Day trip: Historic Canterbury on the British Pullman

Selected dates throughout the year – 2021 dates now available – limited availability

One of England’s best-loved cities, Canterbury is the cradle of Christianity in the British Isles and its spectacular cathedral is still a pilgrimage site today. It is also a firm favourite with tourists thanks to its beautifully preserved centre. Visit in grand fashion with a day excursion on the glamorous Belmond British Pullman, and bring to life a forgotten age of exquisite rail travel and fine dining.

The Belmond British Pullman departs from London Victoria on various dates throughout the year. Confirmed timings will be supplied with your travel documents.

Your journey

Board the Belmond British Pullman at London Victoria, where you are welcomed with a sparkling Bellini. Then soak up the unique ambience of the authentic art deco train as it takes you through the glorious countryide of Kent, known as the “garden of England”. Be sure to admire the varied views through the carriages’ large picture windows. Simply relax as the liveried stewards serve a delicious three-course brunch at your table.

Later you arrive in Canterbury, where a short coach transfer will take you to the heart of the attractions. Here you enjoy a guided tour of the cobbled streets in the medieval centre, discovering more of the city’s rich history through its best-loved sights. The cathedral – with its 1,200 square metres of stained glass – is an obvious standout; as a pilgrimage site it also inspired Geoffrey Chaucer’s ‘Canterbury Tales’, one of the most enduring works in English literature.

Following an exciting afternoon of exploration, you are returned to the train for your return journey. Take the time to discuss the experience with your travelling companions, and take the time to admire the unique architectural flourishes of each carriage on the wonderfully restored vintage train, ahead of a lovely traditional English afternoon tea with a glass of sparkling wine.

You then arrive back at London Victoria at the conclusion of a truly unforgettable day.

The Belmond British Pullman

The Belmond British Pullman is glorious in every respect. Originally conceived as “Palaces on Wheels” by George Mortimer Pullman, each lavishly appointed carriage is an original 1920s and 30s masterpiece from the golden age of rail travel.

Lovingly restored with breathtaking attention to detail, each car is a symphony of intricate marquetry, inlaid mosaic floors, sparkling crystal and beautiful Art Deco design.

Relax within deeply upholstered armchairs and celebrate the sovereignty of Britain’s gloriously unique heritage. Sip champagne and embrace an element of the world’s most romantic and exclusive adventure.

The Belmond British Pullman can carry up to 226 passengers and the carriages seat between 20 and 26 passengers in each. On board passengers are seated in either ‘coupé’s’ (small compartments seating up to four people) or in the open car mostly at tables for two. There is a limited number of single tables and tables for three in the open car.

The British Pullman takes its name from George Mortimer Pullman, an American, who in 1864 built The Pioneer, the first railway carriage designed with true comfort for the passenger. The later creation of the Pullman Car Company in 1882 led to his domination of luxury train travel in Britain from that time onwards.

These luxury day cars formed the train that would take passengers from London to the English Channel ports as part of the famous Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, as well as travelling the length and breadth of Great Britain.

The history of the train lies in the individual carriages which today form the British Pullman. The carriages have changed hands many times during their lifetime and bring with them stories and events which give them their unique character.