Latest news with #luxurysleepertrain


The Independent
08-07-2025
- The Independent
Luxury sleeper train forced to refund passengers after maiden journey delayed
The maiden trip for a brand-new luxury sleeper train had been pushed back in order to carry out final operational fixes. The Britannic Explorer, the first luxury sleeper train in England and Wales, was due to make its first passenger journey on Friday, but pushed its inaugural journey to later in the month. It will now depart on 21 July. Hospitality operator Belmond, which will run the luxury train packages, confirmed that they had to push back the initial schedule but did not go into detail as to why. The Telegraph reported that the Britannic Explorer was due to roll out of London Victoria to Penzance on Friday, but the train was diverted for repairs near Southampton. Its 11 July journey to the Lake District has also been cancelled pending the repairs, the publication said. A Belmond spokesperson told The Independent: 'To ensure we meet our high operational standards, we have made the decision to adjust the initial schedule. 'We are confident that this adjustment will allow us to deliver an extraordinary experience for our guests. Passengers hoping to be on the train's first journey would have paid anywhere from £11,000 for a three-night stay on the train as it traverses through the British countryside. 'We have provided immediate support to our guests by refunding their trip, reimbursing any associated travel costs, and assisting them in rebooking a new journey onboard,' the spokesperson said. The new luxury train is complete with fine dining cars, 18 sleeper cabin suites and spa treatments onboard. Within its cabins are three grand suites and 15 standard suites, where guests can spend three nights travelling from the capital to three different locations – Cornwall, the Lake District and Wales – on journeys aimed at paying homage to the British tradition of touring and celebrating the art of slow travel. Passengers on the Britannic Explorer can take optional off-train guided excursions to immerse themselves in each destination's natural landscapes, cultural offerings and history. On board, guests will indulge in British gastronomy designed by multi-Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan, including seasonal menus and locally-sourced ingredients. Passengers will also have access to the train's botanically-inspired bar in their observation car for a cocktail or a craft beer, or perhaps relax while receiving a treatment or two in the train's onboard spa room. A trip aboard the Britannic Explorer in a double cabin starts from £11,000, including a three-night itinerary, excursions, meals, wine and other alcoholic beverages on board.


The Independent
04-07-2025
- The Independent
Inside the Britannic Explorer: New luxury sleeper train coming to England and Wales in July
The first luxury sleeper train in England and Wales is set to make its maiden journey later this month as it rolls out of London and into the British countryside. Known for its popular luxury sleeper train in the Scottish Highlands, the Royal Scotsman, hospitality operator Belmond has now unveiled a new sleeper that will journey through England and Wales: the Britannic Explorer. The new luxury train, complete with fine dining cars, 18 sleeper cabin suites and spa treatments onboard, is set to make its first journey on 21 July, bringing luxury sleeper experiences to England and Wales. Within its cabins are three grand suites and 15 standard suites, where guests can spend three nights travelling from the capital to three different locations, Cornwall, the Lake District and Wales, on journeys aimed at paying homage to the British tradition of touring and celebrating the art of slow travel. Passengers on the Britannic Explorer can take optional off-train guided excursions to immerse themselves in each destination's natural landscapes, cultural offerings and history. This includes coastal sailing and yoga sessions by the sea in Cornwall, wild swimming in the Lake District, and lavender farm visits and wood-fired saunas in Wales. On board guests will indulge in British gastronomy designed by multi-Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan as the hills roll by. Rogan's fine dining menu will feature locally sourced ingredients, in line with his British farm-to-fork movement, with seasonal menus rotating across the three routes. Speaking about the collaboration with the luxury sleeper, Rogan said last year: 'I am very excited to bring this approach to the launch of the Britannic Explorer, where each plate will reflect Britain's diverse landscapes. 'I hope every passenger not only enjoys the flavours but also feels a connection between the dishes and the journey, making their time on board truly memorable.' Passengers will also have access to the train's botanically-inspired bar in their observation car for a cocktail or a craft beer, or perhaps relax while receiving a treatment or two in the train's onboard spa room. The luxury train's all-British experience extends into the interiors of the train, with designs and colour palettes taking inspiration from the countryside and coastlines created through bespoke commissions from leading designers and artists. Gary Franklin, vice president of trains and cruises at Belmond, said: "I am incredibly proud to launch this revolutionary new train, which further enhances Belmond's global portfolio of market-leading luxury rail experiences. 'The Britannic Explorer offers something truly unique; an opportunity to discover the rugged Cornish coastline to Snowdonia's untamed National Park and the vast expanses of the Lake District like never before. 'We are especially delighted to welcome the esteemed Chef Simon Rogan to helm the culinary direction. His vision brings a gastronomic journey that complements the train's spirit of adventure, celebrating British produce and highlighting the finest local specialities along the route.' A trip aboard the Britannic Explorer in a double cabin starts from £11,000, including a three-night itinerary, excursions, meals, wine and other alcoholic beverages on board.


