New Belmond train in England & Wales

[gazthomas]

Did it run today please?

It was "cancelled at the operators request"

 

[Jacob Porrett]

It was "cancelled at the operators request"

Ok no worries.

 

[bleeder4]

In today's Telegraph - "Britain’s newest luxury train has turned into a PR nightmare"

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The jinx afflicting Britain’s newest luxury train has struck again with news that its most recent voyage – a three-day trip to the Lake District – had to be terminated after just four hours as a result of a faulty door mechanism.

All passengers – who paid a minimum of £11,000 per couple – had to disembark and accept that a trip they had been looking forward to for months had to be abandoned. They were provided with transport back to London and a full refund.

This latest issue follows a string of setbacks surrounding the Britannic Explorer, the newest train to be launched by Belmond, the company behind the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE).

Issues to date have included the postponement – twice – of the inaugural voyage, a spate of mechanical and technical problems, hefty criticism of a culinary offering that failed to deliver on its promise of Michelin-star quality, and problems with the water supply to the en-suite bathrooms in the cabins.

The journey currently in the spotlight was the planned three-day jaunt to the Lake District departing from London Victoria just before 4pm last Friday. The first day’s travel was meant to see the train going deep into Yorkshire while passengers enjoyed convivial getting-to-know you drinks in the observation car and a sumptuous meal in one of the two dining cars. Instead, it only got as far as Fenny Stratford, just outside Milton Keynes, where just before 8pm the journey was aborted following the discovery of malfunctioning doors.

A spokesman for Belmond confirmed that the train had been taken out of service pending resolution of the latest problem.

“Due to an isolated new issue related to a door mechanism on board the Britannic Explorer on Friday evening, the remainder of the trip was cancelled and all passengers were transferred to London hotels,” the spokesman said. “An investigation into the door mechanism will be conducted by an independent body.

“Every affected guest was offered a full refund, along with a complimentary future journey aboard the Britannic Explorer. In addition, we are covering any related expenses incurred as a result of the cancellation. The train is currently out of service while our teams work with urgency and care to resolve the issue and enable a timely return to service.”

It’s all a far cry from the sense of joyous anticipation that greeted the announcement last year of the planned addition to the Belmond fleet of the Britannic Explorer, heralded as a fresh take on this increasingly popular form of top-end sleeper train travel and the first ever to operate on routes in England and Wales.

In upbeat mode, the company said it would debut the “unapologetically British, effortlessly elegant” service in mid-2025, with three routes showcasing “the spectacular natural landscapes of Cornwall, the Lake District and Wales”.

The Britannic Explorer is a totally repurposed version of the Grand Hibernian train that Belmond ran in Ireland between 2016 and 2019. Those lucky enough to get a sneak preview of its interiors last November hailed the deft handiwork of London-based Albion Nord designers who, in a break with the classic old-world luxury train style, had sought to combine a modern feel with vintage elements drawing on the natural world.

The euphoric mood carried through to 2025 and a lavish eve of inaugural journey party in early July, which saw a platform at London Euston station transformed into a playful garden space with a star-studded crowd including the actress Keira Knightley and Simon Rogan, the superstar chef credited with being the creative force behind the Britannic Explorer’s menus.

Though the party-goers did not know it, all was not well, and just one day later it was announced that the maiden voyage to Cornwall, due to depart on July 4, had been cancelled due to “maintenance issues”.

A rescheduled maiden voyage – to Wales – set for July 21 then also had to be cancelled due to “technical issues relating to door mechanisms”.

The train did finally embark on its first proper voyage on August 29 with a trip to Cornwall, immediately followed by another to Wales. As The Telegraph’s reviewer on board that second journey, I reported on a slew of problems, including a culinary service that fell far short of the Michelin-starred level promised and persistent failures in the water supply to the train’s 15 suites and three grand suites.

