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Travel & Tourism

England’s first luxury sleeper train will be passing through the North West this summer

It looks very special.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 6th June 2025
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The first luxury sleeper train in England and Wales will make its debut next month, and will be whisking passengers on magical journeys through the North West.

The Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train, will be embarking on three-night adventures to popular destinations around the UK, including the Lake District, Cornwall, and Wales.

On board this magnificent train will be 18 cabins – three Grand Suites and 15 Suites – as well as an on-board spa, bar and restaurant cars, and an observation car.

There’ll be a fine dining menu designed by renowned chef Simon Rogan (he of three-Michelin star L’Enclume fame), which will showcase contemporary British gastronomy, culture and style.

The Britannic Explorer is promising to set ‘a new standard in luxury design’ and has interiors inspired by British charm and the natural world outside the train itself.

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Belmond’s portfolio already includes the iconic British Pullman, and the Royal Scotsman, as well as boutique hotels around the UK.

Of course, such luxury comes at a price – and a three-night itinerary on board this exceptional sleeper train comes in at £11,000 for a double cabin.

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On board the Britannic Explorer, a new luxury sleeper train in England. Credit: Bex Press
On board the Britannic Explorer, a new luxury sleeper train in England. Credit: Bex Press
On board the Britannic Explorer, a new luxury sleeper train in England. Credit: Bex Press

That price does include excursions, meals, wine and other alcoholic beverages.

Back to the trip itself though.

Journeys will depart from London and weave their way through some of Britain’s most scenic destinations.

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There are optional off-train guided excursions around the Lake District, while by night you can relax in the train’s botanical-inspired bar and observation car.

Guests can experience world-class galleries, breathtaking national parks, and historically rich cities in a unique way, such as a private tour and dinner at the renowned Hauser & Wirth Somerset and on-site restaurant Da Costa, guided hikes through picturesque Wales, wild swimming in the stunning landscapes of the Lake district and a visit to Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens in Cornwall.

One of the suites on board the sleeper train by day and night
One of the suites on board the sleeper train by day and night
One of the suites on board the sleeper train by day and night
One of the suites on board the sleeper train by day and night

Or you can stay on board and make use of the wellness suite, with therapies designed to relax and revive.

Simon Rogan has created a seasonal and sustainable menu for passengers, with bespoke afternoon tea, lunch and dinner menus for each of the three routes.

Speaking of the collaboration, Simon Rogan shared: “For me, true luxury lies in humble ingredients, grown with care, respect for their surroundings, and harvested at their peak. Across all my restaurants, my dishes are defined by local, often home-grown produce, and by partnering with British growers and suppliers who share our deep connection to the land and its natural elements.

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“This philosophy allows our food to resonate with the environment from which it originates. I am very excited to bring this approach to the launch of the Britannic Explorer, where each plate will reflect Britain’s diverse landscapes.

The on-board spa
The on-board spa
Simon Rogan will design the menus
Simon Rogan will design the menus

“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.”

Gary Franklin, Vice President of Trains and Cruises, Belmond commented: “I am incredibly proud to launch this revolutionary new train, which further enhances Belmond’s global portfolio of market-leading luxury rail experiences.

“The Britannic Explorer offers something truly unique; an opportunity to discover the rugged Cornish coastline to Eryri’s untamed National Park and the vast expanses of the Lake District like never before.

“We are especially delighted to welcome the esteemed Chef Simon Rogan to helm the culinary direction. His vision brings a gastronomic journey that complements the train’s spirit of adventure, celebrating British produce and highlighting the finest local specialties along the route.”

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The Britannic Explorer will debut in July 2025 – you can find out more HERE.

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Featured image: Belmont / Bex Press

Travel & Tourism

The New Didsbury Dozen: the definitive list of boozers on this legendary pub crawl

Danny Jones Danny Jones Didsbury Dozen pub crawl - The Didsbury
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Whether you’re a born and bred Manc or simply visiting, ‘The Didsbury Dozen’ is an absolute institution of the Manchester drinking scene.

However, the sad reality of going out post-pandemic is that not every watering hole survived, and unfortunately, some of the original Didsbury Dozen didn’t make it through lockdown. Rest in peace, The Stoker’s Arms (now Dockyard), The Sanctuary (now Head of Steam), The Slug and more.

That being said, while we will certainly miss them, they say every ending is a new beginning; as one door shuts, another one opens — and when we say door, we of course mean the door to a pub.

So, without further ado, we decided to formalise The NEW Didsbury Dozen. At least one drink in each, those are the rules. You can argue all you like, this is the definitive list from here on out, so you’ll just have to deal with it.

1. The Didsbury

Didsbury Dozen pub crawl - The Didsbury
Didsbury Dozen pub crawl – The Didsbury
Didsbury Dozen pub crawl - The Didsbury
Didsbury Dozen pub crawl – The Didsbury

Where else to start but the beginning? Lucky for us, the consensus has always been that a pub crawl called The Didsbury Dozen should obviously start at The Didsbury. Kicking off the crawl on the curved corner of Wilmslow Road, this traditional pub offers little surprise but signals the start of a great night.

2. Ye Olde Cock Inn

Didsbury Dozen pub crawl - Ye Olde Cocke Inn
Didsbury Dozen pub crawl – Ye Olde Cocke Inn
Didsbury Dozen pub crawl - Ye Olde Cocke Inn
Didsbury Dozen pub crawl – Ye Olde Cocke Inn

The best part about the opening two pubs on this list is that not only have they remained literal cornerstones of this crawl, but they are genuinely spitting distance from each other – i.e. just five yards, there’s another old English pub that offers the same as next door, plus a ping pong table. Easy.

3. The Famous Crown

Didsbury Dozen pub crawl - The Famous Crown
Didsbury Dozen pub crawl – The Famous Crown
Didsbury Dozen pub crawl - The Famous Crown
Didsbury Dozen pub crawl – The Famous Crown

Ok, so now you’ve had a couple of pints, you’re ready for the short walk down the road as you begin the first mobile part of The Dozen toward The Famous Crown. What’s it famous for? Coming back from the dead with solid beer, a cosy interior and some mint food to line your stomach for the bulk of the boozing.

4. The Royal Oak

Didsbury Dozen pub crawl - The Royal Oak
Didsbury Dozen pub crawl – The Royal Oak

Had some pub grub or at least a butty from the Co-op up the road? Good. Sod that ‘eating is cheating’ nonsense, this is a long old night and we don’t need any heroes — you’ll all be heroes at the end. Next up, another non-nonsense boozer: The Royal Oak. Small and cosy; beer, wine and the rest of it. Simple.

5. Fletcher Moss

Didsbury Dozen pub crawl - Fletcher Moss
Didsbury Dozen pub crawl – Fletcher Moss
Didsbury Dozen pub crawl - Fletcher Moss
Didsbury Dozen pub crawl – Fletcher Moss

Now we move on to one of our favourites and arguably one of the best bars in Didsbury, let alone on The Dozen, Fletcher Moss. Just 75 yards off the Village high street and offering up live sports, craft beers, plus the beloved beer garden, this hidden gem is just as pretty in the winter as it is in the summer. Iconic.

6. The Nelson

Didsbury Dozen pub crawl - The Nelson
Didsbury Dozen pub crawl – The Nelson

Back toward the high street now; just on the corner of Barlow Moor Road, you’ll find The Nelson. Yes, named after the Admiral and yes, another no-frills boozer owned by Craft Union Pubs. Often serving up Moorhouse beer as its guest and playing host to the local darts league, it’s everything you’d expect.

7. The Dog and Partridge

Didsbury Dozen pub crawl - The Dog and Partridge
Didsbury Dozen pub crawl – The Dog and Partridge
Didsbury Dozen pub crawl - The Dog and Partridge
Didsbury Dozen pub crawl – The Dog and Partridge

Ok, halfway there and we’re definitely into the busy section now: pubs every couple of yards and, before you ask, yes, we’re skipping The Botanist (formerly Pitcher & Piano), there are loads of ’em. We’re moving on to The Dog and Partridge for some classic ale, Pieminister pies, cheese plates and more.

8. The Salmon of Knowledge

Now, this one has changed hands more than the Dozen has changed barrels, but the latest iteration of number eight is Manchester’s second Salmon of Knowledge site, which replaced The Dockyard back in March; it’s been a hit in the Northern Quarter, and it’s proved no different in Didsbury. Try it for yourself.

9. The Station

Didsbury Dozen pub crawl - The Station
Didsbury Dozen pub crawl – The Station
Didsbury Dozen pub crawl - The Station
Didsbury Dozen pub crawl – The Station

Hopefully, you’ve soaked up the alcohol with some well-earned carbs as we’re now at a crucial juncture where many bow out. Make sure you’ve got all your belongings as we pull into The Station. This popular Irish pub has sports, live music three nights a week and a serious love of Guinness. Say no more.

10. The Woodstock Arms

Woodstock Didsbury
Woodstock Arms
Didsbury Dozen route
Credit: The Woodstock Arms

Still standing? Good, because we’re entering the final third of this drunken journey and you’ve gotta walk again. The fresh air might do you good. When you do stop, you’ll arrive at The Woodstock: a beautiful establishment with lots of room and lots of booze. If anything, it’s too nice for your raucous rabble.

11. The Metropolitan

The Met Didsbury
The Metropolitan Didsbury Dozen map
The Metropolitan Didsbury
Credit: The Metropolitan (via Instagram)

The penultimate stop on our alcohol-fuelled trip through Didsbury is The Metropolitan, or as it’s commonly known, ‘The Met’. Once a grand Victorian railway hotel, it’s now a massive bar and restaurant plating up banging Sunday Roasts and hangover-curing breakfasts. But you’re on a mission, concentrate.

12. The Railway

You’ve made it. One more drink and you’ve smashed The Didsbury Dozen. Starting in the Village and ending the night in East Dids, head over the road to The Railway, a simple, British, cask ale tavern, much loved by locals. We don’t need to sell it, you’ll love it too — that’s if you can remember it, of course.

Didsbury Dozen pub crawl - The Railway
Didsbury Dozen pub crawl – The Railway

Better still, you’re only stumbling distance from the Burton Road tram stop. You’re welcome. Now get yourself home, you absolute mess.

And just like that, you’re done. The only question is, did you make it to the end of the new and improved Didsbury Dozen in one piece? We sincerely hope you did and that there was no man left behind.

It goes without saying that you should always drink responsibly and luckily, the idea of The Dozen is you can pace yourself by spreading it out over the day and grab plenty of food on the way — we don’t need any heroes, only good vibes.

We’ll leave you to squabble among yourselves as to what locations we may or may not be missed off and how exactly you’re going to phrase your strongly-worded letters. If we don’t catch you in the comments, we’ll see you in the pub!

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Image — Wikimedia Commons/The Station (via IG)/The Metropolitan (via IG)

Travel & Tourism

Trams are officially coming to Stockport as part of £2.5bn investment package

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant
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It’s official… Stockport is finally getting trams.

It’s been a long time coming, so long, in fact, that rumours first began swirling all the way back in July 2022 when then Prime Minister Boris Johnson hinted at in PMQs, all before Mayor Andy Burnham insisted in October 2023 that he had ‘big ambitions’ to deliver the project once and for all, but now it’s finally been confirmed.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has today revealed that Stockport will be connected to the Metrolink tram network thanks to a £2.5 billion funding boost from the Government.

At this moment in time, Stockport is one of only a few boroughs in the region that’s not currently connected up to the expansive Metrolink network, but all of that is set to change very soon, as Greater Manchester is beginning the construction of the town’s very-first tram line.

While the intention for trams to eventually travel to and from the town has been known for quite some time now, there hasn’t been much talk of timelines or when this would actually become a reality.

For now, it seems there’s still no timelines as such, but at least there’s confirmation.

The confirmation that trams will be coming to Stockport forms part of a lineup of exciting transport announcements this week, all of which Andy Burnham has called a ‘game-changing moment’ that will ‘underpin Greater Manchester’s green growth’ for years to come.

A man has been arrested after reports of someone letting off gas on board Metrolink trams
Trams are officially coming to Stockport as part of a £2.5 billion investment package / Credit: TfGM

Other announcements include the fact that Greater Manchester‘s Bee Network is to become a fully-electric, zero-emission public transport system by 2030, local rail lines will be brought into the Bee Network before the end of the decade, fully joining up bike, bus, tram, and train travel for the first time outside London, and the introduction of new electric buses, tram lines, tram stops, and transport interchanges.

North Manchester, Bury, and Oldham are the areas set to receive new Metrolink stops to support delivery of thousands of new homes, and Oldham, Rochdale, Heywood, and Bury will all be connected to each other via the Bee Network.

“Building on our strong track record, we can now move at pace to deliver the next phase of the Bee Network – creating the UK’s first fully electric, zero emission integrated public transport system by 2030,” commented Mayor Andy Burnham as the funding package was announced this week.

The Bee Network become a fully-electric, zero-emission public transport system by 2030 / Credit: TfGM

“With a pipeline of major transport projects better connecting our towns and cities, and local rail lines brought into the Bee Network, our communities will be the first outside London to be served by fully joined-up bike, bus, tram, and train travel.

“Greater Manchester has had a decade of growth faster than the UK average, and this funding can be the key to unlocking even more growth in the decade to come.

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“It’s a major boost for our own plans to deliver £10bn of investment over the next 10 years, build thousands of new homes, create skilled jobs, and open up new opportunities right across our city-region.”

Featured Image – TfGM

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