Latest news with #BritannicExplorer
Daily Mirror
24-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
UK's poshest train with seaside views and £11k cabins suffers major blow
A luxury train journey vowing to 'showcase the very best of modern England and Wales' has hit a major snag following a last-minute cancellation, despite passengers forking out thousands on a ticket The country's most luxurious new train which idles past rolling countryside and golden beaches has hit a major snag - for the second time this month. There's no denying the UK's railways are in dire need of significant reform. Riddled with hefty delays and last-minute cancellations - most Brits have endured the commute from hell thanks to unreliable trains and overcrowded carriages. When you're forking out a staggering £11,000 for a double cabin, you would expect a much better, more efficient, service. However, the acclaimed Belmond has axed its inaugural run of its newest fleet, the Britannic Explorer, once again. Featuring an onboard spa, a world-class menu curated by a Michelin-star chef, and sleek rooms that look like they belong in a five-star hotel - the Britannic Explorer is the epitome of elegance. Earlier this year, the sleeper train unveiled it will be taking passengers on an incredible three-night journey to Wales via the west of England and the iconic Cotswolds. Not only do guests get to marvel at stunning stretches of coastline, lush mountain ranges and unspoilt countryside - they can also partake in excursions such as hikes in the Welsh national parks, clay pigeon shooting and a trip to a luxury boozer. The unique experience, does however come with an insane price tag - with a double cabin costing £11,000. "Highlights on the Wales route include a picnic-style lunch featuring delights like rarebit and leek tart," the company said. "Each dining experience onboard will reflect the landscape outside the train's windows, using the freshest local ingredients to create an immersive culinary journey that celebrates the diverse flavours and stories of England and Wales." The boujee train was due to depart from London Victoria at 3.45pm on Monday, July 21 - but passengers were informed the night before that the journey had been suddenly cancelled. This follows a similar decision to cancel a three-night trip to Cornwall earlier this month (July 4). Speaking to the Mirror, a Belmond spokesperson said the 'difficult decision' to postpone the inaugural journey of the Britannic Explorer was not 'taken lightly'. "During the routine pre-trip protocol checks over the weekend, we encountered unforeseen technical issues related to the door mechanism," they said. "Despite the dedicated efforts of our engineering team, the issue could not be resolved in time, and as a result, we had to make the difficult decision to cancel the trip. As always, guest welfare and reliability of our train operations remain paramount." Belmond confirmed that that every affected guest was offered a full refund, along with a complimentary future journey aboard the Britannic Explorer in 2025 or 2026. "In addition, we are covering any related expenses incurred as a result of the cancellation," the spokesperson added. "Our team worked closely with each guest to arrange immediate alternative accommodation where needed."
Metro
22-07-2025
- Business
- Metro
UK's 'most expensive' train cancelled for the second time this month
Failure to depart (Picture: Belmond) Ultra-luxury train operator Belmond has cancelled its inaugural UK journey for the second time this month. The Britannic Explorer, a 'pioneering new sleeper train', was due to depart from London Victoria yesterday (Monday, July 21) at 3.45pm, on a scenic journey to Wales through the west of England and the Cotswolds. However, the night before, passengers were informed that the trip had been cancelled. This isn't the first time the train dubbed 'The New British Icon' has run into problems. On July 4, a three-day journey to Cornwall – which was supposed to be the launch – was also cancelled. Sign up to The Getaway newsletter Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. While it's not clear why, Belmond did reveal that all passengers received a refund. Associated travel costs were also reimbursed, alongside assistance in rebooking a new journey. Which, for many, was meant to be yesterday. Ticketholders were expected to be drawn from across Europe, as well as Asia and North America. A spokesperson told Metro that, after careful consideration, they had made the 'difficult decision' to postpone the inaugural journey, originally scheduled for July 21st, to a later date this summer. They revealed that during the routine pre-trip protocol checks over the weekend, they encountered unforeseen technical issues related to the door mechanism. Despite the 'dedicated efforts' of Belmond's engineering team, the issue could not be resolved in time. 'As a result, we had to make the difficult decision to cancel the trip. As always, guest welfare and reliability of our train operations remain paramount.' The spokesperson said affected guests were once again offered a full refund, along with a complimentary future journey aboard the Britannic Explorer in 2025 or 2026. Related expenses incurred as a result of the cancellation will also be covered by the company. 'Our team worked closely with each guest to arrange immediate alternative accommodation where needed,' they concluded. The Britannic Explorer has been designed with contemporary nostalgia in mind (Picture: Getty Images) So, as passengers wait for news about the next trip, here's everything we know about the luxury locomotive. How much does the Britannic Explorer cost? Travellers can choose between three and six-night journeys, both of which come at eyewatering cost. For example, a three-night trip from London to Wales, travelling through Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) to the Pembrokeshire coast, starts from £6,300 per passenger. This is based on a Twin Suite. A six-night journey through Welsh and Cornish landscapes starts from £12,600 per passenger, based on the same suite. And for the top-class Grand Suite, it's a staggering £61,200 for the full six nights. What can passengers expect on the sleeper train? The Grand Suites can cost over £60,000 (Picture: Getty Images) The train is a revamped version of the Grand Hibernian train, which originally operated by Belmond between 2016 and 2021 in Ireland. Guided by the prices, travellers can expect to live in the lap of luxury for the duration of their trip. According to the website, the train is 'lavish yet laid-back,' and offers the 'best of British contemporary design, innovative cuisine and wellness.' The train has two dining cars: Malva and Samphire, which are inspired by the English meadow. The menu has been curated by British Michelin star chef, Simon Rogan, and includes seasonal menus and locally-sourced ingredients. There's also