The Northern Belle - Towns and Cities 2011/12

The historic centre of Bath, with its Georgian architecture, Roman Baths and magnificent Cathedral is the most perfect setting for a day out exploring the sights or indulging in some shopping. Your journey takes you to the historic city of Bath. The hot springs first attracted the Romans to build the spa of Aqua Sulis, and the remains of the baths and other archaeological finds can still be seen here. Bath's fashionable heyday came in the 18th century, when Beau Nash regulated the bathing and constructed the assembly rooms and theatres. Today, Bath is Britain's best-preserved Georgian city.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time in Bath).

Includes :

A delicious brunch with Bellini is served on your outward journey to Bath. On arrival at Bath Spa, a guided coach tour introduces you to some of the famous sights, after which you are free to explore Bath at leisure and indulge in some shopping. Time and energy permitting, you may like to sample the delights of the Roman Baths, the Regency Pump room, or one of the other historic attractions for which Bath is famous. Rejoin the Northern Belle for a sumptuous dinner with champagne and wine on the return journey.

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DATES : 2012

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Birmingham

Coventry

Crewe

Derby

Doncaster

Gobowen

Ipswich

Leicester

April 21.
October 20.

Norwich

Sheffield

Shrewsbury

Wilmslow

Wolverhampton

The Historic Dockyard area of Chatham has played a prominent role in the history of British Maritime History for over 400 years, and the complex is now an award-winning tourist destination with three historic ships, cutting edge maritime museum galleries and historic architecture. From the Spanish Armada to the Falklands Crisis ships built, repaired and manned from Chatham secured and maintained Britain's command of the world ocean's and the global position it has today.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time at Chatham).

Includes :

Your journey begins with a delicious brunch with Bellini on the outward journey. On arrival in Rochester you will be met by your guide who will accompany you on a guided tour of Chatham, and then on to The Historic Dockyard. Amongst the many superb Maritime galleries and attractions, is The Royal Dockyard Museum where a combination of artefacts, photography, model ships, navy documents and maps, drawings and paintings take you through 400 years of British maritime and naval history. Following your day at The Historic Dockyard, rejoin the Northern Belle for a sumptuous dinner with champagne and wine on your return journey.

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Grantham

Lincoln

Newark

Chester is a uniquely historic city with a delightful mix of exclusive stores and historical buildings completely encircled by city walls, featuring the 13th Century 'Rows,' a beautiful Gothic Cathedral and Britain's largest Roman Amphitheatre. A rare and truly magical blend of the ancient and traditional, with modern cosmopolitan chic.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember that you will be outdoors for part of time in Chester).

Your journey begins with a delicious brunch with Bellini aboard the Northern Belle on your outward journey. On arrival in Chester you will be met by your guide who will conduct you on a coach tour of the city. Your time is then your own to explore the sights further or indulge in some shopping. Following your day in Chester, rejoin the Northern Belle for a sumptuous dinner with champagne and wine on the return journey.

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Carlisle

Edinburgh

Discover the delights of Edinburgh, from its many art galleries and the impressive Holyrood House to the fortified stronghold of Edinburgh Castle, perched dramatically on its precipitous crag. The shopping is great too, from big name stores to small specialist shops.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember that you will be outdoors for part of time whilst in Edinburgh).

Includes :

Brunch with Bellini served on the outward journey to Edinburgh. On arrival at Edinburgh you have the choice of a 'Guide Friday' city bus tour. (Please note that this is not exclusive to passengers of the Northern Belle). Alternatively, make the most of your free time exploring Edinburgh's excellent shops and historic sights. Rejoin the Northern Belle for the return journey and a sumptuous dinner with champagne and wine.

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Bolton

Doncaster

Leeds

Liverpool

Manchester

Preston

Warrington

York

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is widely acknowledged to be the biggest arts festival in the world and takes place every August for three weeks in Scotland's capital city. Every year thousands of performers take to a multitude of stages all over Edinburgh to present shows for every taste. From big names in the world of entertainment to unknown artists looking to build their careers, the festival caters for everyone and includes theatre, comedy, dance, physical theatre, musicals, operas, music, exhibitions and events.

