Venice-Simplon Orient Express - Orient Express in Britain

Orient Express in Britain

VSOE operates two services within Great Britain separate from its main continental services as an "open access" operator. The British Pullman (which runs the London-Folkestone leg of the Orient Express) consists mainly of former Brighton Belle Pullman coaches. It operates services mainly in the South of England and the Midlands, with York as its most northerly terminus. Usually operating from Victoria Station in London, specials run throughout the south of London to historic sites, including elaborate dining along the way. On 9 October 2007, the Westfield Group rented the whole train to open its new mall in Derby, departing from the former LNER London King's Cross station.

The Northern Belle is a more extensive day service operating throughout the country, as far north as Inverness and south to Plymouth. It is composed of more modern British Rail Mark 2 coaches, with British Rail Mark 1 kitchen cars, liveried and named to resemble the older Pullman coaches. Both services have their own dedicated sets of carriages, and are hauled by Direct Rail Services locomotives, usually two Class 47s. Locomotives 47790 & 47832 have been painted in the Northern Belle livery. Selected services are also hauled by preserved steam locomotives.