The Britannic Explorer, a Belmond Train, the first luxury sleeper train to tour through England and Wales, embarks on its inaugural journey on July 21, 2025. This marks a noteworthy milestone for British trains and for Belmond, which has established its reputation with luxury trains such as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, The Royal Scotsman, and the British Pullman. The latter two set the bar for high-end rail excursions in Scotland and England. The Britannic Explorer extends that reach with journeys into further corners of England as well as Wales.
Departing from London, the train will offer three-night trips on three different routes in the beautiful British countryside. It’s part of the current trend for slow travel on luxury trains around the world, including Italy’s new Orient Express La Dolce Vita. These are trains that pride themselves on their exceptionally high level of craftsmanship, flawless service, and curated journeys that are punctuated by memorable “experiences.”
“The launch of the Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train, marks a pivotal moment, forging a new chapter in British rail innovation,” said Hendrik Huebner, The Britannic Explorer’s General Manager, in a press statement.
As the author of National Geographic’s 100 Train Journeys of a Lifetime, 2025), I think 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. It will cater to a growing demand for over-the-top train journeys for a select few guests with bottomless pockets in some of the world’s most scenic locations.
The interiors of the 18 cabins, which include three Grand Suites and 15 Suites, were created using materials crafted locally in Britain, with a design inspired by sweeping views of Britain’s coastlines and rolling hills. The interiors were meticulously crafted by London-based studio Albion Nord, in collaboration with famed interior designers Luke Edward Hall, Mel Campion, and Olly Fathers.
“Designing the Britannic Explorer has been an extraordinary opportunity to tell a new story of British luxury – one rooted in craft, landscape, and character,” Camilla Clarke, Creative Director at Albion Nord, said in a press statement. “We wanted the interiors to feel refined yet bold, timeless yet unexpected – much like Britain itself.”
The two dining cars on the train, Malva and Samphire, were inspired by the English countryside, with large windows and mirrored ceilings. They feature artist Ed Burkes’s depictions of dancing figures, paired with Adam Hall’s multi-layered, hand-dyed fabric creations inspired by the lichen and algae found in nature and mounted onto the paneled walls.
The dining experience was created by Michelin-starred British Chef Simon Rogan, known for his three-Michelin-starred restaurant in the Lake District, L’Enclume. A pioneer of the UK’s farm-to-fork movement, he has emphasized seasonal menus inspired by the train’s routes. Executive Head Chef Sven-Hanson Britt will execute these menus, showcasing the finest British produce and honoring provenance and a commitment to sustainability.
The bar in the Observation car features a botanically inspired design and, as might be expected, 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, decorated by painter and printmaker Sarah Woods with a calming beach motif.
Taken together, the design elements are a tapestry of British design, where every detail contributes to a stylish journey.
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 visit the Welsh town of Machynlleth, located at the southern edge of Snowdonia National Park, which is famed for its Museum of Modern Art. Other excursions include a boat tour in Fowey, Cornwall, wild swimming in the Lake District, dinner at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, a guided tour of the Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens in Penzance, or an after-party at a pub in Moreton-in-Marsh in the Cotswolds.
A Belmond Train
Belmond, which is owned by the luxury giant LVMH, is the world leader in creating such rarefied trains and journeys. Their Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is the world’s leading luxury train, making memorable rail journeys across Europe. The signature trip is from Paris to Venice. The British Pullman is a vintage train that offers day trips throughout England, while The Royal Scotsman takes guests on a journey through the dramatic Scottish Highlands. In South America, the company is behind the Belmond Andean Express and the Hiram Bingham Orient Express in Peru.
Rates for The Britannic Explorer start at £11,000 (approximately $15,095) per person, based on double occupancy, and include a three-night itinerary, excursions, meals, wine, and alcoholic beverages—details at The Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train.