The first-ever luxury sleeper train in England and Wales is set to launch in July 2025, it has been announced.
It will have 18 ‘extraordinary’ cabins ranging in price 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 swanky service will be operated by the Belmond hospitality group and called the ‘Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train’.
It will depart from London Victoria and offer three-night journeys along ‘three evocative routes’ through Cornwall, the Lake District and Wales, ‘offering privileged access to iconic destinations’ along the way.
Passengers on the Cornish holiday will glide along the Riviera Line, past Teignmouth, Plymouth, St Austell and Truro and ultimately on to Penzance. Excursions on offer include exploring the ‘artistic haven’ of St Ives and a private wine tasting overlooking St Michael’s Mount.
The Lake District trip includes an excursion to the Beatrix Potter estate and a journey along the historic Settle & Carlisle line.
The Welsh outing, meanwhile, takes in Snowdonia National Park, ‘where lush valleys rise to meet soaring peaks and cascading waterfalls’.
The first-ever luxury sleeper train in England and Wales is set to launch in July 2025, it has been announced. The swanky service will be operated by the Belmond hospitality group and called the ‘Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train’. Above – one of the train’s £14,100pp Grand Suites
Britannic Explorer will depart from London Victoria and offer three-night journeys along ‘three evocative routes’ through Cornwall, the Lake District and Wales. Above – a Grand Suite bedroom
Grand Suites come with a personal butler service and a marble ensuite (above)
The most luxurious cabins are the three ‘Grand Suites’, which cost from £14,100 per person. They include a personal butler service, a ‘plush’ double bed and an ensuite bathroom with marble basin and shower cubicle.
Double and twin suites cost from £5,800 per person and include luxury beds, ceramic shelving and ensuite bathrooms.
Commenting on the cabins, Belmond said: ‘Each of the Britannic Explorer’s 18 cabins couple sophistication with comfort. The three Grand Suites and 15 suites have been carefully crafted in Britain and delicately designed to make the experience of the journey as extraordinary as the destination.
‘Inspired by sweeping views of Britain’s rugged coastlines and rolling hills, each moment is transformed into a visual feast, whether passengers feel at home in the privacy of their cabin, relaxing in the onboard spa, or indulging in the bar and restaurant cars.’
Pictured above is the train’s luxurious spa, featuring marble countertops
The bar, ‘inspired by Victorian apothecaries’ and located in the observation car
The rendering above shows the rear of the observation car
Above is the dining car, where guests will enjoy menus designed by chef Simon Rogan, who runs three-Michelin-star Cumbrian restaurant L’Enclume
Double cabins on the train start from £5,800pp. Above is a double in sofa mode
The rendering above shows a double cabin with the bed made up
The dining experiences onboard, meanwhile, will ‘celebrate seasonal, sustainable ingredients, sourced locally to showcase the richness of Britain’s diverse regions’, with guests enjoying ‘bespoke afternoon tea, lunch and dinner menus’.
Rogan, whose Cumbrian restaurant L’Enclume has held three Michelin stars since 2022, said: ‘For me, true luxury lies in humble ingredients, grown with care, respect for their surroundings, and harvested at their peak.
‘Across all my restaurants, my dishes are defined by local, often home-grown produce, and by partnering with British growers and suppliers who share our deep connection to the land and its natural elements.
‘I am very excited to bring this approach to the launch of the Britannic Explorer, where each plate will reflect Britain’s diverse landscapes.
‘I hope every passenger not only enjoys the flavours, but also feels a connection between the dishes and the journey, making their time 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 ride in luxury: Above is the vanity mirror in a double cabin
Twin cabins cost from £5,800 per person. Above is a twin in sofa mode
The rendering above shows a twin room with the beds set up
Pictured above is the embarkation lobby
Belmond said: ‘The bar provides an elegant and convivial atmosphere where guests can savour a menu of innovative, botanically inspired cocktails, alongside a carefully curated selection of artisan gins and craft beers, highlighting the finest offerings from the UK’s independent distilleries and breweries.’
Gary Franklin, Vice President of Trains and Cruises, 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 – an opportunity to discover the rugged Cornish coastline, Snowdonia’s untamed National Park and the vast expanses of the Lake District like never before.
‘We are especially delighted to welcome the esteemed chef Simon Rogan to helm the culinary direction. His vision brings a gastronomic journey that complements the train’s spirit of adventure, celebrating British produce and highlighting the finest local specialities 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.
