Travelling back in time

Last week, we had an unforgettable train journey through the British countryside. It was a bit of luxury, a bit of glamour and a dash of adventure on the British Pullman train – for a Christmas lunch to start of the festivity.

And yes, it was on Mum’s bucket list. For a long time, she had wondered if we could possibly share this memory. I’ll let Mum tell that tale on how we managed to get on board and hope that we’ve been a good example so other pooches might be able to do the same soon.

As this was very much a trial run, Mum wasn’t going to push the boundaries with two dogs! LOL! After making sure that George was safely with his friend/fan, we made our way to Victoria Station.

The British Pullman departs from Platform 2. And as the passengers for the Christmas Steam Train gathered by the Belmond Train reception area, we were serenaded by The Spitfire Sisters.

We all waited anxiously to see the steam rain roll into the station.

When we got onto the platform, Mum kept walking alongside the train. I couldn’t understand why we were not boarding.

As we walked past, we could see the beautiful interiors of the coaches.

Ah-ha! That’s why we made our way to the front of the train! To see the steam engine and for that photo op!

I got to say hello to the team of engineers who made the train run!

OK, Mum, can we get on board before the train leaves without us?

As we were in carriage Zena, and they were in alphabetical order, we walked again the length of the train till we arrived at our assigned coach.

We had a quick peek at the rest of the carriage before the liveried steward showed us to the coupe that we had all to ourselves.

Welcome to our private coupe!

We looked around and admired the magnificent marquetry and authentic art deco flourishes.

The table was set with fine linen and bespoke tableware.

At exactly 11.45am, the train pulled out the station and we were on our way!

As the train began it’s journey through the countryside, champagne was served with canapés.

A five course gastronomic lunch was served.

Importantly, they did not forget me. They served pieces of chicken breast on fine bone china and insisted on pulling the seat closer to the table so I could eat with dignity.

In actual fact, I really preferred to sit under the table and hoped that Mum would share her beef wellington.

Many of the staff stopped in to say hello. I had to take a selfie with this nice gentleman who brought me my chicken.

And guess who came to see us? The Spitfire Sisters apparently boarded the train too!!! And they didn’t serenade us once …

But twice!

And we even had a magician come to entertain us.

The train arrived back into Victoria station just after 4pm.

Thanks for the memories, Belmond British Pullman. As we sadly said goodbye to the lovely staff who took care of us, I know Mum not only had a smile that went from ear to ear but there was a skip in her step as we walked out of Victoria Station. Even the cold, dark winter night didn’t dampen her spirits.

I know I had done Mum proud. So we hope that we have shown how well trained doggies can be allowed on the British Pullman.

May’s comment: Bucket list – a number of experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have or accomplish during their lifetime.

We wrote about our Bucket List back in September. Our list keeps growing and as long as we are still kicking and not kicked the bucket, we will keep going.

I’ve had a bucket list way before I met Darcy. But since she became a part of my life, there’s now an addendum – a list of things I want to do with Darcy.

Truth be told, the “revised” list is all about pushing the boundaries in doing things – everyday and celebratory things – with Darcy or the both of them.

The glamour and the romance of train travel in the 1920s has always been a fantasy of mine. Over the years, I’ve done the Hiram Bingham from Machu Picchu to Cusco and The Blue Train in South Africa. That was before I was a dog-owner. And none of them would be possible to travel with Darcy as they’re overnight journeys or in far flung destinations.

For me, the ultimate is still the Venice Simplon Orient Express from London to Venice. But determined to do one of these romantic train journeys with her, I thought to take small steps. I contacted the Belmond British Pullman Trains and asked the question – Do you allow dogs on the train?

In short, only Guide Dogs and Emotional Support Animals are allowed. Even though Darcy is an ESA dog, I pressed on because I wasn’t doing this to be special. Our blog is based on the premise of making people aware that they can do things with their dogs. Not just ordinary things but extraordinary things – bucket list things!

I asked – What is the difference between a Guide Dog and a well-trained, well-travelled smallish dog?

I told them about our bucket list, and how Darcy had travelled far and wide and dined at ‘white-table cloth’/Michelin star restaurants. Credit to them, they considered the request. I really had not much hope and was completely taken by surprise when the train manager called me. I guess if you don’t ask, you don’t get. And they came back with a solution – it would be for this one time only. And we would have to pay extra to be seated in a private coupe. Reason being, it’s a moving vehicle and food was being served and it would be safer and more spacious in a private coupe. I was happy to take anything!

To be honest, in the current circumstances, I felt safer in a private coupe. Although all the staff wore masks, the passengers were not required to a they were dining.

The Belmond British Pullman is truly a perfect place to celebrate, dress up, and enjoy world-class cuisine and service.

We took the “Christmas Lunch by Steam” journey in a 1920’s steam-hauled locomotive. It is a four-hour plus journey of glamour, romance and the magic of Christmas across the English country side.

It was truly a spectacular start to the festive season.

This restored 1920s train has sheltered royalty and been a star of the silver screen. Each whimsically-named carriage has a story to tell. Explore Audrey, Vera, Minerva and more to discover their distinctive personalities.

We took delight in the antique-style marquetry, vintage lighting and heritage upholstery—their passion for preserving history is evident at every turn.

It was definitely one tick off our bucket list. A good one to treat yourself or a gift for someone special.

I am hoping that Darcy have set a good example of how dogs can travel in these luxury trains. And that maybe they will consider doing special carriages for passengers with well-behaved pooches.

The British Pullman travels year-round to a wide variety of destinations. The main departure station for the British Pullman is London Victoria.