(Smart day wear is appropriate for this journey. Please remember that you will be outdoors for some of your time in Edinburgh).

Includes :

A delicious brunch with Bellini is served on the outward journey. On arrival at Edinburgh make the most of your free time exploring the celebration of arts and entertainment. The world's biggest and best festival is an arts showcase for everyone from the biggest names in showbiz to the performers in the street. Rejoin the Northern Belle for the return journey. A sumptuous dinner with champagne and wine is served whilst you recall the best moments of your day in Edinburgh.

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DATES : 2012

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Birmingham

Derby

Sheffield

Uncover the secrets of daily life on board the former floating home of Her Majesty The Queen. The Royal Yacht Britannia, now moored in Edinburgh's historic port of Leith, is one of the world's most famous and elegant ships. Follow in the footsteps of Kings and Queens, Presidents and Prime Ministers, as you explore her five main decks. To Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family, Britannia proved to be the perfect royal residence for glittering State Visits, official receptions, honeymoons and relaxing family holidays.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember that you will be outdoors for part of time whilst in Edinburgh).

Includes :

Brunch with Bellini on the outward journey to Edinburgh. On arrival, coaches will transfer you to the historic port of Leith. Your tour of Britannia starts in the Visitor Centre where you can learn about her fascinating history through exhibits and photographs before you collect your audio handset and step aboard the royal yacht. Starting at the Bridge and finishing at the gleaming Engine Room, discover at your own pace the reality behind life and work on board. Leaving Leith by coach once again, rejoin the Northern Belle for a sumptuous dinner with champagne and wine on the return journey.

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The atmospheric and stately capital of Scotland with its many delightful galleries and shops awaits your leisurely exploration. With an array of stores from High Street favourites to more exclusive boutiques, you'll be spoilt for choice during the festive season.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember that you will be outdoors for part of time whilst in Edinburgh).

Includes :

A delicious brunch with Bellini served on the outward journey to Edinburgh. On arrival at Edinburgh make the most of your free time exploring Edinburgh's excellent shops and historic sights. Rejoin the Northern Belle for a sumptuous dinner with champagne and wine on the return journey.

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Birmingham

Bolton

Chester

Crewe

Derby

Liverpool

Manchester

17:00 / 23:00
17:00 / 22:00

Preston

Sheffield

16:30 / 23:00
16:30 / 22:00

Warrington

Glasgow is one of the liveliest and most cosmopolitan destinations in Europe. The city has been reborn as a centre of style and vitality set against a backdrop of outstanding Victorian architecture. The city boasts world famous art collections and the best shopping in the United Kingdom outside London. Art and culture are important in Glasgow life where galleries and museums are in abundance. However, no visit would be complete without experiencing the city's shopping with high street stores, designer labels, and speciality outlets to explore.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember that you will be outdoors for part of time whilst in Glasgow).

Includes :

Brunch with Bellini is served on the outward journey. On arrival at Glasgow, make the most of your free time exploring the city's' excellent shops and historic sights such as St Andrews Square, Glasgow Cathedral and the Botanic Gardens, from the hop on hop off bus tour. Rejoin the Northern Belle for the return journey. A sumptuous dinner with champagne and wine is served whilst you recall the best moments of your day in Glasgow.

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Liverpool

Preston

Warrington

The elegant Victorian spa town of Harrogate became famous as the first and only true European spa in England and today overflows with beautiful parks, floral displays and gardens. Visit the strongest sulphur well in Europe to discover the intriguing story of how Harrogate became a spa town. Discover stories of Russian royalty, disappearing crime writers and watery miracles. Marvel at the amazing spa treatments and finish with a taste of the infamous water. Harrogate is also justly proud to be known as "England's Floral District", with a fragrant abundance of parks, floral displays and gardens within which to relax.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember that you will be outdoors for part of time whilst in Harrogate).

Includes :

Brunch with Bellini is served on the outward journey. On arrival into Harrogate you are taken on a guided walking tour of the town including a visit to the Pump Room. Afterwards your time is your own to explore the shops or indulge in tea in the famous Betty's Tea Rooms (not included). Return back to the station and re-board the Northern Belle. You'll be welcomed with a glass of chilled champagne. Later, a sumptuous dinner is served accompanied by half a bottle of wine.

