The Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train – the first luxury sleeper train in England and Wales – is making history on 21 July 2025 with its maiden voyage.
Set to become a new icon, the pioneering train embodies modern British identity through playing with history, style, and personality to create something unexpected and unconventional.
The news was revealed in Travel Weekly‘s coverage of the International Luxury Travel Market Asia Pacific 2025 in Singapore where we were present at a breakfast hosted by Belmond, operator of Venice Simplon Orient Express.
Day 2 ILTM Asia Pacific: Smoked salmon, luxury surges and Australia’s favourite destination
Crafting the new British icon
The train’s interior design has been meticulously crafted by London-based studio Albion Nord, in collaboration with Luke Edward Hall, Mel Campion and Olly Fathers. The eight carriages exude an ambiance and thoughtful sophistication, weaving British wit and charm into every detail. Bold fabrics, layered textures, and hand-selected antiques come together to create a rich, characterful aesthetic that feels both timeless and modern.
The design draws inspiration from the serene, organic beauty of the surrounding landscapes. Natural materials – wood, stone, and wool – are paired with earthy tones and tactile finishes, evoking the elegance of the British countryside. The result is a blend of tradition and modern luxury, where guests feel simultaneously grounded in nature and enveloped in the distinctive style of the Britannic Explorer.
Each of the train’s 18 cabins, comprising three Grand Suites and 15 Suites, have been carefully crafted in Britain and designed to make the journey as extraordinary as the destination. Inspired by views of Britain’s rugged coastlines and rolling hills, each moment is transformed into a visual feast. Guests can choose to unwind in the privacy of their cabin, rejuvenate in the onboard spa, or savour exceptional fare in the elegant and restaurant cars.
Meet the makers
The project has brought together some of Britain’s most celebrated designers and artisans in a masterful collaboration that honours the art of craftsmanship through bespoke commissions. Each contributor has been carefully selected for their distinctive vision and ability to elevate the Britannic Explorer’s interiors with refined creativity and flair.
Among them is leading British designer Luke Edward Hall, renowned for fusing classical motifs with contemporary vibrancy. Working in collaboration with Albion Nord, Luke reinterpreted a Rubelli fabric with a design inspired by elements – from botanicals to key landmarks. His design features prominently on the wallpaper in the Double Suites and the bespoke armchairs in the Grand Suites. The artistic journey continues in the Grand Suites with contemporary panels by Brixton-based Olly Fathers and Marcus James’s intricate multicoloured pen depictions of the Lake District’s landscapes.
Further enhancing the visual narrative, shell artist Mel Campion has created exquisite mirrors for the Powder Rooms, while celebrated designer Rose Uniacke lends her signature understated elegance to the custom organic light fittings. In the Wellness Suite, painter and printmaker, Sarah Woods, has captured a calming beach landscape through meditative works in muted hues. The dining carriages come alive with Ed Burkes’s colourful depictions of dancing figures, complemented by Adam Halls’s impactful, multi-layered, hand-dyed fabric creations inspired by the lichen and algae found in nature, mounted onto the panelled walls.
Together, these elements weave a rich tapestry of British design, where every detail contributes to a journey steeped in style, artistry, and character.
“The launch of the Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train, marks a pivotal moment, forging a new chapter in British rail innovation,” The Britannic Explorer general manager, Hendrik Huebner, said. “The new British icon, the Britannic Explorer embodies the true spirit of adventure. Offering the ultimate luxury on rails, our guests will discover a new perspective on contemporary Britain.”
“Designing the Britannic Explorer has been an extraordinary opportunity to tell a new story of British luxury – one rooted in craft, landscape and character,” Albion Nord creative director, Camilla Clarke, said. “We wanted the interiors to feel refined yet bold, timeless yet unexpected – much like Britain itself. Every element, from the palette and materials to the artwork and antiques, was chosen to evoke a sense of place and personality. It has been a privilege to collaborate with Belmond and an inspiring community of British makers to bring this vision to life.”
Capturing the spirit of a nation
The Britannic Explorer invites guests to rediscover the ever-evolving spirit of England and Wales, whether in pursuit of a luxurious staycation or a deeper connection to British heritage. Departing from London Victoria Station, guests embark on three-night itineraries to some of the nation’s most iconic regions: dramatic coastlines of Cornwall, the majestic landscapes of the Lake District, and the storied heartlands of Wales.
Under the leadership of Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan, a pioneer of Britain’s farm-to-fork movement, Executive Head Chef Sven-Hanson Britt executes seasonal menus that showcase the finest British produce, honouring provenance and commitment to sustainability. Wellbeing is given equal prominence with a dedicated Wellness Suite, created in partnership with Wildsmith, providing a tranquil sanctuary for relaxation and restoration on board.
Each journey is enriched by a curated programme of off-board experiences designed to immerse guests in local culture and the landscapes of each destination. In Cornwall, highlights include coastal sailing and revitalising yoga sessions by the sea; wild swimming, rowing, and paddleboarding in the Lake District; and scenic valley hikes, lavender farm visits, wood-fired saunas, and art classes in the heart of Wales.
To complement the rail experience, guests are invited to extend their journey with a seamless pre- or post-journey stay at The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel, London, located just 20 minutes from London Victoria, an oasis of calm in the heart of the capital.
For those travelling on the Lake District itinerary, when travelling through the Cotswolds, guests can enjoy a gala dinner at the Michelin two-starred manor house hotel and restaurant by Chef Patron Raymond Blanc, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Hotel, Oxfordshire.
The launch of the Britannic Explorer marks a significant expansion of Belmond’s award- winning UK portfolio comprised of exceptional trains and heritage hotels. It joins the iconic British Pullman, renowned for its Art Deco glamour and unforgettable day journeys through England, and the Royal Scotsman, the nation’s only luxury touring sleeper train, offering immersive journeys through the dramatic Highlands and islands of Scotland.
The Britannic Explorer debuts in July 2025. Luxury accommodation onboard starts from GBP11,000 (around AU$22,851) based on a double cabin. This includes a 3-night itinerary, excursions, meals, wine and alcoholic beverages on board. The Wellness Suite will be bookable for guests on each Britannic Explorer journey.
