From London to the Lake District, Belmond’s latest launch, The Britannic Explorer, is set to chart new territory in luxury rail travel when it debuts in July 2025. Designed to be a traveller-friendly train, it’s a moving masterpiece – celebrating British design, craft, and culture with every mile.
A Love Letter to British Craftsmanship
What happens when the best British designers, artists, and artisans come together on a single canvas that just happens to move at 60 miles per hour? You get The Britannic Explorer, a one-of-a-kind train where everything from the wallpaper to the light fittings tells a story.
Leading the visual voyage is designer Luke Edward Hall, whose reinterpretation of a Rubelli fabric brings whimsical illustrations – think flora, fauna, and famous landmarks – to the walls and furnishings. Fellow creatives include Brixton-based artist Olly Fathers with bold abstract panels, Marcus James with hand-drawn Lake District landscapes, and shell artist Mel Campion, whose delicate mirrors adorn the Powder Rooms.
Every cabin, be it a Suite or a Grand Suite, has been thoughtfully outfitted with tactile materials, earthy tones, and panoramic windows – designed to feel like an extension of Britain’s rolling hills and rugged coastlines. And in the dining cars? Expect bursts of movement and colour from artists like Ed Burkes and Adam Halls, echoing the rhythm of the journey itself.
Three Nights, Countless Memories
Launching with itineraries across England and Wales, guests will board at London Victoria Station for three-night adventures that combine onboard opulence with off-train excursions. Destinations include:
– The dramatic cliffs and golden sands of Cornwall
– The lakes, peaks, and poetry of Cumbria
– The lush, storybook valleys of Wales
Wellness isn’t forgotten either. A dedicated Wellness Suite, created with skincare brand Wildsmith, offers a tranquil sanctuary complete with treatments and mindful moments – ideal after a paddleboarding session in Windermere or a lavender-farm hike in Wales.
Farm-to-Fork Dining by Simon Rogan
Onboard cuisine is helmed by Executive Head Chef Sven-Hanson Britt under the guidance of Michelin-starred Simon Rogan – one of the UK’s most celebrated advocates of the farm-to-fork movement. The result? Dishes that celebrate the best of Britain’s seasonal bounty, sourced sustainably and served with sophistication.
The Future of Luxury Train
The Britannic Explorer is the latest jewel in Belmond’s UK crown, joining the legendary British Pullman and Royal Scotsman. But it doesn’t travel alone – guests can pair their rail experience with stays at Belmond’s iconic hotels like The Cadogan in London or Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire, the latter offering a gala dinner under the care of Raymond Blanc.
Details and Bookings
The train rolls out in July 2025, with journeys starting from £11,000 per couple. This includes all meals, wines and beverages, off-board excursions, and access to the onboard spa.
To reserve your seat or find out more, visit belmond.com or email [email protected].
Find more luxury trains to discover here.
Photos courtesy of Belmond
