Britannic Explorer, a Belmond Train
United Kingdom
Britannic Explorer, a Belmond Train
United Kingdom
www.belmond.com/trains/europe/uk/britannic-explorer
TRAIN INFORMATION
Group
Belmond
Last Renovation
Newly restored in 2025, the Britannic Explorer is a modern celebration of the tradition of touring.
TRAIN FEATURES BRITANNIC EXPLORER, A BELMOND TRAIN
History and Story
Fusing the nostalgia of timeless rail heritage with contemporary British gastronomy, culture and style, the Britannic Explorer takes you on enthralling journeys through the cities and landscapes of England and Wales. Prepare to experience a truly unique way to travel, immersed in quintessential British creativity and finesse with carriages brimming with artworks and artefacts from contemporary cultural icons. Departing from London, the train’s choice of three evocative routes take you on three-night journeys through the spectacular natural landscapes of Cornwall, the Lake District, and Wales. By day, join optional off-train guided excursions to explore the rich cultural tapestry, beauty and history of each destination. By night, unwind and mingle in the train’s bar and indulge in the gastronomy of celebrated chef Simon Rogan.
Main Strengths, Special Touch
Welcome aboard the Britannic Explorer, a Belmond Train, where the heritage of British rail travel meets the dynamic spirit of modern Britain. This journey is a tribute to the pioneering history of touring, inviting you to experience a new era of British culture, creativity, and lifestyle as you traverse England and Wales.
From your window, take in the illustrious landscapes of rolling hills, cities rich with history, and quaint market towns. Each route offers a fresh perspective on the best of Britain, connecting you to its diverse regions and organic farmlands.
Onboard, every car is a showcase of Britain’s contemporary design, thoughtfully curated by leading artists and makers. The kitchen, helmed by award-winning chef Simon Rogan, celebrates Britain’s culinary excellence with inventive menus that highlight seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. Enjoy gin cocktails crafted in the Observation Car to complement the dining experience.
Between carefully curated excursions and moments of relaxed conviviality among new friends, the Britannic Explorer embodies a window on Britain in motion. It brings wellness, style, and the quintessential charm of British travel into every aspect of the journey.
Route(s)
• Cornwall
3 Nights, Friday to Monday
Running throughout June to November
London • Taunton • St Ives • Penzance • Fowey • Bruton
A celebration of Cornwall in all its sand-kissed, sea-swept glory, this three-night itinerary spirits us to the far reaches of South-West England – the stunning land of shanties and seafood. From the rugged shoreline of Penzance to the bucolic villages of the Lostwithiel area, there’s something to see for every kind of adventurer.
• Wales
3 nights, Monday to Thursday
Running throughout June to November
London • Haverfordwest • Llandrindod Wells • Machynlleth • Porthmadog • The Cotswolds
From deepest Snowdonia to the magnificent Pembrokeshire coast, we celebrate the best of Wales on this luxury train journey. Alongside the beautiful scenery of West England and the Cotswolds, this getaway celebrates the unique and varied Welsh terrain. From historic castles to quiet villages and, of course, hiking adventures in Snowdonia National Park, a retreat to The Land of the Red Dragon has never been this tantalizing.
• The Lake District
3 Nights, Friday to Monday
Running throughout June to November
London • The Lake District & Derwentwater • Ribblehead Viaduct • Oxfordshire
Experience the Lake District’s ethereal charm, from its mirror-like lakes and rolling hills to dramatic peaks. This enchanting landscape, which inspired the works of Shakespeare, Beatrix Potter and Wordsworth, has captivated hearts for centuries—an enduring muse for literary greats and dreamers alike.
Fun Facts
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Children’s Corner
Children are welcome to join us aboard Britannic Explorer. Infants under the age of two at the time of departure travel free. Parents must provide their own food and a bassinet for sleeping. Given the space constraints of the onboard accommodation, we always recommend booking a Grand Suite for the comfort of those travelling with an infant. The atmosphere aboard Britannic Explorer is geared towards our adult guests. Therefore, it is at the Train Manager’s discretion that children may accompany their parents in the bar and restaurant cars. Please contact our reservations team at reservations.bex@belmond.com to discuss full details and train journey suitability.
TRAIN FEATURES
Cabins and Living Space
• Grand Suites (3)
120 SQ FT (11.2 SQ M) – Sleeps 2
Named after British botanicals Juniper, Valerian and Elder, the spacious Grand Suites reflect the palette of their namesakes, with rich reds, mellow greens and soft blue tones adorning the space. Each individual suite includes a double bed, wardrobes, a dining table, armchair, sofa, and marble-clad en-suite with shower. Materials such as brass, oak, velvet, antique mirror and reeded glass recall the grand touring tradition with detailed patterns taking inspiration from the parterres of English country gardens.
