Belmond has unveiled the Britannic Explorer, the first luxury sleeper train in England and Wales, which debuts in July 2025.

The bar on the Britannic Explorer

Luxury experience specialist Belmond is embarking on a new chapter of exceptional slow travel and this pioneering train fuses a celebration of timeless rail heritage with contemporary British gastronomy, culture and style.

The Britannic Explorer will depart from London, offering three-night journeys with a choice of three evocative routes through the spectacular natural landscapes of Cornwall, the Lake District and Wales. By day, optional off-train guided excursions will showcase the rich cultural tapestry, beauty and history of each destination and, by night, passengers can unwind and mingle in the train’s botanically inspired bar, located in the observation car, set to be the vibrant social heart of the Britannic Explorer.

The restaurant on the Britannic Explorer

Fine dining experiences will be designed by renowned Chef Simon Rogan, celebrated for his innovative approach and the exceptional quality across his restaurants, which collectively hold eight Michelin stars and two Michelin Green stars worldwide; his acclaimed establishment, L’Enclume, is a highlight of his culinary vision.

An on-board wellness suite provides therapies designed to relax and revive and considered cultural programming invites travellers to discover the essence of Britain, offering an unparalleled perspective and exclusive access to some of the nations’ hidden gems.

The wellness suite

Each of the Britannic Explorer’s 18 cabins couple sophistication with comfort. The three Grand Suites and 15 Suites have been carefully crafted in Britain and delicately designed to make the experience of the journey as extraordinary as the destination.

The Britannic Explorer presents a fresh perspective on England and Wales, offering exclusive journeys and privileged access to some of the countries' most iconic destinations. Guests can experience world-class galleries, breathtaking national parks and historically rich cities in a uniquely immersive way.

A suite on the Britannic Explorer

Highlights include a private tour and dinner at the renowned Hauser & Wirth Somerset and on-site restaurant Da Costa, guided hikes through picturesque Wales, wild swimming in the stunning landscapes of the Lake District and a visit to Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens in Cornwall.

The routes are scheduled to allow travellers to combine two regional journeys into one trip: the Cornwall and Lake District routes run from Friday to Monday, while the Wales route runs from Monday to Thursday.

Fine dining on the Britannic Explorer

Gary Franklin, Vice President of Trains and Cruises, Belmond, commented: "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.”

Janet Redler, Managing Director of Janet Redler Travel, said: “This fabulous new luxury rail experience will allow visitors to England and Wales to experience the landscape, culture and gastronomy of Britain in a way like no other. In what is sure to be a highlight of any trip, the exclusive Britannic Explorer is destined to be on everybody’s wish list.”

If you or your group would like to enjoy a tailor-made tour of England and Wales including a trip on the luxury Britannic Explorer, please do contact our friendly team today. For more information about our heritage railway tours and train travel in the UK and Ireland, click here.