If you thought train tickets in the UK were outrageously expensive, wait until you hear about Belmond’s new sleeper train, set to take the rails next year.
A trip on the Britannic Explorer is all about luxury, far removed from the usual experience of cancelled seat reservations and poorly-stocked refreshment carts.
Guests can expect ‘a celebration of timeless rail heritage with contemporary British gastronomy, culture, and style’ aboard the train, the first of its kind in England and Wales.
The Britannic Explorer will play host to fine dining experiences designed by eight-time Michelin star winning chef, Simon Rogan, as well as an on-board wellness suite providing therapies designed to relax and revive.
Departing from London, it offers three-night journeys with a choice of three routes through the scenic landscapes of Cornwall, the Lake District, and Wales.
The only downside? Its eye-watering price tag.
A double cabin will set you back £11,600 (£5,800 per person) for three nights, while grand suites – which are larger and come with additional extras like personal butler service – start at £28,200 for two people (£14,100 each).
That said, everything is included in the cost: a full itinerary of excursions, meals, wine and alcoholic beverages on board.
It’s safe to say that being a passenger on the Britannic Explorer is one for the bucket list, rather than just a way to get from A to B. However, if you can afford it, you’re in for a real treat.
The locomotive comprises 18 cabins in total, all designed by London-based studio Albion Nord with an Art-Deco-meets-British-nature theme.
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There are no basic bunks here: cabins not only feature plush hotel-style beds, they’re decorated with ornate patterned wallpaper, wood panelling and sumptuous velvet soft furnishings.
Each has its own en-suite bathroom too, so no waiting around or having to contend with other people’s mess.
You’d be forgiven for staying on the train, but there’s even more on offer once it stops.
Excursions range from national parks to art exhibitions, with highlights like a private wine tasting in the Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, lawn games on the picturesque Lingholm Estate, and wild swimming in Derwentwater lake.
The Britannic Explorer is the latest offering from Belmond, which also operates the Orient Express, Royal Scotsman, and Andean Explorer, and comes right on time for the 200th anniversary of the advent of modern railway.
Its first trip is due to take place in June 2025, so you better start saving now.
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