Daily Mail
03-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Inside Britain's most expensive train - with Michelin-star meals and on-board spa
Belmond has released breathtaking first-look photos of the first luxury sleeper train to operate in England and Wales ahead of its debut this month. The Britannic Explorer, A Belmont Train, offers guests a three-night journey through the picturesque landscapes of England and Wales aboard a service boasting 18 'extraordinary' cabins. Departing from London on 21 July, the train will pass through three distinct routes, Cornwall, the Lake District, and Wales, with each meticulously designed to immerse guests in the region's scenery and culture. Hopping aboard Britain's most opulent train ride doesn't come cheap, with accommodation starting at £11,000 based on a double cabin. But tickets also offer guests a unique, all-inclusive itinerary, with access to an onboard bar, a marble-covered spa, an observation car, excursions and curated three-Michelin-starred menus. Each of the three Grand Suites and 15 Suites have been designed with timeless elegance by the renowned London-based studio, Albion Nord, in collaboration with Luke Edward Hall, Mel Campion and Olly Fathers. All eight carriages exude a refined, timeless yet refreshingly modern ambience, with fabrics, layered textures, hand-selected antiques and touches of gold detailing coming together to create a rich, distinctive aesthetic. Natural materials, such as wood, wool and stone, are paired with neutral, earthy colour palettes inspired by the English countryside, providing a tranquil environment while guests journey through stunning outdoor scenery. Onboard, passengers can indulge in a 'world-class dining experience' across two dining cars, Malva and Samphire. At the heart of the onboard dining experience, 'showcasing the very best of seasonal British produce', is the farm-to-fork philosophy of Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan. Located in the Observation Car is the train's botanically inspired bar, 'offering guests a relaxed, social environment' along with a selection of cocktails, local gins, and craft beers. Meanwhile, a dedicated Wellness Suite, created in partnership with Wildsmith, 'provides a tranquil space for relaxation and rejuvenation on each journey'. The Wellness Suite, designed to emulate a calming beach landscape with muted hues, will also house the first spa experience on a train in England and Wales. Emphasising slow travel, The Britannic Explorer offers guests the opportunity to re-discover the beauty and spirit of England and Wales at an unhurried pace, whether in pursuit of a luxurious trip or a deeper connection to British history and heritage. The launch of the train marks a significant expansion of Belmond's award-winning UK portfolio, comprised of exceptional trains and heritage hotels. The Britannic Explorer's General Manager, Hendrik Huebner, says: 'The launch of the Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train, marks a pivotal moment, forging a new chapter in British rail innovation. Emphasising slow travel, The Britannic Explorer 'offers guests the opportunity to re-discover the beauty and spirit of England and Wales at an unhurried pace', whether in pursuit of a luxurious trip or a deeper connection to British history and heritage '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.' The Britannic Explorer's maiden voyage will take place on 21 July to Wales, followed by Cornwall on 25 July. For reservations or more information, visit here. It comes as Canadian company Bombardier Aviation has revealed its Global 8000, a swanky private plane that flies at Mach 0.94 (720mph). The luxury jet features a full-size kitchen, cinema, beds, showers, high-speed internet and an anti-jet lag lighting system.