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Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train
Train Couture: The Britannic Explorer Redefines Luxury Travel in Britain
Where Rail Travel Becomes a Jewel of Elegance and Slowness
A fascinating new chapter in luxury travel is unfolding: the Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train, the first British sleeper train to connect England and Wales. Onboard, a new horizon of slow travel emerges through three extended itineraries ranging from three to six days. This jewel on rails features ten renovated Mark 3 carriages, housing 18 luxurious suites, including three magnificent Grand Suites, designed by Albion Nord in collaboration with artists such as Luke Edward Hall and Olly Fathers, celebrating British craftsmanship and the landscapes traversed.
Cabins: True Havens of Sophistication
Each cabin is conceived as a private lounge. The Grand Suites exude elegance: a lounge area, fixed double bed, en-suite marble bathroom, butler service, every detail breathes discreet refinement. The other suites offer a more intimate yet equally luxurious experience: transformable twin or double beds, a modular bench seat, a bright bathroom, and interiors blending wood, wool, and stone, like a cocoon on rails. With each glance outside, natural light floods the space, gently reminding that even in motion, privacy remains intact.
A Michelin-Starred Table on the Rails
Two dining cars, Malva and Samphire, offer a culinary experience inspired by the journey itself. Curated by Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan, known for his “farm-to-table” philosophy, the menus celebrate local produce: Cornish fish, Lake District lamb, seasonal vegetables, fine teas… The observation bar, set in one of the central carriages, invites guests to unwind with botanical cocktails, artisanal gins, and English infusions, all within a decor reminiscent of a Victorian apothecary.
Sensory Itineraries Through the Soul of Britain
Three carefully curated itineraries depart from London Victoria: Cornwall, the Lake District, and Wales, with the option to combine two routes for a six-night odyssey. Each stop blends active immersion with cultural discovery: yoga facing the Atlantic, paddleboarding on serene lakes, hikes through lush valleys, manor house tours, royal-style picnics, evenings in traditional Welsh pubs, and other exclusive local experiences. The Observation Car fosters a cozy, intimate atmosphere, hills rolling by, time standing still, as fellow travelers turn slowness into a refined way of life.
The Spa: The Pinnacle of Sensory Luxury
A final but essential highlight: England’s first spa on rails, created in partnership with Wildsmith, a leading British wellness brand. Nestled in one of the carriages, the Wellness Suite offers five exclusive botanical rituals. Everything invites regeneration, botanical massages, holistic treatments, meditations, all inspired by the English and Welsh natural world. Soft lighting reflects off dozens of organic botanical ingredients: calendula, lavender, rose, chamomile. Each treatment is an invitation to let go: a gentle awakening ritual in the morning, deep cleansing during the day, and a calming ritual at night to encourage restorative sleep. From Deep Tissue to prenatal massage to the signature Circadian Rhythm Reset, each gesture is meticulously crafted to align body and mind.
A Journey Inward, Along the Tracks of Time
The Britannic Explorer is more than just a sleeper train, it’s a sensorial sanctuary. With luxurious cabins, gourmet dining, panoramic landscapes, and a traveling spa, it redefines the notion of a journey. It’s no longer about simply going from point A to B; it’s about offering the senses a story, a ritual suspended in time and space.
The Britannic Explorer will embark on its inaugural journey on July 21, 2025, marking a new chapter in British luxury travel. Starting from €12,500 per double cabin, guests will enjoy three nights of absolute elegance: exquisite meals, carefully curated wines and cocktails, and exclusive excursions to some of Britain’s most beautiful hidden gems. This train weaves the poetry of a singular, refined, and rejuvenating journey, a dazzling promise to rediscover Britain through the grace of a tailor-made art of living.
Images Courtesy Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train.
Article updated on July 16, 2025
