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”
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Another year closes on the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The Show seems to be more and more spectacular every year and 2019 raised-the-bar yet again. Innovative garden designs and a riot of colour - lots of ideas for our gardens this summer!
Best Show Garden was awarded to the M&G Garden designed by Andy Sturgeon - his 8th gold medal! The first picture shows his fabulous stone platforms and burnt timber sculptures looking like rock formations in a woodland landscape.
Unfortunately the wait was too long to see the Duchess of Cambridge RHS Back to Nature Garden co-designed with Andrée Davies and Adam White. However it was covered on television with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louise enjoying the swing and paddling in the pond and it looked a fun garden for children.
There is always 2020 and Dream Escape would be happy to plan a tailor-made holiday for you to include private visits to a variety of beautiful gardens including a day at RHS Chelsea Flower Show. 🌹
Dream Escape are very proud to announce the expansion of our London office and welcome Sally Strange to the Dream Escape team.
Sally comes to us as a Blue Badge Guide for London and the South East of England and has been awarded Blue Badge Guide of the Year. A Londoner all her life with a passion for the arts, history and architecture, Sally will join Louise Murray and Michael Davies as the core England Dream Escape team. Between them, they have over 30 years experience in the luxury travel industry and will all look forward to sharing their creative passion of all things British with our Dream Escape clients.
With Dream Escape in London, you will discover a city full of unforgettable landmarks and exciting things to do. Your choice of accommodation will range from the hip boutique hotels like Soho House to the more traditionally elegant establishments steeped in history like The Ritz. Dream Escape will unlock doors to go behind the scenes thereby providing unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
Meanwhile, the Dream Escape Teams throughout the UK and Ireland have been out and about exploring and meeting with suppliers and educating visiting advisors as well as keeping our own teams up to date with new experiences and information on our destinations.
In Edinburgh we are joined by Laura Fitzpatrick for the summer season. Laura joins us from Dundee University where she has just completed her MA in International Business with Marketing. Laura is from Warrenpoint in County Down, Northern Ireland where, believe it or not, you can step through a wardrobe door and follow the Narnia Trail inspired by C.S. Lewis!
Dream Escape Team and Valerie Wilson Travel Advisors practicing their curtseying before visiting Hillsborough Castle, the official residence of Queen Elizabeth in Northern Ireland. #dreamescapeltd #vwt_travel
Ballyfin is such a special place. Thank you Damian for sharing your spectacular property with us yesterday. The history, architecture and attention to detail of this stunning regency mansion, is second to none and should be on everyone’s bucket list to visit and stay. I think our Valerie Wilson Travel advisors would agree!
With David Tobin, Holly Tobin and Rosie Peattie
#warmwelcome #vwt_travel #ballyfin #ireland #luxurytravel #travel #newhorizons #newknowlege #information Virtuoso Travel @virtuosoltd
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What a treat we had in store for our Valerie Wilson TraveI advisors at the very special Lismore Castle yesterday. After a wonderful tour of the beautiful gardens with Darren followed by afternoon tea, our evening entertainment did not disappoint. Local music, song and dance at its finest. Thank you Denis and Helen for your very warm welcome and hospitality. With David Tobin Holly Tobin and Rosie Peattie Dream Escape
@vwt_travel Lismore Castle Gardens
#vwt_travel #lismorecastle Virtuoso Travel #virtuosoltd
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