UPDATE: The Northern Belle has told RailAdvent that an LMS Black 5 locomotive is down to haul the tour in July
The Northern Belle has told RailAdvent that it will be recreating the original Bournemouth Belle steam train from London Victoria, which took place on the 5th July 1931.
This is the 90th anniversary of the first run from London to the South Coast – this recreation will stop at Woking to pick up passengers on the way.
250 passengers will pay £399 per person for the steam-hauled trip, which once cost just six shillings (30p).
Having said this, the passengers will be treated to a three-course brunch on the outbound journey and a five-course dinner on their way home.
Northern Belle sales director Howard Barclay said: “It might be expensive, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will never be forgotten.”
“Nothing was too good for passengers on the original Bournemouth Belle and nothing is too good for those on the Northern Belle.”
“They will be pampered from the moment they step onboard over a red carpet in the morning to the moment they arrive back in London in the evening.”
Hand-painted murals and mosaics decorate the 1930’s style Pullman carriages on the Northern Belle, with one coach having a previous life as a coach in the Queen’s Royal Train, and still boasts the favourite chair of the Queen Mothers, but Mr Barclay said: “It has been reupholstered over the years!”
The Bournemouth Belle topped the most famous express trains of the Southern Railway, with Hollywood legends, royalty and rock fans travelling on the train, with most off to ocean liners to head to America from Southampton.
Mr Barclay added: “All were determined to reach their destination with panache – and it will be the same for our passengers on the 90th anniversary of the great train’s first run.”
The Bournemouth Belle will depart London Victoria at 08:45, stopping at Woking at 10:00 before heading to Bournemouth at 12:50. Passengers will have until 6pm to explore Bournemouth before they depart for the capital.
If you would like more information, please see The Northern Belle website.
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Responses
Looking forward in these Tours its great to hear Steam on the mainline once again well ✔ done
The July 2017 Bournemouth Belle used the British Belmond Pullman stock as shown in your photos, not repainted air conditioned mark 2 coaches.
True…I travelled on that train and it was a wonderful day out.
Not sure if it will be Clan Line, The Northern Belle is operated by West Coast Railways and Clan Line is only registered with DB Cargo.
Never mind West Coast have their own Merchant Navy