Imposing architecture that once protected and defended the realm from its enemies now stands silent and proud, ready for your leisurely inspection. Explore dark dungeons that once rang with the sounds of torture and discover great lofty halls where matters of life and death were hotly debated in ancient times and where the sights and smells of glorious banquets once filled the air.
Stately homes that form part of our great British heritage are available for you to explore. The stately country garden is justly regarded as the epitome of Englishness. Beautifully maintained lawns, immaculate floral gardens resplendent in their seasonal colours and collections of trees and shrubs that are the envy of the world are yours to view at leisure.
View some of the most enduring and gloriously atmospheric structures the United Kingdom has to offer with a choice of luxurious Northern Belle day excursions.
Glide through stunning scenery to exciting destinations all over Britain, dining on lovingly prepared cuisine paired with the finest wines.
Beautiful Alnwick Castle is a castle and stately home in the town of Alnwick in the English county of Northumberland. There has been a castle on the site for nearly a thousand years. It is the seat of the Duke of Northumberland, built following the Norman conquest, and renovated and remodelled a number of times. Harry Potter fans will recognise it as Hogwarts School and it has also featured in the acclaimed Downton Abbey series. Explore the magnificent state rooms, library and Renaissance drawing room. Admire the furniture and fine art, including works by Canaletto and Van Dyck.
(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 at Alnwick castle).
Includes :
A three-course brunch with Bellini is served on your outward journey. Guided coach transfer and admission to Alnwick Castle. Return to the Northern belle where a glass of chilled champagne is followed by a sumptuous four-course dinner accompanied by half a bottle of wine.
Dates | From | Out | Return | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dep | Arr | Dep | Arr | |||
10 June 22 | Derby | 08:20 | 13:00 | 18:00 | 22:40 | £375 |
10 June 22 | Chesterfield | 08:40 | 13:00 | 18:00 | 22:20 | £375 |
10 June 22 | Sheffield | 09:00 | 13:00 | 18:00 | 22:00 | £375 |
A masterpiece of Baroque architecture, Blenheim Palace provides an awe-inspiring experience for visitors. Home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and his family, Blenheim Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting a long and diverse history. Blenheim Palace was built as a gift to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, from Queen Anne and a grateful nation in thanks for his victory at the Battle of Blenheim on 13th August 1704. The house and gardens are simply magnificent and you will tour independently to discover its rich history, fine interior and beautifully landscaped gardens.
(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 at Blenheim Palace).
Includes :
A delicious brunch with Bellini is served on your outward journey. On arrival at Oxford Parkway station, guides are waiting to take you on a short coach journey to Blenheim Palace. Spend time exploring the palace before returning to the Northern Belle for a sumptuous five-course dinner with champagne and wine on the return journey.
Dates | From | Out | Return | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dep | Arr | Dep | Arr | |||
24 November 22 | Leeds | 07:40 | 12:30 | 17:30 | 21:50 | £375 |
24 November 22 | Wakefield Kirkgate | 08:00 | 13:15 | 17:15 | 21:30 | £375 |
24 November 22 | Sheffield | 09:10 | 13:15 | 17:15 | 20:00 | £375 |
Discover a fantasy Gothic Mansion built by the richest family in the World in the Victoria era. Set within the grounds of the Medieval Cardiff Castle lies the Mansion built by the 3rd Marquess. Step back in time as you discover the many layers of history, dating back over 2000 years from the Romans, the Norman keep built by William the Conqueror up to the Marquess of Bute in the Victorian era who converted the castle to incorporate a Gothic Mansion built with his enormous wealth.
(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time at Cardiff).
Includes :
Brunch with Bellini is served on your outward journey. On arrival at Cardiff it is a short walk to the Castle which lies the other side of the famous Principality Stadium and at the heart of the cities shopping district. Here you are free to explore the castle with its magnificent ornate rooms within the Mansion including the Arab Room, the banqueting hall and bibliophile, at your leisure. A glass of chilled champagne is served as you board the train followed by a five-course dinner with wine.
