'World's most luxurious train' passes through Hitchin and Stevenage

The train, which was once part of the iconic Orient Express, passed through Hitchin and Stevenage shortly after 7pm, prior to its week-long £5,000-a-head British land-cruise.

The train was travelling between Edinburgh and London Kings Cross. (Image: martin wootton)

The train set off from Edinburgh and will reach London's Kings Cross Station, before travelling along the East Coast main line for the cruise.

The 1930s-style Pullman carriages are pictured being hauled by a vintage diesel locomotive.

The 1930s-style Pullman carriages are pictured being hauled by a vintage diesel locomotive. (Image: martin wootton)

The Northern Belle's boss David Pitts said: "A lot of people are still naturally a little nervous about taking a cruise ship after Covid.

"So we and Imagine came up with the idea of organising Britain’s first land cruise instead. All the luxury but – apart from a boat ride on Loch Ness – on dry land.

The train was once part of the iconic Orient Express. (Image: martin wootton)

"The first one sold out within days so we have organised several more throughout the year.”