Britannic Explorer: Cornwall & Wales

Step aboard the Britannic Explorer at London Victoria, where the promise of an extraordinary journey awaits. Departing in the soft afternoon light, explore the train’s elegant carriages, including the sanctuary of your private cabin. As London recedes, England’s enchanting western countryside unfurls beyond your window. Settle into the dining carriage and savour Chef Simon Rogan’s Cornish Afternoon Tea, crafted with the finest ingredients from Cornwall’s larder – a true taste of British tradition, down to the spirited debate of jam or cream first.

Perhaps the Wellness Suite invites you to unwind, or the Bar tempts you with cocktails inspired by native botanicals as the train glides through the North Wessex Downs and Somerset’s storied market towns. By twilight, you’ll arrive at the West Somerset Railway, a heritage track offering spectacular countryside and coastal vistas. Enjoy a masterfully curated dinner by Chef Rogan, and then, in the Observation Car, savour music and the warmth of newfound friends over small-batch gin. As the evening concludes, retreat to your suite and drift into a peaceful slumber, embraced by the gentle rhythm of this remarkable journey.

Mornings aboard the Britannic Explorer are yours to savour. Start the day at your own pace – a tranquil first-light experience on the platform, a luxurious lie-in followed by brunch in the dining car, or a revitalising visit to the serene Wellness Suite. As the train glides along Devon’s stunning southern coast, you’ll journey along the famed Riviera Line, where sweeping ocean vistas unfold past charming towns like Teignmouth. Skirting the rugged beauty of Dartmoor en-route to Plymouth, the train then enters Cornwall – Kernow in the local tongue. The journey towards Penzance is equally captivating, with the luminous Cornish seas glistening as you pass through St Austell and Truro.

By early afternoon, we arrive in southern Cornwall, where a wealth of unforgettable experiences awaits. Disembark at St Erth to explore the artistic haven of St Ives, with bespoke recommendations from our concierge’s curated black book, or continue to Penzance for a guided tour of the Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, culminating in a private Cornish wine tasting overlooking St Michael’s Mount. In the evening, rejoining the train for tonight’s dinner on board celebrates Britain’s seasonal bounty, followed by an evening of curated entertainment – a perfect close to a day immersed in the enchanting landscapes and culture of Britain’s southern coast.

After a delightful breakfast, immerse yourself in the timeless allure of Cornwall’s Lostwithiel area, where thoughtfully curated excursions reveal the region's historic charm. Explore the picturesque seaside town of Fowey, where our Guest Experience team can craft a bespoke adventure tailored to your desires. Choose from a coastal hike along the famed “Hall Walk,” a private boat tour along the shore, or other excursions into the local area that invite you to discover its hidden gems.

As evening descends, re-board the train for a picturesque journey to Somerset, arriving in the enchanting town of Bruton. Here, an after-hours private tour of the esteemed Hauser & Wirth gallery awaits, complete with a champagne reception in the gallery’s idyllic gardens. The day culminates in a private black-tie gala dinner at Da Costa, Hauser & Wirth's celebrated Italian restaurant – a true celebration of fine dining. As the evening draws to a close, the train rests peacefully on the serene East Somerset Railway, promising a night of undisturbed tranquillity.

Savour breakfast as we depart the tranquil East Somerset Railway, your heart filled with cherished memories of the stunning Southwest. We arrive at London Victoria for an early morning arrival. You have free time here as we collect more passengers, so disembark and stretch your legs to explore the local area – perhaps making the short 15-minute stroll to our sister hotel, The Cadogan, for a spot of lunch or a glass of English sparkling wine on their terrace.

We depart London once more in the afternoon, commencing our journey to Wales with another thoughtfully curated afternoon tea featuring delightful Welsh teacakes and traditional bara brith fruit cake. As you savour these exquisite treats, the golden hour bathes the patchwork tapestry of the Cotswolds in a warm, enchanting glow, transforming the countryside into a breathtaking panorama of rich hues. As the evening unfolds, you may choose to indulge in the serenity of the wellness suite, sample the diverse selection of gins in the bar, or engage in a friendly board game with newfound companions. After relishing a masterfully curated dinner by Chef Rogan, retreat to your suite, where you can drift into a peaceful slumber, cradled by the gentle rhythm of this extraordinary journey.

As the sun rises, illuminating the breathtaking Pembrokeshire coastline, embrace the promise of a day filled with exploration amidst Wales's scenic vistas and verdant valleys. 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 amidst fragrant lavender fields, complete with a beautifully curated hamper that celebrates the best of local produce. For those desiring a more relaxed pace, our attentive Guest Experience team is on hand to recommend a selection of thoughtfully crafted activities tailored to your preferences.

After your invigorating excursion, rejoin the train and continue your journey along the enchanting Heart of Wales Line, which gracefully winds through the rural uplands of Carmarthenshire and Powys. As you travel northward into Snowdonia National Park – known as Eryri to the locals – prepare to be mesmerised by the dramatic transformation of landscapes, where lush valleys rise to meet soaring peaks and cascading waterfalls. This evening's dining experience promises another celebration of seasonal British fine dining, perfectly paired with an enchanting entertainment lineup. Our overnight stabling point for the evening is the charming town of Porthmadog, nestled within the majestic embrace of Snowdonia National Park.

Spend a leisurely morning aboard the train, indulging in a wellness ritual or enjoying a blissful lie-in, followed by a sumptuous brunch. With a freshly made mimosa in hand, take in the passing scenery from the expansive windows of the Observation Car. Our next destination is the vibrant town of Machynlleth, nestled at the southern edge of Snowdonia National Park. Renowned for its Museum of Modern Art, Machynlleth is a hub of creativity, sustainability, and exceptional cuisine. Our Concierge's curated black book of excursions reflects the town’s ethos, offering a range of active pursuits complemented by a glass or two of exquisite natural Welsh wine.

As we journey back on board, the time has come for the grand finale of our Welsh adventure, a celebration of the very best of British terroir. A lavish five-course black-tie lunch is served as we glide towards the Cotswolds, traversing the lush greenery of Mid Wales and Montgomeryshire, passing through Welshpool before crossing into Shropshire. We wind down through the West Midlands to Oxfordshire, arriving at Moreton-in-Marsh, an idyllic market town celebrated for its charming 'chocolate box' cottages. Here, we disembark for an exclusive after-party in a quintessential Cotswolds pub, where you can immerse yourself in local culture. Savour an array of English delights, from homemade scotch eggs to delectable sausage rolls, and for those feeling adventurous, the bar awaits as you learn the art of pouring the perfect pint.

After a night filled with laughter, dancing, and sampling a variety of local ales, wines, and handcrafted liqueurs, retreat to your suite for your final restful night on board.

Savour a farewell breakfast as we journey through the picturesque landscapes of Oxfordshire and the enchanting Chilterns. As you reflect on the unforgettable memories from your breathtaking exploration of the United Kingdom, we gracefully arrive at London Victoria in the soft light of early morning.