Around 200 passengers have had their journey changed due to Network Rail works
The luxury train’s visit to Nottingham has been postponed (Image: Mal Tattersall)
A luxury train’s visit to Nottingham has been delayed by months after Network Rail suddenly announced it would be closing a key stretch of the route.
The operator has confirmed that the East Coast Main Line will be closed during both of the Bank Holiday weekends in May to allow “essential upgrades” to take place.
Scores of Bank Holiday services will be affected and train companies say they are working with Network Rail to minimise disruption.
One service affected is the luxury Northern Belle train, which had been set to take more than 200 passengers from Nottingham to Edinburgh on May 2.
The 1930s Pullman-style service was once part of the iconic Orient Express set-up and, as well as allowing people to spend hours in the Scottish capital, the journey itself is the main experience.
Musicians serenade passengers whilst they enjoy a six-course banquet on the train and, once arriving in Edinburgh, they can either enjoy a coach tip to Leith or visit the late Queen Elizabeth’s Royal Yacht Britannia.
The luxury train operator has now confirmed that the train journey, for which fares start at £495, will be rescheduled to July 4.
A spokesman said: “Unfortunately this is out of our control.
“We tried diverting the train to go across country and along the Settle to Carlisle line, but that would have meant we couldn’t pick up passengers at two of our planned departure stations.
“So in the end we had no choice but to cancel the planned date and reschedule the trip in July. But we are confident that it will still turn out to be an unforgettable day out for our loyal passengers.”
Jason Parrish, Network Rail’s head of planning, said: “These improvements are an important investment in the long‑term resilience of the East Coast Main Line. Renewing life‑expired equipment, improving drainage and strengthening embankments all help reduce delays and protect the railway.
“While there is never a good time to close the railway, scheduling the work over the bank holidays allows us to minimise disruption and deliver best value. We’re grateful to passengers for their understanding while we complete this vital work.”
