A train popularly known as the poshest in Britain made a stop in Ipswich as part of a special Christmas journey.

The Northern Belle, which was once part of the Orient Express Group, ran a Christmas lunch luxury train ride on Monday afternoon.

It departed from Norwich shortly after midday, making two stops in Ipswich along the way.

Ipswich Star: Inside the Northern Belle, which passed through Suffolk Inside the Northern Belle, which passed through Suffolk (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Tickets for the experience, which cost £340 a head, included a slap-up meal an the chance to see the sights of East Anglia from a luxury carriage.

The Northern Belle featured festive décor and 1930s-style Pullman carriages named after British castles and stately homes.

Passengers were treated to a champagne reception, seven-course Christmas lunch and on-board entertainment.

Ipswich Star: Graham and Jill Frid at Norwich railway stationGraham and Jill Frid at Norwich railway station (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Despite the high price tag, there were many passengers on the Northern Belle who thought it is well worth the cost for the quality of food and service. 

Graham Frid, 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."

Ipswich Star: Inside the Northern Belle trainInside the Northern Belle train (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Sue Day, who got on the train at Norwich, said she has been "dozens" of times.

She added: "We keep coming back because it is so elegant and relaxing."