Britannic Explorer

The Belmond Britannic Explorer is a contemporary luxury train that invites you to experience the natural beauty and endless charm of England and Wales—perfect for those seeking UK holidays by rail or unforgettable luxury train journeys in England. Embracing the art of slow travel, the Britannic Explorer preserves the nation's rail heritage while welcoming in a new era of culture, creativity, gastronomy, and elegance.
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Departing from London Victoria, the Britannic Explorer offers a range of enchanting three or six-night routes, gliding through the breathtaking landscapes of Cornwall, the Lake District, and Wales. These itineraries provide some of the most romantic overnight train trips UK travellers can enjoy.

Onboard, menus are curated by acclaimed restaurateur Simon Rogan, a pioneer of Britain’s farm-to-fork movement. His seasonal, sustainable dishes celebrate the diverse flavours of Britain’s regions, with each route featuring breakfast, afternoon tea, lunch, and dinner menus showcasing exceptional local ingredients. You can view a sample menu here.

The Bar, inspired by charming Victorian apothecaries, offers a refined yet welcoming atmosphere. Guests can indulge in botanically inspired cocktails, artisan gins, and craft beers, each selected to highlight the best of the UK’s independent distilleries and breweries.

This remarkable sleeper train embodies British charm in every detail. From the comfort of your private suite, watch the colours of the English and Welsh countryside drift by. Inside, the interiors echo each destination’s landscape and the whimsical beauty of British design—transforming your space into a warm, comforting haven as night falls.

For a full guide to the Britannic Explorer's cabins, click here

Dining on board the Britannic Explorer is a journey in itself - with each dish crafted using the finest local ingredients. Expect the best of British cuisine with a modern fine-dining twist.

Through exclusive off-board dining experiences and thoughtfully curated onboard menus, this train emphasises local provenance and a proud farm-to-fork philosophy.

Indulge in the finest English treats, from a charming afternoon tea to a sumptuous dinner, with menus crafted by the esteemed Chef Simon Rogan, known for his innovative style and outstanding quality in his restaurants, which collectively boast eight Michelin stars globally. Afterwards, unwind in the Observation Car, where you can enjoy an evening filled with revelry, spontaneous encounters, and lively entertainment.

For your onboard meals, take your seat in one of the two restaurant cars, Malva and Samphire, for an extraordinary dining experience. Meticulously designed by the innovative studio Albion Nord, the interiors draw inspiration from the greenery of Great Britain – showcasing everything from the detailed motifs of a classic English garden to the gentle charm of a blooming wildflower meadow.

Take in the delightful potted herbs, captivating botanical tapestries, limed oak woodwork, and distinctive woven finishes, all enhanced by a trellis-inspired mirror ceiling that creates a feeling of openness. Here, savour fresh seasonal delights while breathtaking landscapes unfold beyond your window.
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The Bar Observation Car serves as the vibrant epicentre of the train, offering a lively social atmosphere with cocktails, live music and seasonal soirees. The space captures an elegant English country garden aesthetic, with detailed timber panelling, bespoke amber glass, plush ochre banquettes, and chic armchairs. The bar itself draws inspiration from Victorian apothecaries, serving up botanically inspired cocktails alongside artisan gins and craft beers sourced from independent UK distilleries and breweries. Onboard Wi-Fi is available in the bar.

A journey on the Britannic Explorer is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty and diversity of England and Wales. With thoughtfully curated on- and off-board experiences that honour the art of slow travel, you can embrace both town and country living.

Journey through stunning landscapes, lively cities, and rich cultural institutions. Ideal for a luxurious weekend escape from London or a mid-week celebration, uncover some of the UK’s most breathtaking locations with fresh perspectives and exclusive access.

A three-night trip from London to Wales travels through the Cotswolds, Pembrokeshire, mid-Wales, the Heart of Wales Line, Snowdonia National Park, Machynlleth, and a traditional pub stop in Moreton-in-Marsh (Oxfordshire) before returning to London Victoria. The London to the Lakes route takes you through Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, South Yorkshire, the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the Ribblehead Viaduct, and Cumbria's West Coast, with views of the Irish Sea. The London to Cornwall journey travels through the North Wessex Downs, Somerset, Devon, and the Penzance shoreline, down to Lostwithiel and Fowey.

Ideal for family reunions, gatherings of friends, impressive corporate incentive events, and memorable milestone celebrations. An extraordinary group experience of a lifetime is ready for you aboard the Britannic Explorer. With the space to accommodate up to 36 guests, you can charter the whole train or select multiple carriages for a tailored, customisable journey through Britain’s most stunning landscapes.

Get in touch with our team to find out more. Prices for charters and groups are available on request.

Every journey aboard the Belmond Britannic Explorer is unique, and with many departures throughout the year, each offers a different adventure. Journeys like these are few and far between and are some of the most luxurious and intriguing in the world. Visiting Britain's highlights including private tours of art galleries to the natural wonders of the countryside, tours aboard the Belmond Britannic Explorer are well-sought after by those who want to explore the England and Wales in the most sleek way possible.
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Prices for the Britannic Explorer are dynamic and can fluctuate depending on the time of year. Journeys are available across either three or six nights and include all private visits to destinations, transfers, meals onboard and off-board as well as all beverages including alcohol.
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As a guide, three-night journeys begin at around £6,300/$8,323 per person (based on two people sharing). The price of a six-night journey starts at around £14,000/$18,493 per person (based on two people sharing). The Britannic Explorer's prices are dynamic and rise depending on availability and season.

Included in the fare
Private en-suite accommodation with 24-hour steward service
All fine dining meals served on and off-board
Unlimited drinks throughout the journey, including alcoholic beverages
All off-board tours and activities
Musical entertainment and live performances onboard
Not included: Treatments in the onboard spa
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the dress code on board the Britannic Explorer?
The dress code during the day is informal. Comfort is key - especially with the unpredictable UK weather. Dinner requires smart casual attire, and elegant formal wear for the final gala dinner. 
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Where in London do the journeys depart from?
The Britannic Explorer will always depart from London Victoria Station. Guests are invited to the Belmond lounge before departure for a refreshment, which is located adjacent to platform 2.

What months of the year does the train operate?
The majority of journeys take place between April and October, but the occasional tour happens in April and November.

What luggage can I bring on board?
Space in the cabins is limited, so we recommend that each guest travel with one suitcase, a carry-on bag and a garment bag.