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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Dream Escape’s Head of Sales Emer Mortell, based in Dublin, makes a new buffalo 🐃 friend in Co Cork, Ireland!
With thanks to #KorenaSinnett for these lovely photos of Emer taken on a #VirtuosoLife Photo Shoot in Ireland.
Dream Escape designs programmes in UK and Ireland full of immersive experiences and interesting ways to explore these destinations. With an emphasis on exciting, inspiring and authentic visits, clients can discover the true essence of each country enhanced by our portfolio of hand picked, expert guides.
Having recently been awarded the Travel + Leisure “A” List Travel Agent status for 2019, we asked David for his personal “A” List recommendations.
• Flying into beautiful Barra island in the Outer Hebrides and landing on the only beach runway in the world.
• Take a 4×4 safari on the Balmoral Estate, Scottish home to the Royal family.
• Take a swim at the horseshoe shaped Keem Bay on Achill Island in Country Mayo, one of the most spectacular spots in Ireland.
• Fishing for trout from one of the piers in the Shetland Isles.
• Enjoy a private visit to the ‘Poldark house’, Chavenage in Gloucestershire.
•’Tickets for Wimbledon’s Centre Court.
• An evening with Lord & Lady Erne at Crom Castle in Northern Ireland.
• Enjoy an incredible retreat at Broughton Hall in the wonderful Yorkshire Dales.
We are absolutely delighted that Dream Escape’s very own David Tobin has been awarded a place in the 2019-2020 Travel + Leisure A-List of the World's Top Travel Advisors, by one of the world's most influential travel brands. Thank you Travel & Leisure for recognising Dream Escape’s expertise in the luxury travel business and also our amazing Dream Escape Team and loyal clients, for your continued hard work and support! @travelandleisure @dreamescapeltd
Check out our latest blog and find out what David's A-list recommendations are for the UK & Ireland in 2020! dreamescape.co.uk/davids-a-list-recommendations/
Dream Escape would like to welcome Georgia Beith who has joined the company as a Creative Planning Assistant and will be based in Dream Escape's London office on a full time basis joining Creative Planner Louise Murray, Creative Planner Michael Davies and London Blue Badge Guide Sally Strange.
Originally from West Yorkshire Georgia now lives in London and has recently graduated from Royal Holloway University with a First Class Honours degree in BA History!
Georgia is a keen writer with a major interest in motorsports and recently enjoyed a visit to the 2019 British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
Photos of Georgia exploring London, Louise experiencing the Thames Rocket with her daughters and Sally checking out the Kent and East Sussex Steam Railway today!
Welcome to the Dream Team Georgia!
Dream Escape’s Managing Director, Claire Stone, and Head of Planning, Lesley Scott, have been over in Ireland 🇮🇪 for 4 days. They’ve been out and about visiting properties old and new and discovering new experiences for clients along the way.
In a wood near Killarney, Co. Kerry ☘️ they enjoyed Walking with Hawks where Claire and Lesley made some new friends - Tex the Harris Hawk 🦅 , a lovely soft and gentle tawny owl called Riley that Claire fell in love with and a graceful barn owl🦉
