Luxury sleeper train launching tours through Wales with Michelin-star menu and spa on board

The UK's first luxury overnight sleeper train is launching next year and it will travel through Wales. Hospitality company Belmond has revealed plans for the Britannic Explorer, a new sleeper service that will glide people through some of the UK's most beautiful destinations from July 2025. The Britannic Explorer will have 18 cabins, comprising three grand suites and 15 standard suites.

Embracing the quintessential British tradition of touring, the Britannic Explorer champions the concept of slow travel. What's more, the on-board menu is designed by one of the UK's best chefs, Simon Rogan, whose L'Enclume restaurant has been repeatedly named one of the best in the country. It has three Michelin stars and was named number one restaurant in the UK by the Good Food Guide.



According to The Luxury Holiday Company, the train will transport passengers to "the golden coast of Pembrokeshire and the rugged peaks of Snowdonia (Eryri)". It says: "Your journey begins in London, where you'll be whisked away into a world of refined luxury. As you traverse the enchanting landscapes of Wales and England, indulge in gourmet dining, rejuvenating spa treatments and cultural experiences.

"From the breathtaking vistas of Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park to the picturesque Cotswolds, every moment is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty and history of the British Isles." Transforming the notion of a staycation into a grand escapade, the sleeper will offer three routes departing from London to either Cornwall, the scenic Lake District or Wales. Each trip will span three nights, aiming to highlight lesser-known attractions, reports the Express .

But it does not come cheap, with the Wales trip starting at £5,800 per person for the three-night trip. Passengers aboard the Britannic Explorer will have the option to partake in off-train guided tours to fully experience each destination's natural beauty, cultural treasures and historical significance. These include guided hikes through Wales, wild swimming in the Lake District, an exclusive tour and dinner at the Hauser and Wirth gallery, and a visit to Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens in Cornwall.

Gary Franklin, Belmond's vice-president of trains and cruises, stated: "The Britannic Explorer offers something truly unique: an opportunity to discover the rugged Cornish coastline to Snowdonia's untamed National Park and the vast expanses of the Lake District like never before." Back on board the luxurious liner, patrons are treated to the gastronomic finesse of Michelin-starred British chef Simon Rogan. Passengers also have the pleasure of indulging in a traditional afternoon tea as well as lunch and dinner selections, all curated with locally sourced and sustainable ingredients in mind.

Speaking about his culinary creations, Rogan remarked: "I hope every passenger not only enjoys the flavours but also feels a connection between the dishes and the journey, making their time on board truly memorable." Post mealtime, guests can either relax in the wellness suite or enjoy some more high-spirited fun at the botanically themed bar, where expertly mixed craft cocktails await. You'll also be able to take advantage of free-flowing drinks at the bar, nightly entertainment and "a picture-perfect picnic in a lavender field".

The Britannic Explorer Wales itinerary Day 1: Board at London Victoria Station and be shown to your "individually designed suite". Have "Welsh afternoon tea" as you head west, heading for Pembrokeshire. Enjoy cocktails in the train's observation car then a Simon Rogan-designed meal in the restaurant car.

Day 2: Wake up in Pembrokeshire then travel to and disembark at Llandrindod Wells for a guided hike through the Welsh countryside to a picnic. Rejoin the train for lunch as you sweep along the Heart of Wales Line, across the landscapes of Carmarthenshire and Powys and towards Eryri. The train will stop overnight in Porthmadog.

Day 3: Leave Porthmadog, cross the Barmouth Bridge and arrive in Machynlleth mid-morning. Lunch is on board as you head to Shropshire, the Midlands and the idyllic market town of Moreton-in-Marsh. Disembark for an exclusive evening at a quintessentially Cotswolds pub before returning to the train for your last night.

Day 4: Return to London Victoria..