Northern Belle to Tour Derbyshire Stately Homes

A historic steam-hauled locomotive, celebrated for its luxurious travel experience, is set to make another journey through Derbyshire. This trip will offer passengers the opportunity to explore one of the county's renowned stately homes.

The upcoming journey, already sold out, features the 1930s Pullman-style Northern Belle train departing from Norwich Station at 7:30 AM on Thursday, June 6, before reaching Ipswich at 8:30 AM. Upon arriving in Chesterfield at around 1:10 PM, passengers can choose to visit either Chatsworth House or Hardwick Hall.

Travelers will enjoy a three-course brunch on the way from East Anglia and a gourmet six-course dinner on the return trip. Both Chatsworth House and Hardwick Hall offer unique historical experiences. Chatsworth, known for its grandeur, was chosen more frequently by travelers. However, Hardwick Hall, an Elizabethan masterpiece, also has a rich history. It was built by the formidable Bess of Hardwick, one of England's most powerful women, known for her four wealthy marriages. During World War II, Hardwick served as the first training base for the Parachute Regiment.

Bill Nighy, a well-known actor, has praised the Northern Belle, describing it as "the Grand Dame of luxury travel" on Channel 5’s "The World’s Most Scenic Railway Journey." The train itself is a remarkable piece of history, once part of the iconic Orient Express, which adds an extra layer of charm and nostalgia to the journey. The Northern Belle's carriages are decorated with luxurious fabrics and intricate woodwork, echoing the opulence of a bygone era and providing passengers with a truly immersive experience.

Future trips from Chesterfield and Derby include a September journey to Edinburgh for the Fringe Festival and an October steam-hauled trip over the Settle-Carlisle line. Each journey offers not just a mode of transport, but an experience that harks back to the golden age of rail travel, combining comfort, elegance, and a sense of adventure.