14th February 2019
There is something undeniably elegant and decadent about luxury rail journeys in that they offer the rare opportunity to sit back, and fully enjoy the authentic process of travel. Whilst appreciating the traditions of a bygone era, we also get the opportunity to enjoy luxurious innovations in technology, cuisine and comfort, resulting in a unique and immersive experience.
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Discover the stunning architecture and grandeur of historic railway stations with a stay in one of the UK’s iconic station hotels. Stay in a suite at London’s St Pancras station combining character and a unique history, not to mention the ultimate in convenience. Just a short hop to King’s Cross and you can visit Platform 9 ¾ where Harry Potter famously boarded the train to the Wizarding school Hogwarts.
Choose to travel in style on the Belmond British Pullman, a veritable ‘Palace on Wheels’. Let us whisk you from the city to the countryside, combining an epic rail journey with the beautiful gardens and grand houses and palaces of England; Sissinghurst, Longleat, Blenheim or further afield to Chatsworth in Derbyshire.
Perhaps take a unique gastronomic journey from the capital through the beautiful English countryside to Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Raymond Blanc’s world-renowned two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Oxfordshire. Return to the train for your journey home, enjoying a selection of Great British cheeses and a decadent dessert en-route.
Embark on a magical rail journey for the whole family with a celebration of Mary Poppins. Beginning your journey in London with a musical flourish and a classic sing-song before you board the iconic carriages and enter a world of glittering indulgence, enjoying a supercalifragilistic themed Mary Poppins Afternoon Tea.
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The vibrant city of Edinburgh is not only the launch pad for the Belmond Royal Scotsman but home to one of the Great railway hotels. The Balmoral hotel exudes timeless elegance and glamour. Its original purpose was a traveller’s hotel, and its location atop the station was perfect for those arriving in Scotland by train where passengers were whisked off trains by smartly uniformed porters from the station booking hall to the interconnected reception desk in the hotel’s basement. In fact, it is still the case today that the hotel’s iconic clock is set three minutes fast, so that people won’t miss their trains. The only day that the clock runs on time is on Hogmanay!
A notable past resident of the hotel is Harry Potter Author, JK Rowling who finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows at the hotel and now has a dedicated suite with an owl knocker on the door and signed antique bust in the room.
Embark on luxurious train journeys visiting ancient castles, glorious gardens and whisky distilleries across Scotland. An 84-mile round trip aboard the Jacobite Steam Train taking in the Highlands and the Glenfinnan Viaduct – as featured in the Harry Potter films – is another of our standout Scottish train journeys. For the ultimate in exclusive experiences, take over a carriage of this train and create your own magical trip to Hogwarts, complete with actors, owls and magicians.
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The Belmond Grand Hibernian is the ultimate luxury rail experience designed to take advantage of Ireland’s natural beauty and heritage. Combine a trip on the Grand Hibernian with an authentic foodie discovery of Ireland and exceptional insider experiences to truly immerse in the heritage and history of the Emerald Isle. Meet and learn from locals delving into personal histories and authentic local recipes. Embark on traditional Irish bread and cake making, chocolate and cheese making and forage the countryside and coast for edible wild food and discover a whole new take on nature’s larder. On board, dine on the finest regional ingredients and enjoy local entertainment each evening to bring the day to a close.
“Embark on a menu that can carry you across the Beara Peninsula for scallops down to Donegal for turf-smoked salmon. Whatever the route, anticipate a gastronomic voyage”
Click below to view these inspiring featured itineraries
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We are very proud of David Tobin for being awarded MVP (Most Valuable Person/Player) Award for Excellence at the recent Brownell Academy.
Nominations and voting for this award are by Brownell Travel advisors themselves based on demonstration of the core values of Brownell – Passion, Integrity, Graciousness, Innovation and Excellence. To have received this award is fantastic and reflects Dream Escape's commitment to it's agencies and advisors.
A big thank-you to Brownell Travel for their incredible support, it means a huge amount to the Dream Escape team.
(Dream Escape Owners David Tobin and Holly Tobin pictured with Brownell Leisure Operations Coordinator, Ashley Pate and VP of Leisure Sales, Beth Flowers)
Congratulations David!
#dreamescapeltd #brownellacademy #brownellmvpawardforexcellence #brownelltravel
Our very own Sally Strange had a wonderful day yesterday showing Susan Boehnstedt around London - the Dream Escape Way!
#dreamescapelondon #dreamescapeltd #luxurylondon #CriticsChoiceVacations
Dream Escape Blue Badge Guide’s Sally and Rosie met in London today for a chinwag and catch-up at Dominique Ansel Bakery. Visited the truly dazzling and spectacular TUTANKHAMUN: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh at the Saatchi Gallery, there until 3rd May 2020. More than 150 original objects from the tomb, 60 of which are travelling out of Egypt for the first and final time before they return for permanent display at the Grand Egyptian Museum which is currently under construction at Giza. Not to be missed is Enter the Tomb: Virtual Reality Experience showing the enormity of Howard Carter and George Herbert, 5th Earl of Carnarvon’s discovery as they enter the tomb of Tutankhamun.
Creative Planner Louise Murray and Blue Badge Guide Sally Strange, based in Dream Escape’s London office, have been exploring in the city!
They went on a ‘Behind the Scenes’ tour of St Pauls Cathedral and stepped into the world of Harry Potter. The Geometric Staircase in the South West Bell Tower of St Pauls Cathedral features in the Harry Potter movies – initially in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. The students at Hogwarts had to climb to the top of the ‘Divination Staircase to gain access to Professor Trelawney’s Divination classroom. ⚡️
In the world of Harry Potter the ‘Divination Staircase’ is a narrow, spiralling set of stairs accessible from a corridor on the seventh-floor. At the top of the staircase is a small landing with a trap door on the ceiling, by which a ladder gave access to the Divination Classroom!⚡️
Dream Escape team members experiencing and enjoying ‘Scotland in Miniature’ in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park on the shores of the ‘Bonnie Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond’. A wonderful day which Dream Escape can offer clients which includes a very special whisky experience, a trip on a luxury motor cruiser on Loch Lomond, lunch at The Boathouse, Cameron House and a Bird of Prey experience. What could be a better day out from the office!
