There’s something deliciously romantic about rail travel—the kind that conjures up the glamour of silk-lined suitcases and the gentle clink of crystal as the countryside blurs by. With the debut of The Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train set to roll out in summer 2025, Belmond once again reminds us that slow travel is anything but passé. Instead, it becomes a roving love letter to Britain, elegantly penned in polished wood, botanical cocktails, and a curated rhythm that says: this journey matters as much as the destination.

Rooted in the legacy of Belmond’s rail mastery and steeped in the soul of its surroundings, the Britannic Explorer marks the first luxury sleeper train to traverse England and Wales. This isn’t just a train—it’s a movable salon, an intimate rolling soirée where every detail, from the tea selection to the tapestry of routes, is deeply intentional.

Set to depart from London on three-night journeys, the train winds through Cornwall’s raw coastline, Wales’ untamed national parks, and the poetic vastness of the Lake District. Think private garden tours, wild swims, gallery dinners, and dramatic views that shift with each passing hour. Daytime excursions peel back the curtain on local culture, while evenings unfold inside the Observation Car’s bar—a green-hued jewel inspired by Victorian apothecaries, with just the right hint of mischief in its cocktail list.

The interiors—dreamed up by the ever-elegant Albion Nord—offer up a masterclass in modern British restraint. Picture hues drawn from windswept moors and dewy gardens, layered with heritage motifs and quietly luxe textures. Each of the 18 cabins, including three Grand Suites, is a personal cocoon of understated indulgence. This is a world of silk, tweed, and serenity—not showy opulence but an effortless cool that whispers, not shouts.

Of course, no journey of this calibre would be complete without a culinary narrative, and here Belmond has enlisted none other than Simon Rogan—Michelin-starred mastermind and champion of the farm-to-fork philosophy. With a total of eight stars and a reverence for the land, Rogan’s seasonal menus will shift according to each route. Think locally sourced, soulfully plated—each dish a snapshot of the region it represents. A Cornish crab tartlet with coastal herbs? Lake District lamb with foraged jus? Yes, please.

But it’s more than fine dining—it’s an edible map of Britain, and Rogan wants guests to taste not just the terroir, but the stories embedded in it. “For me, true luxury lies in humble ingredients grown with care,” he says. “I want every guest to feel the connection between the landscape and the plate.”

It’s that very ethos—the seamless fusion of place and experience—that makes the Britannic Explorer feel so singular. From the artisan gins at the bar to the private dinner at Hauser & Wirth Somerset, every detail feels cinematic yet deeply grounded. This is not luxury for luxury’s sake, but for the sake of immersion, perspective, and a touch of wonder.

With this launch, Belmond continues to polish its already glittering UK portfolio, joining the celebrated British Pullman, Royal Scotsman, and The Cadogan in a new chapter of British elegance. But the Britannic Explorer is something different—it’s not just a train, but a philosophy on wheels. A quietly bold statement that travel can still be exquisite, meaningful, and very much worth savoring.

After all, in a world obsessed with arrival, the Britannic Explorer dares to make the journey unforgettable. And that is VIVANT-approved.

Images courtesy of Belmond