Artful Escapes: Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train
The so-called “jewelry box on wheels” will debut in July
Following a total overhaul of a classic train, the Britannic Explorer—the first luxury sleeper model in England and Wales—debuts in July as a “jewelry box on wheels,” according to Gary Franklin, vice president of trains and cruises at Belmond. Within the Albion Nord–decorated coaches, three Grand Suites draw influence from British botanicals, bringing the bucolic landscape indoors with oak paneling, floral textiles, and an apothecary-like bar, while the other 15 accommodations are outfitted with Luke Edward Hall’s jaunty Rubelli fabrics.
“The design and style of the Britannic Explorer blends quintessential British charm with a deep connection to nature, creating a space that is both sophisticated and inviting,” says Franklin of the train, which departs London and travels through Cornwall, the Lake District, and Wales. “The interior captures the characteristic wit and elegance of British culture, using bold, opulent fabrics, textures, and patterns that give the space a luxurious, homelike feel, with hidden details that surprise and delight.”
Other extravagances on board include farm-to-fork dishes by Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan; an imaginative, Victorian-inspired bar, housed in the striking Observation Car; and a Wellness Suite, done in collaboration with botanical beauty brand Wildsmith.
A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2025 Summer Issue in the section “Artful Escapes.” Subscribe to the magazine.