Britannic Explorer

Britannic Explorer

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About the Train, Journeys, Map, & Accommodation

Itineraries, Prices, & Dates

Contact to Book

About Britannic Explorer

The Britannic Explorer, a Belmond Train, tours England and Wales.

The inaugural departure of the Britannic Explorer is on 04 July 2025, on the Cornwall itinerary.

The maximum capacity is 36 guests.

The last 2025 journey is on 25 November 2025, on the Lake District itinerary.

The full 2026 season is April to November.

Journeys & Map

Three Night Journeys

Cornwall by Britannic Explorer

The Lake District by Britannic Explorer

Wales by Britannic Explorer

Six Night Journeys

6-Night journeys are two 3-night journeys. The train returns to London, where 6-night guests can have free time or an organised experience.

Cornwall & Wales by Britannic Explorer

The Lake District & Wales by Britannic Explorer

Carriages

1 x Observation Car / Bar, capacity for 36.

2 x Dining Cars (Malva & Samphire), with 18 places each.

1 x Wellness Suite, in a Sleeper Car.

1 x Sleeper Car with 3 x Grand Suites.

4 x Sleeper Cars with 11 x Suite Double Bed & 4 x Suite Twin Bed.

All Suites have private bathrooms.

Accommodation

Britannic Explorer Grand Suite

There are 3 Grand Suites, each 120 sq ft (11.2 sq m), named after the botanicals Juniper, Valerian, and Elder.

Each Grand Suite has a double bed, wardrobes, dining table & chairs, armchair, sofa, Bluetooth speakers, and marble private bathroom with toiletries & walk-in shower.

Grand Suite Inclusions

Bellini benefits - Personal butler service - Indulgent suite amenities - In-suite private dining on request - One complimentary spa treatment per guest - Private arrival & departure transfers.

Britannic Explorer Suite

There are 11 Suites, 7 with double bed & 4 with twin beds. Each Suite is 84 sq ft (7.8 sq m).

The steward converts the sofa or armchairs to double bed or twin beds as night falls. There are 2 chairs, fold-out table, bedside tables, wardrobes, and private bathroom.

Suite Inclusions

Bellini benefits - Meals & Excursions as per itinerary - Journey guidebook & Belmond magazine - WiFi - Exclusive bath amenities.

Dining & Bar

Malva & Samphire Dining Cars

Menus by Simon Rogan, with seasonal ingredients sourced from his farm in Cumbria and from local communities along the itinerary.

Each restaurant car is inspired by the cultivation of herbs, roots, and flowers used across British cookery, and enhanced by complementary details such as rattan panels, antiqued mirrors on the ceilings, and floral lights.

The Observation Car Bar

The design of the Bar in the Observation Car showcases amber glass, traditionally used for bottles and jars. There is a wide-ranging drinks menu.

Life Onboard

Wellness Suite

The Wellness Suite has offerings that include soothing facial and massage treatments in a relaxing & calm environment.

Observation Car

Relax on sumptuous banquettes and armchairs as you watch the landscapes of England & Wales roll by.

Experiences

Art & Culture

Be immersed in the rich artistic heritage and cultural legacy of Britain.

Each curated excursion allows the exploration of historic estates, grounds that inspired literary icons, and engagement with local galleries and workshops.

Countryside Wellness

Rediscover the restorative benefits of the great outdoors with tailored experiences aligned to guests' wellness goals.

Gastronomy

Enjoy sampling local delicacies and cuisine, such as fish and chips in St Ives, Welsh wine, picnics, local honey, Somerset cheddar, and more.

Cuisine

The Britannic Explorer presents the very best of British cuisine as sustainable gastronomy, led by 3-Michelin star Simon Rogan.

Britannic Explorer 2025 Prices

Grand Suite from £14,000 per person based on 3-night journey.

Suite (Double Bed or Twin beds) from £5,800 per person based on 3-night journey.

Private exclusive hire / charter prices on request.

Prices shown are exclusive of Luxury Train Club Member discount. Join free, by subscribing to our newsletter.

