This New Sleeper Train Is the Most Glamorous Way to See England and Wales

14.11.2024 - 13:05 / cntraveler.com / Royal Scotsman

Vintage-inspired train journeys are some of the most glamorous—and sustainable—ways to travel, from the legendary Seven Stars Kyushu in Japan to South Africa's historic Rovos Rail.

As demand for train travel continues to grow around the world, England and Wales will get their first-ever luxury sleeper train next year. The new train, called the Britannic Explorer, launches in July 2025.

It's the latest venture from Belmond, the name behind some of the world’s most opulent rail adventures—including the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in Italy, the Royal Scotsman in Scotland, and the Andean Explorer in Peru.

Travelers will select their itinerary from four epic routes departing from London: Cornwall, The Lake District, Northumberland, or Wales. Each journey spans three to six nights, allowing ample time to soak up the wild beauty out the windows while enjoying the luxurious offerings inside: think old-school elegance with distinctly British flair.

The train’s interiors were designed by London-based studio Albion Nord.

The nature-inspired colors and details evoke the British countryside.

In the UK, after all, the allure of sleeper trains is deeply entwined with the romance and charm of travel’s golden age. Two legendary sleeper trains, the Caledonian Sleeper and the Royal Scotsman, take travelers between England and Scotland, past rugged Munros, twinkling lochs, and vast expanses of the British countryside. One-day excursions are equally sought-after, with travelers eager to climb aboard the British Pullman or the Snowdon Mountain Railway to watch England’s bucolic scenes float by. However, the Britannic Explorer will be the first luxury sleeper train traveling through both England and Wales.

Watch the British countryside roll by from the botanic-themed bar car.

On the Britannic Explorer, guests can choose cultural or gastronomic experiences along each of the routes—think a private tour and supper at Hauser & Wirth in Somerset, guided hikes through the Welsh hinterlands, wild swimming tours in the Lake District, or a stop-off at two Michelin-starred restaurants and a 15^th century Oxfordshire manor, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons hotel. After a day exploring, guests hop back on board to relax in the observation car, enjoy an evening cocktail a botanic-themed bar inspired by Britain’s flora and fauna, or settle in for a treatment in the wellness suite.

Guests can book spa treatments in the onboard wellness suite.

The train’s interiors were designed by a London-based studio, Albion Nord, with intricate detail and charming touches based on British nature. In addition to the bar, restaurant cars, and wellness suite, there are 18 cabins, including three Grand Suites. For the train’s food offering, Belmond has