Monday to Friday 9am – 6pm

Saturday 9am – 3pm

Monday to Friday 9am – 6pm | Saturday 9am – 3pm

Belmond Britannic Explorer

London to Cornwall aboard the Belmond Britannic Explorer

5/5

Departures in 2025 and 2026

3 nights' aboard the Britannic Explorer

all table d'hôte meals, all alcoholic and other beverages

all sightseeing excursions & entertainment as shown in the itinerary

Embark on a luxury 3 night / 4 day holiday departing from London Victoria

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Belmond Britannic Explorer – London to Cornwall

 

Holiday Highlights

 

2025 Departure Dates

Departing London

July

  • 4th July
  • 25th July

August

  • 8th August
  • 22nd August
  • 29th August 

September

  • 19th September 

October

  • 3rd October
  • 17th October 
  • 24th October 

November

  • 14th November

Travel on the Belmond Britannic Explorer 

Welcome aboard the Britannic Explorer, where you’ll experience a unique adventure while being immersed in the stunning scenery of the United
Kingdom. Travel through the beguiling landscapes of Somerset and the rugged beauty of Cornwall, alighting to explore artistic, culinary and cultural hotspots.

This brand new luxury train consists of 8 carriages, including 2 dining cars, 1 observation car and 1 wellness suite.  Each sleeping compartment comes equipped with private bathrooms. 

Prices start from £5,800 per person, based on 2 people travelling together and sharing a Suite Double or a Suite Twin aboard the train. 

If you would prefer a more spacious and luxurious Grand Suite, prices start from £13,950 per person. 

Enquire today – availability is extremely limited.

Your Britannic Explorer Holiday Itinerary

Day 1 – London – Bishops Lydeard

Mid-afternoon, board Britannic Explorer at London Victoria Station ready for your Cornish escape.

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 delectable Cornish Afternoon Tea as you gaze at the landscapes through the window.

Maybe relax even further with a treatment in the wellness suite. Your route takes you through the lush North Wessex Downs, through the Somerset market towns of Frome and Taunton.

As evening falls, you arrive at the West Somerset Railway, 20 miles of heritage track stretching through the countryside across the coast towards Dunster.

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 celebrated chef Simon Rogan.

The restaurateur and Chef Patron of three-Michelin starred L’Enclume is a pioneer of farm-to-fork cuisine in the UK. Anticipate dishes inspired by seasonally locally sourced produce and innovative flavours. After some inspiring entertainment on board, retire to your suite for a peaceful night.

Day 2 – Bishops Lydeard – Penzance – Fowey

Enjoy a leisurely brunch this morning as you decelerate to the pace of Britannic Explorer life.

Your route takes you down to the south coast of Devon, where you join the famous Riviera Line. Hugging the coast, it offers breathtaking vistas of the ocean from towns such as Teignmouth and the iconic Dawlish Sea Wall. Skirting Dartmoor National Park to reach Plymouth, you then enter Cornwall, or Kernow in the local
vernacular.

The final part of the route to Penzance is equally picturesque, affording glimpses of the sea sparkling in the Cornish light as you course through St Austell and Truro.

After lunch, 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.

From a former Victorian water tank, admire James Turrell’s ‘Aqua Oscura’ art installation, seeing the sky and tree canopy in a novel light. Afterwards, enjoy a private Cornish wine tasting overlooking St Michael’s Mount.

Late afternoon, rejoin the train and journey back towards Fowey. The train stops for the night on a secluded track overlooking the river.

Take advantage of a leisurely evening to enjoy treatments in the wellness suite or fun in the bar before relishing another gastronomic dinner and enlivening entertainment on board.

Day 3 - Fowey – Bruton

This morning, choose from a range of activities to be enjoyed in and around the picturesque harbour town of Fowey and the Lostwithiel area, a region rich in ancient heritage and innovative gardens.

Options include coastal hikes, private boat tours and other bespoke adventures. Return to the train in Fowey and relax as you travel to the enchanting market town of Bruton in Somerset.

Proceed to the world-famous Hauser & Wirth contemporary art gallery for a private, after-hours tour, followed by a drinks reception and an exclusive dinner. The train stops overnight on the peaceful East Somerset Railway.

Day 4 – Castle Cary – London

Breakfast is served as the train departs for the journey back to London. Arrive at Victoria Station early morning, ready to continue with your day refreshed and reinvigorated.

The Brand New Belmond Britannia Explorer Train

Introducing the Britannic Explorer, a modern celebration of the tradition of touring. See Britain through new eyes aboard the first ever luxury sleeper train in England and Wales. Paying homage to the Great British tradition of touring, the Britannic Explorer celebrates the art of slow travel, preserving Britain’s pioneering history in rail travel while ushering in a new era of culture, creativity, gastronomy and style. 

The Britannic Explorer will depart from London Victoria, offering three-night journeys with a choice of three evocative routes through the spectacular natural landscapes of Cornwall, The Lake District, and Wales. Guests will be invited to explore the glorious countryside of the UK, with each carefully curated excursion immersing guests in the quintessential charm of its destination and character.  

The dining experience aboard the Britannic Explorer has been designed by award-winning restaurateur Simon Rogan, a visionary leader in Britain’s farm-to-fork movement. Rogan’s menus will celebrate seasonal, sustainable ingredients, sourced locally to showcase the richness of Britain’s diverse regions. Each of the three routes will feature bespoke afternoon tea, lunch and dinner menus, highlighting the finest local specialties to ensure every meal is a true reflection of Britain’s culinary heritage.

The Bar, inspired by Victorian apothecaries, provides an elegant and convivial atmosphere where guests can savour a menu of innovative, botanically inspired cocktails, alongside a carefully curated selection of artisan gins and craft beers, highlighting the finest offerings from the UK’s independent distilleries and breweries. 

Included aboard the New Britannic Explorer Train

24-hour steward service

All meals aboard the train (Breakfast, three-course lunch, and four-course dinner including cheeseboard, coffee, tea and petits fours)

All beverages including alcoholic drinks

Entertainment on board

Experiences as per scheduled itineraries (bespoke options available, additional fees may apply)

Departure dates

2025:

Various departures from 4th July to 14th November – see above for all dates. 

2026:

Various departures throughout 2026 – full season from April to November. Dates to be confirmed soon.

Please contact us for availability and specific departure date. 

If you require accommodation in London before or after your luxury journey, please do let us know and we can arrange this for you.

Holiday duration is 4 days

For information and booking Tel: 01347 825292 or email info@planetrail.co.uk

Call us on 01347 82 52 92 to enquire about our tailor made holidays by rail

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