Romantic Journeys:
A Day to Remember on the Orient Express
by Mary McCarney

Luxury and elegance, caviar and champagne, while the English countryside unfolds outside your window. What could be more romantic than a day of pure indulgence onboard the world’s most famous train?

Pulling out of London on a weekday morning, we glided through crowded stations as commuters stopped and stared – even during the rush hour, no one ignores the Orient Express. We’d boarded the train at Victoria Station for a day excursion to Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, but when traveling in such style, any destination seems somehow less important than the journey itself.

As our sumptuous smoked salmon brunch was served, we’d slipped effortlessly out of the city. With the carriages gently swaying, we were soon enjoying views of open fields, rivers and hills from our huge upholstered armchairs. Our steward was totally attentive and service onboard is calm and unruffled. Passengers are positively pampered in unashamed luxury and there is a real sense of occasion.

Our train was the British Pullman, originally acquired to carry passengers from London across the Channel by train ferry and join the Orient Express sleeping carriages for the journey to Venice. But when it was realized that the Pullmans could not be used on the continent, a program of day excursions around the United Kingdom was created instead. Now, the British Pullman takes passengers to Royal Ascot, Cowes Regatta, the Chelsea Flower Show and Stratford Upon Avon. There are journeys to castles, cathedrals and stately homes, and even the chance to emulate Hercule Poirot during popular murder mystery trips.

The British Pullman has been restored to its Twenties and Thirties' grandeur, and each carriage has its own distinctive character, history and name. ‘Phoenix’ was once reserved for visiting Heads of State, including General de Gaulle, while ‘Zena’ featured in a movie about the life of Agatha Christie. We traveled in ‘Audrey’, surrounded by rosewood marquetry landscape panels and Art Deco lights. When the American George Mortimer Pullman designed these carriages, he described them as “Palaces on Wheels” and ‘Audrey’ was used by Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip and the Queen Mother in 1953.

We arrived at Chesterfield station and were escorted to Chatsworth House, home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. After a few leisurely hours exploring the magnificent house and beautiful gardens, we re-joined the Orient Express for our return to London.

Our table for two was already set for dinner, with shining silver and glittering crystal. Our champagne and caviar feast featured lobster hotpot, guinea fowl and green fig confit followed by summer pudding, Columbian coffee and liqueurs. As the familiar London landmarks rolled into view once more, we watched the sun set over the city from our carriage window - the perfect end to a magical day.

The Orient Express offers the opportunity to explore Britain in unparalleled luxury and comfort. The romantic atmosphere and sheer indulgence onboard provide the ultimate backdrop for a unique occasion. Whether you’re celebrating your honeymoon, a special anniversary or even a new relationship, going on a date doesn’t get more glamorous than this.

More Details

www.orient-express.com
A wide choice of romantic day excursions can be booked online.
These include:

* Valentine’s Day
Spend the most romantic day of the year on The British Pullman. A five course meal with cocktails, champagne, wine and a liqueur will be served, while strolling musicians entertain. Surprise gifts, such as red roses, can also be arranged.

* Vintage flying day at Duxford RAF Museum
A Bucks Fizz brunch and three course supper are served onboard The British Pullman, with a flight in a vintage Dragon Rapide aircraft at Duxford.

* New Year’s Eve
Mark the passing of the year in style on a steam-hauled journey from London. Toast the old and the new to the strains of a lone midnight piper.
Five course dinner on board. .

© Mary McCarney 2003

Mary McCarney is a teacher and freelance writer from England. She writes articles and reviews books for a range of newspapers and magazines. She is also a contributing author of a new History study guide.