Luxury train journeys provide a unique way to explore the world in comfort and style, with options ranging from the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to the Maharajas' Express, each offering a distinct blend of history, luxury, and scenic routes. Luxury train enthusiasts will undoubtedly be thrilled by the latest development. Bookings are now officially open for the Britannic Explorer, the inaugural luxury sleeper train traversing the picturesque landscapes of England and Wales, just in time for the summer travel season.
The Britannic Explorer, the new luxury sleeper train by Belmond, will launch in July 2025, offering itineraries through England and Wales, with a focus on British heritage and modern comfort. Crafted by the renowned London-based design studio Albion Nord, the luxurious train embodies the essence of British landscapes through its meticulously curated interiors. Featuring a total of 18 elegantly appointed cabins—including three opulent Grand Suites named after the botanicals Juniper, Valerian, and Elder—the train offers a haven of comfort and sophistication. Each Grand Suite features a double bed, wardrobes, a dining table with chairs, an armchair, a sofa, Bluetooth speakers, and a marble private bathroom complete with toiletries and a walk-in shower. Guests will enjoy personal butler service, one complimentary spa treatment per guest, and private transfers for arrival and departure.
The Wellness Suite offers soothing facial and massage treatments in a relaxing and calm environment. In the Observation Car, you can relax on sumptuous banquettes and armchairs as you watch the landscapes of England and Wales roll by.
The dining options include the Malva and Samphire Dining Cars, where you can embark on a culinary journey featuring exquisite menus crafted by Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan. His dishes are rooted in authentic British cuisine and emphasise the farm-to-fork movement, ensuring a delightful dining experience that highlights the region's rich flavours. The menus include seasonal ingredients sourced from Rogan's farm in Cumbria, as well as from local communities along the route. Each restaurant car is inspired by the cultivation of herbs, roots, and flowers used in British cooking. The ambiance is enhanced by thoughtful design elements such as rattan panels, antique mirrors on the ceilings, and floral lighting.
The Britannic Explorer will embark from London, offering travellers a series of three-night itineraries that unveil the stunning beauty of Cornwall, the enchanting Lake District in northern England, and the scenic landscapes of Wales.
For those eager to indulge in a longer experience, the schedule caters to your wanderlust with the option to blend destinations. As you traverse these picturesque regions, a wealth of optional off-train excursions awaits to enrich your adventure.
Delight in private dining experiences at exclusive restaurants, embark on guided hikes through lush trails, set sail along the stunning coastline, or plunge into the refreshing waters for an invigorating open-water swim.