Sneak Peek: A Luxury Sleeper Train Is Coming To England & Wales In 2025

If train travel has you wincing about delays, cramped journeys and cancellations, here’s some reprieve: luxurious travel company Belmond is bringing Europe’s burgeoning slow travel concept to the UK with the launch of The Britannic Explorer. A pioneering train fusing exquisite design, three journeys will embark from London from summer 2025. Here’s what you need to know.

The Observation Bar is set to be the train’s vibrant social heart

Introducing The Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train

Blending British gastronomy, culture and style, Belmond’s Britannic Explorer will be a real celebration of our home shores. Not only will these bespoke trains travel from the capital to south west England, the Lake District and Wales, but every detail will champion British design, creativity and stories. With just 18 rooms, a restaurant and bar, the British-botanical inspired design has been painstakingly (but playfully) masterminded by Albion Nord to ensure a feast for the eyes and soul. Speaking of feasts, onboard dining has been designed by chef Simon Rogan. And for an added dose of luxury, an on-board wellness suite will offer relaxing (and reviving) treatments, again encapsulating the essence of Britain.

The Spa Car

‘I am incredibly proud to launch this revolutionary new train, which further enhances Belmond’s global portfolio of market-leading luxury rail experiences,’ shares Gary Franklin, Belmond’s vice president of trains and cruises. ‘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.

‘We are especially delighted to welcome the esteemed chef Simon Rogan to helm the culinary direction,’ Franklin adds. ‘His vision brings a gastronomic journey that complements the train’s spirit of adventure, celebrating British produce and highlighting the finest local specialties along the route.’

The Britannic Explorer joins Belmond’s unparalleled roster of luxurious train journeys – six and counting. The Andean Explorer carves a path through Peru’s ancient wonders, while Hiram Bingham connects Cusco and Machu Picchu nearby. On the other side of the world, the Eastern & Oriental Express invites guests to discover the wonders from Singapore to Malaysia, while the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is perhaps Belmond’s most iconic journey, connecting Europe’s major cities with the most luxurious of carriages. On home shores, the Royal Scotsman rekindles the romance of Scottish rail travel, absorbing a selection of the nation’s most spectacular sights, while the British Pullman offers unforgettable day trips immersed in vintage charm.

A Grand Suite

The Journeys

The Britannic Explorer will offer three evocative three-night itineraries, showcasing the spectacular natural landscapes of Cornwall, The Lake District and mid-Wales, all departing from and returning to London. Scheduled to allow travellers to combine two regional journeys in one trip, passengers could journey to Cornwall or the Lake District from Friday to Monday, and then to Wales from Monday to Thursday.

By day, large windows will frame 180° views of splendid British countryside, while select off-train guided excursions will help travellers dig beneath the surface, showcasing our nation’s intriguing culture as well as its beauty. Think private tours of world-class galleries like Hauser & Wirth Somerset, guided hikes through breathtaking national parks and tours of historically rich cities, and wild swimming backdropped by stunning natural Lake District vistas. Weaving in its own lavish portfolio, The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel will offer a seamless pre- or post-rail stay in London, while the Lake District route will include an exclusive stop in Oxfordshire to experience the Michelin two-star manor house hotel and restaurant, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Hotel.

By night, passengers will unwind and mingle in the Observation Car’s Bar, set to be the train’s vibrant social heart. Inspired by Victorian apothecaries, British botanicals return, woven through the cocktail menu and served alongside a selection of artisan gins and craft beers, carefully curated to highlight the finest offerings from the UK’s independent distilleries and breweries.

Beds will transform into sofas by day

The Design

Masterminded by renowned London-based studio Albion Nord, the Britannic Explorer’s interiors will set a new standard in luxury design. With 18 cabins to play with (15 Suites and three Grand Suites), Albion Nord has woven British charm through every detail, combining a nature-inspired colour palette with heritage motifs and playful flourishes. All have been carefully crafted here in Britain, elevating strict train-furniture regulations into tranquil and sumptuously cocooning havens. All ensure the journey is as extraordinary as the landscapes unfolding just outside passengers’ picture windows.

Simon Rogan

The Food

Celebrated for his exceptional quality and imaginative approach, renowned chef Simon Rogan has designed The Britannic Explorer’s fine dining experiences, drawing on Britain’s best seasonal and sustainable ingredients, all sourced locally to the train’s path. Each of the train’s three routes will offer bespoke afternoon tea, lunch and dinner menus to ensure each meal is a true reflection of the culinary heritage of the lands the train is zooming through.

‘For me, true luxury lies in humble ingredients, grown with care, respect for their surroundings, and harvested at their peak,’ Rogan shares. ‘Across all my restaurants, my dishes are defined by local, often home-grown produce, and by partnering with British growers and suppliers who share our deep connection to the land and its natural elements. This philosophy allows our food to resonate with the environment from which it originates.

‘I am very excited to bring this approach to the launch of the Britannic Explorer, where each plate will reflect Britain’s diverse landscapes,’ Rogan continues. ‘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.’

The Dining Car

How To Get Tickets

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