Dates | From | Out | Return | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dep | Arr | Dep | Arr | |||
7 April 2022 | Liverpool Lime Street | 07:30 | 12:30 | 17:30 | 23:30 | £375 |
7 April 2022 | Warrington Bank Quay | 08:15 | 12:30 | 17:30 | 21:45 | £375 |
7 April 2022 | Chester | 08:45 | 12:30 | 17:30 | 21:15 | £375 |
28 April 2022 | Leeds | 07:30 | 12:30 | 17:30 | 22:30 | £375 |
28 April 2022 | Huddersfield | 08:00 | 12:30 | 17:30 | 22:00 | £375 |
28 April 2022 | Manchester Victoria | 08:30 | 12:30 | 17:30 | 21:30 | £375 |
10 May 2022 | Preston | 07:30 | 12:30 | 17:30 | 22:30 | £375 |
10 May 2022 | Manchester Victoria | 08:10 | 12:30 | 17:30 | 22:00 | £375 |
10 May 2022 | Chester | 08:50 | 12:30 | 17:30 | 21:15 | £375 |
18 May 2022 | Liverpool Lime Street | 08:20 | 12:30 | 17:30 | 21:35 | £375 |
18 May 2022 | Warrington Bank Quay | 09:05 | 12:30 | 17:30 | 20:55 | £375 |
18 May 2022 | Crewe | 09:30 | 12:30 | 17:30 | 20:30 | £375 |
21 June 2022 | Sheffield | 06:20 | 12:30 | 17:30 | 23:30 | £375 |
21 June 2022 | Chesterfield | 07:00 | 12:30 | 17:30 | 22:30 | £375 |
21 June 2022 | Derby | 07:30 | 12:30 | 17:30 | 22:00 | £375 |
12 July 2022 | Leeds | 07:30 | 12:30 | 17:30 | 22:30 | £375 |
12 July 2022 | Huddersfield | 08:00 | 12:30 | 17:30 | 22:00 | £375 |
12 July 2022 | Manchester Victoria | 08:30 | 12:30 | 17:30 | 21:30 | £375 |
19 July 2022 | Doncaster | 06:30 | 12:30 | 17:30 | 23:00 | £375 |
19 July 2022 | Sheffield | 07:00 | 12:30 | 17:30 | 22:30 | £375 |
19 July 2022 | Chesterfield | 07:30 | 12:30 | 17:30 | 22:00 | £375 |
20 July 2022 | Nottingham | 07:30 | 12:30 | 17:30 | 22:30 | £375 |
20 July 2022 | Derby | 08:00 | 12:30 | 17:30 | 22:00 | £375 |
20 July 2022 | Stoke-on-Trent | 08:50 | 12:30 | 17:30 | 21:15 | £375 |
21 September 2022 | Preston | 08:00 | 12:30 | 17:30 | 21:55 | £375 |
21 September 2022 | Chester | 08:50 | 12:30 | 17:30 | 21:10 | £375 |
21 September 2022 | Crewe | 09:30 | 12:30 | 17:30 | 20:30 | £375 |
19 November 2022 | Leeds | 07:30 | 12:30 | 17:30 | 22:30 | £375 |
19 November 2022 | Huddersfield | 08:00 | 12:30 | 17:30 | 22:00 | £375 |
19 November 2022 | Manchester Victoria | 08:30 | 12:30 | 17:30 | 21:30 | £375 |
Nestled into the valley is one of the best preserved castles in Britain just waiting to be explored. Built for Edward I, by Master James of St George, the castle is amongst the finest surviving medieval fortifications in Britain. In a word, exceptional. You can't fault it, from the grandeur of its high towers and curtain walls to its excellent state of preservation. After your trip to the past we bring things right up to date with a visit to the vibrant and beautiful Bodnant Gardens. Spanning eighty acres and looking out towards the range of Snowdonia this garden is designed to flourish throughout the year with a variety of plants and flowers that represent each glorious season.
(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 North Wales).
Includes :
A delicious brunch with Bellini is served on your outward journey. Guided coach transfer and admission to Conwy Castle and Bodnant Gardens. Return to the Northern Belle for a sumptuous four-course dinner with champagne and wine on the return journey.
Dates | From | Out | Return | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dep | Arr | Dep | Arr | |||
30 April 22 | York | 07:25 | 11:30 | 17:05 | 21:00 | £385 |
30 April 22 | Doncaster | 08:10 | 11:30 | 17:05 | 20:25 | £385 |
30 April 22 | Sheffield | 08:45 | 11:30 | 17:05 | 19:50 | £385 |
29 July 22 | Leicester | 07:30 | 11:30 | 17:05 | 21:05 | £385 |
29 July 22 | Nottingham | 08:15 | 11:30 | 17:05 | 20:20 | £385 |
29 July 22 | Derby | 08:50 | 11:30 | 17:05 | 19:45 | £385 |
Dumfries House is one of Britain's most beautiful stately homes with an outstanding collection of 18th-century furniture including fine examples of the work of Thomas Chippendale. The house and original contents, which include nearly 10% of Chippendale's surviving work, represent one of the most important documents of the Scottish Enlightenment. Recently having been fastidiously restored to its original splendour, you can take a guided tour around the stunning interiors and savour the delights of this now resplendent 18th century stately 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 at Dumfries House).
Includes :
A delicious brunch with Bellini is served on your outward journey. On arrival a luxury coach awaits to take you to Dumfries House. Enjoy a guided tour followed by free time to visit the beautiful landscaped gardens. Return to the Northern Belle for a sumptuous five-course dinner with champagne and wine on the return journey.
Dates | From | Out | Return | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dep | Arr | Dep | Arr | |||
25 August 22 | Aberdeen | 07:55 | 12:20 | 17:05 | 21:45 | £405 |
25 August 22 | Dundee | 09:25 | 12:20 | 17:05 | 20:15 | £405 |
25 August 22 | Perth | 10:05 | 12:20 | 17:05 | 19:15 | £405 |
Situated beside the village of Glamis in Angus, Scotland, Glamis Castle has been the ancestral seat to the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne since 1372, inspiration for Shakespeare's Macbeth, the childhood home of HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. Take a fascinating tour of the turreted, fairytale château, with its priceless works of art, tapestries and furnishings, which is brought to life with intriguing tales and ghostly legends. The childhood pranks of the young Lady Elizabeth (later to become the Queen Mother) may also be revealed, such as her penchant for pouring freezing water from the ramparts onto arriving guests. Outside there is much to explore, including magnificent Italian and Walled Gardens, a Nature Trail where you may spot red squirrels and herons, and a Pinetum.
