If the United Kingdom didn’t make it to the top of your summer vacation list, it might be time to reconsider.
Belmond has just debuted England and Wales’s first luxury sleeper train, the Britannic Explorer, with service commencing on July 21 for its inaugural, three-night journey to Wales. That trip will be followed by a route to the beaches of Cornwall that launches on July 25, and eventually there will be a third route to the northwest corner of England to traverse the Lake District, Britain’s largest national park.
The Britannic Explorer will be Belmond’s third luxury train in Great Britain, joining the British Pullman and Royal Scotsman. With eight carriages and 18 cabins—three of which are Grand Suites with personal butler service—this new train offers design and amenities rooted in Britain.
Guests can unwind in a dedicated wellness suite on board, created in partnership with Wildsmith Skin. And they can dine on menus created by Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan, a pioneer of Britain’s farm-to-table movement. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea will be served in two dining cars, each inspired by the cultivation of herbs, roots, and flowers used across British cuisine. Custom artwork lines the car walls by painter Ed Burkes and textile designer Adam Halls. And riders can grab a cocktail in the Observation Car, which has a fully stocked bar.
One of two dining cars onboard the Britannic Explorer.
The design was spearheaded by London-based studio Albion Nord, in collaboration with visual artist Luke Edward Hall. The pair contributed ornate wallpaper to the Double Suites and custom armchairs in the Grand Suites, reinterpreting a Rubelli fabric inspired by the land the train traverses.
And they also brought on fellow British artisans to craft details throughout the train. Brixton-based artist Olly Fathers designed contemporary panels that line parts of the cars, painter and printmaker Sarah Woods designed the Wellness Suite, shell artist Mel Campion created mirrors for the Powder Rooms, and Marcus James commissioned intricate pen depictions of the Lake District. Even the lighting is elaborate, specially fit and created by Rose Uniacke.
Offboard, Belmond provides a host of experiences for guests to glean the local cultures of each destination, including sailing in Cornwall, paddleboarding in the Lake District, and lavender farm visits in the heart of Wales.
“We are thrilled to unveil the Britannic Explorer,” General Manager Hendrik Huebner said. “Our newest train offers guests an unparalleled exploration of the U.K.’s hidden gems, with journeys through the stunning landscapes and rich culture of Cornwall, the Lake District, and Wales.”
Tickets for the first two routes are on offer now, starting at £6,300 ($8,600) per person for a twin suite and £15,300 ($20,900) per person for a grand suite.
Click here for more images of the Britannic Explorer train.
Belmond