Belmond applies dynamic pricing; prices change according to availability & other factors.

Prices are inclusive of:

- Bellini Club Benefits

- 24-hour steward service

- All meals in the itinerary (Breakfast, three-course lunch, and four-course dinner)

- All beverages including alcoholic drinks

- Entertainment

- Experiences in the itinerary (tailored options available, additional fees apply)

Britannic Explorer 2025 Departure Dates

* 6-Night journeys are formed of two 3-night journeys. The train returns to London, where 6-night guests can have free time or an organised experience.

NOTE: dates and itineraries are subject to change. Please contact the Club for updated information.

Britannic Explorer Itineraries, Prices, & Dates

Cornwall by Britannic Explorer

Travel on the Britannic Explorer from London to Cornwall (3 nights) though England's scenic landscapes, visiting artistic, culinary and cultural sites of interests.

Friday - London to Bishops Lydeard, Somerset.

Board the train at London's Victoria Station mid-afternoon.

Settle into your individually designed Suite with details that reflect a fresh and vibrant British style.

Enjoy a tasty Cornish Afternoon Tea as you gaze at the passing countryside. Consider a treatment in the Wellness Suite.

The route takes you through the North Wessex Downs and through the market towns of Frome and Taunton.

As evening falls, you arrive at the West Somerset Railway - a private heritage railway.

Why not visit the Observation Car Bar to mingle and sample a signature cocktail?

Then take your seat in the sumptuous Dining Car for a Simon Rogan-created menu. The restaurateur and Chef Patron of 3-Michelin starred L’Enclume is a pioneer of farm-to-fork cuisine in the UK. Anticipate dishes inspired by seasonal locally sourced produce and innovative flavours.

After some inspiring entertainment on board, retire to your suite for a peaceful night.

Saturday: Bishops Lydeard – Penzance (Cornwall) – Fowey (Cornwall)

Enjoy a leisurely brunch as you decelerate to the pace of life onboard.

Travel down to the south coast of Devon, where the train joins the Riviera Line. Hugging the coast, it offers breathtaking vistas of the ocean such as the Dawlish Sea Wall.

Skirting Dartmoor National Park to reach Plymouth, you'll then enter Cornwall.

The route to Penzance is equally picturesque, with sea glimpses as the train courses through St Austell and Truro.

After lunch onboard, disembark at St Erth to explore the artistic haven of St Ives, or continue to Penzance for a guided tour of the Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens. Afterwards, enjoy a private Cornish wine tasting overlooking St Michael’s Mount.

Late afternoon, rejoin the Britannic Explorer, which stops for the night on secluded track overlooking the river.

Take advantage of a leisurely evening to enjoy treatments in the Wellness Suite or convivial fun in the Observation Car Bar before another gastronomic dinner and enlivening onboard entertainment.

Sunday: Fowey - Bruton (Somerset)

This morning, choose from a range of activities in and around the harbour town of Fowey and the Lostwithiel area, rich in ancient heritage and innovative gardens. Options include coastal hikes, private boat tours and other tailored adventures.

Return to the train in Fowey and relax as you travel to the enchanting market town of Bruton in Somerset.

You will visit the world-famous Hauser & Wirth contemporary art gallery for a private, after-hours tour, followed by a drinks reception and an exclusive dinner.

The Britannic Explorer stops overnight on the peaceful private East Somerset Railway.

Monday: Castle Cary (Somerset)– London

Breakfast is served as the Britannic Explorer departs for London.

Arrive at Victoria Station in the morning, ready to continue your day refreshed and reinvigorated.

Dates and Prices 2025 - Cornwall

03 Nights - 04, 25 July. 08, 22, 29 August. 19 September. 03,17, 24 October. 14 November.

06 Nights (with 3-night Wales itinerary) - 22 August. 17 October.

Grand Suite - from £14,000 per person based on 3-night journey.

Suite (Double Bed or Twin beds) - from £5,800 per person based on 3-night journey.

Private exclusive hire / charter prices on request.

Prices shown are exclusive of Luxury Train Club Member discount. Join free, by subscribing to our newsletter.

