The first luxury sleeper train in England and Wales was announced to launch in July 2025.
It will feature 18 “extraordinary” cabins with prices ranging from £5,800 to £14,100 per person, all-inclusive, and dining experiences designed by three-Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan.
There will also be an onboard bar, a marble-covered spa and an observation car.
The elegant service will be operated by the Belmond hotel group and will be called ‘Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train’.
It will depart from London Victoria and offer three-night voyages along “three evocative routes” through Cornwall, the Lake District and Wales, “offering privileged access to iconic destinations” along the way.
Passengers traveling to Cornwall will glide along the Riviera Line, passing through Teignmouth, Plymouth, St Austell and Truro and finally to Penzance. Excursions on offer include exploring the ‘arts haven’ of St Ives and a private wine tasting overlooking St Michael’s Mount.
The Lake District trip includes a trip to Beatrix Potter’s estate and a trip along the historic Settle & Carlisle line.
Meanwhile, the Wales excursion takes in Snowdonia National Park, “where lush valleys rise to meet towering peaks and waterfalls.”
It has been announced that the first luxury sleeper train in England and Wales will launch in July 2025. The stylish service will be operated by the Belmond hotel group and will be called ‘Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train’. Above: One of the train’s Grand Suites for £14,100 per person
The Britannic Explorer will depart from London Victoria and offer three-night voyages along “three evocative routes” through Cornwall, the Lake District and Wales. Upstairs: a Grand Suite bedroom
Grand Suites feature personal butler service and marble bathrooms (upstairs)
The most luxurious cabins are the three ‘Grand Suites’, which cost from £14,100 per person. They include personal butler service, a “luxurious” double bed and a private bathroom with a marble sink and walk-in shower.
Double and twin suites cost from £5,800 per person and include luxury beds, ceramic shelves and en-suite bathrooms.
Commenting on the cabins, Belmond said: ‘Each of the Britannic Explorer’s 18 cabins combine sophistication with comfort. The three Grand Suites and 15 suites have been carefully designed in Britain and delicately designed to make the travel experience as extraordinary as the destination.
“Inspired by the panoramic views of Britain’s rugged coastlines and hills, every moment is transformed into a visual feast, whether passengers feel at home in the privacy of their cabin, relax in the onboard spa or let themselves be carried away by the bar and restaurant cars.
Pictured above is the train’s luxurious spa, complete with marble countertops.
The bar, ‘inspired by Victorian apothecaries’ and located in the observation car
The representation above shows the rear of the observation vehicle.
Upstairs is the dining car, where guests will enjoy menus designed by chef Simon Rogan, who runs the three-Michelin-starred L’Enclume restaurant in Cumbria.
Double cabins on the train cost from £5,800 per person. Upstairs there is a double in sofa mode.
The representation above shows a double cabin with the bed made up
Meanwhile, onboard dining experiences will “celebrate seasonal, sustainable ingredients, sourced locally to showcase the richness of Britain’s diverse regions”, and guests will enjoy “bespoke menus for afternoon tea, lunch and dinner.” “.
Rogan, whose restaurant L’Enclume in Cumbria has been awarded three Michelin stars since 2022, said: “For me, true luxury lies in humble ingredients, grown with care, respecting the environment and harvested at their best.”
‘In all my restaurants, my dishes are defined by local produce, often homegrown, and by partnership with British producers and suppliers who share our deep connection to the land and its natural elements.
‘I’m very excited to bring this approach to the launch of the Britannic Explorer, where each plate will reflect Britain’s diverse landscapes.
“I hope that all passengers not only enjoy the flavors, but also feel a connection between the dishes and the journey, making their stay on board truly memorable.”
Quality ingredients will also be used in the bar, “inspired by Victorian apothecaries” and located in the observation car.
Ticket to travel in luxury: above is the vanity mirror in a double cabin
Twin cabins cost from £5,800 per person. Upstairs there is a twin in sofa mode.
The representation above shows a double room with the beds arranged.
The photo above shows the boarding hall.
Belmond said: “The bar offers an elegant and friendly atmosphere where guests can savor a menu of innovative botanical-inspired cocktails, alongside a carefully curated selection of gins and craft beers, highlighting the best offerings from the Kingdom’s independent distilleries and breweries. United”.
Gary Franklin, Vice President of Trains and Cruises at Belmond, commented: “I am incredibly proud to launch this revolutionary new train, which further enhances Belmond’s global portfolio of market-leading luxury rail experiences. The Britannic Explorer offers something truly unique – the opportunity to discover the rugged Cornish coastline, the untamed Snowdonia National Park and the vast expanses of the Lake District like never before.
‘We are especially delighted to welcome esteemed chef Simon Rogan to lead the culinary direction. “His vision offers a gastronomic journey that complements the train’s spirit of adventure, celebrating British produce and highlighting the best local specialties along the route.”
Prices include a three-night itinerary, excursions, meals, wine and alcoholic beverages on board. For more information visit www.belmond.com/trains/europe/uk/britannic-explorer.