Please note: this prize draw is now closed.
This month, you have the chance to win a journey into luxury and elegance aboard the enchanting ‘Devon Belle’ Pullman observation car, where you’ll be treated to an indulgent Champagne afternoon tea experience.
As you glide through the picturesque Purbeck countryside, marvel at the intricate workings of the steam locomotive through the panoramic windows of your carriage, all from the comfort of your plush Pullman seat.
Let the attentive staff, impeccably dressed in pristine Pullman uniforms, cater to your every need as they serve up a refreshing and delectable afternoon tea.
Savour the delightful flavours amidst the timeless charm of the train, as you pass by the historic village of Corfe Castle, offering breathtaking views of its majestic ruins.
How to win our fabulous prize
Step 1: make sure you're signed up to our newsletter
Step 2: any of the following actions will earn you 1 entry
New members
- Is this your first visit to Silver Travel Advisor? Then simply Register as a member for automatic entry.
Existing members
- Comment below and tell us who would be your ideal celebrity travel companion and why?
- Or write a review about any kind of holiday, day out, restaurant, hotel stay or attraction visited (each review counts as one entry)
Silver Travel Advisor – October 2024 prize draw
- The prize includes a steam train journey with champagne and afternoon tea for two – courtesy of Silver Travel Advisor.
- The prize draw is open to residents of the UK, aged 18 years or over, except employees of Silver Travel Advisor and their close relatives, partners or friends and anyone otherwise connected with the organisation of the prize draw.
- There is no entry fee and no purchase necessary to enter this prize draw.
- By entering this prize draw, an entrant is indicating his/her/their agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions.
- This competition is not in any affiliation with any other company or the steam train journey day provider
- The prize is as stated, and no cash or other alternatives will be offered. The prize is non-transferable and is subject to availability.
- If a winner does not claim their prize within one week, the prize will be forfeited, and another winner will be selected.
- By entering the prize draw each entrant accepts that the winner’s name and city of residence may be used for promotional purposes by Silver Travel Advisor.
- No responsibility is accepted for entries, notices, acceptances, tickets, goods or other documentation lost or delayed in the post.
- Winners will be solely responsible for any tax liability incurred as a result of this offer. The organisers’ decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered.
- Entries for the prize draw will be accepted until the closing date 31st October 2024.
- The winner will be notified in early November 2024, and full details of how to receive the prize will be given at that time.
- Images are for illustration purposes only and may not fully represent the exact steam train journey available.
160 Responses
My celebrity travel companion would be George The Poet for an incredibly interesting conversation with an inspiring artist.
My husband so we can sit back quietly and relax and enjoy the wonderful experience and breathtaking countryside which is a celebrity of its own!
I would love to travel with Sir Michael Palin, I have had a crush on him since the Monty Python days (!) and I know he would make the perfect travel companion with all his knowledge and we’d have a laugh along the way!
I would like my companion to be Joanna Lumley as she is so well informed about so many places and she seems great fun when I have seen her exploring new places.
Author: Thomas Hardy
Far from the madding crowd, on rails
He’d share some wonderful Wessex Tales!
Sir David Attenborough, as he could tell me all about the nature en route!
I would like to travel with Paul Merton for his dry sense of humour
I would like to travel with Paul Merton for his dry sense of humour
My celebrity travel companion would be Tom Hardy, obviously for the conversation!
I would take Michael Portillo as he probably has good experience of this journey already. He could teach me Spanish during the quieter moments too.
Clare Balding. She is always interesting to listen to, and takes an interest in anyone and anything she comes across.
If he was still with us, Peter Ustinov. A brilliant mind, humorous and with so many stories to tell of his career in film, theatre , television and diplomacy, and was related to many prominent figures
I’m a cricket fanatic so would want Joe Root as my celebrity companion
My celebrity companion would be Michael Sheen not only a notable actor – I feel he “becomes” the person he is playing – but a great campaigner too. He has brought important issues to our attention using his celebrity, which is great, and would be so interesting to hear more of.
