This super-luxury scenic steam train, the Belmond British Pullman, transports you right back to the roaring ’20s in Britain, thanks to the Merchant Navy Class locomotive Clan Line.
Running from London Victoria station, the British Pullman offers a five-course lunch, a champagne reception, and more. It does so in gorgeous, historic Pullman coaches that date back to the 1920s and the golden age of travel.
Making the journey even better is that many of the Pullman’s trips throughout the year are steam-hauled by a classic locomotive that was first built in the 1940s.
For just over $800 per person, you can step back in time and experience something truly special.
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How luxurious is the Belmond British Pullman steam train?
The super-luxury Belmond set dates back to the 1920s, which is when the Pullman Express service truly began.
Predominantly run in the south of England by the Southern Railway, the Pullman coaches are some of the most luxurious on the planet.
Each is finished in a beautiful chocolate and cream livery, with white roofs.
Some of the coaches in the set were also built in the 1950s.
All were restored between 1977 and 1982.
The British Pullman as we know it today began running trips in 1982, being founded by James Sherwood of Kentucky, USA.
Each coach bears a name, such as Cygnus, Audrey, and Lucille, and they are all first-class.
The coaches are all finished in 1920s style decor, with vintage lighting, upholstery, and silverware for eating.
Tickets for some trips start at £640, which roughly converts to $858.
Steam power elevates the super-luxury experience
One of the highlights for many riding the Pullman is the opportunity to ride on it with a steam engine hauling the train.
This is typically Rebuilt Merchant Navy Class No.35028 ‘Clan Line’, which has an exclusive deal with Belmond.
Clan Line was built in 1948, originally in a streamlined shape, before being rebuilt in 1959 to a more conventional form.
Merchant Navy Locomotive Preservation Society
All fellow Merchant Navy locomotives received this rebuild, mainly to simplify the design and ease maintenance.
The Merchant Navy class was part of the Bulleid Pacific range, which also included the West Country and Battle of Britain classes.
These two classes, which in reality were the same, were the Light Pacifics.
They looked identical to the Merchant Navy, but they were slightly smaller than Clan Line and her sisters.
Clan Line served with British Railways from 1948 until 1967, when steam power was withdrawn from Britain’s southern region.
All of the Merchant Navy Class was gone by the end of 1967.
The loco was saved by the Merchant Navy Locomotive Preservation Society and has been in their care since the late 1960s.
The locomotive is one of the most reliable heritage steam engines in the UK, and one of the best presented.
Clan Line regularly hauls the Pullman train, adding to the atmosphere and enhancing the vintage vibes.
For many, Clan Line is the reason they go on the British Pullman experience.
Special steam train excursions run for the Belmond British Pullman
While the Belmond does have diesel locomotives, the company makes a point of selling steam specials.
These are advertised as ‘The Golden Age of travel by steam.’
Each trip features Clan Line at the front, with the engine polished to perfection and with the British Pullman headboard on the front.
Many in the UK believe Clan Line to be the most looked-after steam engine in preservation.
Having seen 35028 up close at a recent Rail200 event in the UK, we can see why!
Each steam-hauled trip features the same level of luxury as the standard trips.
That includes a five-course lunch, champagne reception, seasonal wines, coffee, and tea, as well as gorgeous scenery as the train winds through Kent.
Merchant Navy Locomotive Preservation Society
Few heritage trips in the UK offer such an incredible mixture of super-luxury and history in one go.
Travelling behind Clan Line on the Belmond British Pullman is a bucket list item for many people.
Long may it and the wonderful steam engine up front continue to grace Britain’s rail network.
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