Ultra-luxury hotel, trains and cruises brand, Belmond, has revealed details of its latest train. The Britannic Explorer sleeper train will debut in July 2025 with a programme of three and six night tours in England and Wales.

The train will depart from London, offering three-night journeys with a choice of three routes through the spectacular natural landscapes of Cornwall, The Lake District, and Wales. The routes are scheduled to allow travellers to combine two regional journeys into one trip: The Cornwall and Lake District routes run from Friday to Monday, while the Wales route runs from Monday to Thursday.

By day, optional off-train guided excursions will showcase the history and culture of each destination. By night, passengers will be able to unwind and mingle in the train’s botanically inspired Bar, located in the Observation Car. If they need to further unwind there is an on-board wellness suite to provide therapies designed to relax and revive.

The Britannic Explorer‘s Dining Car will offer fine dining experiences, designed by renowned Chef Simon Rogan, celebrated for his innovative approach and the exceptional quality across his restaurants, which collectively hold eight Michelin stars and two Michelin Green stars worldwide.

Rogan’s menus will celebrate seasonal, sustainable ingredients, sourced locally to showcase the richness of Britain’s diverse regions. Each of the three routes will feature bespoke afternoon tea, lunch and dinner menus.

The train has 18 cabins, comprising 3 Grand Suites and 15 Suites.

Belmond‘s portfolio includes some of the world’s most glamourous hotels, resorts and tours, but also a collection of luxury small boat canal and coastal cruise experiences… and luxury train experiences. Their trains include the famous Venice Simplon-Orient Express, the Eastern & Oriental Express in southeast Asia, and in the UK already, the Royal Scotsman and British Pullman trains. The Royal Scotsman is a sleeper (I’ve been on it!) but only tours in Scotland. The British Pullman is a day excursion train. So the Britannic Explorer will be the first sleeper touring train in England.

Gary Franklin, Vice President of Trains and Cruises, Belmond commented: “I am incredibly proud to launch this revolutionary new train, which further enhances Belmond’s global portfolio of market-leading luxury rail experiences. The Britannic Explorer offers something truly unique; an opportunity to discover the rugged Cornish coastline to Snowdonia’s untamed National Park and the vast expanses of the Lake District like never before.

None of this comes cheap – brace yourself. Suites start from £5,800 per person, and Grand Suites start from £14,100 per person, for a 3-night itinerary. Excursions, meals, wine and alcoholic beverages on board, are included.

All Images courtesy Belmond Management Limited

Just an idle speculation: the National Rail Museum, owners of Flying Scotsman, have been ultra tight-lipped about her future programme since her schedule ran out in the summer. We have no idea, what, if any, mainline excursions she’ll be pulling in 2025. Wouldn’t the Britannic Explorer’s launch tour be an obvious one for her? I’ll bet Belmond have asked the question!