I would choose Shirley Ballas for entertainment and she could teach me to dance!
Richard Osman. I’ve read all his booksand thotoughly enjoy them. As a travelling companion I don’t feel he’s too much of a celebrity for me to feel intimidated by. I love that he listens to his mum and her friends and takes on board their ideas for hus books. Maybe we could come up with some ideas for his next book as we travel together.
Sir David Attenborough 100%!
I would choose Jane MacDonald as my celebrity travel companion. She is so down to earth and approachable and, as she never struggles to make conversation, the journey would speed by with tales of all her world-wide travels.
I’d like to take Michael Palin – as a world traveller, he would be a great raconteur, and he has a wonderful sense of humour.
I would take Richard Osman as he is highly intelligent and has a great sense of humour so he would be great company and I could ask him about his books, which I loved.
Would love to travel with Bob Mortimer – I suspect hanging out with him would be interesting and entertaining with so much banter and would be an adventure for the both of us
My Great Grandfather who used to drive the Flying Scotsman service.
Joe Pasquale would be my choice for a rib-tickling ride. He’s been entertaining young and old for years.
Alison Hammond would be the perfect companion, would have a great time while enjoying a cup of tea and a slice of cake
Would love Peter Kay, can just imagine him sat beside on the train, a bit like on Car Share and having a laugh about what is outside the window.
I would like Michael Portillo to be my travel companion as I think he would enjoy the experience and be an excellent companion. He is a great fan of rail ravel and I’m sure he would have some very interesting anecdotes to entertain me during our journey.
My wife would be my companion as she has been my rock throughout my illness
It has to be Father Christmas, surely. He on his sleigh working so hard and the reindeer’s dashing about he misses all the glorious countryside this wonderful trip goes through. He deserves it!
It has to be Father Christmas, surely. He dashes about on Christmas Eve on his sleigh and with his reindeer’s, working so hard, he misses the glorious countryside the trip goes through. He deserves it!
I would take the two ‘Michaels’ ; Michael Palin for the outward journey and Michael Portillo for the return journey. With their wealth of travel experience what could possibly go wrong?
Richard Ayoade, he’s already well travelled so would bring his experience and of course his great sense of humour to any journey
If I had to take a celebrity it would have to be Stephen Fry. So many comments & witticisms, the journey would never be long enough!
Sir David Attenborough – mostly just to say thank you for all he has done in his remarkable life to introduce people to the natural world, and to highlight the threats it is under. I’m sure he would also be the ultimate good company – the tales of his adventures would fill 100 train journeys.
Without hesitation or doubt, it just has to be Michael Portillo, for fairly obvious reasons. He would be a genial and knowledgeable train-journey companion. I met him once at a ‘destinations’ exhibition, after he gave a talk on his then latest series of train journeys across the USA and enjoyed a convivial chat with him.
Michael Portillo would be an absolutely amazing (if obvious)choice!
My hisband is a train fan so this trip wpuld be prfect!
I’d take Kier Starmer and expect him to repay the cost of his half.
I’d take Sandi Toksvig, as I think she would be an excellent companion, very knowledgeable, extremely funny & just generally seems like a lovely person to spend time with
I would NOT take a famous person with me , I would prefer to have a quiet, peaceful journey and enjoy the wonderful countryside as we steam our way onward.
Hercule Poirot – he’s well used to exotic train journeys and can sort out any murders on the way!
I would take Julia Bradbury with me, as well as my husband, so we could discuss walks along the line and around Corfe Castle, and on the South West Coast Path in Dorset, while admiring the views and enjoying the afternoon tea and champagne.
I would take Michael Porrtillo as he knows so much about railway journeys.
Michael Portillo because he has travelled on many trains !
I’d love to take Amanda Holden she would appreciate it and be such good fun too. Her laugh is so infectious.
Martin Clunes, he seems a nice person and is always so enthusiastic.
Bradley Walsh, laughter all the way
Definitely the late great Paul O’Grady – he never ran out of steam with his witty banter and boundless love of animals, great or small. He would make this epic journey even more unforgettable.