Key Features:
Daytime Lounge • Double Bed • Marble En-Suite Bathroom • Walk-in Shower • Luxury Toiletries • Bluetooth Speakers
Inclusions:
Personal butler service • Indulgent cabin amenities • In-cabin private dining on request • One complimentary spa treatment per guest • Private arrival and departure transfers
• Suites Twin & Double
84 SQ FT (7.8 SQ M) – Sleeps 2
The light and airy Suites connect you to the passing landscapes outside. Guests in the double and twin suites have a daytime and night-time configuration that cleverly maximises the space in the cabin. In the double, a luxurious sofa-bed, perfect for cosying up to watch the passing scenery by day, is transformed into a bed by your steward as evening falls. In addition, there is another chair, a neat fold-out table, inlaid with contemporary marquetry, bedside tables, wardrobes, a marble vanity with mirror, and a stunning en-suite with shower.
Daytime Configuration: Private lounge during the day with banquette style sofa and fixed chair. Night-time Configuration: Daytime seating converts to 2 lower beds (either twin or double) side by side at night.
Suite Inclusions:
Meals on-board • Excursions • Journey guidebook • Belmond Mondes magazine • WiFi • Selection of wines, spirits, beers and soft drinks • Exclusive bath amenities
Chef, Meals, Meals Facilities, Bars
• Malva and Samphire Restaurant Carriage: Take your seat in one of the two dining cars to enjoy everything from a morning pot of English Breakfast tea to a velvety late-night dessert. Each car, inspired by the cultivation of herbs, roots and flowers used across British cookery, is enhanced by inviting details such as woven rattan panels, antique mirrored ceilings and floral lights – providing an enticing space to linger around the table and soak up the ambience.
• The Bar: At the heart of the Observation Car is the Bar, whose design showcases the beautiful amber glass traditionally used for bottles and jars. The material finds a new expression here in a show stopping bar clad with bespoke amber glass discs. Softly lit from behind, they cast a golden glow as night falls. Order an artisan gin, a craft beer or a glass of something sparkling from the bartender and prepare for moments of contemplation or connection.
• Observation Car: The social hub of the train is the Observation Car. Inspired by Victorian apothecaries, where remedies and elixirs were dispensed in aid of healing and wellness, the Observation Car is a place of richly detailed timber panelling that brings a warm, natural feel from day to night. Relax on sumptuous ochre banquettes and stylish armchairs as you soak up the views of the landscapes rolling by.
Extra notable features
• The Wellness Suite: Moments of utmost relaxation can be enjoyed within the calming, warm environment of the dedicated on board wellness suite. Hand-carved wooden walls cocoon you as you sink into the treatment bed. Striking marble countertops paired with elegant glass wall lights reference the fluid forms of the sea. With a menu of soothing facial and massage treatments, prepare to be restored, revived and rejuvenated ready for restful nights and vivacious days.
• Wildsmith Skin: With a commitment to holistic beauty and wellness, Wildsmith Skin, join the Britannic Explorer as our dedicated partner in creating a rejuvenating wellness experience, known for their pioneering expertise in science backed holistic skincare. Just as the voyage itself is a journey of discovery, Wildsmith Skin bring an innovating approach to skincare, infusing each treatment with the essence of nature and science.
• Chef Simon Rogan: Echoing the excellence of contemporary culture, the dining experience on board is designed by award-winning restaurateur Simon Rogan, a visionary leader in Britain’s farm-to-fork movement. His three-Michelin-starred restaurant L’Enclume, set on his farm in Cumbria, focuses on seasonal dishes that bring the best of British produce to life. Continuing this philosophy in the kitchens of the Britannic Explorer, Simon’s innovative style inspires the delicious breakfasts, lunches, dinners and afternoon teas that are included in each journey. Look out for exciting local ingredients, specific to the landscapes outside your windows. For your final night, anticipate an exclusive dinner setting the seal on your unforgettable journey.
Unique experience
• Art and Culture:
Immerse yourself in Britain’s rich artistic heritage and cultural legacy aboard the Britannic Explorer. Within this gallery in motion, encounter captivating works from emerging British artists, fostering a connection with the beauty that has inspired generations. Each curated excursion invites you to explore historic estates steeped in stories, wander grounds that inspired literary icons, and engage with local galleries and workshops celebrating the region’s creative spirit.
• Country Wellness:
As the Britannic Explorer pauses its journey, discover the restorative benefits of the great outdoors with bespoke experiences aligned to guests wellness goals. Surrounded by the tranquillity of nature or ensconced in the luxury of the Britannic Explorer, each journey provides an unparalleled sense of relaxation and renewal.
• Gastronomy:
Off-board, gastronomy becomes an immersive journey, from fish and chips in St Ives to refined Welsh wine tastings in Machynlleth. Discover new favourites through Michelin-starred dining or picnics with curated hampers of Somerset cheddar, Victoria sponge, and elderflower pressé. As you travel, gather locally sourced honey and hand crafted jams to bring home, enriching your journey with the unique tastes of each town we visit.
Awards
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