London Luxury Short Break & The Great British Seaside on the British Pullman – Day trips to Whitstable, Hastings or Broadstairs

Please see below details of your luxury London short break including 1 or 2 nights with breakfast at a top-rated 4 star hotel in central London and a wonderful day trip to the Great British Seaside on board the luxury vintage British Pullman train, based on a departure from London Victoria station. Departures in June & July 2024.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HujOqjDCNI

Day 1 – London

Your luxury short break to London begins as you check in at your highly rated 4 star hotel in London, close to Victoria station for your departure aboard the British Pullman the next day. Many of London’s principal sights are within walking distance of your extremely comfortable hotel. This afternoon why not stroll towards the river Thames and explore the South Bank or relax in London’s Royal parks. You might decide to head towards Piccadilly, Bond Street or Regent Street for up-market shopping or visit one of London’s world-class museums or art galleries. This evening you may decide to make your way into London’s West End for a show or dinner in an up-market restaurant.

Day 2 – The Great British Seaside aboard the luxury British Pullman train

This morning after a leisurely breakfast it is just a short walk to London’s Victoria station.
Here you board the beautiful vintage train and settle into your plush armchair, admiring the authentic Art Deco touched of your carriage.

Your Journey on board the British Pullman

Whitstable:

Your steward serves you a sparkling Bellini, followed by a delicious brunch. Relax and absorb the scenery through your picture window as the train winds its way south-eastwards towards Whitstable. Arriving in Whitstable, enjoy free time to explore at your leisure. Soak up the seaside atmosphere with a stroll along the pebble beach to the harbour to sample some local oysters or browse the many independent shops along Harbour Street. You are welcomed back on board with a glass of chilled champagne. Linger over a delectable three-course dinner with half a bottle of wine as you travel back to London, where you stroll to your overnight hotel.

Hastings:

As the journey begins, your steward serves you a sparkling Bellini, followed by a delicious brunch. Sit back and take in the changing scenery through the carriage window as the vintage train winds its way south-eastwards towards Hastings. Once you arrive in Hastings you have plenty of time to explore this fascinating town. You may wish to wander among the shops in the quaint Old Town or take a stroll along the renovated pier. Alternatively, why not take a journey on the Cliff Railway up to either East Hill or West Hill to enjoy panoramic views of Hastings. Also located on West Hill are the remains of Hastings Castle, which William I had built after his victory over King Harold II. As you re-join your vintage train there is a glass of chilled champagne to welcome you on board. Relax and savour a delectable three-course dinner with half a bottle of wine as your luxury train returns to London and your stay in the capital.

Broadstairs:

Your luxury day trip to the seaside commences as your steward brings you a sparkling Bellini cocktail, followed by a delicious brunch. Sit back and enjoy the passing English countryside from the comfort of your plush armchair or chat to your fellow passengers as the train winds its way south-eastwards towards the Kent coast. When you arrive in Broadstairs there is plenty of free time to explore this quintessential British seaside resort. You might like to take a stroll along the sandy Viking Bay, admiring the views out to the English Channel or simply wander through the attractive town. As you return to the British Pullman train take it easy as you sip your glass of chilled champagne. You are treated to a delicious course dinner with half a bottle of wine as your journey returns you to central London, where you return to your smart hotel.

Day 3 – Free-time in London – Homeward bound

This morning after another delicious breakfast at your hotel you may have further time to explore the delights of central London.
Then make your way back to one of London’s main stations for your journey home as you reminisce on the delights of the last few days.

What to Wear on the British Pullman

Smart day-wear is appropriate; You can never be over dressed on this iconic train. Please do not wear jeans or trainers.

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 breath-taking 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 are a limited number of single tables as well as tables for three and four in the open car.

The Belmond 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 Belmond 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.