Cinq moyens de transport de luxe en Grande-Bretagne

Pour aller d'un point A à un point B en Grande-Bretagne, il existe des moyens de transport très glamours, pour une expérience particulièrement luxueuse...

Le train

Quoi de mieux que de se détendre avec un verre de champagne à la main et de savourer un environnement luxueux tout en regardant défiler par la fenêtre un paysage en constante évolution. Voyager à bord du Belmond Royal Scotsman (version écossaise du Venice Simplon Orient Express), c'est comme remonter dans le temps et vivre une expérience exceptionnelle en compagnie d'un maximum de 36 passagers. Plusieurs trajets sont proposés : un Malt Whisky Trail pour les amateurs de whisky, ou pour ceux qui apprécient le patrimoine, un tour des châteaux et demeures d'Ecosse.  

Il est également possible de vivre une journée à bord d'un train en luxe en embarquant à bord du Northern Belle. Au départ de nombreuses gares de tout le Royaume-Uni, il traverse des magnifiques paysages, le temps d'une réception, d'un diner de gala, ou d'un afternoon tea dans des wagons luxueux qui portent chacun le nom d'un château ou d'une demeure britannique.   

La mongolfière

Pour admirer l'exceptionnelle beauté de la campagne britannique, rien de tel qu'un survol en montgolfière. De nombreuses sociétés dans tout le pays proposent des sorties. Kent Ballooning, par exemple, organise des survols du Kent, le Jardin de l'Angleterre en mode VIP avec montgolfière privée et champagne. 

Il est également possible de prendre part au plus célèbre des festivals de mongolfières du pays en réservant un vol par Virgin Balloon Flights à la Bristol Balloon Fiesta, qui aura lieu en août 2019. You’ll take to the skies over the gorgeous Somerset landscapes for three-to-four hours and witness all the other balloons taking part in the fiesta beside you, while sipping on Champagne!

L'hélicoptère

See Britain from a different angle as you cruise above it by helicopter…all piloted of course! You just have to sit back and enjoy the scenery. If you’re in England’s capital, one of the most exclusive ways to see the city is on board The London Helicopter on a trip that takes in all the iconic landmarks from the Royal Albert Hall and Hyde Park to St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London. For an extra special journey tie in a luxury chauffeur service to and from your helicopter flight and, on arrival back at the heliport in Battersea, complete the trip with a glass or two of Champagne at neighbouring ‘The Pad’ at the Crowne Plaza. Helicopter flights can, of course, be more than sightseeing. Aerial Charter Scotland, for example, offers Helicopter Distillery Tours, where whisky lovers can travel between distilleries across the five distinctive whisky producing regions of Scotland. Spot the magnificent lochs, dramatic mountains and vibrant cities as you soar overhead en route to the distilleries.

Le bâteau de croisière

Britain is an island – so what better way to explore it than on board a luxury cruise ship? There are a wide range of cruise companies operating itineraries, from around the remote Scottish islands to cruises around the whole of Britain. You’ll find all-inclusive luxury – think butler service, gourmet dining, fine wines, Champagne, suites with private verandas and indulgent spas – with companies such as Regent Seven Seas, Six Star Cruises and Silversea. A two-week cruise by Silversea departs from London and stops at ports such as the spectacular Isles of Scilly off the coast of Cornwall at the south-western tip of England; the exciting city of Belfast in Northern Ireland, the stunning Scottish islands of Lewis, Shetland, Orkney and Mull as well as the vibrant Scottish capital Edinburgh. Six Star Cruisesoffers a ‘British Isles Legacy’ route, with stops in Fowey in Cornwall, Liverpool in north-west England and Scotland, while Regent Seven Seas’ offers a ‘Treasures of the British Isles’ cruise, departing from Bristol, heading up to the Scottish islands and across to Aberdeen, before taking in Guernsey in the Channel Islands and the Isles of Scilly.

La voiture de luxe avec chauffeur

Enjoy the VIP treatment by visiting some of Britain’s top attractions and most beautiful destinations via chauffeur-driven luxury vehicle. There is a wealth of companies across Britain offering this type of service but to enhance the experience further, ensure your driver is also a knowledgeable guide. British Chauffeur Tours offers tailor-made tours to suit individual interests but check out popular journeys such as its Harry Potter tours, football tours and tours of the Cotswolds. Ever wanted to channel your inner James Bond? Book onto its Espionage London tour to discover the secret world of the spy – all, of course, from the comfort of a luxury car. Visitors can also have multi-day bespoke tours created. British Heritage Chauffeur Tours, for example, offers entire trips around Wales, England or Scotland – which include five-star accommodation along the way – as well as tours across a range in themes, from Poldark to Queen Victoria.