The Northern Belle’s historic 1930s-style Pullman carriages – once part of the iconic Orient Express – normally attract hordes of excited trainspotters and railway enthusiasts who gather on station platforms eager to take photographs.

But because of the need to maintain social distancing during the pandemic, bosses are refusing to reveal just where the train will be going during the six-hour round trip through the wintry countryside.

A spokesman said: “Normally we are delighted that so many people want to see the train and it adds to the fun for passengers when crowds are waving at them. But we are taking strict precautions to keep everybody safe on board ­ and we have a duty to the public too.”

The train, hauled by a heritage locomotive, will set out from Coventry on Friday December 18th before picking up more passengers at Birmingham International station. A seven-course Christmas lunch with wine and champagne will be served during the trip.

The spokesman added: “It should be a cracker of a day out – just the job to get everybody in the festive spirit after such a gloomy year. We have strolling musicians on board to serenade passengers and there is even a conjuror to add an extra touch of magic.”