Welcome to my very magical series, Magical Train Journeys Around the World!
I’m on a mission to discover the most magical train journeys that you can take around the world, and what better place to start than in London, England and the Belmond British Pullman train?
Belmond are famous for their luxury trains around the world, and this is what I would deem, the perfect starter train for your Belmond experience. Today, I’m talking you along for the Belmond British Pullman Christmas Lunch!
The Belmond British Pullman is a day train that goes from London, Victoria all around the country, offering plenty of different experiences throughout the year.
They have Murder Mystery days out, Champagne Afternoon Teas, Exclusive dinners with famed chefs from around the world, the list continues on and on!
There’s really something for everyone when it comes to the British Pullman train and it all changes and varies depending on the season.
In our case?
I’m taking you aboard with us to experience the Belmond British Pullman Christmas Lunch!
I really wanted to complete this experience before the end of the year, and I thought Christmas lunch would be the perfect opportunity to book in yet another bucket list train journey – as well as celebrating the holidays!
Review: All aboard the Belmond British Pullman
Starting your Belmond British Pullman Christmas Lunch journey…
There are Christmas experiences…
And then there are Christmas experiences that feel as though they’ve been delivered straight from another era.
I loved our time aboard the Belmond British Pullman, the train feels like stepping back into 1920s luxury train travel and glamour!
Next time, I swear I’m wearing at 1920s themed outfit, I really missed an opportunity with that on this occasion!
Booking a festive lunch aboard the Belmond British Pullman begins at Victoria Station, as do all British Pullman train journeys, FYI.
Above are some hotels in the area! PS I’d recommend staying in town the night before, just in case you might face any train delays getting in London the morning of the journey. After all, this is one you would NOT want to miss!
Amid the weekday rush of commuters setting off to work and the familiar hum of departure boards, there’s something a little more magical waiting on the platform for you!
Did you know that Belmond Trains have their own lounge in London Victoria station?
Located by Platform 2, you’ll find it.
I had NO IDEA prior to booking this that it even existed there.
But this is where you will check in for your journey for the day.
A trio of festive singers in their vintage glam will serenade you on the platform and mulled wine or coffees will greet you in the lounge.
In the festive spirit, we grabbed two mulled wines to enjoy by the Christmas tree.
And then, there it is, the train itself, The Belmond British Pullman, complete with glamourous British nostalgic, and perfectly decorated for Christmas!
We finished our mulled wines and boarded the train a little early so we could settle in.
Stepping aboard feels less like boarding a train and more like crossing a magical threshold.
I was SO excited for this journey!
How many carriages are on the British Pullman?
Currently, there are 11 carriages aboard the British Pullman.
Though please note, they do have a 12th private carriage, Celia, that is launching in the summer of 2026.
But we were located in the Lucille carriage, which is close to the start of the train.
Each carriage has its own name, its own story, its own personality!
And even famed guests of the past! Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother have journeyed aboard. The Audrey and Cygnus carriages were used for royal travel. Winston Churchill was a guest as well and frequented the Minerva carriage.
Plush comfortable armchairs, soft lamp lighting, and tables set with white linen perfectly pressed. Each carriage is a little differently coloured too, so be sure to have a wander through the train to take it all in.
And apparently, you can place a request if there is a certain train carriage you might like to be in. But as we’d never been on the train before, we didn’t think to do so ahead of time.
Either way, I don’t think there’s one carriage on the train you wouldn’t want anyways, they are all so lovely and luxurious.
What’s included on the Christmas Lunch on the British Pullman?
The most perfect greeting to boarding the train?
A glass of champagne placed straight into your hand once you get to the table!
Because of course, that’s how all of the best journeys should start. We also loved our waiter for the day, Andrew, who was super kind and lovely to chat with throughout the journey.
Included in your Christmas Lunch aboard the British Pullman is a 5.5 hour journey through the rolling British countryside, complete with a five course festive luxury menu, a bottle of wine of your choosing (red, white or rosé) and champagne arrival.
And entertainment in the form of their trio of singers who come through the carriages throughout the day singing festive Christmas tunes – which was so much fun!
The journey begins at 11am with a quiet glide out of London.
Outside the window, that November winter drear settles across the countryside in soft greys and greens, while inside, everything glows and feels warm and toasty! Sadly, we didn’t have the best of weather (not even a peek of sunshine!) but it is classically British with the clouds and rain!
