Owned by LVMH Luxury hotel company Belmond will launch a luxury sleeper train next year that will take travelers through the countryside of England and Wales.
The Britannia Explorer will operate three routes: one to southwest Cornwall, another through the Cumbrian Lake District in the north to the other end of England, and a third through Wales.
All journeys depart from London and operate over three nights, with the England route operating on weekends (Friday to Monday) and the Wales route operating during the week (Monday to Thursday), allowing passengers to combine the two journeys into one.
Belmond operates a number of luxury hotels around the world, including the famous Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and Asian Orient Express.
One of three “luxury suites” on Belmond’s new Britannica Explorer luxury train.
Source: Belmond
Prices start from £5,800 ($7,460) per person for a three-night trip. This includes excursions, meals and beverages, including alcoholic beverages, according to company representatives.
The new trains are scheduled to enter service in July 2025.
Gallery Tour and “Swim in the Wild”
The train consists of 18 cabins, including 15 suites and 3 “deluxe suites”, as well as a bar and dining car and a “wellness suite”.
The train’s bar carriage is said to have been inspired by a Victorian apothecary.
Source: Belmond
The meals have been designed by British chef Simon Rogan, a key figure in the UK’s farm-to-table movement and head of the Cumbria restaurant. Michelin three-star L’Enclume restaurant. Belmond said the menu will include seasonal and sustainable ingredients from across the UK.
There is a spa or “wellness suite” on the train.
Source: Belmond
During the day, visitors will stop to visit national parks, take guided hikes and “wild swim” in the Lake District, the company said.
The route to the English Lake District passes through England’s idyllic Cotswolds region, stopping at two-Michelin-star hotels and restaurants Four Seasons Manorlocated on the outskirts of Oxford.