Bournemouth Belle

Today, most rail travellers cannot buy a cup of tea or even a packet of crisps on a train. Yet in days gone by, in the era of the Bournemouth Belle, things were quite different. With full onboard dining facilities, this named train from July 1931 was made up of De Luxe Pullman car, chocolate and cream coloured rolling stock. Each car was given a name such as Topaz, Ruby or Philomel. Smartly dressed stewards would show passengers to their seats. In the 1930s even an Inspector was employed to taste the quality of the travellers fare. Tasty afternoon teas were a speciality which could be ordered for just three shillings (15p) in the early 1960s.

‘How nice to live at Bournemouth

And come up on the Belle.

So chic with pale pink lamp shades

A golden name as well.’

(G.B. Berry.)

The Bournemouth Belle ran daily from London-Waterloo to Bournemouth and then back to the capital. Initially it was non-stop to its destination but then a Southampton stop was incorporated. At Southampton, passengers from the ocean liners would join the train. Finally, the journey was extended to the now long time closed, Bournemouth West station. The service was a great success despite passengers having to pay a supplement. Because of its popularity, the length of the train could be up to twelve coaches on occasions.

When the line between Bournemouth and London-Waterloo was electrified in the mid-1960s, the Bournemouth Belle was discontinued. Almost always steam-hauled, this train’s last run took place on 9 July 1967. Another named express train from Bournemouth to London-Waterloo was the Royal Wessex but it could never match the luxury and travellers fare of the Bournemouth Belle.

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