Belmond’s Britannic Explorer will take to the rails with three-night itineraries from July 2025
The Britannic Explorer, a sleeper train with fine dining restaurant, double cabins, observation car and even spa treatments on board, will debut next July.
Three-night itineraries are priced from almost €7,000 per passenger, according to its website, taking guests on journeys through Wales, Cornwall and the Lake District.
“Paying homage to the Great British tradition of touring, the Britannic Explorer celebrates the art of slow travel, preserving Britain’s pioneering railway history while ushering in a new era of culture and creativity,” Belmond says.
Belmond’s Britannic Explorer
It describes the train as “the first luxury sleeper train in England and Wales”.
Journeys include accommodation, daily table d’hôte meals including breakfasts, brunches, lunches, afternoon teas and dinners, and a selection of beverages, alcoholic and otherwise.
Belmond is known for luxury trains like the Royal Scotsman, British Pullman and Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, and briefly ran a train – The Grand Hibernian – in Ireland. Its two-night, €3,160pp itineraries were derailed by the Covid-19 pandemic, however.
“Belmond has decided to relocate its Grand Hibernian train operation in the near term, revitalising its portfolio of iconic rail journeys,” the company said in 2021.
A Grand Suite on the Britannic Explorer
Belmond also counts Hotel Cipriani in Venice, The Cadogan in London, El Encanto in California, and the luxury river boards Les Bateaux Belmondl, among its brands.
Britannic Explorer will have 18 cabins, including three grand suites, an onboard wellness suite, and a culinary experience (described as “a moveable feast”) by Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan.
“Each plate will reflect Britain’s diverse landscapes,” he said. “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.”
A centrepiece is the train’s botanically inspired bar, located in the Observation Car and “set to be the vibrant social heart of the Britannic Explorer”, it says.
The Wellness Suite
Passengers can also take optional off-train guided excursions – these range from hikes to wild swimming and meals in locations like the Hauser & Wirth gallery.
Interiors were created by London-based studio, Albion Nord.
“The Britannic Explorer offers something truly unique; an opportunity to discover the rugged Cornish coastline to Snowdonia’s untamed National Park and the vast expanses of the Lake District like never before,” said Gary Franklin of Belmond.
He described the venture as a “revolutionary new train”.
Three-night itineraries on the Britannic Explorer start from £11,000 (€13,250) based on a double cabin including meals, drinks and excursions. belmond.com
