Valid, but do you want a little luxury? Why traveling back in time on the luxurious Belmond British Pullman train is just the thing for a feel-good day

So money is tight, you don’t want to go too far or too long, but you long for a little luxury.

Now it’s time to think about a day trip – and a trip down memory lane on a luxury train.

For the ultimate feel-good journey, the Belmond British Pullman – sister train to the Venice Simplon Orient Express – is just the ticket.

The carriages are from the 1920s and “wouldn’t look out of place on an Agatha Christie film set”

Full of luxury and glamour, it harkens back to the heyday of the railways and there are several festive routes that take you through glorious parts of the countryside.

High on the list of favorites – and quickly selling out – are day trips to Oxford’s Christmas market and a performance by the Canterbury Singers in a candlelit crypt in the city’s famous cathedral.

We booked a 3½ hour canal cruise with afternoon tea. At Victoria station we are greeted by lively stewards and invited to a drink in the Belmond Lounge, where harmony singing trio The Spitfire Sisters set the tone.

It’s a glamorous start before we climb into 1920s-era carriages that wouldn’t look out of place on an Agatha Christie film set.

“There are several festival routes that take you through beautiful landscapes,” says Ben. At the top, the train is decorated with Christmas decorations

Topping the Pullman route list of favorites – and selling out quickly – are day trips to the Oxford Christmas Market and a performance by the Canterbury Singers in a candlelit crypt in the city’s famous cathedral

Ben reveals he enjoys sandwiches, delicious canapés and cupcakes and scones, all washed down with champagne

Ben reveals that birthdays range from the 21st to the 101st during his journey

The whistle blows at 12:30 and the Belmond begins her journey out of London and through Kent via Redhill, Edenbridge and Ashford.

There is a cheerful atmosphere on board – birthdays are celebrated from the 21st to the 101st – as we enjoy sandwiches, delicious canapés and cupcakes and scones, all washed down with champagne.

Before we return to Victoria, two guests confide in us: “It’s worth every penny to feel so special just for a few hours.”