One of the world’s most luxurious trains once loved by the Queen Mother will be taking North East travellers to Scotland this month – here’s how you can get tickets.

The Northern Belle, named by actor Bill Nighy as “the Grand Dame of luxury travel” will call in Darlington, Durham, and Newcastle before making its way to Dundee on July 13.

Said to once have been a favourite of the late Queen’s mother, The Northern Belle operates grandeur journeys departing from across the UK from Cornwall to the Scottish Highlands.

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The Northern Echo: Inside one of the luxurious carriages on board.

Now, this month North East passengers can experience a slice of royal life on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to sample Scottish history.

A spokesman for The Northern Belle said: “One of our carriages used to form part of the Royal Train and we are told Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mum had her own favourite seat.

“She liked to sit there sipping her gin and tonic, reading the Racing Post and waving to people as the train passed.

“We don’t like to advertise the fact because then everybody would want to sit there! But if passengers ask our onboard staff, then they might just point it out.”

The Northern Echo:

On board, passengers will first enjoy a delicious three-course brunch whilst they take in mesmerising views of the British countryside.

Once in Scotland, you can enjoy a pre-booked trip to the childhood home of the Queen Mother, Glamis Castle, or a journey to Scone Palace – the crowing place of Scottish Kings.

After spending the afternoon in Scotland, you are then welcomed back on board and served a mouth-watering six-course dinner on the journey home.

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The Northern Echo: The Northern Belle hauled by the Princess Elizabeth.

The Northern Echo: A view of the table set for dinner.

First launched in 2000 as the British equivalent of the Orient Express, The Northern Belle is extremely well known and has even appeared on the Channel 5 series ‘The World’s Most Luxurious Trains’.

After this excursion, The Northern Belle will return to the North East on September 14 hauled by the world-famous Flying Scotsman through Darlington and Newcastle to Edinburgh.

To find tickets for trips on The Northern Belle that start from £295, click here.