Belmond’s First Luxury Sleeper Train, The Britannic Explorer Journeys To The New Frontier Of Slow Travel

The first sleeper train designed like a luxury British home, aptly named Britannic Explorer, pays homage to the Great British Rail heritage with contemporary British gastronomy, culture, and style.

  • 21 Jan '25
  • 11:26 am by Satarupa Datta

In a world that’s always rushing, ‘Trains by Belmond’ offers a refreshing antidote—slow travel that invites you to savour the journey just as much as the destination. This summer, the iconic brand launches ‘The Britannic Explorer,’ a luxury sleeper train that combines history, design, and unparalleled comfort to create an experience unlike any other. Starting its journey from London’s Victoria Station, the train is poised to become a must-do for those seeking a deeply immersive and indulgent escape through the heart of Great Britain.

 

Let’s talk design. The British Pullman, a beloved classic in the Belmond fleet, exudes the glamour of the Art Deco era, with its gleaming brass, polished wood, and rich velvet seating. It’s like stepping into a golden age of travel where elegance reigns supreme. Meanwhile, the ‘Royal Scotsman’ gives you a taste of Scotland’s soul. The interiors, adorned with luxurious Scottish textiles and warm wood panelling, bring the rugged beauty of the Highlands indoors, while the onboard whiskey bar ensures that every mile feels like a celebration.

 

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The green striped wallpaper of the grand suites that match the headboard adds another dimension to the design besides its connection to nature. (Image Credit: Belmond)

 

Gushing with Style This British Design Is The Perfect Union of Tradition and Modernity

This new addition to Belmond’s collection doesn’t just offer plush interiors and fine dining; it’s a fusion of heritage and innovation. The train’s collaboration with Albion Nord, a British design studio known for its forward-thinking aesthetic, brings a fresh, contemporary edge to classic British luxury. Expect a design that marries antique finds with bespoke, modern touches, giving the space a quintessentially British vibe that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly current.

 

Think botanical prints, lime oak joinery, and trellis-inspired mirror ceilings. Textures and patterns culminate in a space as layered and inviting as a luxurious British home. Add in marble tables that gleam under soft lighting with plush couches that invite you to sink in and unwind.


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The double cabins feature a green colour scheme with artwork on the wall by the English designer Luke Edward Hall. The railway station clock is a tribute to Britain’s pioneering legacy in rail design. (Image Credit: Belmond)

 

Designed by the London-based interior design firm Albion Nord—helmed by creative director Ben Johnson, project manager Anthony Kooperman, and co-directors Camilla Clarke and Ottalie Stridea—the interiors of ‘The Britannic Explorer’ are a masterclass in British elegance with a contemporary twist. Albion Nord drew inspiration from native botanicals, weaving them into the design. This botanical theme is most vividly expressed in the train’s grand suites, named ‘Valerian,’ ‘Juniper,’ and ‘Elder.’ Each cabin and grand suite is a cozy, curated sanctuary—think curvaceous upholstered beds, hidden design surprises, and touches of opulent fabrics that invite relaxation. The colour palette of contemporary hues wraps the space in warmth, while luxurious textures elevate the overall ambience.

The Britannic Explorer is a window to wholesome escapism with routes that transition from bustling cities to serene English countryside. (Image Credit: Belmond)

 

The powder room and wellness suite offer their moments of beauty, showcasing unique shell art by Mel Campion inspired by marine plants. Here, a soothing blue palette, stylish marble countertops, and flooring that mimics fossilized limestone create a calming, yet chic, retreat. Luke Edward Hall’s artworks, scattered across the cabin suites, evoke the serenity of the English countryside while nodding to European art history’s aesthetic movements. Though undeniably English in their charm and elegance, the interiors are also inspired by the landscapes passengers may encounter on their travels. Earthy tones and green accents echo the countryside views, blending the inside with the out.

 

Curated antiques and historical elements add a layer of English heritage while inviting new experiences—each detail is designed to surprise and delight, ensuring the journey is as captivating as the destinations themselves.

 

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Within the observation car, the Bar is a modern take on British design. The picture windows connect one to the plush surroundings adding the timeless romance of train travel. (Image Credit: Belmond)

 

Journeys That Take To Britain’s Most Picturesque Places

 Onboard, passengers will enjoy two elegant restaurant cars, each offering gourmet meals that highlight the best of British cuisine. There’s also a stylish bar where botanical cocktails are the star, offering a playful twist on classic concoctions. For those who prefer privacy, the train features 18 beautifully appointed cabins, including three spacious grand suites that offer the ultimate comfort and style.  

 The Britannic Explorer presents the ultimate itinerary to embrace the breathtaking beauty and diversity of the English and Welsh countryside. One can choose from its selection of five well-crafted itineraries which include the varied Welsh terrain, from the wild beauty of Snowdonia to Pembrokeshire coast; a Lake District experience that culminates in Michelin star dining in Oxfordshire; Cornwall’s sun-kissed beaches that could rival the Caribbean. The remaining two itineraries carry on for six days – each combining the charms of Cornwall and Wales against the stunning landscapes of the Lake District. These are ideal for an inspiring luxury weekend escape from London or a spirited mid-week celebration as they include a Belmond luxury stay, fine dining and offboard excursions.


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The vivid botanical printed fabrics and the green colour tone of the restaurant car transport diners to blooming wildflower meadows of the English summer.  (Image Credit: Belmond)

 

Dining on the Rails: The Art of Contemporary British Gastronomy and Etiquette

​​One can indulge in the luxuries of in-cabin private dining, where a dedicated butler caters to your every need. Alternatively, an enchanting ambience of car restaurants awaits as they run over to their destination anew. Its decor is inspired by the rich greenery of Great Britain, creating a backdrop for unforgettable lunches and dinners. 

From a charming afternoon tea to an exquisite evening meal crafted by the renowned Chef Simon Rogan, each dish celebrates local provenance and produce, which is perfectly paired with select biodynamic wines that represent the cutting edge of English viticulture. The bar within the observation car is another sought-after hangout to savour bespoke cocktails, teas and non-alcoholic drinks inspired by Victorian apothecaries. A 3-day journey with a double cabin starts at 11000 pounds —all inclusive of meals, wine, and beverages onboard. 

 

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Whether you’re setting out to explore the winding lanes of the English countryside, the striking architecture of Edinburgh, or the awe-inspiring beauty of the Scottish Highlands, The Britannic Explorer is more than just a train ride—it’s a journey that celebrates the best of British culture, design, and hospitality. It’s a timeless escape in an age where speed often steals the spotlight, reminding us that sometimes the most unforgettable experiences are the ones that invite us to slow down.