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Vacations By Rail has withdrawn this trip from sale. We keep the page for reference and comparison. The same itinerary is still sold by another operator, listed under Also sold by below.

Vacations By Rail · Independent rail vacation

Belmond Britannic Explorer - Cornwall

Four-day luxury train journey from London through Cornwall's coast

Illustration of Belmond Britannic Explorer - Cornwall

Vacations By Rail's Belmond Britannic Explorer is a three-night luxury train journey departing London Victoria and traveling through Somerset and Cornwall's coastal villages and countryside. This new train from Belmond features private cabins, fine dining, and a wellness suite. The trip is independent, meaning you follow a planned itinerary without a guide, though optional excursions are available at each stop. All meals aboard are prepared by three Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan and include afternoon tea, brunch in the dining car as the train crosses Dartmoor into Cornwall, and an evening gala dinner at a private restaurant in Somerset. You may choose activities such as a coastal walk in the fishing village of Fowey, a wine-tasting overlooking St. Michael's Mount, or a private tour of an art gallery. The journey suits luxury travellers, food enthusiasts, and couples seeking an all-inclusive rail experience without the structure of a fully guided tour.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of USD 8,315 per person covers the train, cabin, and meals; flights and airport transfers are not included.
  • This is an independent itinerary with optional guided excursions; no tour guide accompanies you throughout.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Aboard the train, West Somerset Railway

    London to Somerset

    Board the Britannic Explorer at London Victoria and settle into a private cabin; a Cornish afternoon tea curated by chef Simon Rogan, time in the Wellness Suite or bar, arriving by twilight on the West Somerset Railway heritage line; dinner by Chef Rogan followed by music and drinks in the Observation Car.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Train

    St. Ives & St. Michael's Mount

    Relaxed morning aboard with brunch in the dining car as the train travels the English Riviera Line via Devon, Dartmoor and Plymouth into Cornwall. Disembark at St. Erth for St. Ives, or continue to Penzance for a guided tour of the Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens and a private Cornish wine-tasting overlooking St. Michael's Mount; dinner and entertainment back on board.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Aboard the train, East Somerset Railway

    Fowey & Lostwithiel

    Curated excursions in the seaside town of Fowey, such as the coastal 'Hall Walk', a private boat tour, or other bespoke options; return journey to Bruton, Somerset for an after-hours private tour of the Hauser & Wirth gallery with a champagne reception, followed by a private gala dinner at Da Costa restaurant. The train spends the night on the East Somerset Railway.

  4. Day 4rail

    Homeward bound

    Farewell breakfast as the train departs the East Somerset Railway bound for London Victoria, arriving later this morning.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Board at London Victoria and settle into your private cabin; chef Simon Rogan's Cornish afternoon tea is served as the train departs.
  • Day 2Brunch in the dining car as the train travels the English Riviera Line through Devon, Dartmoor, and into Cornwall; choose a guided tour of Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens and a wine-tasting overlooking St. Michael's Mount.
  • Day 3Optional coastal excursions in Fowey, such as the Hall Walk or private boat tours; evening private tour of Hauser & Wirth gallery in Bruton with champagne reception and a gala dinner at Da Costa restaurant.

Included

  • 3 nights aboard the Belmond Britannic Explorer luxury train
  • 24-hour steward service
  • Onboard entertainment
  • All meals aboard the train and all beverages including alcoholic drinks

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included

Also sold by

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

Questions travellers ask

What is included in the price?
Three nights aboard the Belmond Britannic Explorer in a private cabin, all meals and beverages including alcoholic drinks, onboard entertainment, and 24-hour steward service. Optional excursions such as sculpture garden tours and boat trips are available but cost extra.
Is this an escorted or independent trip?
Vacations By Rail describes it as an independent rail vacation where you travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary. You are not accompanied by a tour guide, though optional concierge-recommended excursions are available at each stop.
Who is the train operator and chef?
Vacations By Rail operates the journey on the Belmond Britannic Explorer. All meals are curated by three Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan of the restaurant l'Enclume.
Where does the train travel?
The train departs London Victoria and travels to Somerset and Cornwall, stopping at locations including St. Ives, St. Michael's Mount area, and Fowey before returning to London. The train spends nights on the West Somerset Railway and East Somerset Railway heritage lines.
How much walking or physical activity is involved?
Most time is spent aboard the train or on relaxed town visits. Day 3 offers optional activities ranging from a coastal Hall Walk in Fowey to private boat tours, but none are required.
When does this trip run?
Vacations By Rail publishes no departure calendar in their materials. Contact the operator directly to confirm available dates.

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