It’s the height of luxury – and it’s coming to a station near you. As the Heart of Kent Hospice unveils its exclusive once-in-a-lifetime trips on the Orient Express’ sister train, the Belmond British Pullman, for next year, here's what its lucky passengers can expect.

Travelling on the Orient Express has to be one of those bucket list moments.

Unbelievable elegance and sumptuous attention to detail mean every single passenger on board feels special, whether they’re there for an anniversary, birthday, or just a treat.

So when the Heart of Kent Hospice in Aylesford announced earlier this year that it had secured a special journey from Maidstone East station with the Orient Express’ sister train, the Belmond British Pullman, it was no surprise that it sold out in days, and a second was scheduled – which again sold out in days.

From the moment guests arrive at the station, you realise it’s not ordinary day, with live music on the platform, which continues on the train.

You’re shown to your seats in the ornate wood panelled carriages, which include wide, velvet armchairs and art nouveau lamps for intimate dining.

The staff will cater for your every whim; everything is brought to you – even down to the countryside view as the train meanders through the county.

Its carriages all have names, from Cygnus, which appeared in Agatha with Vanessa Redgrave and Dustin Hoffman in 1976, to Gwen, which was used by the Queen Mother on a trip to Brighton in 1948.

The interior wood panelling is French polished and includes marquetry work, with different designs in each carriage. Even the bathrooms are luxurious – look out for the mosaic tiling in the toilets.

And don’t worry if you’ve come alone. It’s like one big, family of fans, all enjoying the experience together. You can all tick it off your bucket list together.

What’s On has teamed up with the Aylesford hospice to offer you the chance to win two tickets to its gala luncheon service – worth a total of £650!

DETAILS

The hospice is running two excursions in 2016, a luncheon and another which includes a day trip to Windsor.

The gala luncheon, on Saturday, May 7, gives you a chance to sit back and enjoy a fabulous four-course lunch with a bottle of wine per couple on board the art deco train, with waiter service.

Tickets are strictly on a first come first served basis and are £325 per person. A £75 deposit secures your place on the special excursion, with the balance due by Thursday, February 4.

The hospice is going one step further into the realms of royalty to make its guests feel like kings and queens, with a trip to Windsor on Saturday, August 27.

The magical day starts at Maidstone East station, and includes a three-course Bellini Breakfast on board en route to Windsor.

On arrival at Windsor & Eton Riverside station, guests have four hours to explore the town, which includes Windsor Castle, entry to which is included in the ticket price.

Guests then return to their seats with a welcoming glass of champagne, and have a four-course dinner with wine on the journey home.

Tickets cost £450 per person. To book, you need to pay a £100 deposit and the balance by Thursday, May 19 2016. To book for either day, call the fundraising team on 01622 790195 or email tom.abbott@hokh.co.uk