The Britannic Explorer is England and Wales' first luxury sleeper train, launched by Belmond (LVMH) in July 2025. It carries just 36 guests in 18 cabins — 3 Grand Suites, 11 Double Suites, and 4 Twin Suites — across refurbished carriages designed by London studio Albion Nord with contributions from artists Luke Edward Hall, Mel Campion, and Olly Fathers. The train departs from London Victoria on three distinct 3-night routes through Cornwall, the Lake District, and Wales, with the option to combine two routes into a 6-night journey.
What distinguishes the Britannic Explorer from other luxury trains is its focus on contemporary British culture rather than heritage nostalgia. The dining program is led by Simon Rogan, whose restaurants collectively hold eight Michelin stars and two Michelin Green stars — his farm-to-fork menus rotate seasonally and change with each route, showcasing regional British produce. The onboard Wellness Suite, operated in partnership with Wildsmith Skin, offers facial and massage treatments using biodynamic botanicals, with Grand Suite guests receiving a complimentary treatment. Off-train wellness experiences include riverside meditation, guided breathwork, and wild swimming in the Lake District.
The observation car transforms from a daytime cocktail lounge — with botanically inspired drinks from independent British distilleries — into an evening venue for black-tie gala celebrations. Two dining cars, Malva and Samphire, feature woven rattan panels, antique mirrored ceilings, and floral-inspired lighting. The train uses dynamic pricing, with 3-night journeys starting from GBP 6,300 per person in a Double Suite and GBP 15,300 per person in a Grand Suite. Palace Tours offers the full range of Britannic Explorer journeys with expert guidance on route selection and cabin choice.
Duration3 nights (or 6 nights combining two routes)
Max Passengers36 max (18 cabins)
Cabins3 Grand Suites, 11 Double Suites, 4 Twin Suites
RatingUltra-luxury
SeasonApril to November (inaugural season 2025)
FromFrom GBP 6,300 per person (Double Suite, 3 nights)
Built/RestoredRefurbished Irish Mark 3 carriages (originally 1980-1989), redesigned by Albion Nord
MealsAll meals by Michelin-starred Chef Simon Rogan (8 Michelin stars total)
ExcursionsCurated off-train cultural, art, and wellness experiences included
Cabin Categories
Grand Suite (3 available: Juniper, Valerian, Elder)
Size: 11.1 (approximately 120 sq ft)
Bed: Double bed with daytime lounge configuration
Bathroom: Marble en-suite with walk-in shower
Features: Named after British botanicals. Rich reds, mellow greens, soft blue tones. Brass, oak, velvet, antique mirror, reeded glass. English country garden-inspired patterns. Personal butler service, in-cabin dining, Bluetooth speakers, complimentary Wildsmith Skin spa treatment, private transfers
From From GBP 15,300 per person (3 nights) per person
Double Suite (11 available)
Size: Standard suite
Bed: Sofa transforms into double bed for evening. Fold-out table for daytime use
Bathroom: En-suite marble vanity with shower
Features: Wallpaper designed by Luke Edward Hall. Wardrobes, bedside tables, air conditioning, plush bedding, attentive steward service. Day and night configurations
From From GBP 6,300 per person (3 nights) per person
Twin Suite (4 available)
Size: Standard suite
Bed: Two single beds with daytime seating configuration
Bathroom: En-suite marble vanity with shower
Features: Same amenities as Double Suite. Ideal for friends or family traveling together
From From GBP 6,300 per person (3 nights) per person
What's Included
✓ Included
3 nights accommodation in a private en-suite cabin
All meals designed by Michelin-starred Chef Simon Rogan using seasonal, locally sourced British produce
Wine and alcoholic beverages onboard
Botanically inspired cocktails, artisan gins, and craft beers in the Observation Car
Curated off-train excursions including art galleries, sculpture gardens, guided hikes, and cultural experiences
Onboard Wellness Suite access (complimentary treatment for Grand Suite guests; bookable for others)
Grand Suite extras: personal butler, in-cabin dining, private transfers, complimentary spa treatment, Bluetooth speakers
✗ Not Included
Travel to London Victoria (departure point)
Travel insurance
Additional spa treatments beyond Grand Suite complimentary treatment
Gratuities
Personal expenses and shopping
Pre- and post-journey hotel accommodation in London
The Route
The Britannic Explorer offers three distinct 3-night routes, all departing from London Victoria. The Cornwall route (Friday to Monday) travels through Taunton to England's far southwest, visiting the seaside towns of St Ives, Penzance, and Fowey, with stops at the Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens and the Hauser and Wirth Gallery in Somerset's Bruton before returning to London.
The Lake District route (Friday to Monday) heads north through the English countryside to Cumbria, with excursions on the shores of Derwentwater, exclusive access to the private Lingholm Estate, scenic views from the famous Ribblehead Viaduct on the Settle-Carlisle Railway, and a private dinner at Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons in Oxfordshire on the return journey. The Wales route (Monday to Thursday) crosses into the heart of Wales via the Pembrokeshire coast, visits the food-focused town of Machynlleth, crosses the dramatic Barmouth Bridge, and returns through the Cotswolds with an evening at a traditional pub.
Routes are designed so Cornwall or Lake District (Friday-Monday) can be combined with Wales (Monday-Thursday) for a seamless 6-night journey covering two regions of Britain. A fourth route is scheduled for 2026.
