A royal treatment on rails is coming to England and Wales.
This week Belmond announced plans for the Britannic Explorer, a Belmond Train — set to be the first luxury sleeper train in England in Wales when it debuts in July of next year. The Britannic Explorer will depart from London Victoria Station on three-night voyages through Cornwall, the Lake District and Wales. The Cornwall and Lake District routes will run from Friday to Monday, while the Wales route runs from Monday to Thursday, enabling riders to splurge and combine two journeys into one.
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“I am incredibly proud to launch this revolutionary new train, which further enhances Belmond’s global portfolio of market-leading luxury rail experiences,” Gary Franklin, Belmond’s vice president of trains and cruises, said in a statement. “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.”
The Britannic Explorer will feature 18 cabins, including three grand suites and 15 suites, all of which pay homage to Britain’s natural beauty. Guests will be able to enjoy off-train guided excursions by day, including a private tour and dinner at the renowned Hauser & Wirth Somerset arts center or guided hikes through Wales and swimming in the Lake District.
The Britannic Explorer’s fine dining experiences will be curated by chef Simon Rogan, whose restaurants hold a combined eight Michelin stars. An on-board wellness suite will offer various spa therapies and treatments while the bar and restaurant cars will keep guests fabulously well-fed and hydrated. The Victorian apothecary-styled bar car will serve up botanically inspired cocktails as well as artisan gins and craft beers from the U.K.’s independent distilleries and breweries.
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“For me, true luxury lies in humble ingredients, grown with care, respect for their surroundings, and harvested at their peak,” Rogan said in a statement. “Across all my restaurants, my dishes are defined by local, often home-grown produce, and by partnering with British growers and suppliers who share our deep connection to the land and its natural elements. This philosophy allows our food to resonate with the environment from which it originates.”
“I am very excited to bring this approach to the launch of the Britannic Explorer, where each plate will reflect Britain’s diverse landscapes. I hope every passenger not only enjoys the flavors but also feels a connection between the dishes and the journey, making their time on board truly memorable.”
While the train might be the first overnight sleeper in England, Belmond already operates the Royal Scotsman in Scotland. Further, the company has the British Pullman day train for luxe dining-on-rails adventures through the English countryside.
Rates aboard the Britannic Explorer start at 11,000 British pounds ($13,959) based on a double cabin, which includes the three-night itinerary, excursions, meals, wine and alcoholic beverages on board.
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