Belmond is set to unveil the Britannic Explorer, a luxury sleeper train offering three-night journeys across England and Wales, launching in July 2025.
Designed for travellers seeking a blend of timeless rail travel with contemporary British culture, the Britannic Explorer will depart from London and offer three curated routes through Cornwall, the Lake District, and Wales. For travel agents catering to luxury clientele, this new experience provides a unique selling point. The Cornwall and Lake District routes are scheduled from Friday to Monday, while the Wales route runs from Monday to Thursday, allowing guests to combine two journeys for an extended exploration of Britain’s scenic landscapes.
Belmond emphasizes that the Britannic Explorer will celebrate “timeless rail heritage fused with contemporary British gastronomy, culture, and style.” Culinary experiences aboard the train will be led by acclaimed chef Simon Rogan, whose establishments boast eight Michelin stars and two Michelin Green stars. Rogan, a pioneer of Britain’s farm-to-fork movement, will curate seasonal menus featuring locally sourced ingredients to highlight the distinct flavors of each region. Guests will enjoy afternoon tea, lunch, and dinner on all routes, with the Lake District itinerary offering a special stop at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, a two-star Michelin manor house hotel and restaurant in the Cotswolds.
At the heart of the Britannic Explorer’s social scene will be the Bar in the Observation Car, inspired by Victorian apothecaries. It will serve botanically inspired cocktails, artisan gins, and craft beers, spotlighting independent U.K. distilleries and breweries.
The introduction of the Britannic Explorer complements Belmond’s existing luxury trains in the U.K., including the British Pullman and the Royal Scotsman, further enriching the premium rail travel offering. For New Zealand travel agents, this is an opportunity to introduce clients to a luxurious, immersive way to explore England and Wales, merging culinary excellence with stunning scenery and cultural experiences.