Contact The Luxury Train Club To Book Cornwall by Britannic Explorer

The Lake District by Britannic Explorer

Travel from London to the Lake District on the Britannic Explorer - 3 nights. The journey stretches from England's South East to the North West, close to the Scottish border.

Friday: London - Keighley (West Yorkshire)

Mid-afternoon, board the train at London's Victoria Station ready for your escape to the scenic North.

Settle into your individually designed suite and admire the captivating details that reflect a fresh and vibrant British style.

Enter the spirit of the occasion with a Cumbrian Afternoon Tea. Maybe relax even further with a treatment in the Wellness Suite.

Your route takes you straight up through the heart of England, winding through Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire and South Yorkshire.

As evening falls, make your way to the bar to mingle with your fellow guests over a selection of signature cocktails.

Then, take your seat in the sumptuous restaurant car for a meal created by chef Simon Rogan. The restaurateur and Chef Patron of 3 Michelin-starred L’Enclume is a pioneer of farm-to-fork cuisine in the UK. Look forward to a menu with seasonal locally sourced produce and innovative flavours.

After live onboard entertainment, retire to your Suite for a peaceful night.

The train stops overnight on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, a private heritage line in the heart of Brontë country.

Saturday: Keighley - Workington (Cumbria) - Penrith (Cumbria) - Appleby (Cumbria)

Enjoy a leisurely brunch this morning as you slow down to the pace of life on board Britannic Explorer.

The route goes through the scenery of the Forest of Bowland and the Yorkshire Dales National Park; then, after skirting Cumbria's south coast, the train travels up the west coast with views over the Irish Sea.

Arrive at Workington, the gateway to the Lake District, in the early afternoon. From here, you are invited to a tour of the Lingholm Estate, a Grade II listed Victorian mansion on Derwentwater Lake, where children’s author Beatrix Potter spent idyllic summers.

Within an exclusive enclave reserved for Britannic Explorer guests, choose an adventure: a row across the lake or guided open-water swimming, a scenic hike around the fells or relaxing lawn games.

Return to the train at Penrith and relax before enjoying another delicious dinner and evening entertainment on board.

The train stays overnight on the Settle & Carlisle Railway Trust, a private heritage line.

Sunday: Appleby – Oxfordshire

This morning, linger over breakfast on board as the train winds along the Settle & Carlisle line, regularly voted England’s most scenic rail route.

Cross the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct and traverse the breathtaking landscapes of the Peak District.

Arriving in Oxfordshire, you leave the train for a short journey to Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Hotel, and the cherished manor house of Chef Patron Raymond Blanc OBE.

An exquisite black-tie dinner awaits in Le Belle Époque dining room, where you enjoy 2-Michelin starred garden-to-table cuisine.

After an evening of refined indulgence, rejoin the Britannic Explorer for a peaceful night in the Chilterns.

Monday: Oxfordshire - London

Breakfast is served as the train departs for the journey back to London.

After a picturesque journey through Oxfordshire, arrive at Victoria Station in the morning to continue with your day, fully refreshed and reinvigorated.

Dates and Prices 2025 - The Lake District

03 Nights - 11 July. 01 August. 05, 26 September. 31 October. 25 November.

06 Nights (with 3-night Wales itinerary) - 01 August. 26 September.

Grand Suite - from £14,000 per person based on 3-night journey.

Suite (Double Bed or Twin beds) - from £5,800 per person based on 3-night journey.

Private exclusive hire / charter prices on request.

Prices shown are exclusive of Luxury Train Club Member discount. Join free, by subscribing to our newsletter.

Contact The Luxury Train Club To Book The Lake District by Britannic Explorer

Wales by Britannic Explorer

Welcome on board the Britannic Explorer at London's Victoria Station for this 3-night journey.

Travel westwards through England to the Principality of Wales, enjoying the train's British flair as the route moves onwards through the heart of Wales to Pembrokeshire's golden coast and the peaks of Snowdonia.

