ONE of the world’s most luxurious trains will be setting out from from Winchester for the first time in September taking passengers on a champagne-all-the-way trip to Cornwall.

The Northern Belle – seven renovated and ornately-decorated Pullman carriages hauled by a vintage diesel locomotive – is Britain’s answer to the famed Orient Express.

Train manager Sandra Jones describes it as “recapturing a bygone era of 1930s-style rail travel at its most glamorous”.

And she promises people “can expect glamour, fun and a dash of adventure” it pulls out of Winchester and Southampton stations on the morning of Friday, September 14.

Once the train reaches Par in Cornwall, passengers, who will tuck into cocktails and a three-course brunch on the outward journey, can choose between visiting the Eden Project or spending the day by the beach in Padstow.

They will be welcomed back on board with a champagne reception at teatime before being served a five-course dinner with wine, followed by coffee and petit fours, during the journey home.

Ms Jones said: “The atmosphere on board is always fantastic. The laughter, chat and fun flows all day – just like the champagne!”

Northern Belle general manager Jeanette Snape is confident that it won’t be cancelled or delayed but will run bang on time.

The Northern Belle leaves Winchester at 7.30am and then picks up passengers at Southampton at 8. It is scheduled to arrive back in Winchester at 10.30pm. Fares start at £305 return.

www.northernbelle.co.uk