IT WAS the ideal setting for a very fine romance ...

the railway station lights winked frostily in the sharp winter light and the train chugged gently at the platform.

The smiling attendant, in crisp white uniform, opened the inviting carriage door for my wife and I on a very different kind of train journey.

No overcrowded carriages packed with stressed-out commuters here.

And, should there be a delay, it really does not matter because the quiet, opulent surroundings that greeted us would melt the most angry heart.

We were joining Britain's most elegant train, the Northern Belle, part of the fabled stable of sumptuous rail travel from Orient Express, on a memorable Valentine's Day trip.

And lads, I promise that if you are looking for something guaranteed to send a Cupid's arrow straight to your lover's heart, then this has to be it!

Because this latest distinguished addition to the company's line of quality trains, hotels, restaurants and a cruise ship, really does take some beating.

The cream and maroon painted carriages seemed impatient to start the magical four-hour journey.

However, once we had crossed the threshold, you enter a gentle, unhurried world of five-star dining.

Our top coats were discreetly whisked away and we were seated in armchairs - yes, real armchairs - in a carpeted dining car that would shame some top eateries.

But don't think that your Valentine's treat in a stuffy, uppercrust affair ...because although the Northern Belle revels in the golden age of travel, the friendly stewards soon put you at your ease.

And you'll quickly realise that your fellow passengers are all out to have a thoroughly good time too!

We joined a happy throng of businessmen and their wives, a retired couple and a pair of newly-weds who all wanted to underpin Valentine's Day by doing something completely different.

And here's the real bonus - there is no sting over prices for your memorable four-hour journey.

This year, you could pluck your lover's heart strings on a February 14 luncheon trip departing from York, or dinner from Manchester, for just £125 a head.

And that, incidentally, includes champagne, wine and liqueurs too.

If you really want to score some added brownie points, the company will even organise flowers and champagne in advance with your own personal greeting card - now is that style or what?

The Valentine's Day dining experiences are just one of the dazzling packages Orient Express has on offer with regular departures at key times throughout the year from York and Manchester, with occasional trips that also include departures from Newcastle, Birmingham and Edinburgh.

Steam train buffs can also make 11 special trips this year when the dining cars - with stately names like Glamis, Alnwick and Warwick - are pulled by the mighty Flying Scotsman.

Trips cost from £115 a head, including canaps, four course gourmet lunch with wines and coffee.

Alternatively, a day excursion with buck's fizz brunch is priced at £145 each, on a trip thorough stunning countryside.

But while you're mulling things over, please excuse me.

I am returning to my dinner of parsnip and honey soup, followed by Aberdeen Angus beef and oyster pie, topped off with apple and wild blackberry crumble.

Cheers! It really can be tough being a lover!

For the Northern Belle St Valentine's lunch or dinner trip, contact the reservations team at 0161-831-7900 or

website: www.orient-express.com