A new Belmond train, the Britannic Explorer, will be hauled by GB Railfreight, the leading UK transporter of goods.

The Explorer is the first luxury sleeper service to run across England and Wales, and GB Railfreight will be the long-standing provider for the service.

The service will offer three-day itineraries from London to Wales, Cornwall, and the Lake District, with an additional itinerary planned for 2026.

The Britannic Explorer will have 18 cabins, with three Grand Suites, an onboard spa, and gourmet meals made by Simon Rogan.

The cabins feature a classic British design, allowing passengers to see the magnificent British countryside in style.

By 2027, both the Britannic Explorer and Royal Scotsman (which has been run by GB Railfreight for 10 years) services will be switching from the Class 66 to the bi-mode Class 99 to help reduce Belmond’s carbon footprint.

The first journey of the Explorer is set to run during the summer of this year, with further information available on their website.

“Belmond continue to redefine luxury travel, and I am so proud that we will be hauling the marvellous Britannic Explorer. There is no better way to explore the British countryside than by rail – in a digital age, sometimes we all need to switch off, sit back and enjoy your surroundings. The cabins look absolutely exquisite and I know many customers will be keen to be on the first train this summer!” 

John Smith OBE, Chief Executive Officer, GB Railfreight