 

[Jacob Porrett]

In today's Telegraph - "Britain’s newest luxury train has turned into a PR nightmare"

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Bit embarrassing really.

 

[RGM654]

In today's Telegraph - "Britain’s newest luxury train has turned into a PR nightmare"

Access Restricted

That appears to be a belated report of the aborted trip on 26th September as reported in post#415.

 

[BillStampy]

In today's Telegraph - "Britain’s newest luxury train has turned into a PR nightmare"

Access Restricted

Not great!

 

[chrisjo]

In today's Telegraph - "Britain’s newest luxury train has turned into a PR nightmare"

That report refers to a previous on-board review. I’d like to read that please.

 

[37069]

1Z10 Victoria - Bishops Lydeard today cancelled - another itinerary not running.

 

[Jacob Porrett]

1Z10 Victoria - Bishops Lydeard today cancelled - another itinerary not running.

Just gets worse. Perhaps a rethink before sending it out again?

 

[fgwrich]

Just gets worse. Perhaps a rethink before sending it out again?

Or some needed time to sort out the door issue which has clearly been plaguing these Mk3s. Not an ideal first season, but better to iron out the issues and have some extended downtime than keep pushing it out for the same issues to occur time and time again.

Can any of our Irish members remember if they were prone to door issues when in regular service?

 

[HamworthyGoods]

Can any of our Irish members remember if they were prone to door issues when in regular service?

They could be prone to door issues yes, in the same way as the 442 which had identical doors could be.

 

[fgwrich]

They could be prone to door issues yes, in the same way as the 442 which had identical doors could be.

Cheers, I thought as much and unfortunately recall some of the 442s being prone to various door faults in their later years.

Interestingly, and a small side note, while they look the same it turns out that they aren’t and that there are differences between the Irish Rail Mk3 doors and that used on the 442, ruling out any possible reuse of the doors across both vehicles.

 

[aar0]

If I’m reading that correctly, the coaches were out of use for 6 years been the last service in Ireland and the first attempts in the UK? Wouldn’t be surprised if the issues are related to their long storage.

 

[DarloRich]

Has this conked out again? Supposed to run tonight but doesn't seem to have launched

 

[Bill57p9]

Has this conked out again? Supposed to run tonight but doesn't seem to have launched

Looking at RTT, the ECS appears to have stopped somewhere between Stewart's Lane Junction and Grosvenor Junction, followed 4 minutes later by the light loco. Did it get dragged back to Stewart's Lane?

 

[Iskra]

Trip North to the Worth Valley showing cancelled on Realtime Trains

 

[gazthomas]

The latest Railway Magazine (November 2025) states all tours for the remainder of year are cancelled to allow Gremlins to be ironed out (my simplification)

 

[Speed Whiskers]

That report refers to a previous on-board review. I’d like to read that please.

I think this might be the review:

‘Another man’s pyjamas were in my wardrobe’: Britain’s new luxury train is not yet worth £11,000

Let’s start with the positives. The Observation Car on board Britain’s newest luxury train is a thing of considerable beauty.

www.yahoo.com

Another man’s pyjamas were in my wardrobe’: Britain’s new luxury train is not yet worth £11,000

Adrian Bridge

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​

Let’s start with the positives. The Observation Car on board Britain’s newest luxury train is a thing of considerable beauty.

I am sitting (comfortably) towards the rear of the compartment admiring the warm textures and fabrics of the seats and banquettes that, as the day progresses, will be the setting for countless cups of tea and cocktails, lively conversation and the joy of new – and old – acquaintances.

I am also enjoying observing the passing scenery – in this case the hills rising above the deeply atmospheric Welsh town of Barmouth and the lapping waves as we head north along the coast.

The 7am “Meditation in Motion” session is about to begin and I am feeling pretty Zen.

Welcome to the Britannic Explorer, the latest addition to the stable of luxury trains bearing the name Belmond, the company behind the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE), and a genuinely new departure both in terms of both destination and style.

