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Vacations By Rail has withdrawn this trip from sale.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 - Lake District

Four-day luxury train journey through England's Lake District aboard the Belmond Britannic Explorer

Illustration of Belmond Britannic Explorer - Lake District

Vacations By Rail operates the Belmond Britannic Explorer, a four-day luxury train journey through England's Lake District and northern countryside. The train departs London Victoria and travels through the Yorkshire Dales along the historic Settle-Carlisle line, stopping at Workington and Penrith before visiting Derwentwater in the Lake District, then concluding in Oxfordshire. You board at London Victoria on Day 1 and settle into a private cabin while enjoying Cumbrian afternoon tea curated by chef Simon Rogan, then relax in the Wellness Suite, Bar Car, or Observation Car before dinner. Day 2 includes a chauffeured visit to Lingholm Estate on Derwentwater, the former summer home of Beatrix Potter, where you may choose to swim in the open water, meet alpacas, or hike the grounds. Day 3 is devoted to leisurely travel across the Ribblehead Viaduct with brunch aboard, followed by an evening gala dinner at Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, the two-Michelin-starred restaurant run by chef Raymond Blanc, before a final night aboard the train. Day 4 concludes with breakfast as the train returns to London Victoria. This trip suits luxury seekers, food lovers, history enthusiasts, and seasoned rail travellers who value refined cuisine and the experience of traveling aboard a brand-new luxury train.

What to know before you look closer

  • Flights and airport transfers are not included; travelers arrange their own transport to and from London Victoria.
  • Cancellation and travel insurance are not included and must be arranged separately.
  • The operator does not publish specific departure dates in the evidence; confirm availability directly with Vacations By Rail.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Train

    From London to the beautiful north country

    Board the Britannic Explorer at London Victoria and settle into a private cabin; a Cumbrian afternoon tea curated by chef Simon Rogan, time in the Wellness Suite or Bar Car, then dinner curated by Chef Rogan and drinks in the Observation Car.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Appleby (aboard the train, Settle-Carlisle line)

    Lingholm Estate & the Lake District

    Travel past the Yorkshire Dales National Park and Cumbria's southern coast to Workington; a chauffeured visit to the Lingholm Estate on Derwentwater, once the summer home of Beatrix Potter, with a choice of guided open-water swimming, meeting alpacas, or a scenic hike. Reboard at Penrith for dinner and entertainment; the train rests overnight in Appleby on the Settle-Carlisle line.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Train

    Along the famed Settle-Carlisle line

    Leisurely brunch aboard as the train crosses the Yorkshire Dales, with views of the Three Peaks and the Ribblehead Viaduct, continuing toward Oxfordshire; an evening gala dinner in the Belle Époque dining room of the two-Michelin-starred Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, run by chef Raymond Blanc, before returning to the train for the final night aboard.

  4. Day 4rail

    Homeward bound

    Breakfast as the train departs for London, passing through Oxfordshire and the Chilterns before arriving at London Victoria.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Board the Britannic Explorer at London Victoria and settle into a private cabin for a Cumbrian afternoon tea curated by chef Simon Rogan, with time in the Wellness Suite, Bar Car, and Observation Car.
  • Day 2Chauffeured visit to Lingholm Estate on Derwentwater, once the summer home of Beatrix Potter, with optional guided open-water swimming, alpaca encounters, or a scenic hike.
  • Day 3The train crosses the Yorkshire Dales on the Settle-Carlisle line, passing views of the Three Peaks and Ribblehead Viaduct, then an evening gala dinner at Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, run by chef Raymond Blanc.

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

Is train travel included?
Yes. The tour price covers three nights aboard the Belmond Britannic Explorer, all onboard meals and beverages, 24-hour steward service, and onboard entertainment.
Is this an escorted or independent trip?
Independent. You travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary; a chauffeured visit to Lingholm Estate is included on Day 2, and a group gala dinner is held on Day 3.
What meals are included?
All meals aboard the train and all beverages, including alcoholic drinks. Meals are curated by chef Simon Rogan of three-Michelin-starred l'Enclume. An evening gala dinner is held at Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant.
What is the route?
The train departs London Victoria, travels through the Yorkshire Dales and along the Settle-Carlisle line via Workington and Penrith, visits the Lake District (Derwentwater), and ends in Oxfordshire with a final return to London Victoria.
What is included at Lingholm Estate?
A private chauffeured tour of Lingholm Estate on Derwentwater, once the summer home of Beatrix Potter, with exclusive access to private quarters. Optional activities include guided open-water swimming, meeting alpacas, or a scenic hike.
How much walking is required?
Most time is spent aboard the train. A chauffeured visit to Lingholm Estate on Day 2 includes optional walking (scenic hike) or stationary activities (open-water swimming, alpaca encounters). No specific walking distance is documented.

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