Monday: London - Haverfordwest (Pembrokeshire)

Mid-afternoon, board the train ready for a Welsh escape. Settle into the individually designed Suite, admiring details that reflect fresh British style. Enjoy a delectable Welsh Afternoon Tea while gazing at the passing landscapes. Maybe relax even further with a sublime treatment in the Wellness Suite.

The route is west, past Bristol and across the Severn Estuary into Wales. Following the Welsh south coast through Cardiff & Swansea, the train passes through Carmarthenshire, known as the 'Garden of Wales', before reaching Pembrokeshire at Wales's southwestern corner. Here, the coastline has historic castles and attractive sandy beaches.

As evening falls, why not join fellow guests in the Observation Car Bar and sip a signature cocktail? Then, take a seat in the dining car for a meal created by chef Simon Rogan. The restaurateur and Chef Patron of 3 Michelin-starred L’Enclume is a pioneer of farm-to-fork cuisine in the UK. Look forward to a menu with seasonal locally sourced produce and innovative flavours.

The train stables overnight in the attractive county town of Haverfordwest.

Tuesday: Haverfordwest – Porthmadog (Gwynedd)

As the sun rises, illuminating the breathtaking Pembrokeshire coastline, embrace the promise of a day filled with exploration among Wales's scenic landscapes.

After a leisurely breakfast, disembark at Llandrindod Wells, where a guided hike through the tranquil valleys of the remote Welsh heartland awaits.

Along the way, indulge in a quintessentially British picnic among fragrant lavender fields (seasonal), complete with a curated hamper that celebrates the best of local produce.

Rejoin the train for lunch and journey along the Heart of Wales Line, which winds through the rural uplands of Carmarthenshire and Powys.

Soak up the increasingly dramatic views as you travel north into Snowdonia National Park, known locally as Eryri; a land of soaring peaks, breathtaking valleys and crashing waterfalls.

Tonight, another gastronomic dinner is served on board, followed by live entertainment.

The train stops overnight in the harbour town of Porthmadog.

Wednesday: Porthmadog – Machynlleth (Powys) – Moreton-in-Marsh (Gloucestershire)

Enjoy breakfast as the train leaves Porthmadog, southwards to Machynlleth.

On the way, relax in the Observation Car and enjoy the views as the train travels over Barmouth Bridge. Alight mid-morning in Machynlleth, renowned for its Museum of Modern Art. The onboard Concierge suggests a range of active pursuits, complemented by Welsh wine.

Back on board, lunch is served as the journey continues through Mid Wales and Montgomeryshire, passing Welshpool before crossing the border into Shropshire.

Wind down through the Midlands to reach Moreton-in-Marsh, an idyllic market town celebrated for its charming ‘chocolate box’ cottages.

Disembark for an exclusive party in a quintessential Cotswolds pub, savouring homemade English fare such as Scotch eggs and sausage rolls, sampling local ales and artisan liqueurs and learning the art of pouring the perfect pint.

The train is static overnight.

Thursday: Oxfordshire - London

Breakfast is served as thhe train travels back to London.

After a picturesque journey, gliding through Oxfordshire and the Chilterns, arrive at Victoria Station in the morning to continue with your day, fully refreshed and reinvigorated.

Dates and Prices 2025 - Wales

03 Nights - 21 July. 04, 25 August. 15, 29 September. 20 October. 10 November.

06 Nights (with 3-night Cornwall itinerary) - 22 August. 17 October.

06 Nights (with 3-night The Lake District itinerary) - 01 August. 26 September.

Grand Suite - from £14,000 per person based on 3-night journey.

Suite (Double Bed or Twin beds) - from £5,800 per person based on 3-night journey.

Private exclusive hire / charter prices on request.

Prices shown are exclusive of Luxury Train Club Member discount. Join free, by subscribing to our newsletter.

Contact The Luxury Train Club To Book Wales by Britannic Explorer

General Information

Heritage Railways

The Britannic Explorer frequently overnights on private railways that are guardians of the UK's heritage of rail and train travel.

Britannic Explorer Bookings

Please contact the Luxury Train Club to book a Britannic Explorer journey, or to discuss private exclusive hire.