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Great Rail Journeys · Luxury escorted rail journey

Belmond Britannic Explorer – Cornwall

Luxury train journey through Cornwall and Devon aboard Belmond Britannic Explorer

Illustration of Belmond Britannic Explorer – Cornwall

The Belmond Britannic Explorer is a brand-new luxury train operated by Great Rail Journeys on a four-day, three-night journey from London Victoria through the southwest of England. The route circles through Somerset and Devon before reaching the Cornish coast, with nights spent in your private cabin aboard the train. Days blend onboard elegance with curated exploration: Day 1 departs London with Chef Simon Rogan's Cornish afternoon tea; Day 2 travels the famed Riviera Line past Teignmouth and Dartmoor to reach the artistic town of St Ives and views of St Michael's Mount; Day 3 offers a choice of coastal adventures in Fowey, a private wine-tasting, and a gala dinner at Hauser & Wirth's gallery; Day 4 returns to London. The package suits luxury-focused travellers, couples seeking intimate experiences, and food-and-wine enthusiasts. All meals, beverages, 24-hour steward service, and curated excursions are included.

What to know before you look closer

  • Great Rail Journeys publishes no information on departure dates for this tour; confirm availability and scheduling directly with the operator before booking.
  • The from-price of GBP 6,300 is per person in a private cabin; single-occupancy pricing is not specified in the operator's information.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Aboard the Belmond Britannic Explorer (West Somerset Railway)

    London to Somerset

    Board the Britannic Explorer at London Victoria in the afternoon. Explore the train's elegant carriages or relax in your private cabin as the train heads out of London through England's enchanting countryside. Savour chef Simon Rogan's Cornish afternoon tea in the dining carriage. Optionally unwind in the Wellness Suite or relax in the bar with botanical cocktails. Arrive at the West Somerset Railway, a heritage line with views of the Quantocks. Enjoy a masterfully curated dinner by Chef Rogan, then savour music and meet fellow passengers over small-batch gin in the Observation Car.

    Meals: Afternoon Tea, Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: Aboard the Belmond Britannic Explorer (Cornwall)

    St Ives & St Michael's Mount

    Enjoy a relaxed morning with a first-light platform experience or a tranquil lie-in followed by brunch in the dining car. Travel along Devon's stunning southern coast on the famed Riviera Line, passing Teignmouth, skirting Dartmoor to Plymouth, then entering Cornwall towards Penzance. This afternoon, disembark at St Erth to explore the artistic haven of St Ives with bespoke concierge recommendations, 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. Rejoin the train for dinner celebrating Britain's seasonal bounty, followed by curated evening entertainment.

    Meals: Brunch, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: Aboard the Belmond Britannic Explorer (East Somerset Railway)

    Fowey & Lostwithiel

    After breakfast, explore the picturesque seaside town of Fowey with a bespoke adventure tailored to your desires, choose from a coastal hike along the 'Hall Walk', a private boat tour along the shore, or other excursions. As evening descends, reboard the train for a picturesque return journey to Somerset, arriving in Bruton. Enjoy an after-hours private tour of the Hauser & Wirth gallery with a champagne reception in the gallery's idyllic gardens, followed by a private gala dinner at Da Costa, Hauser & Wirth's celebrated on-site Italian restaurant. The train spends the night on the East Somerset Railway.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4rail

    Homeward Bound

    Savour a farewell breakfast as the train departs the East Somerset Railway bound for London Victoria. Arrive in London later this morning, concluding your luxury journey on the Britannic Explorer. You can make your way home or explore the capital at your own pace.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Board the Britannic Explorer at London Victoria in the afternoon and savour Chef Simon Rogan's Cornish afternoon tea in the dining carriage as the train departs through England's countryside.
  • Day 2Travel along Devon's southern coast on the famed Riviera Line, passing Teignmouth and skirting Dartmoor before entering Cornwall; visit St Ives, an artistic haven, or explore St Michael's Mount.
  • Day 3Enjoy a private Cornish wine-tasting overlooking St Michael's Mount, then explore Fowey with optional activities including a coastal hike along the Hall Walk or a private boat tour; conclude with a private after-hours tour of the Hauser & Wirth gallery and champagne reception.
  • Day 4Depart from the East Somerset Railway after a farewell breakfast, returning to London Victoria to conclude the journey.

Included

  • 3 nights aboard the Belmond Britannic Explorer luxury train
  • All meals aboard the train
  • All beverages including alcoholic drinks
  • Afternoon tea curated by Chef Simon Rogan
  • 24-hour steward service
  • Onboard entertainment
  • Private Cornish wine-tasting overlooking St Michael's Mount
  • Private after-hours tour of Hauser & Wirth gallery
  • Champagne reception at Hauser & Wirth gallery gardens
  • Private gala dinner at Da Costa restaurant
  • Curated excursions in St Ives, Fowey and surrounding areas

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. The three nights aboard the Belmond Britannic Explorer, all rail travel, and all meals and beverages are included in the package price.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys operates this as an escorted luxury journey with 24-hour steward service, curated excursions in St Ives and Fowey, and bespoke concierge recommendations.
What is the itinerary?
Day 1: London Victoria to West Somerset Railway with afternoon tea and dinner aboard. Day 2: Travel the Riviera Line to Penzance; visit St Ives or St Michael's Mount. Day 3: Explore Fowey with optional coastal activities; private wine-tasting and after-hours gallery tour with gala dinner. Day 4: Return to London Victoria.
What meals are provided?
All meals aboard the train are included: afternoon tea on Day 1, brunch and dinner on Day 2, breakfast and dinner on Day 3, and breakfast on Day 4. A private gala dinner at Da Costa restaurant is also included.
Who prepares the food?
Chef Simon Rogan of the three Michelin-starred restaurant l'Enclume curates all onboard cuisine.
What is not included?
Cancellation and travel insurance are not included and must be purchased separately.

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