Our most recent holiday was to Rhodes. We stayed for a few nights in the city and took bus journeys out to the main attractions and then moved on to an all-inclusive for a few nights to finish off our trip. Love moving around on holiday as makes it feel like you are away for longer!
Miriam Margoyles we would have soooo much fun yet fully appreciate our surroundings and the view. My second choice would be my husband Stephen! X
Jane McDonald, she seems to have fun on her travels and might sing a song at the end of the line
Sir David Attenborough – I could listen to his voice for hours
George Clooney as he is easy on the eye x
Oit Mabuse – lovely laugh and smile
Living – Paul Mcartney – all those Beatles stories and general 6 decade career in show business would be amazing to hear
, he could also be my personal jukebox ha ha
Dead – Freddie Mercury, been a life long Queen fan and I think it’d be amazing on the same
Level and reasoning as Paul Mcartney but also because I bet he would like a
Good night out
Victoria Coran- Mitchell. She’s clever, witty and a bit ‘off the wall’ funny. She’d make the journey so memorable and I might get a few tips on how to win at Poker
The legendary David Attenborough x
george Clooney as he’s so handsome
I would love to share with Keanu Reeves, such an inspiring person ,
Paul McCartney, so I could listen to all his amazing stories about the Beatles and beyond!
Reginald D Hunter, I love to listen to his amusing stories about life and in particular his opinions.
My celebrity guest would be Ant Middleton as he is such a inspirational and motivational man.
Mine would be Michael Palin!
Any travel with this man would be amazing .
I would love to enjoy this fantastic journey with my husband. He gives so much of his time as a mountain rescue volunteer and it would be lovely to treat him.
Simon Reeve. I like his style of presentation. It would make an interesting journey.
David Attenborough, we would have great conversation
Robson Green as we could talk about fishing and my wife likes him!
Stephen Fry, I love his wit
I’d love to have David Jason as my celebrity companion as I absolutely loved him as Del boy in Only Fools and Horses, I’m sure he would have me laughing for the whole journey
Michael Portillo for his extensive railway knowledge
Michael Portilo
Paul Merton, great sense of humour and knowledgeable man.
Jane Mcdonald- Yorkshire Girl with class with me another yorkshire lass- Silver ladies of a certain age with Steam experience and eat- can’t be beat
RuPaul Charles – he’s wise, witty and funny, and I’m positive he’d ensure there were no dull moments on our journey! (Also, I bet I could get some make-up tips…)
Lee Evans because he just makes me laugh until I cry!
Simon Calder, lots of tips on where to go, what to see and what to do if anything goes awry!
Miranda Hart – she is just so witty
Dan Cruickshank for his contagious enthusiasm
Monty Don would be a lovely relaxing companion
Michael palin as he is funny and very knowledgeable
I would like to go with Richard Osman as I think by the time we got off the train he would have thought and discussed a new plot for a book and I would be the only one to know who did it .
Michael Palin. So we could discuss his adventures whilst travelling in style.
Michael Palin. After all those epic journeys he needs to take it easy
My celebrity ideal companion would be Paddington bear he is so huggable I wouldn’t feel lonely and I would bring some marmalade sandwiches
My ideal companion would be Lord Alan Sugar. I would ask him for tips. Also I have seen all of the apprentice series and I have read his autobiography and I really enjoyed it.
Joanna Lumley is my . She is fun and inspiring
Queen Camilla would be my choice as she seems to have a great sense of humour and would have VERY interesting tales to tell !!
I think Queen Camilla would be great fun – she seems to have a great sense of humour and would have some great takes to tell !!
I would bring along my young grandson , who is a train buff, and he could chat all the way , with excitement and wonder. May have to swop the champagne for a fruit juice, but the rail trip would be awesome.
It has to be Michael Portillo because of the enjoyment he has given to so many enthusiasts on his epic rail journeys.
My celebrity travel companion would be David Attenborough of course.
Brian Cox the scientist and astronomer … for a Northern Lights trip
Michael palin
David Attenborough
Discuss his travels
Milton ĵones
Laugh a minute or second!
