British Pullman: The Golden Age of Travel
Luxury trainSouth East England

British Pullman: The Golden Age of Travel

London Victoria → Kent countryside circular
Photo: train_photos, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • SeasonYear round
  • RunsRegular dates through the year
  • DurationAbout 5 h
  • TractionDiesel (typically GB Railfreight Class 66 or heritage Class 47)
  • OperatorBelmond British Pullman

Belmond's 1920s Pullman carriages on a five-hour dining circuit of the Kent countryside from London Victoria.

The Golden Age of Travel is the British Pullman's core experience. The train leaves Platform 2 at London Victoria and makes a leisurely loop through Kent, passing the North Downs, hop gardens and orchards of the Weald before returning to Victoria about five hours later.

Guests are seated in carriages such as Audrey, Ione, Phoenix and Zena, built between 1925 and 1932 and restored with their original marquetry, brass and armchairs. A champagne reception is followed by a multi-course lunch or dinner created by chef Jon Freeman, with wine and coffee.

The experience is designed to evoke inter-war travel; 1920s dress is encouraged but not required.

Which side to sit

London Victoria → Kent countryside circular

Battersea Power Station and Rochester Castle are on the right, but the Kent orchards and Downs are seen from both sides.

Either side0 sights on the left · 2 on the right
  1. 0mi
    StationLondon VictoriaPlatform 2
  2. 1mi
    LandmarkBattersea Power StationSeen from Grosvenor Bridge over the Thames
  3. 11mi
    StationBromley South
  4. 34mi
    Bridge · on the lineMedway Bridge, RochesterCrosses the Medway beside Rochester Bridge
  5. 34mi
    CastleRochester Castle and CathedralNorman keep above the river
  6. 52mi
    StationFaversham
  7. 62mi
    StationCanterbury EastCathedral city
  8. 78mi
    StationDover PrioryBrief stop on the platform

Sides are given facing the direction of travel. Miles are approximate from the start of the journey.

Upcoming dates

DateFromTractionStatus
Thu 18 Feb 2027
10:55
London Victoria
Estimated departure time; dates from the operator booking calendar.
— On sale
Wed 24 Mar 2027
10:55
London Victoria
Estimated departure time; dates from the operator booking calendar.
— On sale
Thu 15 Apr 2027
10:55
London Victoria
Estimated departure time; dates from the operator booking calendar.
— On sale
Thu 29 Apr 2027
10:55
London Victoria
Estimated departure time; dates from the operator booking calendar.
— On sale
Wed 12 May 2027
10:55
London Victoria
Estimated departure time; dates from the operator booking calendar.
— On sale
Wed 26 May 2027
10:55
London Victoria
Estimated departure time; dates from the operator booking calendar.
— On sale
Thu 3 Jun 2027
10:55
London Victoria
Estimated departure time; dates from the operator booking calendar.
— On sale
Fri 18 Jun 2027
10:55
London Victoria
Estimated departure time; dates from the operator booking calendar.
— On sale
Thu 8 Jul 2027
10:55
London Victoria
Estimated departure time; dates from the operator booking calendar.
— On sale
Thu 22 Jul 2027
10:55
London Victoria
Estimated departure time; dates from the operator booking calendar.
— On sale
Fri 6 Aug 2027
10:55
London Victoria
Estimated departure time; dates from the operator booking calendar.
— On sale
Thu 26 Aug 2027
10:55
London Victoria
Estimated departure time; dates from the operator booking calendar.
— On sale
Fri 3 Sep 2027
10:55
London Victoria
Estimated departure time; dates from the operator booking calendar.
— On sale
Wed 15 Sep 2027
10:55
London Victoria
Estimated departure time; dates from the operator booking calendar.
— On sale
Fri 8 Oct 2027
10:55
London Victoria
Estimated departure time; dates from the operator booking calendar.
— On sale
Wed 27 Oct 2027
10:55
London Victoria
Estimated departure time; dates from the operator booking calendar.
— On sale

On board

  • Dining
  • Premier dining

Highlights

  • Original 1920s Pullman carriages
  • Departure from London Victoria
  • Multi-course meal with champagne
  • Kent Weald scenery

Classes of travel

Table for TwoTable for FourPrivate carriage Celia
Before you book: charter trains depend on locomotive availability and Network Rail engineering work. Steam can be swapped for diesel at short notice, so check the operator’s terms for what happens then. When you book, ask for a seat on the side we recommend: most operators allocate seats but will note a preference.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a dress code?

Smart dress; jeans and trainers are not permitted, and vintage outfits are welcomed.

Does the train stop anywhere?

No, it is a dining circular returning to Victoria.

What is the cheapest British Pullman journey?

The Great British Sunday Lunch, from £485 per person.

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