Latest news with #RoyalScotsman
The Independent
04-07-2025
- The Independent
How much a ride on the UK's new luxury sleeper train will cost you
Belmond, known for its Royal Scotsman, is launching the Britannic Explorer, a new luxury sleeper train for England and Wales. The Britannic Explorer is set to make its maiden journey on 21 July, offering three-night itineraries from London to Cornwall, the Lake District, and Wales. The train features 18 luxury suites, fine dining by multi-Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan, an onboard spa, and a botanically-inspired bar. Passengers can enjoy optional guided excursions at each destination, including coastal activities in Cornwall, wild swimming in the Lake District, and lavender farm visits in Wales. A trip on the Britannic Explorer starts from £11,000 for a double cabin, which includes the three-night itinerary, excursions, meals, and alcoholic beverages.
The Independent
04-07-2025
- The Independent
Inside the Britannic Explorer: New luxury sleeper train coming to England and Wales in July
The first luxury sleeper train in England and Wales is set to make its maiden journey later this month as it rolls out of London and into the British countryside. Known for its popular luxury sleeper train in the Scottish Highlands, the Royal Scotsman, hospitality operator Belmond has now unveiled a new sleeper that will journey through England and Wales: the Britannic Explorer. The new luxury train, complete with fine dining cars, 18 sleeper cabin suites and spa treatments onboard, is set to make its first journey on 21 July, bringing luxury sleeper experiences to England and Wales. Within its cabins are three grand suites and 15 standard suites, where guests can spend three nights travelling from the capital to three different locations, Cornwall, the Lake District and Wales, on journeys aimed at paying homage to the British tradition of touring and celebrating the art of slow travel. Passengers on the Britannic Explorer can take optional off-train guided excursions to immerse themselves in each destination's natural landscapes, cultural offerings and history. This includes coastal sailing and yoga sessions by the sea in Cornwall, wild swimming in the Lake District, and lavender farm visits and wood-fired saunas in Wales. On board guests will indulge in British gastronomy designed by multi-Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan as the hills roll by. Rogan's fine dining menu will feature locally sourced ingredients, in line with his British farm-to-fork movement, with seasonal menus rotating across the three routes. Speaking about the collaboration with the luxury sleeper, Rogan said last year: 'I am very excited to bring this approach to the launch of the Britannic Explorer, where each plate will reflect Britain's diverse landscapes. 'I hope every passenger not only enjoys the flavours but also feels a connection between the dishes and the journey, making their time on board truly memorable.' Passengers will also have access to the train's botanically-inspired bar in their observation car for a cocktail or a craft beer, or perhaps relax while receiving a treatment or two in the train's onboard spa room. The luxury train's all-British experience extends into the interiors of the train, with designs and colour palettes taking inspiration from the countryside and coastlines created through bespoke commissions from leading designers and artists. Gary Franklin, vice president of trains and cruises at Belmond, said: "I am incredibly proud to launch this revolutionary new train, which further enhances Belmond's global portfolio of market-leading luxury rail experiences. '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 specialities along the route.' A trip aboard the Britannic Explorer in a double cabin starts from £11,000, including a three-night itinerary, excursions, meals, wine and other alcoholic beverages on board.
Leader Live
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Oliver Cole hails father Paul as ‘real legend' after announcing his retirement
Perhaps best known for saddling brilliant 1991 Derby winner Generous, the 83-year-old enjoyed over 1,500 winners during a stellar career which began in Wantage in 1987, and later became British Flat champion trainer in 1991, with his son pointing out he was in competition with a 'golden era' of trainers. 'He's a hell of a legend and has done it from scratch,' said Cole. 'He came from a golden era of trainers and was able to hold his own amongst them and was even champion in 1991. 'In his heyday when he had all of those good horses, he was leading trainer at Royal Ascot in 1994 with four winners and he trained one of the best horses ever in Generous with the way he was destroying those fields. 'He also had some amazing two-year-olds in Dilum and Strategic Prince and horses like Culture Vulture and Mr Dinos. He had the backing of some great owners along the way who enjoyed themselves and he's a real legend.' Since 2020, the Coles have shared the licence, enjoying Royal Ascot glory with Highland Chief in 2020 and also thriving with the high-class Royal Scotsman. Oliver will now take over the operation at Whatcombe on a full-time basis, a privilege he puts firmly down to his father's influence and success. 'We're very lucky to be training at Whatcombe, it's an amazing facility and it's an honour to be on the licence, if it wasn't for him I wouldn't be here,' he added. 'It's gone very well as a pair, but now it's down to me to just keep the show on the road. He won't be going anywhere, he's a great man to work with and great for advice, we'll keep kicking. 'I'll discuss with him when things formally hand over, but I imagine it will be pretty soon.' As well as claiming the Derby by five lengths under Alan Munro, the Fahd Salman-owned Generous completed the English-Irish Derby double at the Curragh and landed the King George at Ascot. In revealing his retirement plan to The Sun, Cole senior said the chestnut Generous was the 'best I trained', adding: 'I looked out at a horse this morning and just thought the time has come for me to retire. 'I've been sharing the licence with my son Oliver since 2020, and I'm just very old now. Oliver knows what he's doing and is more than capable.'