The launch of the new train has been keenly anticipated, particularly following the cancellation on technical grounds, not once, but twice, of what was meant to be its inaugural run in July.

The train finally got underway late last week, with a jaunt to the Cornish Riviera. I am on its second outing: a three-day journey to Wales via the quintessentially English charms of the Cotswolds, which set off from London Victoria late in the afternoon on Monday.

I have already had the pleasure of meeting many of my fellow guests, including two groups of friends that have travelled from America. I have even found myself joining in with another group – of Indian heritage – in late-night high jinks and dancing to the sounds of rapper Panjabi MC.

With a starting price of £11,000 for a cabin for two, journeys on the Britannic Explorer do not come cheap – and with what can only be described as a chequered start, would it live up to the price tag?

From the outside, there is no doubt that this is a magnificent creation, a vision of light blue brilliance stylishly embossed with the words “Britannic Explorer”. With a soothing palette of colours inspired by the natural world, heritage motifs and playful touches, the interiors exude class.

So I was surprised when, as I was first exploring my plush-looking twin-bedded cabin, I opened the wardrobe doors to reveal someone else’s worn clothes and pyjamas.

An embarrassing moment, but I was willing to dismiss it as an unfortunate oversight. Soon after, however, I discovered cupboard doors which were tricky to open; a safe that was not functional; plus a heated towel rail in the beautifully-appointed ensuite bathroom that was, at times, too hot to handle. Had these things not been tested?

I joined the convivial gathering in the Observation Car where windows are wide and pre-dinner cocktails bearing monikers such as Pembrokeshire Tide (English vermouth) and Penzance Pearl (Cornish gin) soothed spirits and set tongues wagging.

Much of the talk revolved around the outings of the day. On this trip there was a bracing walk in the Welsh hills (yes, it rained), and a delightful visit to a lavender farm with a wild swimming pond. On another day there was a visit to the Museum of Modern Art in Machynlleth (not quite on the level of the one in New York, but a very pleasant interlude) and a clay pigeon-shooting experience (surprise, surprise, most of the men went for this one). In Barmouth, there was a meditative campfire ritual on the beach.

Inevitably, some of the talk turned to the train itself and whether it lived up to expectation. Those who had never been on a luxury train journey before were genuinely impressed – they did not have a comparison; those who had were more critical.

One pair felt the cabins with double beds were a little cramped; another that the two dining cars, an eye-pleasing ensemble embracing woven rattan panels, mirrored ceilings and striking floral lights were “not very fancy”.

There was widespread disappointment that the train’s spa carriage was not yet ready for service (though there was a wellness specialist on board offering massages) and consternation that the water supply to cabins – mine included – ran dry on occasion. On a train costing this much?

Veterans of VSOE journeys regretted the fact that although there had been indications there would be at least one formal black tie-style dining occasion, there turned out to be almost no dress code requirement (though truth be told, that suited some).

But it was in the culinary department that more serious objections were raised. Belmond had made a great deal of the fact that the menus had been curated by Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan and would be drawing heavily on his farm-to-fork ethos.

One guest complained of portions being “miniscule” and frequently “lukewarm” and expressed disbelief when told the kitchen would be unable to provide poached eggs at breakfast.

I am not a massive foodie, but I have experienced the exquisite meals that are served on the VSOE and these came nowhere near it.

Food aside, the service – while charming and solicitous – was consistently slow and lacked the effortless professionalism and suave sophistication of Belmond’s longer-established rail operations.

“Are we guinea pigs here?” I heard frequently, as it became clear that too many things were not going to plan – or that the plans were still being formulated. It transpired that two key members of the catering team had been unable to make the trip.

A hugely apologetic Rogan admitted that the quality of what was served was unacceptable and that he personally was going to ensure a dramatic improvement for journeys to come.

“We were not fully ready; the menus were not feasible for the facilities on a train and the kitchen was not properly working. But we are going to turn this round,” he promised.

Perhaps fittingly the last meal we had on the journey was in The Fox, a quaint Cotswolds pub dating back to the 19th century where pale ales, Japanese whiskies and English classics such as fish and chips with mushy peas were consumed with gusto, and spirits were raised.

Of course there had been lots of positives: the evening at The Fox being one of them. There had been genuine pleasure in making new connections and sharing a range of experiences, too – good and bad.

I am a huge fan of Belmond and its trains. So are Telegraph readers, naming it the best rail holiday company in the 2025 Telegraph Travel Awards. But I am sorry to report that the Britannic Explorer fell well short of the very high standards that are justifiably associated with the brand.

Adrian Bridge was a guest of Belmond. Lead-in rates for the Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train start from £11,000 (based on a double cabin) and £28,000 for a Grand Suite, including a three-night itinerary, excursions, meals, wine and alcoholic beverages on board.

 

[DarloRich]

The latest Railway Magazine (November 2025) states all tours for the remainder of year are cancelled to allow Gremlins to be ironed out (my simplification)

they are going to need a lot of irons!

 

[Yorkshire09876]

they are going to need a lot of irons!

If the main issue is the doors, perhaps they need to look at completely replacing the door mechanisms? It won't be cheap, but given the prices they charge for trips on this train they really can't afford the unreliability seen so far.

 

[yorksrob]

I think this might be the review:

‘Another man’s pyjamas were in my wardrobe’: Britain’s new luxury train is not yet worth £11,000

Let’s start with the positives. The Observation Car on board Britain’s newest luxury train is a thing of considerable beauty.

www.yahoo.com

There we have it. The preserve of the pyjama wearing classes !

 

[chrisjo]

I think this might be the review:

Ouch! And the reviewer was ' a guest of Belmond. '

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 4 Nov 2025 ==

There we have it. The preserve of the pyjama wearing classes !

I sometimes wear pyjamas. You want to step outside?

 

[yorksrob]

Ouch! And the reviewer was ' a guest of Belmond. '

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 4 Nov 2025 ==


I sometimes wear pyjamas. You want to step outside?

Ok yah !

 

[notverydeep]

Does this review indicate that at least one of these tours has actually fully operated, without being curtailed at some point?

 

[chrisjo]

Does this review indicate that at least one of these tours has actually fully operated, without being curtailed at some point?

I think the reviewer was on the one which I saw at Machynlleth in pouring rain on the 3rd of September, and which did indeed get back to Victoria successfully.

New Belmond train in England & Wales

I'm surprised the punters could see any of the scenery with that all-encroaching vegetation! They were more interested in their breakfast service, as far as I could see. Anyway, the scenery a bit further along is spectacular (see AT units for details!)

www.railforums.co.uk

 

[LowLevel]

Is this train cursed? More or less every time it ventures on to the network there's a riot, yesterday a dragging parking brake as they moved it from Wellingborough up to Doncaster.

 

[DarloRich]

Is this train cursed? More or less every time it ventures on to the network there's a riot, yesterday a dragging parking brake as they moved it from Wellingborough up to Doncaster.

Assume heading to Doncaster for some kind of remedial work?

 

[Steddenm]

Still parked up in the sidings north of Wellingborough as at 12:53 today (12/11)

 

[ChristopherJ]

Let's be honest here.

If the door interlock issue persists after the long duration out of service into 2026, it might be best for Belmond to throw in the towl and scrap the whole Brittannic concept. We tried but failed.

Could Belmond begin a legal lawsuit against Irish Railways (IE) for purchasing faulty Mk3 stock?

 

[sh24]

Could Belmond begin a legal lawsuit against Irish Railways (IE) for purchasing faulty Mk3 stock?

That would entirely depend on the terms of the contract, specifically any warranties given on the condition of the stock and the level of due diligence undertaken by Belmond.