If you’ve ever thought of boarding a luxury sleeper train in England, then Belmond’s Britannic Explorer is for you. The Britannic Explorer is an absolute icon of luxury rail travel and has quickly become the jewel in the crown of English train travel, especially if you want the best experiences and journeys around England. 

Now, as you might already know, we love luxury trains, especially after riding the Belmond British Pullman train in England and the Eastern & Oriental Express train through Malaysia (which, spoiler alert, was amazing!).

We had the most amazing time booking the Britannic Explorer, and we wanted to share what it’s like onboard the luxury sleeper train, what you can expect from the gorgeous suites and the excursions which you’ll be loving! Plus, we’re going to detail a fair few practical tips to help you get the most out of your journey onboard the train. Anyway, take a look below at our full review and tips for travelling on the Britannic Explorer luxury sleeper train.

Britannic Explorer luxury sleeper train: Key Facts

Being one of England’s newest and most prestigious luxury sleeper trains, the Britannic Explorer is, of course, an absolute delight to experience. Departing from London Victoria Train Station, it’s a train that can take you all around England and Wales, all depending on the route you choose to book. 

Now, we chose to book the Lake District route to experience the beauty, charm and absolute deliciousness that is northern cuisine. That being said, you can also choose routes in Wales, which really focus on the great outdoors. Alternatively, if you’re looking for an art focus, you can head on trips that visit Cornwall. Oh, and don’t forget there may be some new routes coming soon. We’ve heard whispers of Northumberland (castle country, if you didn’t know) and some others to really showcase the length and breadth of beauty in England and Wales. 

Now, being a luxury sleeper train, the Britannic Explorer has suites across the train carriages that are so stunning to stay in. Each is ensuite, and all have the ability to change from day rooms (where the sumptuous bed get put away) to palaces of slumber in the evenings. All sorted out whilst you eat in one of the two dining carriages called Malva and Samphire. 

Whilst onboard the Britannic Explorer luxury sleeper train, everything is taken care of, and nothing is ever left to chance. Even the smallest details are organised, planned and meticulously arranged to make sure every detail is perfect. Food, drinks and excursions are all included in the price, which means you can fully relax onboard. The only additional extras would be to take advantage of the sumptuous spa onboard, which, naturally, comes at an extra charge. 

Read more: What it’s like on the Eastern & Oriental Express (a review)

Suites onboard the Britannic Explorer Sleeper train

So, let’s talk about suites onboard the Britannic Explorer. Firstly, they are beautiful, well-appointed, all with en suite facilities including a shower, toilet and sink and enough room for two people to travel. Like all luxury sleeper trains, don’t expect huge swaths of space in one of the 18 sleeper cabins onboard. After all, your suites are confined by the rails the train glides upon. They are cosy, so pretty and oh so British! There’s plenty of room to sleep, relax in the day when it turns into your day suite, and just chill if you fancy an afternoon nap. We loved them, even if we rarely spent much time in them beyond sleeping within the suite.

You see, you’ll be spending so much time within the dining and observation carriages, along with all the excursions you’ll be doing each day! 

Now, I did wonder if I’d be able to sleep onboard. It was actually really easy, and I slept like a dream! You see, each night, the Britannic Explorer would park up in different stables around the country to rest. This meant the train was quiet, still and oh-so comfortable for a good night’s sleep. Even with the train moving, the speeds are relatively low. This means there are no massive amounts of rocking or sharp bends that could potentially disrupt your sleep.

This is all made possible with Belmond’s Britannic Explorer luxury train taking advantage of slower, heritage and private train lines. These go much slower than the National Rail high-speed train lines which you might be used to all across the country. 

Read more: Best things to do in the Lake District

Dining and drinking onboard the Britannic Explorer train

First off, you’re never going to be hungry whilst onboard the Britannic Explorer. You will be wined and dined with some of the best local dishes, ingredients and wines that England and Wales have to offer. After all, all the dining options are lovingly curated by Simon Rogan MBE and are too good to miss out on!