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Cambridge

Chester

Crew

Ely

Manchester

Peterborough

Hereford is a city of great antiquity. Its medieval bridge across the River Wye and the Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Ethelbert towering above it, stand as monuments to its distinguished past. The history of Hereford can be traced to the early 7th century AD when Saxon settlers fortified the site against the marauding Welsh. Situated adjacent to a ford over the River Wye, the name is said to derive from the Old English, "ford used by the army".

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time at Hereford).

Includes :

Your journey begins with a delicious brunch with Bellini on the outward journey. On arrival at Hereford, you are met by your guide and taken on a short coach transfer to the town centre. Enjoy free time to visit Hereford Cathedral, which houses a number of important artefacts including the Mappa Mundi, unique in Britain's heritage, an outstanding treasure of the medieval age which reveals how 13th century scholars interpreted the world in spiritual and geographical terms. In spite of the ravages of time, fire and war, many interesting buildings have survived to delight us today. The city possesses one of the highest concentrations of almshouses in the country, many dating from the medieval period. Returning to Northern Belle you are welcomed aboard with a glass of chilled champagne followed by a sumptuous dinner accompanied by half a bottle of wine.

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Crewe

Manchester

Wilmslow

Discover the beauty of Loch Lomond, the largest expanse of freshwater in Britain, the wild glens and sparkling lochs of The Trossachs National Park - homeland of Rob Roy MacGregor. Contrasting from rolling lowland landscapes in the south to high mountains in the north, the national park has many lochs and rivers, forests and woodlands. Two worlds collide here. The gentle Lowlands end abruptly at the Highland Boundary Fault and give way to the mountainous landscape with narrow glens and slender lochs which has fired the imagination of writers and poets for centuries. Steeped in history the National Park straddles the kingdoms of three ancient Celtic peoples - Scots, Picts and Britons and they brought with them their rich tradition of folklore, myth and legend.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time on your excursion).

Includes :

A delicious brunch with Bellini is served on the outward journey. On arrival into Helensburgh Upper, a guided road coach will transfer you to Balloch. Please note, that due to the capacity of cruise boat, you will either be transferred to Luss by road coach or by boat. On arrival at the picturesque village of Luss free time will be available to explore the village famous for the series 'Take the High Road'. Guests who transfer to Luss by road coach will join the cruise boat at Luss and sail down to Balloch. Refreshments will be served on board the boat. Please note that the off board excursions may run in reverse order depending upon sailing times and passenger numbers. At the end of the day, your coach returns you to the Northern Belle for a sumptuous dinner served with half a bottle of wine and a glass of chilled champagne.

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Leeds

Liverpool

Preston

Warrington

York

Why not match the sumptuous decadence of a journey on board the Northern Belle with free time to browse Harrods and London's most illustrious stores and fashionable boutiques. Knightsbridge provides an oasis of haute couture calm within Britain's capital city, home to such world famous landmarks as Harrods & Harvey Nichols. You'll also find a wealth of world renowned boutiques in one of London's most exclusive areas, along Brompton Road, Sloane Street and Beauchamp Place.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time in London).

Includes :

A delicious brunch with Bellini is served on the outward journey to London. On arrival in London you are transferred by coach, for the short drive to Knightsbridge, to enjoy the excellent and exclusive shopping facilities at your leisure. Leaving Knightsbridge by coach once again, rejoin the Northern Belle for a sumptuous dinner with champagne and wine on your return journey.

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Birmingham

Crewe

Doncaster

Leeds

Liverpool

Macclesfield

Manchester

18:00 / 23:00
18:00 / 23:00

Sheffield

Stoke-on-Trent

Warrington

Why not match the sumptuous decadence of a journey on board the Northern Belle with free time to browse Harrods and London's most illustrious stores and fashionable boutiques. Knightsbridge provides an oasis of haute couture calm within Britain's capital city, home to such world famous landmarks as Harrods & Harvey Nichols. You'll also find a wealth of world renowned boutiques in one of London's most exclusive areas, along Brompton Road, Sloane Street and Beauchamp Place.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time in London).

Includes :

A delicious brunch with Bellini is served on the outward journey to London. On arrival in London you are transferred by coach, for the short drive to Knightsbridge, to enjoy the excellent and exclusive shopping facilities at your leisure. Leaving Knightsbridge by coach once again, rejoin the Northern Belle for a sumptuous dinner with champagne and wine on your return journey.

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Bath

Bath

Crewe

Grantham

Lincoln

Manchester

18:30 / 00:00

Newark

Stafford

Stockport

London is a tireless metropolis of diversity; a vibrant and exciting city, staunchly proud of its history, culture and ground-breaking architecture. Then embark upon a cruise on the Thames, the best and most relaxed way to see the sights and splendour of this great capital city. Allow the soaring London Eye, the world's largest observation wheel, to plan your itinerary for you as the breathtaking sights of London appear before your eyes.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time in London).

Includes :

Brunch with Bellini as you travel aboard the Northern Belle to London. On arrival in London you are transferred by coach, for the short drive to the stunning London Eye. The world's highest observation wheel offers passengers amazing views of Britain's capital city, taking guests on a 30 minute flight, rising to 450 feet above the river Thames. You'll then board a boat for your cruise along the River Thames (approximately an hour and a half). The boat returns you to Waterloo Millennium pier, on London's Southbank, where you are free until it's time to re-board your coach, returning you to Kensington Olympia and the Northern Belle. A sumptuous dinner with champagne and wine is served on your return journey.

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A wine tour offering a unique opportunity to those who love discovering and tasting new wines. Set under the soaring arches of a former railway viaduct, Vinopolis offers wine and spirit enthusiasts the opportunity to learn more about the history of their favourite tipples and how to fully appreciate them.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time in London).

Includes :

Brunch with Bellini as you travel aboard the Northern Belle to London. On arrival into London, you'll be escorted on the short transfer to Vinopolis, London's premier wine tasting destination! Vinopolis' Guided Tasting Tours deliver the best of both worlds with a combination of guided tour and private wine tasting lasting approximately 1 hour. During this guided experience you will sample 6 wine regions with your guide who will select the regions and the wines to be sampled and will show you how to 'sniff, swirl and slurp' like a professional. At the end of the visit you are transferred back to the Northern Belle. A glass of chilled champagne is served as soon as you board the train, followed by a sumptuous dinner accompanied by half a bottle of wine per person.

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Experience the diverse delights of the world's most exciting city as you match the decadence of a journey on board the Northern Belle with time spent at London's most illustrious West End. Attracting more visitors than Broadway, the West End continues to be the theatre capital of the world. Combine the sheer glamour of London's West End with your journey on board the Northern Belle, and you will truly feel like a star! A profusion of cinemas, restaurants and theatres flood the Leicester Square area with an infectious energy, heightened by the extraordinary experience that is live theatre. With more shows and larger audiences than anywhere else in the world (including the illustrious Broadway), London is the perfect place to immerse yourself in a show.

(Smart day wear is appropriate for this journey. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers).

Includes :

A delicious brunch with Bellini is served on the outward journey to London. On arrival in London you are transferred by coach, for the short drive to the West End and the show venue, passing some famous London sights, to enjoy the matinee performance. Following your show, you are transferred once again by coach, to rejoin the Northern Belle for the return journey. A sumptuous dinner with champagne and wine is served on your return journey.

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Bath

March 3.
November 10.

Bristol

March 3.
November 10.

Crewe

Doncaster

Grantham

Leeds

Lincoln

Manchester

Newark

Sheffield

Stafford

Stockport

07:00 / 12:00

Clough William-Ellis' lifelong concern was with "Architecture and Landscape Design". Portmerion village, built on his own private peninsula off the coast of Snowdonia, allowed him to give his ideas a gloriously unique, physical expression. The Ffestiniog Railway is the oldest railway company in the World still running trains, being founded by Act of Parliament in 1832. The railway was built as a gravity and horse drawn line to transport slate from the quarries in the mountains around Blaenau Ffestiniog.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time in Portmeirion).

Includes :

Brunch with Bellini is served on your outward journey to Blaenau Ffestiniog. On arrival, you board the Ffestiniog Railway narrow-gauge railway for the scenic journey through the Snowdonia National Park to Porthmadog and then a take the short coach transfer to along the cob to Portmeirion. At Portmeirion your time is your own to explore its charming architecture set in beautiful grounds. At the end of the visit you are taken on a guided coach tour ending at the Northern Belle. A glass of chilled champagne is served as soon as you board the train, followed by a sumptuous dinner accompanied by half a bottle of wine per person.

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Birmingham

Coventry

Huddersfield

Manchester

Sheffield

Wolverhampton

Discover historic Rochester, where you will find a wonderful blend of ancient and modern in the heart of the "Garden of England". The ancient cathedral city of Rochester, with its Norman castle and Cathedral, which happens to be England's second oldest, was a place cherished by the Victorian novelist, Charles Dickens, who lived in the area as a child and returned as a successful author. A city steeped in history, dominated by a fine Norman Castle and Cathedral, bounded by the maritime traditions and spirit of past British naval dominance on the River Medway.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time at Rochester).

Includes :

Your journey begins with a delicious brunch with Bellini on the outward journey. On arrival in Rochester you will be met by your guide who will accompany you on walking tour of the town, followed by the cathedral. You'll then have free time to enjoy the sights of Rochester. Be sure to visit the Guildhall Museum, Restoration House & Garden, better known as "Satis House" of Great Expectations, and The Six Poor Travellers, a sixteenth century building once, as its name suggests, was a lodge for weary travellers. Rejoin the Northern Belle for a sumptuous dinner with champagne and wine on your return journey.

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Grantham

Lincoln

Newark

The city of St Davids is situated on the far south west coast of Wales. Granted city status by Queen Elizabeth II because of the presence of the cathedral, St Davids is in reality a small attractive village. A favourite location of artists, travellers and pilgrims, St Davids outstanding feature is its Cathedral. It has been a dominant presence since the 12th century and was a popular pilgrimage destination throughout the Middle Ages and indeed remains so to this day. Adjacent to the cathedral stand the magnificent ruins of the medieval Bishops Palace.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time at St David's).

Includes :

Your journey begins with a delicious brunch with Bellini on the outward journey. On arrival you will be met by your guide who will take you on a coach transfer to St Davids City. Surrounded by spectacular coastal scenery and renowned for its beauty and abundance of wildlife, be sure to take in Whitesands Bay, one of the many beautiful beaches in the area which carries the prestigious European Blue Flag Award. At the end of your day, rejoin your coach for the transfer back to the Northern Belle for a sumptuous dinner with champagne and wine on your return journey.

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Cardiff

Swansea

At an impressive twelve miles long lake Windermere is the largest natural lake in England. Set amongst emerald coloured hills, Windermere lies in a beautiful location, offering pure tranquillity and stunning scenery. The lake has fourteen islands, the largest of which is 'Belle Isle' at 38 acres, which can be clearly seen from the promenade. Explore the lake-side town of Bowness, with its Victorian history, plus the ancient St Martin's Church with the delightful web of narrow streets, known locally as Lowside, directly behind it. A cruise on the lake is a perfect conclusion before you return home.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time in Windermere).

A brunch with Bellini is served on your outward journey. On arrival into Oxenholme your guide accompanies you on your coach tour of the area. Returning you to Bowness-on-Windermere you board one of the pleasure boats for your cruise. Returning to Northern Belle later that afternoon you are welcomed aboard with glass of chilled champagne. Later a sumptuous dinner is served accompanied by half a bottle of wine.

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Cardiff

Hereford

Newport

York, surrounded by ancient stone walls, is yours to explore and to enjoy. Experience the sights, sounds and even the smells of Viking life at the Jorvic centre situated in the heart of the city. York is the perfect place for shopping. With its historic city centre and quaint narrow lanes you’re sure to find that perfect item or gift amongst the many shops and boutiques.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time in York).

Includes :

A brunch with Bellini is served on your outward journey. On arrival at York, you have but a short walk to the city centre. Enjoy an optional guided walking tour of the city, otherwise, time is yours to enjoy this splendid city. Make the short walk back to York station and re-board the Northern Belle for your return journey. A glass of chilled champagne is followed by a sumptuous four course dinner accompanied by half a bottle of wine.

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Birmingham

Coventry

Edinburgh

Glasgow

Rugby