Slow travel in the luxury sphere is showing no signs of slowing down.
Luxury hospitality brand Belmond, with such iconic properties as Hotel Cipriani in Venice, Splendido in Portofino, and Mount Nelson in Cape Town in its global portfolio, has announced the launch of its latest travel experience: the Britannic Explorer.
Set to embark on its first journey in July 2025, the Britannic Explorer is a sumptuous sleeper train, the first of its kind to romp through England and Wales. Inspired by the rich heritage of British rail travel and the tradition of touring through the continent, the Britannic Explorer transcends its purpose as a mode of transportation to embody an experience that takes guests through breathtaking countryside landscapes and charming villages and cities that appear untouched by the passing of time.
Ensconced in an atmosphere that blends contemporary culture and elegant design, passengers will embark on three-night journeys departing from London, choosing from three routes that traverse through Cornwall, the Lake District, or Wales. Each itinerary is curated to showcase the cultural tapestry and historical significance of these regions, with guided off-board excursions and immersive activities to enrich the experience. Explore the Cotswold and its array of “chocolate-box” cottages, tour the picturesque Lingholm Estate where author Beatrix Potter spent her summers, see the seaside town of Fowey by boat, and discover art in Machynlleth, among others. Back onboard the Britannic Explorer, there is a Wellness Suite, providing serene spa treatments.
London-based studio Albion Nord was tapped to infuse the carriages with distinct flair. Each of the 18 cabins, including three Grand Suites, is meticulously designed and British-made, resulting in a collection of private sanctuaries fit for roving royalty. Soft, verdant colour palettes and natural textures evoke feelings of an English country garden retreat, and all suites come furnished with en-suite bathrooms.
Exceptional gastronomy will be provided by Simon Rogan, the renowned chef who needs little introduction. (His celebrated farm-to-table philosophy has won him countless awards at L’Enclume, Aulis, and even Roganic in Hong Kong.) With eight Michelin stars and two Michelin Green stars under his belt, his menus for the Belmond train will reflect his seasonal-driven dining ethos, highlighting sustainable ingredients sourced from local producers to showcase the diverse flavours of the island nation.
Guests can dine across two restaurant cars, Malva and Samphire, where exquisite meals are served from sunup till sundown. In the train’s Observation Car, cosy up by the Britannic Explorer’s Bar and enjoy an artisan tipple or two in a chic, Victorian-inspired interiors—think floral patterns, botanical tapestries, and woven detailing.
Gary Franklin, vice president of trains and cruises at Belmond, affirms that 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. 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.”
Considering the formidable Belmond fleet of heritage trains and rail experiences, the Britannic Explorer should be something to behold. From the timeless Venice Simplon-Orient-Express that pulls into a number of Europe’s most glamorous cities, and the Andean Explorer cruising through Peru’s breathtaking landscapes, to the magical Eastern & Oriental Express, and many more, Belmond has, in more ways than one, elevated the art of slow train travel for the modern-age voyager.
As Ralph Waldo Emerson famously wrote, “It’s the not the destination, it’s the journey.” Aboard a train as opulent as the Britannic Explorer, you’re promised one heck of a ride.
Reservations are now open.
All images courtesy of Belmond.