I think Bill Bryson. I enjoy his books and his observations, so travelling with him would be a bonus!
Jayne Macdonald as she knows show to travel and have a good old time (laughing 🤣)
I would love to take this journey with the wonderful Michael Portillo, who else? His personality and wonderful knowledge of great British railway journeys would have me enthralled throughout the whole time.
I would love to travel with Julia Walter’s, I think she is such a kind down to earth lady. I just love her sense of humour. She would be the perfect companion.
The one and only Joanna Lumley – the perfect knowledgeable travelling companion
My travel companion would have to be Simon Calder, nothing could ever go wrong if he was with me.
I’d like to travel with either Ed the duck or the man from Del Monte. Both great suggestions as you’ll no doubt agree. Very different I grant you but one would entertain and the other would be in a white suit with a tin of peaches.
My celebrity travel companion Richard Ayoade would have us in stitches
From the Taj Mahall right down to the beaches
A steam train journey to whisk us away
I’m sure we’d have a wonderful day
My favourite celebrity companion would be singer and tv presenter Jane McDonald. I think she is the only “celeb” that I would feel comfortable enough to spend time with. She seems natural and down to earth, she is warm and friendly and loves a laugh. I think she’d turn any outing into a party. I find a lot of celebs a bit over the top, but not Jane, she knows how to balance it out. Having been through some hard times herself, she knows what real life is like and she is resilient and resourceful. Best of all, she loves shoes, shopping and a glass of champagne, who wouldn’t relate to that?
Rafa Nadal, my favourite tennis player, who shows humility when dealing with others.
My celebrity choice travel companion would definitely be Cillian Murphy. He seems such a genuinely lovely man he he’s not bad to look at either. He also seems to have a good Irish sense of humour so I am sure we would have a fab time
It would have to be Simon Reeve. He’s been to so many interesting places and met people of many different cultures. Also, having met him briefly at an event, he seems a lovely down to earth man.
Me too fantastic person to travel with. He has been nearly all over the world to safe and not so safe places.
Peter Kay his accent and mannerisms make me smile and laugh he is the ideal travel companion
Alan Carr – hilarity all the way
First thought was Michael Palin. I have loved watching his epic adventures for years and who wouldn’t want to be with such experience. Couple that with a python, who needs to say more.
I think that Judge Rinder would be great company for an afternoon tea on a train. A very interesting man and knowledgeable about a lot of things
Billy Connolly would be my celebrity travel companion. I love his travel programs. He finds joy in the ordinary and wonder in the magnificent. A most remarkable man.
Would love to share a train journey with Indiana Jones aka Harrison Ford. Listening to all his adventurous exploits and knowing he would be there for me in case of an emergency!!!
My ideal celebrity travel companion would be Jason Fox, television personality, adventurer and a former Royal Marine Commando and UK Special Forces soldier. Why? Because he would be amazing company as well as being able to protect me in any situation!
The only celebrity to take on a train journey would be Michael Portillo – he would have to bring along a copy of his Bradshaw’s Guide to help with a commentary on the journey.
I’d take Billy Connolly. I love his observations about life, his accent is lovely to listen to and we’d have a laugh.
If I was lucky enough to win my ideal travelling companion would be Giles Brandreth, he’s intelligent and witty so would make the journey even more delightful.
Oh it would definitely be Michael Portillo. I watch all his travel programs as I find him so knowledgable about everywhere he goes and always so interesting and I thinkk he would enjoy afternoon tea as well as I would.
Naggar Munchetti would be a great companion. Intelligent, highly informed. How does she manage to get up so early each morning and appear so fresh.
I would like to have the company of Bill Nighy, he seems a very agreeable chap. Besides, despite all the voiceovers he provides for epic rail journeys, he is stuck in front of a microphone in a studio rather than on the train itself – time he was allowed on board.
