Where To Find The Northern Belle Christmas Train In Yorkshire For A Magical Trip To Edinburgh Markets

Getting into the Christmas spirit sometimes needs a little push, doesn't it? Well, anyone looking for a truly magical festive experience is in for a treat. A very special train, often called the poshest in all of Britain, is set to make its way through Yorkshire this Christmas season.

It’s not just about getting from one place to another; this is travel that feels like it’s straight out of a classic film. The Northern Belle is offering passengers the chance to journey to the famous Edinburgh Christmas markets in unbelievable style, creating a memorable day out for everyone lucky enough to be on board, or even just watching it pass by.

What's All The Fuss About This Train?

So, what makes the Northern Belle so special? It’s not your average commuter train. This is a throwback to the golden age of 1930s travel, carriages with intricate woodwork, plush seats, elegant décor, and service levels you simply don’t find anywhere else.

It has some serious credentials too:

• Ranked as one of the top five trains in the world by Condé Nast Traveller
• Featured on Channel 5, where narrator Bill Nighy called it “the grand dame of luxury travel”

Everything about it, from the ambience to the dining to the décor, is designed to make passengers feel like royalty. It’s the kind of luxury travel people dream about, and it’s happening right here in Britain.

A Proper Festive Welcome

Boarding the Northern Belle is an event in itself. Instead of a mad dash for a seat, passengers find a red carpet, and a tartan-clad piper playing them aboard, a perfect Scottish flourish before the train even leaves Yorkshire.

A spokesperson for the Northern Belle summed it up perfectly:

“It will be Champagne all the way from the moment people board the 1930s Pullman-style Northern Belle over a red carpet while a tartan-clad piper plays at the station.”

This attention to detail sets the tone for the entire journey. Luxury, charm, and festive magic from the first moment.

Where To Find The Northern Belle In Yorkshire

Anyone hoping to see, or board, this magnificent festive train has several opportunities in Yorkshire. Throughout November and December, the Northern Belle will stop at various stations on its way to Edinburgh.

Here are the key dates and locations:

• Saturday, 15 November: Departing Hull → stopping at York → on to Edinburgh
• Thursday, 20 November: Departing Sheffield → stopping at York → on to Edinburgh
• Saturday, 22 November: Departing Sheffield → stopping at Doncaster → on to Edinburgh
• Thursday, 11 December: Departing Sheffield and travelling directly to Edinburgh

More detailed timings will likely appear in local listings closer to each date. Whether you’re travelling or simply trainspotting, seeing the Northern Belle glide into a station is a festive treat in itself.

What's Waiting In Edinburgh?

The journey is only half the magic, the destination is just as spectacular. Edinburgh at Christmas transforms into a glowing festive wonderland, and its markets are considered the crown jewels of the season.

Spread across iconic locations like Princes Street, George Street, and Castle Street, the markets offer:

• Unique crafts and artisan gifts
• Festive food and drink (mulled wine, bratwurst, pastries, the works)
• A traditional family funfair
• A huge big wheel with views over the city
• A covered ice-skating rink
• Street performers and live entertainment

It’s the perfect festive day out, made even more magical when paired with a luxurious journey aboard the Northern Belle. It’s the ultimate Christmas combination, a stunning train trip and an unforgettable destination.