Scotland in Style. Embark on a Grand Highland Flin
At once leisurely and luxurious, intimate and eye-opening, step aboard and rekindle the romance of travel
Riding Belmond Royal Scotsman is one of those pinch-me moments. Ranking among the world’s most luxurious trains, our mahogany-clad cars marry Edwardian elegance with the comforts of a country house. Ten intricately designed carriages, including the sublime Bamford Spa, form a palace on wheels.
Join us on-board and allow Belmond Royal Scotsman to provide the ultimate slow escape. Leave the everyday behind and step into the Scottish Highlands, a magnificent adventure playground waiting to be explored.
Tailor each day perfectly to you. Delve into the great outdoors with a guided mountain bike tour or a round of golf on a world famous course. Or, perhaps enjoy a calmer pace with a yoga class set in the rugged, yet mesmerising landscape.
As you watch the sun set, indulge in a private outdoor dinner on the shores of a glistening Scottish loch, all before stargazing under some of Europe’s darkest skies with a personal astronomer to guide you.
The bar’s a good spot to hear local folklore, and sample the finest malts.
Because it’s never just about the destination. Savour every drop of the experience the moment you step aboard this iconic train. Meet like-minded explorers and mingle with friendly Belmond crew for stories, live music and of course, a single malt or two.
TRAIN
All aboard a living legend. Sit back, relax, and uncover the wonders of Scotland in peerless style
From the moment you step onto Belmond Royal Scotsman, you are swept up in a world of myth, legend and timeless luxury.
Delve into a land of soaring peaks and deep valleys, mirror lochs and looming castles. Enjoy a tasting in a world-famous distillery, then enter the forest for an exhilarating clay pigeon shoot. As night falls, mingle with fellow guests over candlelit dinners and live ceilidhs—a fine finale to the day’s adventures.
HISTORY
The train first launched in 1985. Following a whirlwind five-year operation of award-winning success, the original carriages were retired and replaced by a new set of Pullman cars to be renovated by James Park Associates. Lacquer-polished wooden-panels and warm tonal fabrics perfected the Edwardian country-house appeal. En-suite cabins, complete with steamy showers, established unprecedented comfort and the birth of a luxury legend.
In 2007 the train was christened Belmond Royal Scotsman and has continued to raise the bar of style and innovation since. The recent addition of the Bamford Haybarn Spa carriage marks a world first in the pursuit of perfect pampering. A true chieftain of the rails, Belmond Royal Scotsman is an awe-inspiring way to delve into the soul of the Scottish highlands.
OBSERVATION CAR
Soak up the spectacular Highland scenery from the best vantage point. Settle down in a comfortable sofa or armchair, or step out onto the open-air veranda, as you glide past castles, villages and glens.
It’s the perfect place for an aperitif or after-dinner drink. Sit back and enjoy the relaxed country-house atmosphere. Live entertainment each evening is sure to provide countless stories to write home about.
EXCURSIONS
Unveil the spirit of Scotland with our inspired itineraries. Whichever journey you pick, each day brings a host of exciting excursions. Step through the pages of history at Glamis Castle, Eilean Donan Castle and Culloden Battlefield. Revel in Scotland’s whisky heritage with a dram or two at world-class distilleries.
Famed for its sporting adventures, Scotland is the perfect place for outdoor pursuits. Enjoy clay-pigeon shooting and fishing, or tee-off at championship courses with our special golfing itineraries. From ancient strongholds to wild natural wonders, Belmond Royal Scotsman promises a truly enchanting escape.
ACCOMMODATION
A fine Highland retreat
Our luxury cabins provide a welcome sanctuary after a day in the Highlands. Lined with rich marquetry, each one features plush beds fitted with soft Scottish wools and tartans. An elegant dressing table and en suite add to the indulgence. Let your mind wander as you gaze through the generous picture window—they’re made for daydreaming.
Details
- Lower berth beds
- En suite with shower, washbasin and WC
- Dressing table
- Full-length wardrobe
- Opening windows and ceiling fans
- 220/240 voltage system
- High-quality toiletries
- Fresh white towels
- Foam pillow and hypoallergenic duvet
- Quilted cotton bed cover
- Hairdryer
- Cabin service call button
TWIN CABIN
Our twin cabins are designed for space and relaxation. Lower beds, a long wardrobe, ceiling fans and controlled heating ensure absolute comfort––no matter how the weather is outside.
DOUBLE CABIN
Each marquetry-lined double beckons you in with Scottish charm. Plush beds, a drawing table, long wardrobe and window are a warm welcome after the day’s outdoor pursuits.
SINGLE CABIN
Enter your own private retreat lined with rich marquetry and tartan furnishings. Each features a lower bed, wardrobe, writing table and en suite. Splendid Highland views from your window are sure to inspire.
