England & Wales’ Very First Spa On Rails Is Coming In July

All aboard! The Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train is set to elevate rail travel in the UK this summer, bringing us in line with the old world opulence fused with modern luxury we see on the continent. With interiors intricately masterminded by Albion Nord and journeys whisking passengers through the natural landscapes of Cornwall, mid-Wales and the Lake District, the whole concept is nature-centric right down to the menus and botanical cocktails. The latest news? Details of the on board spa car have finally been revealed. Here’s what you need to know.

A mock up of the Wellness Suite aboard The Britannic Explorer

The Britannic Explorer Heralds England & Wales’ First Spa On Rails

An intimate yet breathtaking journey, when The Britannic Explorer embarks on its maiden voyage this summer, it will tow just 10 beautifully designed carriages: 18 bedrooms, along with a restaurant, a bar, and a spa. The latter is the Wellness Suite, created in collaboration with British wellbeing brand Wildsmith in its first rail-based venture.

‘Wellbeing is at the heart of the Britannic Explorer experience,’ says The Britannic Explorer’s general manager, Hendrik Huebner. ‘Our collaboration with Wildsmith is a commitment to offering our guests more than just a journey; we are providing an opportunity for them to take time to reconnect with themselves and the world around them. By integrating Wildsmith’s nature-inspired approach to wellbeing into our offering, we are providing an opportunity for every guest to leave the Britannic Explorer feeling re-energised and deeply cared for. This partnership reinforces our belief that travel should be transformative, immersive, and ultimately, restorative.’

Wildsmith’s Wellness Suite joins a roster of curated and rejuvenating experiences wrapped up in The Britannic Explorer experience. Guests travelling to Cornwall will enjoy coastal sailing, yoga, and a mindful fire ceremony, while the Lake District itinerary offers wild swimming, rowing and paddleboarding. On the Wales itinerary, guests can enjoy scenic valley hikes, lavender farm visits, woodfired saunas, art classes and clay pigeon shooting – all perfectly topped off with a trip to the spa.

The Wellness Suite draws on the natural scenery outside the train’s windows

The Treatments

Like every other thoughtfully considered aspect of The Britannic Explorer – from menus inspired by the landscapes passing by the window to cocktails whipped up using ingredients found along the route – Wildsmith’s five nature-based treatments are completely bespoke to the train, and have been inspired by the journeys guests are embarking on.

The treatments include the ‘Signature Circadian Rhythm Reset’, which champions the brand’s ethos to prioritise growth, sleep and renewal and draws inspiration from the lifecycle of trees. There are three options here: a revitalising morning session, a midday purifying treatment, or a calming evening ritual to promote relaxation and ready you for a restful sleep.

Other options include the ‘Radical Botany Facial’, combining breathwork, myofascial release, and acupressure for radiance and balance. Meanwhile the ‘Rebalancing Massage’ is all about aligning with natural circadian rhythms to reduce stress and improve circulation; think deep-tissue treatment to really target muscle tension and fatigue. Expecting parents can likewise enjoy a restorative massage to ease discomfort and maintain skin health.

All draw on Wildsmith’s botanical- and mineral-rich products, formulated with local ingredients like calendula, chamomile, rose and lavender – many cultivated on Wildsmith’s biodynamic farm at Heckfield Place, and all packaged up in – and even harnessing filtered rainwater. This is all packaged up in compostable mycelium, glass, recyclable aluminium and English ceramic.

‘We are beyond proud to be chosen as the wellbeing partner for the Britannic Explorer,’ says Wildsmith’s general manager Katherine Pye. ‘As we continue to expand our presence in the wellbeing and hospitality sector, we seek partners who share our commitment to offering elevated wellbeing experiences. From our first meeting, it was clear that our shared values of innovation, excellence, sustainability, and authenticity would allow us to create transformative journeys that reflect the distinctive and unique character of the train. We are thrilled to be joining them for this journey.’

A Grand Suite on The Britannic Explorer

BOOK IT

Rooms aboard the Britannic Explorer start from £11,000 for an all-inclusive three-night journey, based on two sharing a cabin. This includes all excursions, meals, wine and alcoholic beverages on board, with spa treatments booked separately.

The first journeys will embark in July 2025. For more information and to book your ticket to ride, visit belmond.com