Belmond Royal Scotsman, Scotland
Belmond are masters of luxurious train journeys so it’s no surprise that the Belmond Royal Scotsman is a very special train indeed. As you’re serenaded by Scottish pipers on board the train in Edinburgh, you’ll soon be travelling around the Highlands of Scotland in sumptuous style. With a staff ratio of 3:1, you’ll be very looked after and the whole train is designed to feel like a plush country house hotel.
Marvel at the world-class views from the picture windows before tucking into delicious local fare. Then head to the observatory carriage at the front of the train for a whisky nightcap. The fare might be steep but everything (apart from the spa treatments) are all included in the price so it’s worth splashing the cash to see Scotland in such opulent style.
Prices from: £2,350
Passengers: 36
Carriages: 10
Departing from: Waverley Station, Edinburgh
Journey length: 2-7 nights
Belmond Royal Scotsman routes
The Belmond Royal Scotsman train runs from April to October, offering a two-night Highland tour, a three-night Western tour or a four-night Highland Classic tour. You can combine the three-night Western with either the two-night Highland or four-night Highland Classic to make a five or seven night ‘Grand tour. All Belmond Royal Scotsman tours start in Edinburgh and showcase the history, culture and scenery of the Scottish Highlands. Prices start at £2,350 per person for the two-night Highland journey, £3,440 for the three-night Western, or £4,330 for the four-night Highland Classic, based on two people sharing. It is one of the most popular overnight train journeys in Europe.
Belmond Royal Scotsman train
There are ten carriages on board the train, five sleeping cars, one car for staff and storage, one spa car, one observation car and two dining cars.
The train first launched in 1985, with a set of pullman cars renovated by James Park Associates. On board you’ll find traditional carriages with lacquer-polished wooden panels and sumptuous soft furnishings in traditional Scottish style. In 2007 the train was christened Belmond Royal Scotsman. The recent addition of the Bamford Haybarn Spa carriage has elevated it into a luxurious train experience.
Cabins on Belmond Royal Scotsman
The Royal Scotsman’s cabins provide a luxurious traditionally designed space to sleep in a tartan-clad bed and also take an afternoon siesta whilst gazing through the picture windows at the incredible Scottish countryside. Guests can choose from single, twin, double or interconnected cabins. All cabins come with full-length wardrobes, dressing tables, high-quality toiletries, a hairdryer and cabin service call button and all boast an ensuite private bathroom with wc and shower. They are located at the back of the train.
Food and drink
As the train leisurely travels through Scotland’s dramatic Highlands, you will be treated to one of the world’s most unique dining experiences in the mahogany-panelled dining cars, Raven and Swift. Every meal celebrates the best of Scottish produce, wines and whiskies so expect some delicious game, seasonal seafood including wild salmon and mussels and the most luxurious porridge (served with double cream and whisky) on the planet. Head Chef Mark Tamburrini has worked in some of the UK’s finest restaurants so expect Michelin-standard feasts. At night the observation car becomes the place to unwind and chat to your fellow passengers with over 30 fine whiskies available for you to try with guidance from the knowledgeable on-board staff.
Belmond Royal Scotsman dress code
The train models itself on an upmarket country hotel so you’ll find smart/casual works well on board. In the daytime expect to see your fellow passengers dressed in Barbours and Hunter wellies, whilst dinner in the evening is a more dressed-up affair. On longer journeys there is one formal night so don’t forget to pack your best dress or DJ. Lots of guests like to get into the Scottish spirit by wearing tartan too.
Fellow passengers
The Scottish Highlands attract visitors from all over the world who are looking to experience one of the most beautiful parts of the UK. So expect a well-heeled international audience who are taking a train trip of a lifetime around this beautiful part of the world.
What’s included
Tickets for a two-night journey start at £2,350 but for all journeys you’ll find the all-inclusive price generously includes all meals, on-train accommodation, alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinks and off-train excursions such as a visit to a grand Scottish house, a guided tour of a whisky distillery or clay pigeon shooting on a Scottish laird’s estate. The Royal Scotsman prides itself on offering guests the finest choice of Scottish whisky in the observation car and from the moment you step on board the wine and champagne flows freely.
Pros and cons
Travelling on the Royal Scotsman is a total treat, from the train itself to being pampered by the staff, to the first-class cuisine and the chance to enjoy the breath-taking beauty of Scotland at a leisurely pace. The only con is that because the passenger numbers are so small if you’re unfortunate enough to be travelling with a know-it-all bore, there are not many places to escape.