07-07-2025
Belmond's New Train – the 'Britannic Explorer' – is Peak British Luxury
Just days after it wasrevealedthat the British royal family'sRoyal Trainis being decommissioned in 2027, upscale hospitality and leisure companyBelmond– part of theLVMHportfolio – has announced that it's launching theBritannic Explorer, a lavish new locomotive it describes as 'the first luxury sleeper train in England and Wales.' TheBritannic Explorerjoins Belmond's storied fleet of opulent – bordering on majestic – sleeper trains, including theAndean Explorer, which takes passengers on an alpine odyssey across Peru's lakes and mountains, and theRoyal Scotsman, with its 40 years of service and adventure across the Scottish Highlands – and it's making its maiden voyage this month.
Starting July 21, theBritannic Explorerwill depart from London's Victoria Station on carefully curated three-night itineraries, taking take guests to England's southern Cornish coastline, north through Cumbria to the picturesque Lake District, then into the Welsh heartland before returning to the capital.
It features a total of 18 cabins – comprising 15 regular suites and three grand suites – and has an aesthetic borrowed straight from the British countryside: throughout the train you'll find natural materials like wood, stone and wool – organic elements inspired by the 'beauty of the surrounding landscapes,' according to Belmond – that are complimented by a color palette of earthy tones, which the brand says add to theBritannic Explorer's'vibrant character.'
But while theBritannic Exploreris filled with decidedly British details, the brand is inviting would-be guests to 'forget stuffy tradition' – because, Belmond says, its latest locomotive 'embodies modern British identity' instead. It describes the interior of the new train as 'refined yet bold' and 'timeless yet unexpected,' with 'bold fabrics playing off layered textures and hand-selected antiques.' These, the brand says, create a rich, warm aesthetic that blends 'timeless elegance and modern flair.'
To achieve its vision, Belmond enlisted contemporary designers from across the United Kingdom – includingLuke Edward Hall,Mel Campion, and Brixton-basedOlly Fathers– that embody the 'evolving spirit' of the nation, all of whom collaborated with London-based studio Albion Nord on the train's design. The outcome, according to Belmond, is a train that blends 'history, style, and personality to create something unexpected and unconventional.'
As you'd expect, catering on board theBritannic Exploreris as elevated as the rest of the experience. The train's menus have been devised by renowned Michelin-starred chefSimon Rogan, who Belmond describes as 'a pioneer of Britain's farm-to-fork movement.' Rogan's menus will rotate seasonally, but the food at its core will always showcase the best of Britain's produce. Health and wellness hasn't been ignored either, and guests will have access to a dedicated suite that Belmond has created with Wildsmith, which it describes as a 'tranquil sanctuary for relaxation and restoration on board.'
Whether by chance or happenstance, Belmond's timing is impeccable: 183 years (to the month) after Queen Victoria took her first trip on the soon-to-be-retiredRoyal Train, Belmond'sBritannic Explorermight just offer royals and non-royals alike a chance to explore the country in a way fit for a king or queen. From coastal sailing in Cornwall to wood-fired saunas in Wales, theBritannic Exploreroffers a unique way to experience the United Kingdom.
