The Britannic Explorer Observation Car.
LVMH
The Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train, the first luxury sleeper train to tour through England and Wales, will begin inaugural journeys in July 2025. Departing from London, it will offer three-night trips on three different routes in the glorious British countryside. It’s part of the current trend for slow travel on luxury trains around the world – think of Japan’s Shiki Shima and Italy’s new Orient Express La Dolce Vita – that pride themselves on their exceptional high-design train carriages, outstanding service, and journeys that are punctuated by memorable “experiences.”
As the author of National Geographic’s 100 Train Journeys of a Lifetime (which will be published in 2025), I’ve observed the growing demand for over-the-top train journeys that cater to small numbers of well-heeled travelers on trips through some of the world’s most scenic locations.
Belmond, owned by the luxury purveyor LMVH, has arguably the most serious rail credentials for creating such trips. They own the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the grand dame of all luxury trains, which makes the legendary rail journey in a lavishly outfitted train from Paris to Venice, among other itineraries. They’re also behind the Belmond-owned British Pullman, a vintage train that makes day trips throughout England. Further north is the Scottish counterpart, Belmond’s Royal Scotsman, which is like a Scottish country house on wheels, bringing guests to the wilds of the Scottish Highlands. In South America, the company is behind the Belmond Andean Express and the Hiram Bingham Orient Express in Peru.
So there’s every reason to get excited about this new train, which provides a window onto some of the most scenic villages, historic cities, and countryside in Cornwall, The Lake District, and Wales. These are three-night voyages in each locale, though the routes are scheduled to allow travelers to combine two regional journeys into one trip, such as the Lake District and Wales or Cornwall and Wales, for a six-night trip.
A Grand Suite on the Britannic Explorer.
LVMH
London-based studio Albion Nord has overseen the design of the 18 cabins, which include three Grand Suites and 15 Suites, using materials crafted locally in Britain. Two dining cars on the train, Malva and Samphire, inspired by the English countryside, have large windows and mirrored ceilings. The dining experience was created by Michelin-starred British Chef Simon Rogan, known for this three-Michelin-starred restaurant in the Lake Districts, L’Enclume. A pioneer of the UK’s farm-to-fork movement, the emphasis will be seasonal menus inspired by the train’s routes. He’s created a special afternoon tea for each journey as well.
Dining car on The Britannic Explorer
LVMH
The bar in the Observation car features a botanically-inspired design and serves botanically-inspired cocktails. The lavish carriage is intended to be the social hub of the Britannic Explorer. The train also offers a dedicated wellness suite on board for profound relaxation, while the train staff includes yoga instructors for unwinding each morning.
Off-board excursions along the three routes include a private tour of the Lingholm Estate in the Lake District, where Beatrix Potter spent her summers. You can take a boat tour in Fowey, Cornwall, or visit the Welsh town of Machynlleth, at the southern edge of Snowdonia National Park, famed for its Museum of Modern Art. Other excursions include wild swimming in the Lake District, dinner at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, a guided tour of the Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens in Penzance, or enjoy an after-party at a pub in Moreton-in-Marsh in the Cotswolds.
Rates for The Britannic Explorer start at £11,000 (about $14,100) based on double occupancy and include a three-night itinerary, excursions, meals, wine, and alcoholic beverages. Details at The Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train.
