Luxury train with spa, Michelin-star chef and £11k tickets that tours the UK
For a train fare of £11,000 per couple, one would anticipate an experience out of this world, and a luxury travel company promises to deliver just that. Luxury brand Belmond is set to launch The Britannic Explorer, offering a three-night journey through Wales this year.
Passengers boarding the Britannic Explorer are advised to pack not only walking shoes but also a dinner jacket or cocktail dress. This is the first luxury sleeper train to operate in England and Wales, complete with an onboard spa. Guests will slumber in stunning suites, indulge in world-class dining curated by a Michelin-star chef, and partake in excursions such as hikes in the Welsh countryside, visits to a luxury pub, and clay pigeon shooting.
Prices start at £11,000, based on a double cabin for three nights, inclusive of excursions, meals, wine, and alcoholic beverages on board.
A three-night route through Wales departs from London Victoria, stopping at Llandrindod Wells and Machynlleth, via Haverfordwest, Porthmadog and Barmouth, before returning to London via the Cotswolds.
The itinerary reveals that on the first day, guests will check-in and enjoy an afternoon tea crafted by Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan, featuring Welsh teacakes and Bara Brith, reports Wales Online.
On the second day, visitors will disembark in Pembrokeshire, alighting at Llandrindod Wells for a guided hike that includes lavender fields, a pond dip or sauna.
They'll then reboard the train to traverse the Heart of Wales line, journeying through Carmarthenshire and Powys into Eryri National Park.
Other routes across England and Wales include to the Lake District and Cornwall with longer six-night trips also on offer taking in either both the Lakes and Wales or Cornwall and Wales.
"Highlights on the Wales route include a picnic-style lunch featuring delights like rarebit and leek tart," the company reveals.
"Each dining experience onboard will reflect the landscape outside the train's windows, using the freshest local ingredients to create an immersive culinary journey that celebrates the diverse flavours and stories of England and Wales."
Dinner promises to be a "celebration of seasonal British fine dining, perfectly paired with an enchanting entertainment line up", with guests spending the night near Barmouth.
On the third day, guests can opt for a visit to the wellness suite, or enjoy a lie-in followed by brunch. The train will make a stop in Machynlleth.
"Machynlleth is a hub of creativity, sustainability, and exceptional cuisine. Our Concierge's curated black book of excursions offers a range of active pursuits such as clay pigeon shooting," the itinerary details.
Lunch will be served while travelling through Montgomeryshire, passing Welshpool before crossing the border into Shropshire. The journey continues through the Midlands, concluding at Moreton-in-Marsh.
The luxurious Britannic Explorer will then make its way to England, where it will stop for an "exclusive party" at The Fox in Oddington, a venue owned by Daylesford farm shop. Here, guests will indulge in traditional British fare such as Scotch eggs and sausage rolls, accompanied by local ales and artisan liqueurs.
They'll even get to learn the art of pouring the perfect pint.
The final day of the journey begins with breakfast as the train travels through picturesque Oxfordshire, ultimately returning to London in the early morning.
The three-night Welsh excursions are scheduled to take place on select dates. Following a winter hiatus, the routes will resume in March 2026.
The Britannic Explorer is set to launch in July 2025, offering luxury accommodations starting from £11,000 for a double cabin. This price includes a 3-night itinerary, excursions, meals, wine, and other beverages onboard.
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