A tartan-clad piper will play a lament on the platform at Lancaster station before one of the world’s poshest trains sets off for Edinburgh.

Passengers are paying up to £700 to sip champagne during the trip aboard the 19309s Pullman-style Northern Belle, which was once part of the iconic Orient Express group, on Saturday May 16.

Actor Bill Nighy described the Northern Belle as “the Grand Dame of luxury travel” when it featured on Channel 5.

Then last year readers of the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller magazine voted it the fifth best train in the world.

The Northern Belle thunders over the Settle-Carlisle line hauled by an historic steam locomotive called Princess Elizabeth.

placeholder image — The Northern Belle thunders over the Settle-Carlisle line hauled by an historic steam locomotive called Princess Elizabeth.

It even has its own musicians to serenade passengers while they dine and there is an onboard conjuror to add an extra touch of magic.

Passengers will board the Northern Belle over a red carpet laid across the platform.

Then they will be handed their first glass of champagne before tucking into a three-course brunch.

Once in Edinburgh, they will have the choice of exploring the city or taking a coach trip to nearby Leith to visit the late Queen Elizabeth’s former Royal Yacht Britannia.

There will be another champagne reception with caviar on the train in the early evening before a six-course feast is served during the journey home.

Fares on the Northern Belle start at £445. For more details, see www.northernbelle.co.uk