Overview
Belmond Britannic Explorer, the first-ever luxury sleeper train in England and Wales, honors Britain’s tradition of rail travel by embracing slow travel and preserving the nation’s rail heritage, while introducing a modern focus on culture, creativity, fine dining, and style.
The train is operated by Belmond, the company behind the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Royal Scotsman, Andean Explorer and several other of our World’s Top 25 Trains®. IRT Travelers wondering what happened to the Belmond Grand Hibernian need wonder no more. If you loved the Grand Hibernian, you’ll be thrilled with this new drastic makeover.
Belmond Britannic Explorer offers three-night round-trip journeys, departing from London Victoria on Fridays and Mondays, on three scenic routes: Cornwall, the Lake District, and Wales. Or, these trips can be combined for a 6-night journey.
The train features eight elegantly designed carriages with 18 cabins, including Grand Suites, Suite Twins, and Suite Doubles. Guests can enjoy a bar car, a spa, and two dining cars, each thoughtfully crafted to enhance the travel experience.
Accommodations
The Belmond Britannic Explorer’s five sleeping cars are a mix of modern luxury and traditional design. The train can accommodate up to 36 guests among 18 luxurious suites: three Grand Suites, eleven Suite Doubles and four Suite Twins.
Grand Suites
Named after botanicals Juniper, Valerian and Elder, the Grand Suites are 120 square feet each and feature a large fixed double bed, living area that includes a wardrobe, a dining table, armchair, sofa, and marble-clad en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower.
Grand Suite guests will enjoy luxurious perks, such as personal butler service, in-cabin dining on request, private arrival and departure transfers, and one complimentary spa treatment in the Wellness Suite per guest.
Suites Twin/Double
Suites are 84 square feet with separate daytime and night-time configurations. By day, Suites are configured with comfortable seating. In the evening, seating is converted to one double bed or two twin beds. Suites also include a moveable chair, fold-out table, bedside tables, wardrobes, marble vanity with mirror, and en-suite bathroom with shower.
Single Travelers: The train does not have Single cabins. Guests can book a cabin for single occupancy. A single supplement would apply.
Dining
The Britannic Explorer has two dining cars, Malva and Samphire. They are inspired by the herbs, roots and flowers used in British cuisine and are enhanced by the stunning woven rattan panels, mirrored ceilings, and floral lights. Each dining car seats up to 18 guests.
The menus on board the train are crafted by three-Michelin star Chef Simon Rogan, a pioneer in Britain’s farm-to-table movement. Rogan’s menus spotlight seasonal, sustainable ingredients sourced from local areas, showcasing the rich variety of Britain’s regions. Each of the three routes offers unique afternoon tea, lunch, and dinner menus, featuring the finest local specialties to ensure every meal reflects Britain’s culinary heritage.
Observation Car
The heart of the train’s social scene is the Observation Car, inspired by Victorian apothecaries where remedies and elixirs once promoted healing and wellness. With its detailed timber paneling, the Observation Car offers a warm, natural ambiance from day to night. Guests can unwind on plush ochre banquettes and chic armchairs, enjoying the passing scenic landscapes.
The Observation Car also contains the Bar. Here, guests can enjoy botanically-inspired cocktails, alongside a carefully curated selection of artisan gins and craft beers, highlighting the finest offerings from the UK’s independent distilleries and breweries.
There is Wi-Fi available throughout the train. Note that this Wi-Fi connection is best suited for email and messages versus more intensive tasks.
Wellness Suite
Unwind in the tranquil Wellness Suite, surrounded by warm wooden walls, marble counters, and soft lighting. Enjoy a menu of soothing facials and massages that leave you refreshed and ready for restful nights and lively days. (Appointments are usually booked on board, and are additional cost except for Grand Suite passengers.)
IRT Insights
Prices are dynamic and subject to increase based on cabin and availability. For the best prices, book early.
IRT Editors and travel advisors believe the most popular journeys will be the six-night combination adventures: Cornwall & Wales and The Lake District & Wales. Note there are only four options for a six-night journey in 2025.