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First luxury sleeper train in England and Wales to launch in 2025: ‘Britannic Explorer’ features a spa, meals by super chef Simon Rogan and comfortable en-suite cabins from £5,800
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First luxury sleeper train in England and Wales to launch in 2025: ‘Britannic Explorer’ features a spa, meals by super chef Simon Rogan and comfortable en-suite cabins from £5,800

It has been announced that the first luxury sleeper train in England and Wales will start operating in July 2025.

It will feature 18 ‘extraordinary’ all-inclusive cabins, priced from £5,800 to £14,100 per person, and dining experiences designed by three-Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan.

There will also be a bar, a marble-lined spa and an observation car on board.

The swanky service will be operated by the Belmond hospitality group and will be called ‘Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train’.

It will depart from London Victoria and offer three-night cruises along ‘three evocative routes’ through Cornwall, the Lake District and Wales, ‘offering exclusive access to iconic destinations’ along the way.

Passengers on a Cornish holiday will glide along the Riviera Line, passing Teignmouth, Plymouth, St Austell and Truro, eventually heading towards Penzance. Excursions on offer include exploring the ‘art paradise’ of St Ives and a private wine tasting overlooking St Michael’s Mount.

The Lake District tour includes a trip to the Beatrix Potter estate and a journey along the historic Settle & Carlisle line.

Meanwhile, the trip to Wales also includes Snowdonia National Park, where ‘lush valleys meet towering peaks and cascading waterfalls’.

First luxury sleeper train in England and Wales to launch in 2025: ‘Britannic Explorer’ features a spa, meals by super chef Simon Rogan and comfortable en-suite cabins from £5,800

It has been announced that the first luxury sleeper train in England and Wales will start operating in July 2025. The swanky service will be operated by the Belmond hospitality group and will be called ‘Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train’. Above – one of the train’s Grand Suites, priced at £14,100 per person

Britannic Explorer will depart from London Victoria and offer three-night cruises along 'three evocative routes' across Cornwall, the Lake District and Wales. Above - Grand Suite bedroom

Britannic Explorer will depart from London Victoria and offer three-night cruises along ‘three evocative routes’ across Cornwall, the Lake District and Wales. Above – Grand Suite bedroom

Grand Suites feature personal butler service and marble bathrooms (above)

Grand Suites feature personal butler service and marble bathrooms (above)

The most luxurious cabins are the three ‘Grand Suites’ from £14,100 per person. These include personal butler service, a ‘plush’ double bed and an en suite bathroom with marble sink and shower cubicle.

Double and twin suites are priced from £5,800 per person and feature luxury beds, ceramic shelving and en suite bathrooms.

Commenting on the cabins, Belmond said: ‘Each of Britannic Explorer’s 18 cabins combines sophistication with comfort. Three Grand Suites and 15 suites have been carefully crafted in Britain and carefully designed to make the journey experience as extraordinary as the destination.

‘Inspired by the breathtaking views of England’s rugged coastline and rolling hills, the film transforms every moment into a visual feast, whether passengers are making themselves at home in the privacy of their cabin, relaxing in the onboard spa or enjoying the bar and restaurant carts.’

Pictured above is the train's luxury spa with marble countertops.

Pictured above is the train’s luxury spa with marble countertops.

Bar 'inspired by Victorian apothecaries' and housed in observation car

Bar ‘inspired by Victorian apothecaries’ and housed in observation car

The image above shows the rear of the observation vehicle

The image above shows the rear of the observation vehicle

Above is the dining car, where guests can enjoy menus designed by chef Simon Rogan, who runs the three-Michelin-starred Cumbrian restaurant L'Enclume.

Above is the dining car, where guests can enjoy menus designed by chef Simon Rogan, who runs the three-Michelin-starred Cumbrian restaurant L’Enclume.

Double cabins on the train start from £5,800 per person. There's a duo upstairs in couch mode

Double cabins on the train start from £5,800 per person. There’s a duo upstairs in couch mode

The image above shows a double cabin with the bed ready

The image above shows a double cabin with the bed ready

Meanwhile, onboard dining experiences will ‘celebrate locally sourced seasonal, sustainable ingredients to showcase the richness of Britain’s diverse regions’ and guests will enjoy ‘bespoke afternoon tea, lunch and dinner menus’.

Rogan, whose Cumbrian restaurant L’Enclume has three Michelin stars since 2022, said: ‘For me, true luxury lies in humble ingredients grown with care, respecting their environment and harvested at their peak.

‘In all my restaurants, my food is driven by local, often homegrown produce and partnering with British growers and suppliers who share our deep connection with the land and its natural elements.

‘I’m thrilled to be bringing this approach to the launch of Britannic Explorer, where each plate will reflect the diverse landscape of Britain.

‘I hope every passenger will not only enjoy the delicacies but also feel a connection between the food and the journey, making their time on board truly unforgettable.’

Quality materials will also be used in the bar located in the observation car, which is ‘inspired by Victorian apothecaries’.

Luxury cruise ticket: Above is the vanity mirror in the double cabin

Luxury cruise ticket: Above is the vanity mirror in the double cabin

Twin cabins cost £5,800 per person. There's a twin upstairs in couch mode

Twin cabins cost £5,800 per person. There’s a twin upstairs in couch mode

The image above shows a room with two beds where the beds are placed.

The image above shows a room with two beds where the beds are placed.

The picture above shows the boarding lobby

The picture above shows the boarding lobby

Belmond said: ‘The bar offers an elegant and convivial atmosphere where guests can enjoy a menu of innovative, botanical-inspired cocktails alongside a carefully selected selection of artisan gins and craft beers highlighting the best offerings from the UK’s independent distilleries and breweries. .’

Gary Franklin, Belmond Vice President of Rail and Cruises, said: ‘I am incredibly proud to launch this revolutionary new train, further enhancing Belmond’s global portfolio of market-leading luxury rail experiences. Britannic Explorer offers something truly unique; the opportunity to explore the rugged Cornish coastline, Snowdonia’s wild National Park and vast expanses of the Lake District like never before.

‘We are especially pleased to have the esteemed chef Simon Rogan among us, who will take over the kitchen management. ‘His vision delivers a gastronomic journey that complements the train’s spirit of adventure, celebrating British produce and highlighting the best local specialties along the route.’

Prices include a three-night itinerary, excursions, meals, wine and spirits on board. For more information visit www.belmond.com/trains/europe/uk/britannic-explorer.