What if the journey and the destination were equally unforgettable? That’s the promise of The Britannic Explorer, Belmond’s newest icon — and the first luxury sleeper train to operate through England and Wales. With its inaugural voyage departing July 21, this rolling retreat invites guests to slow down, look out the window, and rediscover the beauty (and surprises) of Britain.
“It’s a reimagining of what travel in Britain can be,” said Hendrik Huebner, general manager of The Britannic Explorer.
In an email exchange with Luxury Travel Advisor, he shared more about the train’s philosophy: “We’re creating moments of wonder between iconic stops — slow, soulful, sensory travel that’s very much in tune with what luxury travelers are seeking now.”
All aboard.
Rolling Country House
Albion Nord, the London design studio, led the transformation of vintage British Rail carriages into refined retreats. With just 18 cabins — 11 Double Suites, four Twin Suites, and three Grand Suites — the train accommodates 36 guests. Interiors feel intimate yet elevated, with tactile materials like wood, wool, and stone, clever day-to-night furnishings, and wide windows framing the passing scenery.
Each suite draws from British landscapes: countryside greens in the Double Suites, coastal blues in the Twins, and English garden tones in the Grand Suites. The train is also a tribute to British craftsmanship, with custom furnishings and artwork by Luke Edward Hall, Olly Fathers, Marcus James, and others — each adding a layer of character and creativity.
The overall effect? A rolling country house — residential in feel, rich in texture, but never stuffy.
Immersive Journeys Through Cornwall, the Lake District, and Wales
The Britannic Explorer offers three distinct three-night itineraries from London Victoria, traveling to Cornwall, the Lake District, and Wales. Guests seeking a longer adventure can also combine Wales with either Cornwall or the Lake District for a six-night itinerary. These routes are designed to take guests off the beaten path and into Britain’s lush, rugged interior.
“These are destinations that take time to reach,” Huebner explained. “That’s intentional. The journey itself becomes an essential part of the experience.”
Each itinerary blends nature, culture, and culinary highlights. A sampling of excursions includes wild swimming and paddleboarding in the Lake District, visiting lavender farms and hiking through valleys in Wales, and exploring the art scene in charming St. Ives, Cornwall, with access to the Tate gallery and the Barbara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Garden.
When asked which experience he’s most excited about, Huebner didn’t hesitate: “The Lake District journey. Guests will visit the Lingholm Estate for a garden party with a few surprises. And to finish, we’ll take them to Le Manoir, where they’ll enjoy an unforgettable evening with Raymond Blanc’s team. It’s an itinerary that lets the train shine — we can offer longer onboard tasting menus and even a traditional Sunday roast.”
Michelin-Star Dining in Motion
Dining aboard The Britannic Explorer is its own journey. From elegant afternoon teas to indulgent tasting menus, every meal spotlights the best of British produce. Under the culinary guidance of Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan — whose restaurants collectively hold eight stars — Executive Head Chef Sven-Hanson Britt leads the charge with seasonal menus rooted in a farm-to-fork philosophy. Heritage meats, wild herbs, coastal vegetables, and British cheeses are all plated with precision and purpose.
Meals are served in the stylish dining cars, Malva and Samphire — named after botanicals found along the train’s routes — where fine linens, polished service, and ever-changing countryside views set the tone. After dinner, guests gather in the jewel-toned Observation Car, where an apothecary-style bar serves cocktails infused with local botanicals, small-batch gins, and English sparkling wines.
Well-being on the Rails
Wellness is also woven into the journey. Operated in partnership with British brand Wildsmith, the onboard Wellness Suite reflects the brand’s philosophy of Radical Botany — blending biodynamic principles with advanced bio-actives for a transformative experience. Treatments use calendula, chamomile, rose, and lavender — many sourced from Wildsmith’s own biodynamic farm — and are designed to support growth, sleep, and renewal. Guests in Grand Suites enjoy a complimentary treatment, while others can book onboard. Beyond the spa, each itinerary includes wellness moments such as riverside meditation, tea ceremonies, and guided breathwork sessions.
Good to Know
Bookings for The Britannic Explorer have been strong since the public launch last November. While some departures are nearing capacity, there are still available dates for 2025, with bookings for 2026 set to open in the coming weeks.
“The later months of the year should be especially nice as England and Wales change in the autumn period, allowing us to showcase the changing seasons and colors through the windows of The Britannic Explorer,” said Huebner.
The train can also be booked out for exclusive private excursions, and VIP clients can request specific cabins, including one of the three Grand Suites.
Luxury accommodation onboard starts from £11,000 (around $15,120) based on a double cabin. This includes a three-night itinerary, excursions, meals, wine, and alcoholic beverages on board.
“The pace of the train, the views, the treatments: It’s all part of a holistic experience,” Huebner noted. “Our guests want more than a holiday. They want to feel something.”
A Taste of Train Travel — Belmond’s British Pullman
For those not quite ready to commit to a multi-night journey, the British Pullman offers an elegant entry point into Belmond’s world of luxury rail travel, with a variety of day and evening excursions departing from London’s Victoria Station. The train features eight meticulously refurbished rail cars that evoke the glamour of the 1920s and ’30s. From the outside, the retro facades gleam. Inside, it’s pure vintage splendor — veneered wood panels adorned with Art Deco marquetry, plush armchairs, linen-draped tables set with silver and crystal, and even bathrooms with intricate mosaic floors.
We recently experienced the Celebrity Chef Dinner Series, a special program of four dinners hosted by some of London’s most celebrated Michelin-starred chefs. On our journey, Chef Phil Howard (co-owner of Elystan Street in London and former chef at The Square) treated passengers to a five-course menu paired with English wines. Dishes included a terrine of Dover sole, poached egg with wild mushrooms and asparagus, and a stunning elderflower and Sauternes baba. Between courses, we enjoyed a live jazz trio as the train glided past scenic countryside and city views.
The full lineup for the series also featured Chef Theo Randall, known for his refined Italian cooking with River Café roots, and Chef Andrew Wong, celebrated for his modern Chinese cuisine. The final dinner, featuring Chef Atul Kochhar and his signature British-Indian fusion, is scheduled for October 2025. At press time, 12 seats remained.
Other journeys include visits to Highclere Castle, Blenheim Palace, and Royal Ascot, along with Murder Mystery lunches and festive holiday outings. For the train-curious, the British Pullman offers an unforgettable, short immersion into the golden age of British rail.
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