a botanical-inspired bar in the Observation Car serving cocktails and craft beer. It's described on the website as the 'stylish social epicentre.' Of course, there's also an on-board spa, where passengers can enjoy a massage while passing through the English countryside. As for the accommodation, there are three 9.6m² Grand Suites available that come with a personal butler. Private arrival and departure transfers are also part of this package, alongside an en-suite bathroom with a marble basin and shower cubicle. Grand Suites start from £15,300 per person. Double and Twin Suites can be purchased, too. These start from £6,300 and £5,200, respectively. Though a private butler is out of the question here, passengers can marvel at signed art by English visual artist and designer Luke Edward Hall. Travellers will enjoy selected routes through Cornwall, Wales, the Costwolds and the Lake District (Picture: Belmond) What journeys are available on the Britannic Explorer? Have lots of cash to splash? The Britannic Explorer offers a series of journeys curated to 'experience the beauty and diversity of England and Wales.' These include the aforementioned three nights in Wales, three nights in the Lake District, and three nights in Cornwall. The longer six-night journeys travel through Wales and Cornwall, or the Lake District and Wales. Passengers won't be stuck indoors the whole time, either. Ticket prices also include off-train activities, all of which showcase the local culture of each region. From wild swims and yoga sessions in Cornwall to mastering the art of pint pulling in the Cotwolds, there are also galleries and rugged hikes on the agenda, too. When it eventually sets off, of course. Arrow MORE: Airline founded by UK millionaire 'parks' only plane — after two return flights Arrow MORE: London's Oyster card prices to nearly double – full list of affected cards Arrow MORE: 'First-of-its-kind' Eurostar-style train to directly connect UK with Berlin and two more cities
Telegraph
21-07-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Britain's most luxurious new train has been cancelled (again)
For the second time in a month, the luxury train operator Belmond has pulled the plug on the inaugural run of the newest addition to its fleet, the Britannic Explorer. The new train – which costs from £11,000 per double cabin for a three-day trip – had been due to journey to Wales via the west of England and the Cotswolds, departing from London Victoria at 3.45pm today. But late last night passengers were informed that 'with a heavy heart' the company had decided to cancel the journey. Train cancellations and severe delays? In Britain? Well, yes, even for this most well-heeled operator – running a trip which, ironically, was designed to 'showcase the very best' of modern England and Wales. No immediate reasons were given for the latest setback, but the scrapping of the trip to Wales follows a similar decision to cancel what had originally been planned as the launch of the train: a three-day journey to Cornwall scheduled to depart on July 4. At that time, it was said that the train needed further maintenance checks before being cleared for departure, with the date of the inaugural journey put back to July 21 and the route changed to the Welsh itinerary. Of the original delay, a company spokesman said: 'The adjustment to the schedule was due to final refinements being made to ensure the train operates at the highest possible standard.' The company had hoped that the maintenance issues with the train would have been smoothed out in time for the Wales departure but in the end pulled the plug on it with just hours to go. 'This decision was not taken lightly,' the email to passengers late Sunday night stated. 'We deeply regret any inconvenience caused.' At the time of the first cancelled trip, Belmond said passengers were offered a full refund 'including associated travel costs'. With passengers expected to be drawn from, in addition to Britain, a range of countries in Europe, Asia and North America, the cancellation costs could be high. Over the past 40 years, Belmond has acquired a well-earned reputation for providing train journeys at the most luxurious end of the spectrum, particularly with its flagship Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE). This reputation was cemented in the 2025 Telegraph Travel Awards when the company – which is owned by the French luxury goods giant LVMH – was named best rail holiday company. In addition to the VSOE, Belmond operates the Eastern & Oriental Express in Malaysia, the Hiram Bingham and Andean Explorer in Peru and the Royal Scotsman in Scotland. What the Britannic Explorer will offer (when it finally leaves the station) Feeding on the growth in demand for slower, more mindful but also extremely luxurious train travel, the company decided to branch out this year with a new train – the Britannic Explorer – which for the first time would offer this kind of top-end experience on routes in England and Wales. Three routes were devised aimed at celebrating some of the countries' most scenic regions: Pembrokeshire and Snowdonia National Park (Eryri) in Wales; the Cornish Riviera; and the Lake District (including the glorious stretch of track between Settle and Carlisle). The train itself represents a brand new departure, a totally revamped version of the Grand Hibernian train operated by Belmond in Ireland between 2016 and 2021. Rather than recreating the classic look and feel of the Hercule Poirot-style VSOE, the new train, largely a creation of the London-based Albion Nord designers, combines a modern feel with vintage elements drawing on the natural world and the creative forces (and materials) of the areas it travels through. The aim has been to create a feeling of 'contemporary nostalgia' in expansive suites and grand suites (all with private bathroom) and dining spaces inspired by the herbs and flowers used in British cooking. The meals themselves have been masterminded by Michelin-accoladed British chef Simon Rogan drawing heavily on his farm-to-fork culinary ethos and reflecting local specialities and artisan suppliers en route. The social hub of the train is the Observation Car, an expansive, stylish space which comes complete with armchairs, banquettes and a bar backlit with amber glass discs inspired by the 'timeless charm of Victorian apothecaries'. Off-train, the trips have been designed to incorporate visits to galleries, rugged hikes and wild swims, yoga sessions by the sea and a range of gastronomic experiences coupled with the opportunity to learn how to pull a pint in a Cotswolds pub. 'We're offering some unique experiences, things people can't do themselves just driving up to these places,' said Gary Franklin, Belmond's senior vice-president, trains & cruises. 'We are showcasing a modern England with incredible artisans, artists and produce.' A modern England with severe train delays too...