North Wales Chronicle
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Oliver Cole hails father Paul as ‘real legend' after announcing his retirement
Perhaps best known for saddling brilliant 1991 Derby winner Generous, the 83-year-old enjoyed over 1,500 winners during a stellar career which began in Wantage in 1987, and later became British Flat champion trainer in 1991, with his son pointing out he was in competition with a 'golden era' of trainers. 'He's a hell of a legend and has done it from scratch,' said Cole. 'He came from a golden era of trainers and was able to hold his own amongst them and was even champion in 1991. 'In his heyday when he had all of those good horses, he was leading trainer at Royal Ascot in 1994 with four winners and he trained one of the best horses ever in Generous with the way he was destroying those fields. 'He also had some amazing two-year-olds in Dilum and Strategic Prince and horses like Culture Vulture and Mr Dinos. He had the backing of some great owners along the way who enjoyed themselves and he's a real legend.' Since 2020, the Coles have shared the licence, enjoying Royal Ascot glory with Highland Chief in 2020 and also thriving with the high-class Royal Scotsman. Oliver will now take over the operation at Whatcombe on a full-time basis, a privilege he puts firmly down to his father's influence and success. 'We're very lucky to be training at Whatcombe, it's an amazing facility and it's an honour to be on the licence, if it wasn't for him I wouldn't be here,' he added. 'It's gone very well as a pair, but now it's down to me to just keep the show on the road. He won't be going anywhere, he's a great man to work with and great for advice, we'll keep kicking. 'I'll discuss with him when things formally hand over, but I imagine it will be pretty soon.' As well as claiming the Derby by five lengths under Alan Munro, the Fahd Salman-owned Generous completed the English-Irish Derby double at the Curragh and landed the King George at Ascot. In revealing his retirement plan to The Sun, Cole senior said the chestnut Generous was the 'best I trained', adding: 'I looked out at a horse this morning and just thought the time has come for me to retire. 'I've been sharing the licence with my son Oliver since 2020, and I'm just very old now. Oliver knows what he's doing and is more than capable.'
South Wales Guardian
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Oliver Cole hails father Paul as ‘real legend' after announcing his retirement
Perhaps best known for saddling brilliant 1991 Derby winner Generous, the 83-year-old enjoyed over 1,500 winners during a stellar career which began in Wantage in 1987, and later became British Flat champion trainer in 1991, with his son pointing out he was in competition with a 'golden era' of trainers. 'He's a hell of a legend and has done it from scratch,' said Cole. 'He came from a golden era of trainers and was able to hold his own amongst them and was even champion in 1991. 'In his heyday when he had all of those good horses, he was leading trainer at Royal Ascot in 1994 with four winners and he trained one of the best horses ever in Generous with the way he was destroying those fields. 'He also had some amazing two-year-olds in Dilum and Strategic Prince and horses like Culture Vulture and Mr Dinos. He had the backing of some great owners along the way who enjoyed themselves and he's a real legend.' Since 2020, the Coles have shared the licence, enjoying Royal Ascot glory with Highland Chief in 2020 and also thriving with the high-class Royal Scotsman. Oliver will now take over the operation at Whatcombe on a full-time basis, a privilege he puts firmly down to his father's influence and success. 'We're very lucky to be training at Whatcombe, it's an amazing facility and it's an honour to be on the licence, if it wasn't for him I wouldn't be here,' he added. 'It's gone very well as a pair, but now it's down to me to just keep the show on the road. He won't be going anywhere, he's a great man to work with and great for advice, we'll keep kicking. 'I'll discuss with him when things formally hand over, but I imagine it will be pretty soon.' As well as claiming the Derby by five lengths under Alan Munro, the Fahd Salman-owned Generous completed the English-Irish Derby double at the Curragh and landed the King George at Ascot. In revealing his retirement plan to The Sun, Cole senior said the chestnut Generous was the 'best I trained', adding: 'I looked out at a horse this morning and just thought the time has come for me to retire. 'I've been sharing the licence with my son Oliver since 2020, and I'm just very old now. Oliver knows what he's doing and is more than capable.'
