The tracks of England and Wales are welcoming a new standard of “slow travel” as Belmond’s Britannic Explorer embarks on its 2026 season. As the first-ever luxury sleeper train to traverse these specific regions, it isn’t just a mode of transport; it’s a high-design sanctuary that pays homage to the golden age of rail while firmly planting its feet in modern British luxury.
A Moveable Feast: The Culinary Curator
The most anticipated aspect of the Britannic Explorer is its ambitious “farm-to-fork” philosophy. Belmond has tapped Chef Simon Rogan MBE the visionary behind the three-Michelin-starred L’Enclume to serve as the Culinary Curator.
Working alongside Head Chef Alexander Wyn Lewis, Rogan has designed a menu that shifts with the landscape. The dining experience is spread across two distinct restaurant cars, Malva and Samphire, where the decor (think botanical tapestries and oak joinery) mirrors the ingredients on the plate.
- Hyper-Local Sourcing: The kitchen works with regenerative farms to source native grains and regional specialties.
- Signature Dishes: Expect elevated British classics like fermented barley crumpets topped with roasted ox marrow, cave-aged cheddar, and preserved quince.
- The Sweet Side: The dessert menu includes a unique tribute to British trees, featuring ice creams infused with toasted virgin wood (oak, wild cherry, and hazel) and sweetened with natural tree saps.
- The Bar: Located in the Observation Car, the bar functions like a Victorian apothecary. Mixologists craft cocktails using artisanal gins and botanicals that highlight the best of independent British distilleries.
The Itineraries: Cornwall, The Lake District, and Wales
Departing from London Victoria, the train offers three-night journeys that can be combined for those seeking a week-long immersion.
- Cornwall Route: A journey toward the rugged shoreline of Penzance, featuring beach-side shellfish barbecues.
- Lake District Route: Focused on the “ethereal charm” of the peaks, including an exclusive visit to Simon Rogan’s own farm in Cartmel for a gala lunch.
- Wales Route: Winding through the Heart of Wales Line and into Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, complete with traditional Welsh afternoon teas featuring bara brith and wild plum Bakestone cakes.
Design and Wellness
The train’s aesthetic, overseen by London-based designer Luke Edward Hall, features a color palette of “mellow greens and soft blues” that reflect the British coastline and countryside. Beyond the 18 private suites, the train features a dedicated Wellness Suite, offering restorative treatments for travelers as they glide through the Severn Estuary or the Welsh heartland. LVMH
