Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train: the UK’s very first spa on rails

From July 2025, Belmond - pioneer of luxury travel, already master of the rails with the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express or the Royal Scotsman - signs a new railroad feat with the launch of the Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train This top-of-the-range night train, the first of its kind to cross England and Wales, marries railroad tradition with contemporary art of living, in line with what Belmond already offers in top-of-the-range hotels, luxury cruises and safaris in Africa. On board, the 18 cabins, including three sumptuous Grand Suites, were designed by the Albion Nord studio in collaboration with artists such as Luke Edward Hall and Olly Fathers. Elegant woodwork, layered fabrics, bespoke armchairs, graphic works inspired by the Lake District: every detail celebrates British craftsmanship. Nature is also present in the materials - stone, wool, wood - chosen to evoke the gentleness of the landscapes we travel through. Two dining cars feature locavore cuisine by Simon Rogan, Michelin-starred chef and figurehead of the farm-to-table movement, and the meal ends at the observation bar.

Wellness Suite, local gastronomy and immersive itineraries

A UK first: the Britannic Explorer includes a mobile Wellness Suite, designed in partnership with Wildsmith Skin. It features five rituals - botanical massages, guided meditations and holistic treatments - inspired by the landscapes we travel through. In this bubble of serenity, slowness becomes an experience in itself. The train criss-crosses Britain's most beautiful scenery on several three- or six-night itineraries. In Cornwall, seaside yoga sessions alternate with sailing outings; in the Lake District, you'll discover the Victorian mansion of Lingholm Estate before a wild swim or a paddle excursion; in Wales, hikes, picnics and evenings in typical pubs punctuate the route. One itinerary even combines Cornwall and Wales for a complete immersion over six nights.

A new way to travel around England and Wales

From London to Snowdonia, from Oxfordshire to Pembrokeshire, the scenery unfolds like a tableau vivant, prolonged by seasonal dishes, gala dinners at the Manoir aux Quat'Saisons and botanical cocktails served at the end of the day. Each journey is also punctuated by cultural stopovers, local encounters and moments of conviviality, in a hushed atmosphere reminiscent of the great trains of the past. A manifesto of English-style slow travel, and a new way of discovering Europe by train.

Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train, United Kingdom

10 cabins, from €12,500 for a double cabin (3 nights, including treatments, excursions, meals and drinks)
belmond.com