Belmond British Pullman
United Kingdom

The Art of Slow Elegance

Day excursions into quintessential England are offered aboard British Pullman, A Belmond Train, England. Sister train of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the Art Deco icon revives the glamorous Golden Age while satisfying today’s desire for slow travel.

From the moment guests arrive at the private lounge at London Victoria station, there’s excitement in the air. Personal liveried stewards escort passengers to their private tables and take care of their every need. Each impeccably restored vintage carriage boasts a unique identity and story. Some have carried royalty, others have starred in movies. Exquisite décor includes polished marquetry, plush textiles and magnificent mosaics. Expansive picture windows afford prime views of the landscapes rolling by.

Fine dining is a highlight of every journey. British fare with an innovative twist is created by talented chefs in the onboard kitchen and served with sommelier-selected wines.

Signature journeys include Bath, Blenheim Palace, Chatsworth, seaside towns such as Margate and Broadstairs, and prestigious British wineries. Non-stopping dining experiences range from one-off tasting menus by Michelin-starred chefs to thrilling murder mystery lunches. Sporting events such as Goodwood Revival and the Grand National can be visited in style. Steam-hauled journeys add an extra layer of nostalgia.

When it comes to celebrating a wedding, marking an anniversary or hosting a spectacular product launch, a carriage can be reserved or the whole train chartered. A new private events carriage, Celia, seats up to 12 guests for dining. It has been imagined and designed by visionary filmmaker Baz Luhrmann together with Oscar-winning costume and production designer Catherine Martin. With a personal cocktail bar, lounge, dining and entertainment area, Celia serves as a premier venue for grand banquets and intimate celebrations.

Celia is British Pullman’s extraordinary new private dining and events carriage. Imagined and designed by visionary filmmaker Baz Luhrmann together with Oscar-winning costume and production designer Catherine Martin, it is inspired by the British countryside, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and the flamboyant style of a Baz Luhrmann film. The duo wove together the witty story of a West End icon in the 1930s who played Titania in Shakespeare’s romantic comedy. Following the story of this fictional muse, every detail of the carriage blends her narrative with Shakespearean language to create a dreamlike cinematic atmosphere.

Set within an original 1932 Pullman car, Celia features a personal cocktail bar, lounge, dining and entertainment area, offering up to 12 guests the most intimate way to experience one of Britain’s most storied trains, and the chance to create bespoke events.

Celia is ideal for champagne receptions and exquisite brunches, lunches and dinners, complemented by wine pairings. In the evening, the carriage can be transformed into a refined venue for milestone celebrations with world-class entertainment. A dedicated chef prepares personalised menus in the private onboard kitchen. Private luxury transfers, a personal butler and steward, and customised itineraries on British Pullman journeys that include an excursion are all included. The Guest Experience Curator will arrange every last detail.

A renowned Australian filmmaker and cultural pioneer, Baz Luhrmann is celebrated for his unique cinematic style, blending classical artistry with a contemporary flair. This project, imagined in tandem with designer Catherine Martin, is a stunning milestone for Bazmark Inq, the duo’s production company – and an exclusive carriage for life’s celebrations.

The Rail Journeys featured here represent just a small selection of the remarkable experiences available through Virtuoso Luxury Travel. Schedule a personal consultation with Karen Harrington to discover the options best suited to you.