A RAILWAY carriage which transported post, cider and golfers across the country during its lifetime will now spend its retirement hosting cream teas in York.
The National Railway Museum has opened its newest attraction The Countess of York, a fully refurbished 1956-built carriage, restored to mimic 19th century travel.
To celebrate the launch of the carriage, which will be servicing lunches and cream teas, staff at the museum donned costumes in keeping with the era.
The Countess of York, formerly known as Valiant, is a Pullman-style carriage which starting life as a Baggage Car, carrying parcels and post all over the UK.
It then went on to act as a service coach based at the famous Bulmers’ Cider Works in Hereford and then, in a true ‘rags to riches’ style, went on to serve under the Orient Express’ Northern Belle services carrying golfers to Gleneagles.
Following retirement from mainline operation, Countess of York was given a new lease of life by Railfilms Ltd.
Sam Owen, head of commercial and live events for the Science Museum Group, which the National Railway Museum belongs to, said: "The Countess of York is an extremely exciting venture for the National Railway Museum, offering diners a unique experience reminiscent of luxury European train travel."
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