Scandalous liaisons, high-society celebrations and political intrigue – each carriage on the Orient Express has its own secrets to discover, writes Lesley Bellew

AMERICAN cabinet maker George Mortimer Pullman was a shrewd man. He joined his friend Ben Field to design a sleeping railroad car and established the Pullman Palace Car Company in 1867.

A true entrepreneur, he recognised his wealthy train passengers were accustomed to unrestrained luxury so he ordered the finest craftsmen to construct ‘Palaces on Wheels’.

The golden age of steam travel had begun and during the 1920s and 30s British Pullman carriages were resplendent in rare timber veneers, custom-loomed fabrics and elaborate brasswork.

They symbolised the glamour and optimism of the era, with the super-rich and famous indulging themselves on wonderful journeys across Europe, putting the woes of the First World War behind them.

Today, the echoes of laughter and whispers of romance still drift through the carriages as families, friends and lovers celebrate special birthdays and anniversaries.

Journeys these days start from Victoria Station, London and waiting alongside the gleaming cream and umber carriages are uniformed stewards to welcome you on board the train.

The tables are set with starched white linen, shining silver and crystal glass and you cross the countryside being treated like royalty.

The 11 carriages have been meticulously restored and each has its own name, personality and history – Phoenix was the favourite carriage of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and used by General de Gaulle. Zena with its art deco marquetry was used in the 1976 film Agatha, while Perseus was used as part of Winston Churchill’s funeral train in 1965.

With such a fascinating history you might think prices would be prohibitive but day trips start from £150 (it would probably cost you that for a day out in London's West End including theatre ticket and a meal).

Destinations include Chatsworth House, Derbyshire; Brighton, with a murder mystery theme; Bath, Harewood House, Yorkshire and Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire.