Legendary Belmond Trains: British Pullman, Britannic Explorer and Royal Scotsman

Belmond’s seven legendary trains — including the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Britannic Explorer and Royal Scotsman — translate the Golden Age of rail into a slow-travel experience, with restored carriages, exceptional gastronomy and immersive routes through Britain, continental Europe and beyond.

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Categorii: Experiențe personalizate, Călătorii de patrimoniu cultural

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The Belmond Trains collection brings together seven legendary trains. From the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to the contemporary Britannic Explorer, each train reveals the unique character of its region through its cultural heritage, exceptional gastronomy and distinctive atmosphere, transforming every journey into a true art form.

Belmond’s philosophy is rooted in the concept of slow travel, where the journey itself becomes the highlight of the experience, inviting guests to slow down and immerse themselves in the authentic spirit of each destination.

Notable Facts

The story of Belmond’s luxury rail journeys began with the revival of the legendary Orient Express. Following the end of its regular service in 1977, James B. Sherwood, founder of Orient-Express Hotels Ltd., brought this iconic symbol of the Golden Age of rail travel back to life.
After an extensive restoration of the historic Pullman and Wagon-Lits carriages dating from the 1920s and 1930s, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express made its inaugural journey between London, Paris and Venice in 1982, marking the beginning of the modern history of the Belmond train collection.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express also served as a key source of inspiration for the creators of the film Murder on the Orient Express. Before filming began, director Kenneth Branagh and the production designers travelled aboard the legendary train to capture its authentic atmosphere. The film itself was later shot on a full-scale, 33-ton replica of the Orient Express, specially constructed at Longcross Studios.
In 2014, Orient-Express Hotels Ltd. was renamed Belmond, which today manages one of the world’s most prestigious collections of luxury rail journeys.

British Pullman — Journey Into Quintessential England

Step aboard the British Pullman – one of Britain’s most celebrated historic trains. Its beautifully restored carriages, built primarily during the 1920s and 1930s, are true icons of the Golden Age of rail travel. Each carriage has its own unique story, while exquisite marquetry, vintage lighting, authentic upholstery and meticulously restored interiors preserve the timeless elegance of the era.

British Pullman has welcomed members of the British Royal Family on numerous occasions, including Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, and Prince Philip. In 1954, Prince Charles and Princess Anne made their first journey aboard an electric train.

In 2026, the British Pullman collection welcomed Celia, a beautifully restored 1932 Pullman carriage reimagined by acclaimed filmmaker Baz Luhrmann and Academy Award-winning production and costume designer Catherine Martin. Inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Celia seamlessly blends historic craftsmanship with cinematic artistry.

Designed for just 12 guests, the carriage is available exclusively for private events, offering a dedicated chef, personal butler and bespoke itineraries paired with exceptional culinary experiences. Signature British Pullman Journeys:

Historic Bath – a journey to one of Britain’s finest preserved Georgian cities
Historic Oxford – discover one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious university cities
Blenheim Palace – visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill
Great British Seaside – classic journeys to England’s iconic coastal resorts
English Wine Journeys – gourmet experiences featuring visits to leading English wineries, including Gusbourne, Westwell and Simpsons
Golden Age of Travel – steam-hauled journeys recreating the romance and glamour of the Golden Age of rail travel
Murder Mystery – immersive detective experiences inspired by the novels of Agatha Christie
Sunday Lunch, Champagne Brunch, Afternoon Tea and themed dining experiences featuring exclusive menus created by renowned guest chefs

At A Glance

Cazare: Tables for one, two or three guests, as well as private Pullman Coupés accommodating up to four guests.

Wining & Dining: Seasonal table d’hôte menus are served during brunch, lunch and dinner. Depending on the journey, guests may enjoy three-, four- or five-course menus.

Dress code: Smart casual attire is recommended for daytime journeys, while evening departures call for a more elegant look. Jackets and ties are recommended for gentlemen.

Season: February–December. A journey aboard the British Pullman is ideal for:

Family getaways
Cultural and heritage journeys
Nature-inspired escapes
Romantic occasions
Art, design, shopping enthusiasts
Exceptional culinary experiences

Unique Selling Points

Exceptional fine dining
Spectacular scenic routes
Authentic cultural immersion
Exclusive off-train experiences
Rich historical heritage

Britannic Explorer — The New British Icon

Britannic Explorer is Belmond’s most ambitious railway project in Britain in decades and the first luxury sleeper train in the history of England and Wales.

Making its debut in July 2025, the Britannic Explorer revived the tradition of multi-day rail journeys across England and Wales, which had previously been represented only in Scotland by the Royal Scotsman.

The Britannic Explorer offers a contemporary interpretation of British hospitality, bringing together exceptional design, award-winning gastronomy, art, wellness and the philosophy of slow travel.

The interiors were created by renowned London-based design studio Albion Nord. Inspired by the rugged Cornish coastline, the Lake District, the valleys of Wales, English gardens and Britain’s grand country estates, the train combines natural oak, brass, wool, linen and marble with works by contemporary British artists and artisans.

The Observation Car – is the social heart of the train – a refined space designed for relaxation and conversation.

Its elegant bar, inspired by Victorian apothecaries, serves:

Signature cocktails
British craft gins
Carefully curated wines
Premium spirits

The Britannic Explorer offers three signature three-night itineraries, as well as combined six-night journeys.

