Belmond British Pullman Carriages

Step on board the Belmond British Pullman, sister train to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, and experience the excitement of luxury train travel. Discover the fascinating history of each of the characterful Pullman carriages. The Belmond British Pullman luxury train embodies everything that was fabulous about the roaring 20s and 30s. Today, each carriage has been lovingly restored and refurbished so that you too can experience the glamour of vintage rail travel.
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Carriage Plan

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The Carriages

Audrey

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Audery

Damaged in 1940 by air raid at Victoria Station, repaired and rejoined Brighton Belle in 1947. Carried the Queen, the Queen Mother and H.R.H. Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh to review the Fleet in 1953. Transported the Queen on her visit to Sussex University 1964.

Cygnus

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Cygnus

Used in the special Festival of Britain rake in 1951. Reserved for use by Royalty and visiting Heads of State. Made last journey of Golden Arrow 1972. Featured in the film ‘Agatha’ with Vanessa Redgrave and Dustin Hoffman.

Ibis

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Ibis

1925 by Birmingham Railway Carriage & Wagon Co. Sold to La Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits et des Grands Express Européens for service in Italy. History: Purchased by the Pullman Car Company Ltd. in 1928 and returned to Britain for Golden Arrow service. Entered Cunard boat train service between Victoria and Southampton 1952. Retired 1968.

Gwen

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Gwen

In 1948 was used, with sister car Mona, to convey H.M. Queen Elizabeth (later the Queen Mother) to Brighton. Brighton Belle service withdrawn in 1972. Preserved as a restaurant at The Horseless Carriage, Chingford, Essex, and later at the Colne Valley Railway, Castle Hedingham, Essex.

Ione

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Ione

Built in 1928 as a First Class kitchen car. Served on Ocean Liner services and Bournemouth Belle until 1939. Later ran on Queen of Scots, Golden Arrow, Yorkshire Pullman, South of Wales Pullman and the high speed Talisman route before retiring in 1968.

Lucille

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Lucile

Built in 1928 as a First Class parlour car for the Queen of Scots Pullman. Transferred to Southern Region in 1963 and ran in Bournemouth Belle until 1967. Preserved by Mr E. Lewis-Evans at the South Eastern Steam Centre, Ashford until 1984.

Minerva

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Minerva

Built in 1927 and served many Pullman routes. Joined the Devon Belle in 1947 and the Golden Arrow in 1951, being used in the special Festival of Britain rake. Often included in special trains for state visits and royal use in the early 50s.

Perseus

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Perseus

Designed in the 30s but not completed until 1951. Used in the special Festival of Britain rake as part of the Golden Arrow service. Formed part of Winston Churchill’s funeral train in 1965. Part of the last journey of the Golden Arrow in 1972.

Phoenix

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Phoenix

Favourite carriage of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother: used by General de Gaulle and visiting Heads of State; made last journey of Golden Arrow 1972. Became stationary restaurant in Lyon, France 1973.

Vera

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Vera

Always paired with Audrey as a two car unit. Directly hit in an air raid at Victoria Station in 1940. Roof extensively repaired, rejoined Brighton Belle in 1947. Used by Royalty to review the Fleet in 1953 and for Prince Charles’ and Princess Anne’s first trip on an electric train in 1954. Brighton Belle service withdrawn in 1972. Preserved as a garden house in Suffolk.

Zena

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Zena

Built in 1928 as a First Class parlour car. After the war, she joined Queen of Scots and Yorkshire Pullman until 1955, and then the Golden Arrow until 1960. Retired in 1965 as part of the final run of the Tees-Tyne Pullman.
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TRAVEL TIPS

Useful information whilst you are onboard the Belmond British Pullman.

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Essential Onboard Information

ROUTES AND TIMINGS

Your travel documentation will be sent to you within 5 days prior to departure. Please note, routes and timings are subject to the constraints of the rail network and may alter. Please arrive 20 minutes prior to departure.

WHAT TO WEAR

Avoid casual clothing, including denim, trainers, baseball caps, collarless T-shirts and shorts. While jackets and ties are not essential, smart attire and even formal dress is welcomed. You can never be overdressed aboard the Belmond British Pullman.

DINING

Your fare includes table d’’hôte meals. Let us know of any special dietary requirements at time of booking. We are unable to prepare meals requiring strict religious observance in their preparation.

SMOKING

Belmond operate a strict no-smoking policy on board their trains.

MOBILE PHONES AND HANDHELD DEVICES

Please turn these off while in your carriage as a consideration to other passengers.

INSURANCE

We recommend you purchase adequate travel insurance for your trip. We cannot be held responsible for loss of deposits and/or other costs incurred if you cancel your reservation.

DISABLED PASSENGERS

We regret that our carriages cannot be boarded in wheelchairs. However, our staff will assist any passengers to their seats and folding wheelchairs can be stored in the vestibules.

SEATING

Belmond operate between eight and 11 passenger carriages at any one time. Our four different styles of Pullman carriage seat between 20 and 26 passengers with seating combinations made up of tables for one, two, three and coupés (private compartments for four) – your table type will be confirmed upon booking. Parties of five or more will be seated at a combination of tables—.

GRATUITIES

These are entirely at the discretion of the passenger and are not included in your fare. Tips are shared by all members of the on-board crew.
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