A Luxury Day Trip From London to Bath | The Belmond British Pullman

Could this be the most glamorous day trip from London?

For many of us, travel has become about getting somewhere as quickly as possible. Airports, traffic, packed trains, the journey is often something to endure rather than enjoy.

But stepping aboard the iconic Belmond British Pullman feels like entering another era entirely.

This is travel as it once was: theatrical, elegant and unhurried. A reminder that sometimes the journey itself can be the destination.

Leaving London Victoria at 9:40am, the adventure began before the train had even moved.

A 1940s singer welcomed guests onto the platform, the dress code had been embraced (not a trainer in sight), and a Bellini was waiting before we had even settled into our seats.

Because if there is ever an appropriate time for sparkling wine before midday, surely this is it.

From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere feels wonderfully nostalgic. The polished wood, Art Deco details and attentive service transport you back to the golden age of rail travel, when journeys were occasions in their own right rather than simply a means of getting from A to B.

We upgraded to a private Audrey Cabin, one of the beautifully restored 1930s carriages that make the British Pullman so distinctive.

With its original Art Deco features, elegant furnishings and added privacy, it felt like stepping into a different world, one where time slows down and every detail has been considered.

There is something incredibly special about watching the English countryside drift past from a beautifully appointed carriage, knowing that the experience has been designed not just around the destination, but around the moments in between.

Brunch perfectly matched the surroundings.

There were flaky croissants, fresh pastries and yoghurt, but the standout dish for me was the smoked trout with a perfectly poached egg nestled inside a buttery croissant.

It was beautifully simple, beautifully executed and exactly the sort of food that encourages you to pause and savour the moment.

Arriving in Bath feels like stepping into another chapter of British history.

The city’s honey-coloured Georgian architecture, sweeping crescents and charming independent streets make it one of the most beautiful destinations in England.

But Bath’s story begins much earlier.

Almost 2,000 years ago, the Romans discovered the natural thermal springs beneath the city and built what would become one of the most significant Roman sites in Britain.

The Roman Baths offer a fascinating glimpse into this ancient world, with beautifully preserved pools, temples and artefacts showcasing why this place has attracted visitors for centuries.

After exploring the city, we headed to Thermae Bath Spa, where the naturally warm waters and rooftop views across Bath provided the perfect contrast to the excitement of the morning.

There is something wonderfully indulgent about soaking in mineral-rich waters while looking out across a city that has been drawing visitors for relaxation and restoration for almost two millennia.

Returning to the British Pullman, the evening began with a Champagne reception before dinner.

And this is where the experience really captures the romance of historic rail travel.

The four-course meal was beautifully presented, each course paired with sommelier-selected wines chosen to complement the food and enhance the occasion.

One of the highlights was a glass of Cobham House Rosé from Kent, England.

Fresh, elegant and full of summer fruit character, it felt perfectly suited to the relaxed glamour of the journey. It was a reminder that English wine has developed enormously in recent years, with producers increasingly creating wines that can stand confidently alongside international names.

For wine lovers, this is another layer of the experience, not just fine dining, but discovering carefully selected wines that tell their own story.

There is a reason experiences like the British Pullman continue to capture people’s imagination.

In a world where convenience often comes first, there is something incredibly appealing about an experience that encourages you to slow down.

Whether it is a milestone birthday, anniversary, special celebration, corporate hospitality or simply a desire to do something unforgettable, this is far removed from an ordinary day trip.

The British Pullman is about theatre, nostalgia and creating memories.

And Bath is just one destination. Journeys also include locations such as Oxford, Cambridge, Broadstairs, Blenheim Palace and the Goodwood Revival, alongside signature dining experiences departing from London Victoria.

For me, absolutely.

The magic is not just in arriving somewhere beautiful. It is in every moment along the way, the welcome on the platform, the Art Deco surroundings, the attentive service, the food, the Champagne and the feeling that, just for a day, you have stepped into a more glamorous version of travel.

Luxury is often described as something rare or expensive, but experiences like this remind us that true luxury is also about time.

Time to enjoy a meal.Time to admire the view.Time to make the journey part of the memory.

And sometimes, that is the greatest luxury of all.

Elizabeth Hawthornthwaite

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