A new chapter in British luxury travel is set to unfold on 21 July 2025, as the Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train, makes its historic maiden voyage. Marking a significant milestone in the evolution of rail travel, this pioneering train is the first of its kind to offer overnight luxury journeys exclusively through England and Wales.
With an emphasis on craftsmanship, design, and storytelling, the Britannic Explorer is poised to become an icon of contemporary British style. Crafted to celebrate the rich heritage and natural beauty of the British Isles, the Britannic Explorer redefines train travel for a new generation of discerning travellers.
Each of the eight carriages has been exquisitely designed by London-based interiors studio Albion Nord, in collaboration with a roster of celebrated British creatives including Luke Edward Hall, Mel Campion, and Olly Fathers. The result is a refined yet playful aesthetic that feels at once nostalgic and forward-thinking.
Best Of Britannia
Evoking a modern British design, the train’s interiors blend bold fabrics, layered textures, and hand-picked antiques to evoke a sense of quiet sophistication. Echoing the landscapes that unfold beyond the windows, natural materials such as wood, stone, and wool are paired with earthy tones and tactile finishes to bring the outside in. Guests can expect an environment that feels grounded, yet deeply luxurious.
The train houses 18 beautifully appointed cabins, including three Grand Suites and 15 Suites, each offering an elegant and intimate retreat. Inspired by Britain’s sweeping coastlines and rolling hills, every detail—from panoramic windows to hand-finished furnishings—invites guests to engage with the journey as much as the destination.
The design journey brings together the work of some of Britain’s most visionary talents. Luke Edward Hall’s reinterpretation of a Rubelli fabric lends whimsical charm to wallpaper and upholstery in the Suites, while Olly Fathers’s geometric panels and Marcus James’s pen-and-ink landscapes enrich the Grand Suites with contemporary energy. In the dining carriages, Ed Burkes’s vibrant depictions of dancing figures and Adam Halls’s hand-dyed wall panels add an animated, textural touch.
Life On Rails
Simon Rogan.
The onboard experience includes indulgent dining in art-filled restaurant cars, a rejuvenating Wellness Suite, and thoughtful off-board excursions that connect guests to the culture, craft, and countryside of each region.
Guests will travel on three-night itineraries that explore the Cornish coast, the Lake District, and the wilds of Wales. Culinary experiences are overseen by Michelin-starred Simon Rogan, with seasonal menus executed by Executive Head Chef Sven-Hanson Britt, celebrating the best of British produce and sustainable gastronomy. Wellness is equally prioritised, with tranquil treatments curated by Wildsmith in the onboard spa.
Off the rails, the journey continues with bespoke excursions: yoga and sailing in Cornwall; wild swimming and paddleboarding in the Lakes; and lavender fields, wood-fired saunas, and artist-led workshops in the Welsh hills. Guests are also invited to book a seamless pre- or post-train stay at The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel, London, or to indulge in a gala dinner at the legendary Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Hotel in Oxfordshire, when travelling on the Lake District route.
As the latest addition to Belmond’s prestigious UK portfolio, which includes the storied British Pullman and the Royal Scotsman, the Britannic Explorer promises to redefine luxury rail travel with unmistakable British flair.