Cornwall, 3 nights | Friday – Monday Travel along the spectacular coastline of southwest England, discovering the beauty of Cornwall – a region of golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, picturesque fishing villages and breathtaking seascapes.
Wales, 3 nights | Monday – Thursday Explore some of Wales’ most spectacular landscapes, from Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) to the Pembrokeshire coast. The itinerary includes visits to medieval castles, scenic mountain walks, charming market towns, cultural landmarks and immersive outdoor experiences.
The Lake District, 3 nights | Friday – Monday Discover the timeless beauty of England’s Lake District. Highlights include a cruise on Derwentwater, walks through spectacular landscapes, a visit to Chef Simon Rogan’s farm, and exceptional culinary experiences. The return journey to London passes over the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct and through the picturesque countryside of Oxfordshire.
Combined Journeys: Cornwall & Wales | Lake District & Wales These six-night itineraries offer a deeper exploration of Britain’s natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and outstanding gastronomy.

At A Glance

Cazare: 18 luxurious suites, including: 3 Grand Suites with double beds, 11 Double Suites, 4 Twin Suites

Wining & Dining: Two elegant dining cars – Malva and Samphire – featuring menus created by award-winning Chef Simon Rogan, alongside the stylish bar in the Observation Car.

Features: A dedicated Wellness Suite offering a curated menu of restorative facial treatments and signature massages.

Departure station: London Victoria Station. A journey aboard the Britannic Explorer is ideal for:

Family holidays
Wellness escapes
Active adventures
Cultural and heritage journeys
Nature lovers
Escapade romantice
Art, design, shopping enthusiasts
Exceptional culinary experiences

Unique Selling Points:

Spectacular natural landscapes
Exceptional fine dining
Access to Britain’s leading cultural, artistic and culinary destinations
Exclusive off-train excursions
Bespoke wellness experiences

Your Britannic Explorer journey can be perfectly complemented with a stay at The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel, London, an elegant hotel in the heart of Chelsea. Guests travelling aboard the Britannic Explorer enjoy complimentary transfers between the hotel and London Victoria Station.

Royal Scotsman — The Rolling Grandeur of The Scottish Highlands

The Royal Scotsman is the United Kingdom’s first luxury sleeper train, reviving the romance of classic rail travel through Scotland while combining breathtaking routes with exceptional comfort and service that rival the world’s finest hotels.

Its itineraries travel through the majestic Scottish Highlands, national parks, shimmering lochs, iconic viaducts, dramatic coastlines and historic castles. Days are devoted to private excursions, whisky tastings and visits to Scotland’s grand country estates, while evenings feature refined dining, live music and the convivial atmosphere of a traditional Scottish club.

In 2023, the Royal Scotsman became the first train in the world to feature a Dior Spa onboard. Guests can indulge in a curated selection of signature Dior wellness rituals, including:

D-Elements Massage – a signature massage inspired by the four elements of nature
D-Deep Tissue Therapy – an intensive treatment designed to relieve muscular tension
Constellation – a holistic ritual promoting deep relaxation of both body and mind
Le Soin de Minuit – a restorative evening wellness experience
Express Dior facials and bespoke skincare treatments. The Royal Scotsman journeys depart from Edinburgh Waverley Station and range from two to seven nights. Each itinerary combines spectacular rail travel with private excursions, exceptional gastronomy and immersive experiences showcasing Scotland’s remarkable natural beauty and cultural heritage
Taste of the Highlands, 2 nights An ideal introduction to the Royal Scotsman experience. Travel through the spectacular Highlands while enjoying whisky tastings, authentic cultural encounters and outstanding cuisine served onboard.
Highland Journey, 4 nights The train’s classic itinerary explores Scotland’s most celebrated landscapes, travelling through Perthshire, Inverness, Kyle of Lochalsh, Cairngorms National Park and the legendary Highlands. Highlights include visits to historic castles, whisky distilleries, scenic walks and immersive Scottish cultural experiences.
Grand Western Scenic Wonders, 7 nights A comprehensive itinerary combining the Highland Journey and Western Scenic Wonders routes. Over the course of a week, guests discover Scotland’s most spectacular landscapes – from the Highlands and tranquil lochs to dramatic coastlines and historic towns.
Scotch Malt Whisky Tour, 4 nights Designed for whisky enthusiasts, this exclusive journey includes private visits to legendary distilleries, guided tastings and behind-the-scenes insights into the traditions behind Scotland’s most celebrated spirit.
Western Scenic Wonders, 4 nights Journey along Scotland’s spectacular west coast, where mountains, lochs and sea lochs create unforgettable scenery. Highlights include scenic walks, a visit to the Isle of Bute, tours of historic country estates and opportunities to experience the region’s remarkable wildlife.

At A Glance

Cazare: 18 luxurious suites and cabins: 4 Grand Suites, 5 Double Cabins, 9 Twin Cabins

Wining & Dining: Two elegant dining cars – Raven and Swift, along with the stylish Observation Bar.

Features: The world’s first onboard Dior Spa, an open-air Observation Car, onboard boutique, entertainment during the evening and traditional Scottish Ceilidh dancing.

Season: April–October. A journey aboard the Royal Scotsman is ideal for: