Passengers stepped into Christmas in style as Britain's poshest train returned to the city for a unique festive experience.

The Northern Belle, once part of the iconic Orient Express group, departed from Norwich Station at just after midday on Monday (December 12) and then picked up another group of passengers from Ipswich Station at 1.30pm. 

It harks back to the golden age of rail travel with 1930s-style Pullman carriages named after British castles and stately homes.

Norwich Evening News: The Northern Belle arrives into Norwich Station. The Northern Belle arrives into Norwich Station. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Passengers, dressed in their finery, were greeted by a team of conductors and went from the chilly platform to the warm and cosy dining carriages with luxury armchairs and festive decorations. 

The tables were set for Christmas with crackers and gold-lined crockery. 

Norwich Evening News: A table set for Christmas lunch onboard the Northern Belle.A table set for Christmas lunch onboard the Northern Belle. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Tickets cost £340pp which includes a five-hour round-trip on the train, a welcome champagne reception, seven-course Christmas lunch with a cheeseboard and a bottle of wine per couple.

There is also onboard entertainment, including a table magician and strolling musicians.

Despite the price tag, there are many regulars on the Northern Belle who think it is well worth the cost for the quality of food and service. 

Norwich Evening News: Graham and Jill Frid ready to ride the Northern Belle from Norwich Station. Graham and Jill Frid ready to ride the Northern Belle from Norwich Station. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Graham Frid, from West Beckham, who has been going with his wife Jill since 2005, said: "It gets Christmas off to a great start and we are old-fashioned so we like the comfortable dining and it has a lovely atmosphere."

Sue Day, from Norwich, who has been "dozens" of times, said: "We keep coming back because it is so elegant and relaxing.

Norwich Evening News: Mike, Dawn and Doreen Urry with Sue Day ready to board the Northern Belle. Mike, Dawn and Doreen Urry with Sue Day ready to board the Northern Belle. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

"It is the old-fashioned way of doing things with the service and the smiley faces and the food is great - it is just a lovely day." 

Thankfully, the plummeting temperatures and recent rail strikes did not impact the journey.

Norwich Evening News: David Clay, meet and greeter for the Northern Belle. David Clay, meet and greeter for the Northern Belle. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

David Clay, meet and greeter for the Northern Belle, said: "It is an excellent day out with good food and drink.

"There has been chopping and changing with the rail strikes but there have been no problems on this trip, fortunately.

Norwich Evening News: Jack and Louise Hubbard on the Northern Belle.Jack and Louise Hubbard on the Northern Belle. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

"It is a sell-out for today's train and a unique experience - really harking back to the 1930s art deco days of luxury trains."