travel by train It may seem like it’s a thing of the past, but Belmond is single-handedly keeping the luxury sleeper train experience alive. The Britannic Explorer, England and Wales’s first luxury sleeper train, is the next in its extremely stylish lineup. (Earlier this fall, Belmond unveiled its L’Observatoire suite—imagined by artist JR, the experience spans an entire car on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.) Britannic Explorer Operations will begin in July 2025, offering three-night trips departing from London. The itinerary includes Wales, Cornwall and the Lake District. On board, there will be a bar serving curated cocktails with botanical influences and 18 cabins – three spacious grand suites and 15 other suites, all designed by London studio Albion Nord.
The characteristic décor is inspired by scenes from the landscapes travelers might encounter on their travels, with mythological frescoes, striped walls and floral motifs common in much of the furniture. Just as the interiors are an invitation to escape from our daily lives, the cuisine created by chef Simon Rogan, whose restaurants around the world are awarded eight Michelin stars, is equally impressive. An early leader of the farm-to-table movement in the UK, he accepted the challenge of developing dishes that emphasized local ingredients and could be prepared in small kitchens. Of an ideal luxury sleeper train menu, he explains: “For me, true luxury lies in simple ingredients, grown with care and respect for their surroundings, and harvested at their peak. I’m very excited to bring this approach to the launch of Britannic Explorer, where each plate will reflect Britain’s diverse landscapes. I hope every passenger will not only enjoy the taste, but also feel the connection between the cuisine and the journey, making the time spent onboard truly memorable.”
In addition to the aforementioned cocktail bar inspired by the world of Victorian dispensaries, passengers will be able to enjoy spa treatments onboard. Appropriately, afternoon tea service is also provided. Each menu is tailored with regional ingredients according to the route traveled – from mint cake on Lake District routes to classic Welsh bara brith. Although we’ll have to wait until next summer to learn all the details of the Britannic Explorer, it promises to be one of the most beautiful sleeper trains in the world.
Fares for the Britannic Explorer start at $6,000 per person or $11,500 for a double suite. The price includes a three-night itinerary, excursions, as well as onboard meals and wine and alcoholic beverages.
