belle, offering day trips or longer journeys through northern England and Scotland, with a strong focus on comfort and elegance.
• The Belmond British Pullman, featuring exquisitely restored vintage carriages and day excursions from London with gourmet dining onboard.
• The British Pullman, renowned for its steam-hauled journeys, delivering a nostalgic, retro atmosphere on day trips departing from London.
• The Royal Scotsman, a Scottish luxury train offering scenic itineraries through the Highlands, with elegant cabins, top-tier service, and exclusive excursions.

(Note: the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, which once departed from London, now begins its journeys to Venice from Paris.)

The British Pullman: Art Deco and fine dining

Among these trains, the most emblematic expression of British rail elegance is undoubtedly the British Pullman. Operated by Belmond, this jewel on rails offers immersive day-long culinary experiences, combining onboard dining with visits to destinations such as Bath or Oxford, departing from London Victoria.

Each carriage is a restored historic Pullman car. From the moment you step onboard, you’re transported to the golden age of rail travel, surrounded by marquetry woodwork and opaline lamps. The journey is a living tribute to Art Deco style, right down to the staff uniforms.

One carriage in particular stands out: Cygnus, among the most prestigious. Its interior was reimagined in 2021 by filmmaker Wes Anderson, who brought his signature visual touch—precise symmetry and pastel tones—while honoring the original elegance of the 1930s.

Onboard, guests enjoy:

• gourmet menus created by Michelin-starred chefs,
• white-glove service reminiscent of rail’s grandest era,
• and occasional themed experiences, such as live music or Agatha Christie–inspired murder mysteries.

The Britannic Explorer: a sleeper train to Cornwall

Launched in 2025, the Britannic Explorer represents a new generation of luxury trains in England and Wales. A genuine newcomer to the British rail scene, it is the first high-end sleeper train to operate in these regions. Unlike the British Pullman, it offers a complete itinerary with nights onboard: four days and three nights through the enchanting landscapes of Cornwall, the wild and poetic southwest of the country.

Designed by contemporary designers with subtle nods to vintage elegance, the train blends modern comfort with tradition. It also features an onboard spa—an unprecedented level of refinement on a British train—and gastronomy curated by Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan.

Travelers experience:

• elegant cabins combining contemporary design with retro charm,
• panoramic lounge cars overlooking rugged coastlines, fishing harbors, and rolling green hills,
• Michelin-starred dinners served in a hushed, intimate atmosphere,
• exclusive excursions to hidden gardens, historic manor houses, and authentic coastal villages.

Why are luxury train journeys in England so short?

Luxury train journeys in England rarely last more than a day or a few nights. This format is partly explained by very practical reasons. Britain is a relatively small country (nothing like a train journey across Canada), and its rail network is extremely dense. In just a few hours, travelers can reach historic southern cities, seaside resorts, or rural landscapes such as Kent, the Cotswolds, or Cornwall. There’s simply no need to spend a week onboard to feel fully transported.

But this short duration is also rooted in history. In the late 19th century, the Pullman Car Company, active on British lines, already favored short luxury journeys—often between London and nearby destinations like Brighton or Folkestone. These trains were designed for refined day outings, offering high-end service, elegant décor, and uniformed staff. The most famous of them, the Brighton Belle, ran until 1972 and linked London to the coast in just 1 hour and 20 minutes.

That tradition continues today. The British Pullman, for example, offers themed excursions—gastronomic, historical, or celebratory—lasting between four and ten hours, departing from and returning to London Victoria. Even overnight trains such as the Britannic Explorer or the Royal Scotsman typically run for two to five nights, as they are conceived as special-event journeys rather than long-distance rail crossings. This format also suits an international clientele often based in or passing through London, looking for an exclusive experience without being away for too long.

Why choose a luxury train in England?

For several reasons, this type of journey stands apart:

• to relive the golden age of rail without giving up modern comfort;
• to experience a discreet form of luxury—fine china, single-malt whisky, and attentive service;
• to celebrate a special occasion: an anniversary, honeymoon, retirement, or simply the pleasure of indulgence;
• to explore England differently, away from standard tourist routes.

A reinvented tradition

For a long time, England’s luxury train offerings were limited to a handful of special-event journeys. Today, however, the sector is enjoying a genuine revival, driven by established names like Belmond and by new operators exploring regional, thematic, and more immersive itineraries.

Luxury rail tours through England (ref.)

See also our luxury train journeys in Scotland.