A HISTORIC 1930s Pullman-style train, which was recently voted one of the most luxurious in the world, will be steaming into Appleby this spring instead of Carlisle.
In previous years, the Northern Belle has stopped at Carlisle station for a couple of hours before continuing its journey over the spectacular railway through the Yorkshire Dales line to Settle.
But because of engineering work, the train – once part of the iconic Orient Express – has instead been routed through Appleby on four trips before June.
The 250 passengers will be able to explore the picturesque town, visit the castle or do a spot of shopping.
A Northern Belle spokesman said: “We scratched our heads over how to replace our usual journey break in Carlisle when passengers had the opportunity to visit the castle or cathedral.
“Then somebody suggested Appleby and it seemed absolutely perfect. What could be better than wandering round this lovely town in the spring sunshine?
“The train will bring extra shoppers into Appleby while local trainspotters will be able to admire the beautiful steam engine and carriages standing in the station.”
The Northern Belle’s journey over the Settle-Carlisle line featured on Channel 5’s”The World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys” programme.
Narrator Bill Nighy told viewers it was “the grand duchess of luxury travel” and added: “Our plush grand tour has been the experience of a lifetime.”
On that occasion the Northern Belle was pulled by crimson-painted locomotive Princess Elizabeth, which once held the speed record for the West Coast mainline.
But other engines used include former Southern Region express engine Tangmere and Tornado, the only British steam locomotive to be built this century.
Readers of the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller magazine last year voted the Northern Belle into the top 10 of the world’s most luxurious trains.
The Northern Belle will visit Appleby on April 1, 22 and 29 and May 27. But the plan is it will return to Carlisle from June onwards.
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