Best Time to Travel
The Britannic Explorer operates from April through November, with the Cornwall and Lake District routes running Friday to Monday and the Wales route Monday to Thursday. Summer months (June-August) offer the longest daylight hours and warmest weather for outdoor excursions, wild swimming, and coastal walks. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) bring dramatic landscapes — blooming wildflowers in spring, rich colours in autumn — with fewer visitors at the off-train destinations.
November departures offer a quieter, more atmospheric experience with misty landscapes and cosy evenings in the Observation Car. The train uses dynamic pricing, so earlier bookings typically secure better rates. With only 36 guests per departure, the Britannic Explorer has been selling out quickly since its 2025 launch — booking several months in advance is essential, especially for Grand Suites and summer departures.
How to Choose
The Britannic Explorer is Belmond's newest train and sits alongside the Royal Scotsman (Scottish Highlands) and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (pan-European) in the Belmond fleet. While the Royal Scotsman offers a traditional Scottish experience with whisky tastings and Highland estates, the Britannic Explorer takes a distinctly modern approach: contemporary British design, farm-to-fork Michelin-starred dining, and an integrated wellness program with onboard spa treatments.
At GBP 6,300 per person for 3 nights in a Double Suite, the Britannic Explorer is priced similarly to many luxury train experiences worldwide. The Grand Suites at GBP 15,300 per person offer butler service, private transfers, complimentary spa, and the most spacious accommodation — comparable in exclusivity to the VSOE Grand Suites but with a wellness-forward, modern British aesthetic rather than Art Deco heritage. For travelers wanting to explore England and Wales by luxury rail, the Britannic Explorer is currently the only option, making it a genuinely unique experience. Palace Tours can advise on combining it with other Belmond trains or European rail journeys.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Britannic Explorer cost?
Prices start from GBP 6,300 per person for a 3-night journey in a Double or Twin Suite, and GBP 15,300 per person for a Grand Suite. Single occupancy is double the per-person rate. The train uses dynamic pricing, so fares may vary by date and demand.
What routes does the Britannic Explorer run?
Three 3-night routes from London Victoria: Cornwall (via St Ives, Penzance, Fowey), the Lake District (via Derwentwater, Ribblehead Viaduct), and Wales (via Pembrokeshire, Machynlleth, Barmouth Bridge, Cotswolds). Cornwall and Lake District run Friday-Monday; Wales runs Monday-Thursday, allowing 6-night combinations.
Who is the chef on the Britannic Explorer?
Simon Rogan, a pioneer of Britain's farm-to-fork movement whose restaurants collectively hold eight Michelin stars and two Michelin Green stars. Each route features route-specific menus using seasonal, locally sourced British produce.
Is there a spa on the Britannic Explorer?
Yes. The onboard Wellness Suite is operated in partnership with Wildsmith Skin, offering facial and massage treatments using biodynamic botanicals. Grand Suite guests receive a complimentary treatment. Off-train wellness experiences include wild swimming, guided meditation, and breathwork sessions.
How many passengers does the Britannic Explorer carry?
Just 36 guests in 18 cabins: 3 Grand Suites (named Juniper, Valerian, Elder), 11 Double Suites, and 4 Twin Suites. All cabins have en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and steward service.
What is included in the Britannic Explorer price?
All meals by Chef Simon Rogan, wine and alcoholic beverages onboard, curated off-train excursions, access to the Wellness Suite, a black-tie gala evening, and steward service. Grand Suites add butler service, private transfers, in-cabin dining, and a complimentary spa treatment.
Can I combine two Britannic Explorer routes?
Yes. The Cornwall and Lake District routes run Friday-Monday, while Wales runs Monday-Thursday. You can book back-to-back for a seamless 6-night journey covering two regions of Britain.
When does the Britannic Explorer operate?
April through November, with multiple departures per month on each route. A fourth route is planned for 2026. The inaugural season began in July 2025.
Booking Advice
The Britannic Explorer has generated strong demand since its November 2024 announcement, with many 2025 departures selling out before the inaugural voyage. With only 18 cabins per departure, early booking is essential. We recommend securing your preferred dates 4 to 6 months in advance, and further ahead for Grand Suites and peak summer departures.
When choosing your route, consider that Cornwall offers coastal scenery and contemporary art, the Lake District delivers dramatic mountain and lake landscapes with literary heritage, and Wales provides the most off-the-beaten-path experience with rugged countryside and emerging food culture. For the most complete experience, combine two routes into a 6-night journey. The Grand Suite upgrade (GBP 15,300 vs. GBP 6,300) delivers a substantially different experience: butler service, private transfers, complimentary spa treatment, and the most spacious cabin. Palace Tours can check availability across all routes and dates. Contact us at 786-408-0610 or travel@palacetours.com.
Why Book with Palace Tours
Access to all Britannic Explorer routes, cabin types, and departure dates
Expert guidance on route selection and combining 3-night journeys into 6-night itineraries
Ability to pair the Britannic Explorer with the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Royal Scotsman, or European rail journeys
Competitive pricing with exclusive Palace Tours add-on packages
Personalized travel planning from first inquiry through journey completion
Dedicated specialists accessible by phone, email, and WhatsApp
