salmon and warm crumpets, and then finally a choice from the bakery selection of pastries and yet more tea or coffee – all the more impressive when you consider the size of the gas-only kitchen.
Once brunch service is over you are free to roam the train and can take in the differences and uniqueness of the other carriages – each offer their own charm and layout, even down to the original toilets – before heading back to your seat ready for arrival at the wonderfully historic Bath.
Bath again was one of those places that I had always wanted to go, and this trip affords guests the chance to spend about three hours in the city as well as providing a mini city tour by coach included in the ticket. My guest and I( as well as almost every other passenger!) plumped for this option and were taken on a whistle-stop tour of the major sights and places of interest( albeit during a busy Rugby Saturday) and were able to gleam a little better the historical significance of the city before our last stop at the amazing Roman Baths, entry to which was also included.
We ambled in wonder around the columns, preserved buildings and the natural spa waters before heading off for the city’ s renowned spa attraction, the Thermae Bath Spa, Britain’ s original natural thermal spa.
The New Royal Bath is the result of a multimillion pound project leading to a building that is a magnificent fusion of glass, stone, light and water and offers a range of thermal pools and spa treatments. The new Wellness Suite, scheduled for completion this spring will offer even more thermal experiences with new steam and sauna facilities. Guests are able to enjoy a‘ Thermae Welcome’ which includes a 2-hour spa session with use of towel, robes and slippers. The queues can stretch round the building such is its popularity, yet whilst busy, inside it is still a tranquil haven of bliss.
Once changed you have the option of descending to the lower bath, where you can grab a float and literally lie back as the gentle currents glide you around in the naturally heated 33.5 decree waters; or to the amazing open-air rooftop bath where the steam rises from the waters which contain over 42 minerals and trace elements into the cooler air around.
It was spectacular to see and even better to experience, my guest and I happily bobbed along in the warm waters glimpsing the rooftops and calm skies above.
We left feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, and with just enough time to amble around the cobbled streets before reaching the station for our departure back to London.
Even though we knew what to expect on the return leg, the arrival of the Belmond British Pullman to Bath was just as heralded and just as special. We eagerly returned to our seats and prepared for our 4-course dinner that awaited.
This time we started with Champagne before starters of roast cauliflower soup – creamy, rich and with a hint of curry spice, followed by a main of daube of beef, the tender slowcooked meat dissolved in the mouth; a triumph with its perfectly cooked dauphinoise and tenderstem broccoli sides. This was followed by a plentiful cheese course devoured by my guest and which was effortlessly changed to a fruit platter without me even needing to request it by the efficient team that had noted my dietary requirements, before we ended with a delicate pear, blackcurrant and almond millefeuille with crème anglaise.
We arrived back to London Victoria at nightfall, pleasantly full from the wonderful food and full of memories from an amazing trip, grateful to the staff for their friendly, efficient and wholeheartedly attentive service and grateful for having had the opportunity to tick the box on this once in a lifetime experience.
Although, that said, I’ m already desperate to travel aboard again and planning my next trip, and I wholeheartedly recommend that you do too!
Belmond British Pullman www. belmond. com / british-pullman-train Reservations 0845 077 2222 reservations. uk @ belmond. com
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Thermae Bath Spa www. thermaebathspa. com 01225 331234 reservations @ thermaebathspa. com
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