Britannic Explorer: Belmond’s new luxury night train in the UK
From July 21, 2025, Belmond will launch the Britannic Explorer, an ultra-luxurious night train that crosses England and Wales. Design, gastronomy and nature are on the agenda.
Following the success of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and the Royal Scotsman, the Belmond Group unveils a new rail nugget: the Britannic Explorer, the brand’s first night train in the UK. Departing from London-Victoria station, this train offers a three-night journey through the mythical landscapes of the Lake District, the Welsh valleys and the Cornish cliffs.
An itinerary conceived as a travelogue – where each stop invites you to enjoy a unique sensory experience: paddling on the lakes, a star-studded dinner at Raymond Blanc’s in the Cotswolds, or forest bathing in the heart of Wales.
Sober luxury and British design
Comprising eight cars elegantly designed by Albion Nord studio, the train features 18 cabins (including 3 Grand Suites), a spa by Wildsmith, two dining cars – Malva and Samphire – and a plant-based bar car. The materials chosen (raw wood, wool, stone) create a hushed aesthetic, far removed from flashy clichés.
The kitchen, entrusted to Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan (L’Enclume), focuses on local and seasonal produce, echoing the “farm-to-table” movement. On board, chef Sven-Hanson Britt implements this philosophy with products from English farms.
Paris-London: an escape just a train ride away
For Parisians, this luxury overnight train is easily accessible. A 2 h 30 Eurostar journey is all it takes to reach London-Victoria station, the departure point of the Britannic Explorer. An ideal getaway for slow-travel enthusiasts, eager to rediscover the UK from an intimate and refined angle.
See also: Domaine de la Bretesche: between exceptional golf and sensory spa, a haven of peace to discover
