New on the rails: Britain's most stylish sleeper train

Step aboard the Britannic Explorer, a luxury sleeper train that crisscrosses Britain with art, cuisine and British elegance on rails.

Looking for a unique getaway this summer? On July 21, 2025, the Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train, will debut on British rails. MASTERS took a sneak peek aboard this strikingly stylish sleeper train…

The Britannic Explorer is the newest addition to Belmond's British portfolio, joining the British Pullman and the Royal Scotsman. Eight carriages, eighteen cabins, three Grand Suites with butler service, and a bar in the Observation Car. In short: you don't have to settle into a train seat with a sandwich and a plastic cup of coffee.

The interior was designed by London-based studio Albion Nord, in collaboration with Luke Edward Hall and Olly Fathers, among others. Everything on board exudes British style and character: from hand-drawn illustrations of the Lake District to shell-adorned mirrors in the restrooms. Even the walls in the Grand Suites are covered in wallpaper inspired by British plants and old maps, a subtle tribute to the landscape the train travels through.

Anyone working up an appetite can count on the cuisine of Simon Rogan, a Michelin-starred chef. Together with Sven-Hanson Britt, he serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea in two dining cars. These are not only a culinary hotspot but also an art gallery on rails, featuring works by Ed Burkes and textile designer Adam Halls. And of course, there's an observation car, where you can watch the British landscape glide by with a cocktail in hand.

In addition to the ride itself, there are planned excursions such as sailing in Cornwall, paddleboarding in the Lake District or a visit to lavender farms in Wales.

A journey on the Britannic Explorer is anything but your average train ride. Or, as Hendrik Huebner, Managing Director of the Britannic Explorer, puts it: "The launch of the Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train, marks a pivotal moment and heralds a new chapter in British rail innovation. The new British icon, the Britannic Explorer, embodies the true spirit of adventure. With ultimate luxury on the rails, our guests will discover a new perspective on contemporary Britain."