(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 at Glamis Castle).
Includes :
A delicious brunch with Bellini is served on your outward journey. On arrival in Dundee, guides will escort you by coach to Glamis Castle. Here you are given a fascinating tour of the turreted, fairytale château, ancestral home of the Earls of Strathmore for over 600 years. Spend time exploring the castle and gardens before returning to the Northern Belle for a sumptuous five-course dinner with champagne and wine on the return journey.
Dates | From | Out | Return | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dep | Arr | Dep | Arr | |||
14 July 22 | Darlington | 06:45 | 11:30 | 17:10 | 22:30 | £375 |
14 July 22 | Durham | 07:05 | 11:30 | 17:10 | 21:20 | £375 |
14 July 22 | Newcastle | 07:25 | 11:30 | 17:10 | 21:00 | £375 |
Inveraray Castle is a country house near Inveraray in the county of Argyll, in western Scotland, on the shore of Loch Fyne, Scotland's longest sea loch. It has been the seat of the Dukes of Argyll, chiefs of Clan Campbell, since the 18th century and the iconic, must-see visitor attraction on the West Coast of Scotland. An Inveraray Castle has been standing on the shores of Loch Fyne since the 1400s, although the impressive castle that presently stands here was inspired by a sketch by Vanbrugh, the architect of Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard in the 1700s. Inveraray Castle boasts an abundance of lavishly-decorated rooms and acres of stunning gardens. It is no surprise that this was chosen as a filming location for the BBC hit drama Downton Abbey.
(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 at Inveraray Castle).
Includes :
A delicious brunch with Bellini is served on your outward journey. Coach transfer and admission to Inveraray Castle and Gardens. Return to the Northern Belle for a sumptuous five-course dinner with champagne and wine on the return journey.
Dates | From | Out | Return | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dep | Arr | Dep | Arr | |||
26 August 22 | Edinburgh Waverley | 08:00 | 12:00 | 16:30 | 20:30 | £375 |
Home to the Earls of Mansfield for the last 400 years, Scone Palace has an exciting and colourful history as one of Scotland's most important stately homes. The site was the capital of the Picts 1,500 years ago and later the crowning place of the Kings of Scots: a visit here is a walk in the footsteps of Scotland's ancient founding fathers. The Palace houses an outstanding collection of antiques, paintings, superb embroidered silks, sculpted oak fireplaces and breath-taking porcelain collections. Take time to enjoy the remarkable gardens, with their giant redwoods, Noble firs and striking star-shaped maze.
(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 at Scone Palace).
Includes :
A delicious brunch with Bellini is served on your outward journey. On arrival in Dundee, you will be met and escorted by coach to Scone Palace, which is poised above the River Tay with the Grampian Mountains in the background. Here you are given a tour of the palace, home to the Earls of Mansfield for the last 400 years. Spend time exploring the palace and gardens before returning to the Northern Belle for a sumptuous five-course dinner with champagne and wine on the return journey.
Dates | From | Out | Return | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dep | Arr | Dep | Arr | |||
14 July 22 | Darlington | 06:45 | 11:30 | 17:10 | 22:30 | £375 |
14 July 22 | Durham | 07:05 | 11:30 | 17:10 | 21:20 | £375 |
14 July 22 | Newcastle | 07:25 | 11:30 | 17:10 | 21:00 | £375 |
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has since been the home of 39 monarchs and is the longest occupied castle in Europe. The castle's lavish early 19th-century State Apartments were described as the finest and most complete expression of later Georgian taste. Inside the castle walls is the 15th-century St Georges Chapel, a chapel built in high-medieval Gothic style. It is both a Royal Peculiar, a church under the direct jurisdiction of the monarch, and the Chapel of the Order of the Garter. Today The Queen spends most of her private weekends at the Castle.
(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 at Windsor Castle).
Includes :
A delicious brunch with Bellini is served on your outward journey. On arrival at Windsor Eton Riverside station the Castle is a short, uphill walk from so we advise comfortable walking shoes. Entrance to the castle is included with time to explore. Spend time exploring the castle before returning to the Northern Belle for a sumptuous five-course dinner with champagne and wine on the return journey.
Dates | From | Out | Return | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dep | Arr | Dep | Arr | |||
7 July 22 | Cardiff Central | 07:15 | 13:15 | 17:15 | 23:10 | £375 |
7 July 22 | Newport | 07:40 | 13:15 | 17:15 | 22:45 | £375 |
7 July 22 | Bath Spa | 08:25 | 13:15 | 17:15 | 22:00 | £375 |
Please note: All timings shown are for guidance only. Confirmed timings will be supplied with your travel documents which will be sent to you 5 - 7 days before departure.