INTERCONNECTING CABIN
Our Interconnecting Cabins are perfect for families travelling together. Recline on plush lower beds. one twin and one double, or revive in a fully equipped en suite. A writing desk and large open window fuel the imagination.
DINING
Fine Dining in the Heart of the Highlands
Snaking through sky-high peaks and dramatic valleys, dining aboard Belmond Royal Scotsman is one of the world’s most unique dining experiences. Served in our mahogany-panelled dining cars, each meal celebrates exceptional Scottish produce. A selection of fine wines, liqueurs and malt whiskies are an ideal accompaniment.
CELEBRATED SCOTTISH FARE
Feast on the best produce from Scottish land and sea. Rich game, seasonal seafood and wild salmon are all regular highlights on our acclaimed menu.
Fuel up with classic kedgeree, or savour steamed Scottish mussels after a day’s outdoor pursuits. Dining is an extravagant affair and may include delicate pigeon salad or spiced roast halibut. Just add superb wines and new friends.
Sublime Flavours For Every Season
A medley of seasonal delicacies, sourced fresh from the finest suppliers.
Dining Experiences
THE WHISKY JOURNEY
As the world’s foremost malt whisky club––specialists in single cask, single malt whiskies––The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is the perfect partner for our unique Whisky Journey through the Highlands.
Cooking onboard is a treat––most kitchens are closed off to nature, but we enjoy incredible views.
Head Chef Mark Tamburrini has worked in some of the UK’s finest restaurants. Under Steven Granton and Jim Kerr at the Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow, Mark’s passion later led him into the kitchens of Michelin-starred L’Escargot in Soho, London.
EXPERIENCES
Let us inspire you with the hidden treasures of this adventure playground
Enhance your journey through the Highlands with an array of unique excursions available to our guests. From exhilarating activities such as white water rafting and coasteering, to unforgettable evenings spent observing the star-studded night sky. Step into our world of adventure by downloading our full Experience Brochure, or simply allow us to pique your interest with some highlights below.
OUTDOOR DINING
Dine to the sound of the gentle rippling waters of a Scottish loch. As the sun sets, enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner on the shores of the Rothiemurchus Estate. End this idyllic evening with a soothing hot toddy before stargazing under big skies with a personal astronomer
ADVENTURE UNDER THE STARS
Home to some of the largest expanses of dark skies in Europe, the Scottish highlands are the perfect place to delve into the wonders of the cosmos. Join expert astronomer Steve Owens for an exhilarating planetary exploration in the Cairngorms. After this fascinating adventure you will never look at the sky in the same way again!
WHISKY DISTILLERIES
Visit some of Scotland's most celebrated whisky distilleries. Gain an insight into the crafting of casks, and of course, indulge in a wee dram. A selection of tours are available, including Glen Ord, one of the oldest in the country and Tullibardine Distillery in Blackford village, where guests can experience a tour led by the master blender.
A ROUND OF GOLF
Where better to tee off than in the country the game originates from. Experience golf in its truest form, playing on courses where the sense of history and tradition is as impressive as the majestic scenery.
WHITE WATER RAFTING
For the adrenaline junkies among us, take part in a guided white water rafting tour through dam released rivers such as River Garry, Orchy and Moriston. This exhilarating experience will have you tackling the wild and raging waters, whilst passing through the rugged landscape of Scotland.
SPA
True indulgence on the rails
Unwind in one of the most unique spas that Scotland has to offer. Two serene treatment rooms provide a haven of peace, while an exceptional menu of all-natural therapies work to rejuvenate body and mind. Simply sit back, relax, and let our therapists indulge you as the striking scenery glides by.
We Recommend
BELMOND ROYAL SCOTSMAN SPA RITUAL
Indulge in our signature ritual, a fully immersive body and facial therapy designed to strengthen muscles and awaken energy channels.
Targeting areas of specific concern, and using a warm massage oil, we perform a full Swedish back and leg massage with reflexology. Next, we administer a soothing abdominal massage, an age-old technique whose benefits range from stress relief to easing digestive problems.
Afterwards, enjoy the facial of your choice followed by a stimulating Indian head massage. Emerge feeling totally revitalised.
Our Products
Eco-friendly botanicals inspired by nature
Our fresh sea salt scrub leaves skin feeling silky and glowing with renewed vitality
Bamford’s products capture the health-boosting properties of nature. Nourishing botanical ingredients coupled with holistic techniques ensure a blissful experience, one that aligns body and soul with the natural world.
SCOTLAND'S SPA ON RAILS
Picture the scene. You’re meandering past pristine Highland scenery. Beyond the picture windows, landscapes of brilliant wildflowers, mirror-calm lochs and misty mountains pass by. But you’re in a cocoon of luxury, soaking up the aromatherapy fragrances as you enjoy a massage or rejuvenating body scrub.
We speak to Haybarn founder Carole Bamford about her inspiration for the spa and what makes it truly unique.