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Britannic Explorer

Belmond's intimate rail journey through England and Wales

About the Train

The Britannic Explorer, a Belmond Train, glides through the countryside of England and Wales in the company of just 36 guests. Launched in July 2025 on the Cornwall itinerary, the train runs a full season from April to November, calling at some of Britain's most celebrated landscapes.

Three signature three-night journeys — Cornwall, the Lake District, and Wales — can each be savoured independently or combined into a six-night adventure, with a London interlude between legs for free time or an organised experience. Every fare is fully inclusive: 24-hour steward service, all meals, beverages, and the curated excursions that bring each destination to life.

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Accommodation

Grand Suite — Three Grand Suites, each 120 sq ft (11.2 sq m) and named after botanicals: Juniper, Valerian, and Elder. Each features a double bed, wardrobes, dining table and chairs, armchair, sofa, and a marble private bathroom with walk-in shower. Inclusions: personal butler service, indulgent suite amenities, in-suite private dining on request, one complimentary spa treatment per guest, and private arrival and departure transfers.

Suite — Eleven Suites at 84 sq ft (7.8 sq m) each, available with either a double bed (7 suites) or twin beds (4 suites). Each Suite features two chairs, a fold-out table, bedside tables, wardrobes, and a private bathroom. The steward converts the sofa or armchairs for night. Inclusions: all meals and excursions per itinerary, a journey guidebook and Belmond magazine, Wi-Fi, and exclusive bath amenities.

A dedicated Wellness Suite is located in one of the Sleeper Cars, and an Observation Car with bar serves all guests.

Itineraries

Choose the journey that calls to you. Each itinerary may be reserved through our concierge.

Cornwall by Britannic Explorer
3 nights · London → Cornwall
+

The inaugural Britannic Explorer itinerary winds through Cornwall's dramatic coastline and storied landscapes on a three-night journey from London.

from £6,300 per person

Detailed itinerary & questions →

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The Lake District by Britannic Explorer
3 nights · London → Lake District
+

A three-night journey into England's most celebrated national park, the Lake District itinerary pairs stunning fell scenery with curated excursions.

from £6,300 per person

Detailed itinerary & questions →

Enquire about this itinerary
Wales by Britannic Explorer
3 nights · London → Wales
+

Three nights exploring the mountains, valleys, and coastline of Wales, with bespoke excursions into one of Britain's most distinctive nations.

from £6,300 per person

Detailed itinerary & questions →

Enquire about this itinerary
Cornwall & Wales by Britannic Explorer
6 nights · London → Cornwall → London → Wales
+

A six-night grand tour combining the Cornwall and Wales itineraries, with a London interlude between legs offering free time or an organised experience.

Detailed itinerary & questions →

Enquire about this itinerary
The Lake District & Wales by Britannic Explorer
6 nights · London → Lake District → London → Wales
+

Six nights pairing the Lake District and Wales journeys, with a London stop between legs and the full complement of Belmond dining and excursions throughout.