The Christmas Lunch unfolds as a slow celebration throughout the journey.
There are garlands and subtle decorations throughout the carriages, and things like Christmas crackers adorning the tables. It’s nothing overwhelming or detracting from the luxurious train experience.
Course after course arrives including seasonal flavours which take centre stage. It’s a Christmas lunch, so expect rich and comforting dishes, indulgent in just the right measure.
Here’s what to expect from your menu…
What’s on the Belmond British Pullman Christmas Lunch menu?
Here’s everything we ate on our journey aboard the Belmond British Pullman.
Honestly? The food is fantastic, no notes, it was brilliant!
First Course: House Cured Salmon Tartare, Pickled cucumber, beetroot gel, tarragon emulsion
Second Course: Roasted Celeriac and Beauvale Soup, London White Sourdough
Third Course: Roast fillet Dexter Beef OR Ballotine of Norfolk Bronze Turkey. Served with roasties, glazed carrots, brussel sprouts, bread and cranberry sauce, port gravy. Paired with a class of Veuve Cliquot La Grande Dame 2018
Fourth Course: Black Forest Snowflake Dark Cherry Compote
Fifth Course: Neal’s Yard Orchard Project Cheese Board. Chutney, spiced pickled orange and eccles cake
Finishing course: Petits fours, coffee and teas
There is something deeply satisfying about dining on a moving train, watching the landscape shift while your table remains a constant and you get to enjoy it with your favourite person!
What’s the day like on the train?
Honestly, I thought we’d feel a bit ready to be done after a few hours.
But the 5.5 hours really does fly by!
They do such a great job of spacing out everything during the experience. There’s plenty of time between the meals and courses, drinks are kept flowing, and even in dismal weather, the British countryside is always so beautiful to take in.
This train takes you on a route from London through the British countryside of Kent on a round trip journey.
The British Pullman will also stop along the way where passengers can get out and stretch their legs.
In our case, they offered mulled wine to enjoy on the platform too while we listened the songs sung by their resident trio of singers.
Before you know it, you’re rolling back into London and wishing you could extend the day!
How much does it cost to book the Belmond British Pullman Christmas Lunch?
Well, this is what I would call a bucket list experience (though I do seem to be trying to rack up quite a few of these lately…!)
Ticket prices are £535 per adult. So we spent £1,070 total for our day out.
I know, it sounds like a lot. And it is! But factoring in everything on the day, it felt well worth it for the amazing food, journey and experience.
You’re on the train for 5.5 hours after all.
They also say champagne upon arrival, but they really do top up your glass quite a few times. And we enjoyed a few mulled wines along the journey as well. Plus our bottle of wine. And a luxury five course lunch. And entertainment and a 5.5 hour train journey.
Plus the memories we made will last a lifetime.
You can view a list of all of their experiences and can book tickets HERE.
What should you wear on board the Belmond British Pullman train?
I’d recommend dressing up for the occasion 10000%!
The British Pullman train is a place for celebrations, occasions and absolutely dressing up!
This is taken directly from their website: British Pullman is the perfect place to celebrate, dress up, enjoy world-class cuisine and refined service. To maintain an elegant and enjoyable atmosphere for our guests, we have certain dress code expectations. Please avoid casual clothing, including denim, trainers, baseball caps, collarless T-shirts and shorts. We reserve the right to ask guests not suitably attired to change, otherwise we may refuse boarding. While jackets and ties are not essential, smart attire and even formal dress is welcomed. Aboard our beautiful train, you can never be overdressed.
My recommendation is towards something dressy!
I actually would probably wear something even fancier than I did for my next trip to really fit the aesthetic of the 1920s glamour.
So would I do it again? And would I recommend the journey?
Honestly?
I’d do it again in a heartbeat! Our experience was absolutely magical!
And I absolutely do want to book it again! Also to try another, different day trip journey of theirs aboard the British Pullman.
Though truthfully, one of the Belmond train overnight journeys is at the top of my ultimate bucket list magical train journeys that I’d like to go on someday.
Because that is what the Belmond British Pullman does so effortlessly, magic.
It’s not just Christmas lunch, it’s not just a luxury vintage train experience. It’s all of the cherished memories and time spent doing something magical and unique with my favourite person.
And for me, that’s the most magical thing of all (but also, the champagne definitely adds to it!)
Kelly xoxo
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