A celebrity I would take with me is Susan Calman as she always has such fun on her great days out and the cruises that she goes on. However, I’d like to take my husband Howard with me too, as, after 38 years of marriage, he’s still my best friend and as he is a steam railway fan, I know he’d love the adventure too! Decisions, decisions!❤️ 🚂 ❤️
I would love to take Tim Rice. I love his voice and his musical knowledge is of great interest to me. He would turn a fantastic adventure into a truly memorable one.
Sandi Toksvig would be a great travel companion, she’s a funny, intelligent, interesting comedian who is the same age as me & also likes to explore. She makes fun of her size, so wouldn’t take up much space, unlike Steven Fry, previous host of Qi, my second choice!
Sir David Attenborough would be my choice, so we could talk about our shared love of wildlife – while hopefully seeing some out the train windows!
I would love the late, great Maggie Smith as a rail companion, she would enjoy the decadent journey and make acerbic (but funny!) remarks about the other guests!
Ainsley Harriott, has travelled to many different countries and would be, I think fantastic company.
My celebrity guest on the steam train journey would be Anton Du Beke as he’s always highly entertaining on his travels and great on nostalgic memories of an area.
I would love to travel with Josh Gates (Exhibition Unknown). He has travelled all around the world investigating fascinating mysteries and legends. I would love to talk to him about his experiences.
I would choose Jon Culshaw, a thousand companions in one!
I would take Alan Carr, he could make me laugh and I think he likes a cocktail or two
Probably someone like Michael Palin with travel anecdotes galore, and also python!
My choice would be Michael Palin because I enjoyed his travel shows and he could add a bit of Monty Python humour to make the day even better!
My celebrity travelling companion would be the Steve Coogan, as he’d keep me amused and his impersonations would mean I’d get to travel with several people.
I’d take my son as he’d love this.
I’d take Cherly Baker (of Bucks Fizz), she is such great company, a very honest and funny lady.
Would love this with my partner .
My celebrity would be, Gordon Ramsay, is there anything this guy does not know about. What a compelling fun day that would be.
Virginia McKenna – a wonderful lady who has made the world a kinder place
I’d like to share my champagne with John Carter, such an amusing travel writer and probably charming too.
My celebrity companion would be my wife Bunny, We would look out the window and enjoy the view, If it was a celebrity we would be chatting all the time and miss all the things we were passing.
Don
It would have to be Michael Portillo – and can I bring train mad grandson with me too?
My celebrity travel companion would be Mark Smith off the Antiques Roadshow. A mind of military knowledge.
My travelling companion would be Michael Portillo because his knowledge of railways would enhance my experience.
I would choose Simon Reeve as he really gets to the authentic nature of where he travels. I wouldn’t want the journey to end!
I would choose Simon Reeve as he really gets to the authentic nature of where he travels. I wouldn’t want the journey to end!
Ian Hislop. He’s very witty and would be a great travelling companion
I would take Cliff, then he could entertain the whole carriage if it was raining.
I would choose Sir David Attenborough just because he is him and l love his voice.
I’d take Keir Starmer – and after a lovely afternoon tea I’d ask him what on Earth he’s playing at!
Michael Portillo with tales from his little travel book and his garish fashion he never fails to make me smile
Would love to take any one of my friends who need a break away as many cant afford it any more other than that it would have to be Cliff Richard
U would choose Stephen Fry as I would never be bored
I would like to travel with Gyles Brandreth and we could discuss English History
I would chose Chris Packham as he cold tell me all about the wildlife.
My celebrity travel companion would be Ian Hislop. I think he would be very amusing but also very knowledgeable on so many subjects. Also, because he is a man of a ‘certain age’, I wouldn’t be doe-eyed looking at him and I’d be able to enjoy the fantastic food and scenery…
I would travel with Aiden Turner. He is a fabulous actor and gorgeous looking too@
I would love to take Michael Portillo. He has done so many train journeys he would be able to tell me all about them! Also his bright coloured clothes would make it a very cheery day!
Joanna Lumley – a great tour guide, and a great woman!
My celebrity travel companion would be Bob Mortimer, he makes me laugh and tells some fantastic stories
nice