Owned by LVMH Luxury hospitality company Belmond is set to launch a luxury sleeper train that will travel across the countryside of England and Wales next year.
The Britannic Explorer operates three itineraries. One to the south-west county of Cornwall, another north through the Cumbrian Lake District to the other side of England, and a third through the country of Wales.
All trips depart from London and run for three nights. The England route operates on weekends (Friday to Monday) and the Wales route operates on weekdays (Monday to Thursday), allowing travelers to combine the two trips into one.
Belmond operates several luxury hotels around the world, including the famous Venice Simplon Orient Express and Asia’s Eastern & Oriental Express.
One of three “Grand Suites” on Belmond’s new luxury train Britannica Explorer.
Source: Belmond
Prices start from 5,800 British pounds ($7,460) per person for a three-night trip. This includes excursions, meals and drinks, including alcohol, according to company representatives.
The new trains are scheduled to enter service in July 2025.
Gallery Tour and “Wild Swimming”
The train consists of 18 passenger cabins (15 suites and three “grand suites”), as well as a bar and restaurant car and a “wellness suite.”
The train’s bar car is said to have been inspired by Victorian apothecaries.
Source: Belmond
The cuisine was designed by British chef Simon Logan. He is a central figure in the country’s farm-to-fork movement and is responsible for three Michelin star restaurant L’Enclume in Cumbria. Belmondo said the menu will include seasonal, sustainable produce sourced from across the UK.
The train is equipped with a spa, or “wellness suite.”
Source: Belmond
The company said travelers would stop during the day to visit national parks, take guided hikes and go for “wild swimming” in the Lake District.
The route to England’s Lake District passes through England’s idyllic Cotswolds region, with a stop at Le Manoir aux Catheisons, a two-star Michelin hotel and restaurant just outside Oxford.
