Overview
Experience the breathtaking allure of the Lake District and Wales, renowned as the most spectacular destinations for natural beauty in the United Kingdom. Embark on a luxurious train journey that takes you through shimmering lakes, rolling hills, and dramatic mountains.
From the serene shores of Derwentwater to invigorating hikes in the heart of Wales, we celebrate the finest treasures of Britain on this remarkable voyage. Feel the literary inspiration of Yorkshire, indulge in culinary delights in the Cotswolds, and immerse yourself in the stunning vistas that unfold just outside your private cabin window.
Itinerary
Your Itinerary
LAKE DISTRICT
Prepare to traverse the glorious English countryside and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of the Lake District as you step aboard the Britannic Explorer at London Victoria Station. Settle into your private quarters, where the elegant ambience reflects the illustrious landscape through which the train passes. Life on board is an indulgent affair, beginning with a sumptuous Cumbrian Afternoon Tea, curated by Chef Simon Rogan, with his own Cumbrian heritage reflected in the menu.
Perhaps you'll try a slice of Kendal mint cake, or some sumptuous Grasmere gingerbread.
LAKE DISTRICT
Awaken to the scenic views of the Forest of Bowland and the enchanting Yorkshire Dales National Park rushing past your window. As you travel along Cumbria’s southern coast, let your gaze drift to the stunning panorama of the Irish Sea shimmering in the distance. By early afternoon, we’ll arrive in Workington – your gateway to the Lake District.
Here, we take a chauffeured journey to the Lingholm Estate, a Grade II listed Victorian mansion where the beloved Beatrix Potter once spent her idyllic summers.
LAKE DISTRICT
Awaken to an elegant morning as a leisurely brunch awaits you in the dining car, alongside a freshly crafted Bellini.
Savour this gentle time, perhaps with a spirited game of cards among newfound friends as we glide over the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct on the famed Settle & Carlisle line. Today’s journey winds gracefully through the breathtaking landscapes of the Peak District, drawing us toward Oxfordshire and the timeless splendour of Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons.
WALES
After a scenic journey, gliding through Oxfordshire and the Chilterns, 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, our journey to Wales commencing with another thoughtfully curated afternoon tea, featuring delightful Welsh teacakes and traditional bara brith fruit cake.
WALES
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 Llanwrtyd 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.
WALES
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.
WALES
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.
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Terms & Conditions
Booking Conditions
Deposit: 25% of the total fare confirms your booking. Balance: due 120 days before departure; bookings made within 120 days of departure are payable in full at booking.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be made in writing and take effect when acknowledged. Charges apply as a percentage of the total fare for the person(s) cancelling:
- 120 days or more before departure: 25%
- 119–90 days before departure: 50%
- 89–30 days before departure: 70%
- 29 days or less before departure, or no-show: 100%
Date changes follow the same charge schedule as cancellations. A booking may be transferred to another guest up to 14 days before departure (an amendment fee plus any supplier costs apply); name changes require at least 7 days' written notice. No refunds are made for unused services or no-shows.
Important
Comprehensive travel insurance covering cancellation is strongly recommended. Schedule per Belmond's Trains & Cruises booking conditions (world excluding EEA/UK, last updated 11 February 2026). Palace Tours' terms and conditions also apply.
Inclusions & Exclusions
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Includes
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Luxury Accommodation
Six nights aboard the Britannic Explorer luxury train, with 24-hour steward service
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Fine Dining
Daily table d'hôte meals, including breakfasts, brunches, lunches, afternoon teas and dinners, alongside a selection of alcoholic and other beverages. Off board, enjoy a gala dinner at the two Michelin star Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons in Oxfordshire
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Exciting Excursions
A tailor-made itinerary of exciting and varied off-board tours and experiences
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Frequently Asked Questions & Tips
It is a 7-day, 6-night round trip from London Victoria. The train leaves London on the afternoon of day 1 and returns to London Victoria in the early morning of day 7, after a farewell breakfast through Oxfordshire and the Chilterns.
The first leg runs north past the Forest of Bowland and Yorkshire Dales to Workington for the Lake District, then crosses the Ribblehead Viaduct on the Settle and Carlisle line and the Peak District to Oxfordshire. After a morning stop in London, the second leg goes into Wales for the Pembrokeshire coast, Llanwrtyd Wells and Machynlleth.
From Workington you take a chauffeured drive to the Lingholm Estate near Derwentwater, a Grade II listed Victorian mansion where Beatrix Potter spent her summers. Private quarters are reserved for Britannic Explorer guests, and you choose from activities such as guided open-water swimming.
On day 3 the train brings you to Oxfordshire for a black-tie gala dinner at a two-Michelin-star country house restaurant, served in a private dining room with views of a 15th-century manor. The gala dinner is included in the fare, so pack formal evening wear.
The train arrives at London Victoria early on day 4 to collect guests joining for the Welsh leg. You have free time to stretch your legs nearby before departing again in the afternoon for Wales with a Welsh-themed afternoon tea.
On day 5 you disembark at Llanwrtyd Wells for a guided hike through remote Welsh valleys with a picnic hamper among lavender fields. On day 6 the train reaches Machynlleth, on the southern edge of Snowdonia National Park and known for its Museum of Modern Art, with a choice of curated active excursions.
Highlights include the crossing of the Ribblehead Viaduct on the Settle and Carlisle line, views of the Yorkshire Dales and the Irish Sea along Cumbria's southern coast, the Peak District, and the Pembrokeshire coastline at sunrise on the Welsh leg.
No. The Welsh valley hike and activities such as open-water swimming at Lingholm are optional. The Guest Experience team recommends gentler alternatives for those who prefer a relaxed pace, and you can always stay aboard to enjoy the scenery.
You can choose a Grand Suite or a Suite with a double or twin bed layout. Double and Twin Suites offer about 7.8 sq m with an en-suite shower, and your steward turns the daytime seating into beds each evening. The Grand Suite is the most spacious cabin on board.
Fares start from about USD 18,984 per person sharing a Suite. The exact fare for each departure and cabin type is shown on this page, as rates vary by date.
Yes. Cabins can be booked for sole use, starting from about USD 37,968. The exact sole-use fare for your chosen date is shown on this page or can be confirmed by our team.
The fare includes six nights aboard with 24-hour steward service, all table d'hote meals including breakfasts, brunches, lunches, afternoon teas and dinners with a selection of beverages, the gala dinner in Oxfordshire, and a tailor-made programme of off-board tours and experiences.
There are two themed teas. Leaving London on day 1 you enjoy a Cumbrian afternoon tea, with treats such as Kendal mint cake and Grasmere gingerbread. Heading into Wales on day 4, the tea features Welsh teacakes and traditional bara brith fruit cake.
Alongside your private cabin, the train has elegant dining carriages, a Wellness Suite for treatments, and an Observation Car with expansive windows. Mornings are unhurried, with the option of a lie-in and brunch on most days.
A 25% deposit confirms your cabin, and the balance is due 125 days before departure. Bookings made within 125 days of departure are paid in full at the time of booking.
Every departure listed on this page can be booked directly online. For questions about cabins, dates or hotels in London, email travel@palacetours.com, call 786-408-0610, or message us on WhatsApp at https://wa.me/17864080610, where a travel specialist or our AI assistant will answer.
Departures on sale run from 25 September 2026 to 8 October 2027, covering autumn, spring and summer. Each date is listed on this page with live availability by cabin type.
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Britannic Explorer
Britannic Explorer
The Lake District & Wales
The Lake District & Wales
The Lake District & Wales
Britannic Explorer
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From $18,784 per person (double occupancy, USD) — live dates and rates are in the Book This Tour section above.
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