Northern Belle

The Northern Belle is a luxury train that runs heritage routes across northern England, and it's genuinely one of those experiences that justifies the ticket price. You board at various stations - Cheshire connections mean you're usually looking at places like Chester or Manchester - and spend the day on beautifully restored coaches while proper trained staff serve you a multi-course lunch or dinner as the landscape rolls past your window.

What makes it worth doing is the sheer quality of the whole operation. The food is excellent, the coaches are authentically period but with modern comforts, and there's something oddly peaceful about watching the Pennines or Welsh borders drift by while you're halfway through pudding. Most journeys are four to six hours, which is about the right length - long enough to feel like an event, not so long you're sick of trains.

This works best for people who actually enjoy trains and appreciate good food, rather than families with restless kids expecting theme park energy. It's pricey, mind you, and you'll want to book well ahead. From Nantwich you're well-positioned for it - the town itself is lovely for a wander if you arrive early, with proper half-timbered buildings and decent cafes. If you're staying at The Willows Touring Park or Little Ranch Glamping nearby, you can make a day of it without long drives. Peak seasons sell out fast, so book in advance and check their website for current routes and menus.