The Northern Belle to depart from Darlington this weekend

The Northern Belle, described as "the grand dame of luxury travel" by actor Bill Nighy is back in the region on May 25 for a trip to Carlisle and Settle.

Stopping in Darlington at 9.30am then Durham and Newcastle, the 1930s Pullman carriages will be pulled by a steam locomotive called Tangmere where travellers will tuck into a three-course breakfast and six-course evening meal.

Inside The Northern Belle. (Image: THE NORTHERN BELLE)

However, despite some tickets setting travellers back £690, all seats on the Agatha Christie-esque locomotive have sold out as bosses were bowled over with demand.

“We could have sold twice the number of seats,” said a spokesman.  

“The Settle-Carlisle trip is always very popular but this time it sold out within days of the trip going on sale.

“Not all the tickets are £690, though – that is just for those who want to travel Krug Class and sip the world’s best – and most expensive – champagne!” 

Inside The Northern Belle. (Image: THE NORTHERN BELLE)

For those who missed the train this time around, the Northern Belle will be back in the North East for a slap-up Christmas Lunch trip.

Thanks to its popularity, organisers have also pencilled in the same route from the North East next year.

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Earlier this month on May 9, The Northern Belle took travellers north to Dundee, Scotland.

Passengers were then able to choose to explore former Queen Mum’s ancestral home at Glamis Castle or Scone Palace, where Macbeth, Robert the Bruce and 40 other Scottish kings were crowned.

Perhaps a more strict rule of the trip is that jeans and trainers are banned - meaning you'll have to look the part as you sit in the same seats that may once have been used by royals themselves.

Click the image above for more local events (Image: Newsquest)