THE UK’s most luxurious touring train called into Fishguard Harbour on Friday, February 28 as part of its Pembrokeshire Coastline and St Davids City journey.

The Northern Belle is the sister train to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, and entered service in 2000. Its mission is to provide the ultimate in stylish day excursions and short breaks, departing from more than 65 regional towns and cities around the UK.

The Northern Belle’s design is a reflection of the magnificent 'Belle' trains of the 1930s, combining classic craftsmanship and contemporary engineering.

Its seven carriages are named after great British castles or stately homes. They display marquetry, fabrics and brass fittings specifically commissioned from British craftsmen

The menus on board are inspired by the regions that the train visits and are developed using locally sourced ingredients by the chefs.

The Northern Belle arrived in Fishguard Harbour just after 12pm, after departing from Cardiff in the morning and stopping briefly in Swansea.

The red carpets were rolled out for the 75 passengers on board, who were given the option of staying local and exploring Fishguard and Goodwick, or taking an excursion on the coach to St Davids.

Tour guide Sarah Gerlach said: “I’m guiding the passengers and taking them down to St Davids, where they’ll be given the chance to explore St David’s Cathedral and the Bishop’s Palace.

“The Northern Belle has been coming to Fishguard for a good few years now for St David’s Day. I’ve been guiding for three years and I really enjoy it.

“Passengers on the train are celebrating special occasions such as diamond wedding anniversaries and 70th birthdays. It’s a real special day out for them.”

Passengers on board each paid £340 for the privilege of riding the Northern Belle.

For more information about the train and its journeys, visit www.luxurytrainjourneys.com