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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From today, Buckingham Palace is open to visitors for 10 weeks only. During a visit discover the 19 magnificent State Rooms and explore our special exhibition, Queen Victoria’s Palace to learn more about how Queen Victoria brought the Palace to life, transforming an empty royal residence into the site of the most glittering court in Europe.
Golf’s oldest major championship, The Open, returns after 68 years to Royal Portrush Golf Club, Dunluce Course; County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The 148th Open 2019 began with the first tee shot taken by Northern Ireland’s Darren Clarke.
Fun Facts: Graeme McDowell, the professional golfer who was the first Irishman to win the U.S. Open, was born in Portrush. Another famous Northern Ireland player in the competition is Rory McIlroy who at the age of 16, in 2005, pitched in with a new course record of 61 at Royal Portrush.
Dream Escape can help you plan an inspirational and exciting programme in Northern Ireland, effortlessly combining golf and sight-seeing introducing clients to the country and the culture. Places of interest near Royal Portrush Golf Club include: UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Giant’s Causeway; Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Old Bushmills Distillery and Dunluce Castle, familiar to Game of Thrones fans as Castle Greyjoy.
Dream Escape’s “Scotland and Ireland: Golf and Touring Programme” is designed for experienced golfers and their partners. Dream Escape plan inspirational and exciting programmes, effortlessly combining golf and sight-seeing throughout Scotland and Ireland introducing visitors to the country and the culture.
At Dream Escape we have our very own golfing guru Alasdair Wells who, having graduated with a degree in Golf Management, has worked in Florida and more recently in St Andrews, the home of golf! There is very little Alasdair doesn't know about golf and he has his favourite golf courses - he has an impressive 13 Handicap!
The eyes of the world will be focussed on Royal Portrush, County Antrim, Northern Ireland from 18th > 21st July 2019 as it plays host to the 148th Open. This historic return will see the worlds’ very best golfers; international and home-grown heroes do battle for the famous Claret Jug.
Dream Escape recently helicoptered over the Dunluce Links Course at Royal Portrush and it was looking pristine. ⛳️We were on a Game of Thrones mission to see Dunluce Castle, also known as Castle Greyjoy!
The golfing spotlight is on Northern Ireland at the moment with The 148th Open making an historic return after 68 years. Golf's oldest tournament takes place at Dunluce Links, Royal Portrush, Co. Antrim, with the world's greatest players competing for the Claret Jug. Our experts are on hand to inspire, advise and design the perfect golfing Dream Escape for your clients.
Check out this amazing video from Tourism Ireland and visit our website www.dreamescape.co.uk to see our latest golfing programmes and blog
Tourism Ireland
A fabulous and unforgettable adventure, specially designed with energetic families in mind, awaits those visiting Cornwall on a tailor made holiday designed by Dream Escape.
Stunning coastlines, sandy beaches and unique activities and experiences will be sure to keep every family member entertained.
