Best known for the Royal Scotsman, hospitality operator Belmond has unveiled a new sleeper train, the Britannic Explorer, that comes complete with fine dining, plush double beds and spa treatments
Britain is soon to have a new luxury train with beautiful interiors – but it isn’t going to be cheap.
Hospitality operator Belmond has unveiled a new sleeper train, the Britannic Explorer, that comes complete with fine dining, plush double beds and spa treatments. Train travellers will be whisked back to the glory days of the rail industry as the train powers out of London and through the plush rolling hills of the English and Welsh countryside.
Belmond is best known for its popular luxury sleeper train the Royal Scotsman which makes it way through the Scottish highlands. The new service will follow a number of different routes, with riders able to choose between Cornwall, the Lake District and Wales.
The name of the game is luxury for the new train, which has 18 cabins including doubles, twins and a grand suite. All routes begin in the capital and take three days to slowly wind the way to their destination.
The Britannic Explorer stops for periods throughout the journey, giving passengers the chance to take part in off-train guided excursions or simply to head off and look around by themselves. Excursions available include a tour and dinner at the Hauser & Wirth gallery and on-site restaurant Da Costa in Somerset, guided hikes through Wales, wild swimming in the Lake District, and a visit to Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens in Cornwall.
This is not a train where you’ll have to rely on crisps from the snack trolley. Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan has designed a fine dining menu that features locally sourced ingredients, in line with his British farm-to-fork movement. Each route will have a different afternoon tea, lunch and dinner option.
Rogan said: “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.”
A tasty afternoon tipple can be purchased from the train’s botanically-inspired bar which sits in the observation car. Once you have a gin and tonic in hand, you can pad through to the onboard spa treatment room for a a bit of pampering.
Gary Franklin, vice president of trains and cruises at Belmond, said: “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 to Snowdonia’s untamed National Park and the vast expanses of the Lake District like never before.
The Britannic Explorer will debut in July 2025, but a sneak peek of its cabins was given this week.
“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,” Franklin added.
The Cornwall and Lake District routes will run from Friday to Monday, while the Wales route will run from Monday to Thursday.
If you fancy a trip on the train, then it might be wise to get saving. A double cabin starts from £11,000, including a three-night itinerary, excursions, meals, wine and other alcoholic beverages on board.