British Pullman · 1 days · 0 nights
The Golden Age of Travel
London Victoria · Canterbury · Dover · Folkestone
British Pullman · 1 days, 0 nights
Highclere Castle at Christmas
Highclere Castle dressed for Christmas, with a towering tree, a private tour, mince pies, brunch on the way and a festive dinner home.
- London VictoriaDay 1
- NewburyDay 1
- Highclere CastleDay 1
- London VictoriaDay 1
Train stopExcursion by road
Duration1 days
Nights0
RouteLondon Victoria → London Victoria
Places visited3
From, per personGBP 750
Overview
The festive version of the Highclere day. After a Bellini and brunch on board, a private coach takes you from Newbury to the castle, decorated with garlands and a soaring Christmas tree, for a private tour, the Egyptian Exhibition and a hot drink with a mince pie. Champagne and a three-course festive dinner follow.
- Bellini and seasonal brunch on board
- Castle decorated for Christmas, with a giant tree
- Private guided tour for train guests only
- Egyptian Exhibition and gardens
- Hot drink and mince pie at the castle
- Champagne and three-course festive dinner
Day by day
Day 1Morning: London Victoria to Newbury
Check in at London Victoria and enjoy a sparkling Bellini (or an alcohol-free alternative) and a seasonal brunch as wintry countryside unfolds.
Meals: Brunch
Day 2Afternoon: Highclere Castle at Christmas
From Newbury a private coach brings you to Highclere, decorated with garlands and a towering Christmas tree. Tour the State Rooms and bedrooms, explore the Egyptian Exhibition and gardens, and enjoy a hot drink and mince pie.
Day 3Evening: return to London Victoria
Toast the day with champagne, then enjoy a three-course festive dinner with half a bottle of wine or a premium alcohol-free pairing, and coffee or tea before London Victoria.
Meals: Three-course festive dinner
Where you spend each night
The map is schematic. Dashed lines are excursions by road.
Private carriage
Celia
Up to 12 guests
- Designed by Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin
- Set in an original interwar Pullman car
- Personal cocktail bar and lounge
- Private dining and entertainment area
Designer carriage
Cygnus
Once reserved for royalty and heads of state
- Reimagined by filmmaker Wes Anderson
- Deep emerald-green palette
- Classic Pullman table seating
Historic carriage
Perseus
26 seats
- Two private coupés for four
- Australian walnut panelling
- Art Deco detailing
- Part of Winston Churchill's funeral train
Historic carriage
Ione
Former restaurant car
- Beautifully laid tables
- Private coupé for four available
- Originally served routes across the UK
Historic carriages
Audrey, Gwen, Ibis, Minerva, Phoenix, Vera and Zena
Each with its own story
- Hand-crafted marquetry and vintage lamps
- Gwen once carried Queen Elizabeth II to Brighton
- Minerva carried guests to the Coronation
- Phoenix, the late Queen's favourite carriage
Seating is at tables for two, three or four, confirmed at booking subject to availability; families are seated in a designated area.
- A round-trip journey on the British Pullman
- Private guided tour of Highclere Castle, open exclusively for British Pullman guests
- Free time for the Egyptian Exhibition, gardens and gift shop
- Brunch on the outbound journey, plus a champagne reception and three-course dinner on the return
- Payment
- Full payment at booking
Dates and prices
Live availability. Choose a cabin type, then select Book Now to reserve online, or Join waitlist on sold-out dates.
Table for Two
December 9, 2026
GBP 750.00 pp dbl
Sold Out
December 10, 2027
GBP 750.00 pp dbl
Join the waitlist
This departure is currently sold out. Leave your details and we will contact you the moment a cabin becomes available.
Questions about this journey
What time does the train leave and get back?
The British Pullman leaves London Victoria at about 09:30 and is due back at about 20:15. Timings are approximate and can change at short notice because the train runs on the national rail network.
Which meals are included?
A Bellini and brunch are served on the way out; the return brings champagne and a three-course festive dinner with half a bottle of wine or a premium alcohol-free pairing, then coffee or tea. A hot drink and mince pie are offered at the castle.
What should I wear?
Smart dress is expected: please leave denim, trainers, baseball caps, collarless T-shirts and shorts at home. Jackets and ties are not compulsory, but on the British Pullman you can never be overdressed.
When does this journey run, and what does it cost?
This journey runs on selected dates only, and fares depend on the departure and the table you choose. Live dates and fares are shown on this page, and our reservations team can help on (866) 484-7882.
How is the castle decorated?
Expect decorated fireplaces, festive garlands, cascading staircases and a splendid, towering Christmas tree. A hot drink and mince pie are served during the visit.
Is there free time at Highclere?
Yes. After the private tour you can explore the Egyptian Exhibition, the gardens and the gift shop at leisure.
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