Next stop: luxury.
The day has finally come. The first luxury sleeper train in England and Wales, The Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train, will depart for its maiden voyage on July 21, 2025. Whatever preconceptions you had of luxury train travel should be disregarded as this new British icon redefines what luxury on the rails is.
Departing from London Victoria Station, guests will embark on thoughtfully curated three-night itineraries to some of the nation’s most iconic regions: dramatic coastlines of Cornwall, the majestic landscapes of the Lake District, and the storied heartlands of Wales.
A total of eight carriages have been meticulously crafted by London-based studio Albion Nord in collaboration with Luke Edward Hall, Mel Campion and Olly Fathers. Bold fabrics and layered textures are paired with hand-picked antiques to create a rich, characterful aesthetic that exudes British charm.
There are 18 cabins, including three Grand Suites and 15 Suites, that guests can choose from to take in the rugged coastlines and rolling hills of Britain from. The cabins have been carefully curated with custom fabrics, wallpapers, armchairs, mirror, light fittings and more. It’s also the first train in England and Wales to feature a spa, which you can read all about here.
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But it’s not just about looking luxurious on The Britannic Explorer, from departure to arrival passengers will experience opulent dining and service. Under the leadership of Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan, a pioneer of Britain’s farm-to-fork movement, Executive Head Chef Sven-Hanson Britt executes seasonal menus that showcase the finest British produce, honouring provenance and commitment to sustainability. Each of the three routes will feature a bespoke afternoon tea and lunch and dinner menus that are a true reflection of Britain’s culinary heritage.
From breakfast, the menu showcases organically and regeneratively grown native grains,with inventive dishes such as fermented barley crumpets topped with roasted ox marrow and cave-aged cheddar, and ancestral grain pikelets made with flax seed and grilled orchardfruits.Traditional British ingredients are celebrated throughout, including Lincolnshire smoked eel on toasted rye bread and savoury crop-rotation porridge featuring wild mushrooms and seasonal brassicas from local farms
Each journey is enriched by a curated programme of off-board experiences designed to immerse guests in local culture and the landscapes of each destination. In Cornwall, highlights include coastal sailing and revitalising yoga sessions by the sea; wild swimming, rowing, and paddleboarding in the Lake District; and scenic valley hikes, lavender farm visits, wood-fired saunas, and art classes in the heart of Wales.
The Britannic Explorer will debut in July 2025. Luxury accommodation onboard starts from $23,000 based on a double cabin. This includes a 3-night itinerary, excursions, meals, wine and alcoholic beverages. For more information or to book, visit belmond.com
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