Bangkok Post
21-07-2025
- Bangkok Post
The Britannic Explorer makes history
The Britannic Explorer, the first luxury sleeper train in England and Wales, will make history on July 21 for its maiden voyage. The train's interiors have been meticulously crafted by London-based studio Albion Nord, in collaboration with Luke Edward Hall, Mel Campion and Olly Fathers. The eight carriages seamlessly weave British wit and charm into every detail. Bold fabrics, layered textures and hand-selected antiques draw inspiration from the beauty of the surrounding landscapes. Natural materials like wood, stone and wool are paired with earthy tones and tactile finishes. Each of the train's 18 cabins, comprising three Grand Suites and 15 Suites, has been crafted in Britain and offers sweeping views of Britain's rugged coastlines and rolling hills. Whether guests choose to unwind in the privacy of their cabins, rejuvenate in the onboard spa or savour exceptional fare in the restaurant cars, the experience is luxurious. Departing from London Victoria Station, guests will embark on three-night itineraries to some of the nation's most iconic regions: dramatic coastlines of Cornwall, majestic landscapes of the Lake District, and the storied heartlands of Wales. Under 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. Well-being is given equal prominence with a dedicated Wellness Suite, created in partnership with Wildsmith. In Cornwall, highlights include coastal sailing and revitalising yoga sessions by the sea; wild swimming, rowing and paddle boarding 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 in London.
West Australian
09-07-2025
- West Australian
Luxury sleeper train, The Britannic Explorer, ready to run
The first luxury sleeper train in England and Wales, the Britannic Explorer, makes its first run on July 21. Part of the Belmond train stable, it will leave London Victoria Station for three-night itineraries to iconic regions — the coastline of Cornwall, the Lake District and the heartlands of Wales. A spokesperson for the Britannic Explorer team promises: 'The pioneering train embodies modern British identity through playing with history, style and personality to create something unexpected and unconventional.' Within eight carriages featuring bold fabrics and carefully selected antiques are 18 cabins, comprising three grand suites and 15 suites. There's restaurant cars and a spa. The spokesperson says: 'The design draws inspiration from the serene, organic beauty of the surrounding landscapes. Natural materials — wood, stone and wool — are thoughtfully paired with earthy tones and tactile finishes, evoking the elegance of the British countryside. 'The result is a harmonious blend of tradition and modern luxury, where guests feel simultaneously grounded in nature and enveloped in the distinctive style of the Britannic Explorer.' The train's interior has been designed by London-based studio Albion Nord, in collaboration with Luke Edward Hall, Mel Campion and Olly Fathers. + Luke is famous for fusing classical motifs with contemporary vibrancy. He has reinterpreted a Rubelli fabric with a 'whimsical and illustrative design inspired by elements that guests will see along their travels — from botanicals to key landmarks'. + Shell artist Mel Campion has created mirrors for the powder rooms. + Designer Rose Uniacke brings her understated touch to the custom light fittings. + In the wellness suite, painter and printmaker Sarah Woods has captured a calming beach landscape in muted hues. + The dining carriages have depictions of dancing figures by Ed Burkes, and Adam Halls' hand-dyed fabric creations inspired by lichen and algae. + The grand suites have striking panels by Brixton-based Olly Fathers, who is known for bold, geometric abstracts. + Those suites also have Marcus James' intricate multicoloured pen depictions of the landscapes of the Lake District. + Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan, a pioneer of Britain's farm-to-fork movement, leads the dining team. Executive head chef Sven-Hanson Britt will present seasonal menus that feature British produce, with an emphasis on good provenance and sustainability. + There are lots of excursions, from coastal sailing and yoga sessions by the sea in Cornwall to wild swimming, rowing and paddleboarding in the Lake District. In Wales, art classes are offered. A double cabin with the three-night itinerary, excursions, meals, wine and alcoholic beverages on board is from $11,000. or email