Detailed itinerary & questions →

Enquire about this itinerary

Departure Dates

DateDirection / RouteStatus
Fri, 14 Aug 2026 London → Lake District Available Reserve →
Fri, 14 Aug 2026 London → Lake District → London → Wales Available Reserve →
Mon, 17 Aug 2026 London → Wales Available Reserve →
Fri, 21 Aug 2026 London → Cornwall Available Reserve →
Fri, 21 Aug 2026 London → Cornwall → London → Wales Available Reserve →
Mon, 24 Aug 2026 London → Wales Available Reserve →
Fri, 28 Aug 2026 London → Cornwall Available Reserve →
Fri, 4 Sep 2026 London → Lake District Available Reserve →
Fri, 11 Sep 2026 London → Cornwall Available Reserve →
Fri, 11 Sep 2026 London → Cornwall → London → Wales Available Reserve →
Mon, 14 Sep 2026 London → Wales Available Reserve →
Fri, 18 Sep 2026 London → Cornwall Available Reserve →
Fri, 18 Sep 2026 London → Cornwall → London → Wales Available Reserve →
Mon, 21 Sep 2026 London → Wales Available Reserve →
Fri, 25 Sep 2026 London → Lake District Sold out Reserve →
Fri, 25 Sep 2026 London → Lake District → London → Wales Sold out Reserve →
Mon, 28 Sep 2026 London → Wales Available Reserve →
Fri, 2 Oct 2026 London → Cornwall Available Reserve →
Fri, 9 Oct 2026 London → Lake District Sold out Reserve →
Mon, 12 Oct 2026 London → Wales Sold out Reserve →
Fri, 16 Oct 2026 London → Cornwall Available Reserve →
Fri, 16 Oct 2026 London → Cornwall → London → Wales Available Reserve →
Mon, 19 Oct 2026 London → Wales Available Reserve →
Fri, 23 Oct 2026 London → Cornwall Available Reserve →
Fri, 23 Oct 2026 London → Cornwall → London → Wales Sold out Reserve →
Mon, 26 Oct 2026 London → Wales Sold out Reserve →
Fri, 30 Oct 2026 London → Lake District Available Reserve →
Fri, 6 Nov 2026 London → Cornwall Sold out Reserve →
Fri, 6 Nov 2026 London → Cornwall → London → Wales Sold out Reserve →
Mon, 9 Nov 2026 London → Wales Available Reserve →
Fri, 13 Nov 2026 London → Cornwall Available Reserve →
Fri, 13 Nov 2026 London → Cornwall → London → Wales Sold out Reserve →
Mon, 16 Nov 2026 London → Wales Sold out Reserve →
Fri, 20 Nov 2026 London → Lake District Available Reserve →
Fri, 26 Mar 2027 London → Lake District Available Reserve →
Fri, 2 Apr 2027 London → Cornwall Available Reserve →
Fri, 9 Apr 2027 London → Lake District Available Reserve →
Fri, 16 Apr 2027 London → Cornwall Available Reserve →
Fri, 16 Apr 2027 London → Cornwall → London → Wales Available Reserve →
Mon, 19 Apr 2027 London → Wales Available Reserve →
Fri, 23 Apr 2027 London → Lake District Available Reserve →
Fri, 30 Apr 2027 London → Cornwall Available Reserve →
Fri, 7 May 2027 London → Lake District Available Reserve →
Fri, 14 May 2027 London → Cornwall Available Reserve →
Fri, 14 May 2027 London → Cornwall → London → Wales Sold out Reserve →
Mon, 17 May 2027 London → Wales Sold out Reserve →
Fri, 21 May 2027 London → Lake District Sold out Reserve →
Fri, 28 May 2027 London → Lake District Available Reserve →
Fri, 28 May 2027 London → Lake District → London → Wales Available Reserve →
Mon, 31 May 2027 London → Wales Available Reserve →
Fri, 4 Jun 2027 London → Cornwall Available Reserve →
Fri, 4 Jun 2027 London → Cornwall → London → Wales Available Reserve →
Mon, 7 Jun 2027 London → Wales Available Reserve →
Fri, 11 Jun 2027 London → Cornwall Available Reserve →
Fri, 18 Jun 2027 London → Lake District Available Reserve →
Fri, 25 Jun 2027 London → Lake District Available Reserve →
Fri, 25 Jun 2027 London → Lake District → London → Wales Available Reserve →
Mon, 28 Jun 2027 London → Wales Available Reserve →
Fri, 2 Jul 2027 London → Lake District Available Reserve →
Fri, 2 Jul 2027 London → Lake District → London → Wales Available Reserve →

Cabins & Prices

Cabin / SuiteBasisPrice
Grand Suiteper person, 3-night journey£ 15,300
Suite (Double Bed or Twin)per person, 3-night journey£ 6,300

Prices are indicative and subject to change and availability. Contact us for the latest rates and offers.

Destinations on This Journey

In-depth guides to the places you'll visit — what to see and where to eat at each stop.

Questions About the Britannic Explorer

What exactly is the Britannic Explorer, and why has it caused such a stir among Belmond fans?+
The Britannic Explorer is Belmond's first new train in the UK, launched in July 2025 and carrying just 36 guests through England and Wales in private en-suite suites. It marks Belmond's return to British rail alongside the classic British Pullman, but is built entirely around multi-night touring rather than day trips, pairing overnight rail travel with curated land excursions. Its intimacy — only 14 suites in total — is what has generated so much anticipation among seasoned luxury-rail travellers.

More in the journal →

How much does a Britannic Explorer journey cost, and what's actually included in that fare?+
Fares start from £6,300 per person, and every fare is fully inclusive — all meals, wines and beverages, 24-hour steward service, and the curated excursions built into your chosen itinerary. Grand Suite fares add butler service, a complimentary spa treatment, and private arrival and departure transfers. Because pricing varies by suite category, season, and route, contact Palace Trains toll-free at 1-800-724-5120 or travel@palacetours.com for an exact quote on your dates.

More in the journal →

How far in advance should I book, and how do I check which dates are available?+
With only 14 suites per departure and a seasonal April-to-November calendar, popular routes and the three Grand Suites can sell out well ahead of the travel season, so we recommend booking as early as your plans allow. Availability varies constantly by route, suite category, and month. The fastest way to see live dates and pricing is to call Palace Trains at 1-800-724-5120 or email travel@palacetours.com, and we'll walk you through what's open.

More in the journal →

Read the full Britannic Explorer Journal — 23 questions answered →

From the Journal