Search

Planet Rail · Luxury sleeper train journey

Belmond Britannic Explorer - London to Cornwall - 3 night Journey

Three-night luxury sleeper train from London through Somerset and Cornwall

Illustration of Belmond Britannic Explorer - London to Cornwall - 3 night Journey

Planet Rail operates the Belmond Britannic Explorer, a luxury sleeper train that departs London Victoria on a four-day, three-night loop through Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall. The train itself is the destination: each of the 8 carriages is appointed with fine dining cars, an observation car, and a wellness suite, while passengers occupy individually designed suites with private bathrooms. From the moment you board, a 24-hour steward attends to your needs. The itinerary balances motion and exploration. You travel the West Somerset Railway heritage line through rolling countryside, then the Riviera Line along the south Devon coast past the dramatic Dawlish Sea Wall, before entering Cornwall. In port cities like St Ives and Penzance, you disembark to visit artists' studios and sculpture gardens. Meals are carefully composed by Michelin-starred Chef Simon Rogan and served in the dining cars. Highlights include a private wine tasting overlooking St Michael's Mount, an after-hours tour of the renowned Hauser & Wirth contemporary art gallery in Bruton with champagne and dinner at the gallery's Italian restaurant. This journey suits luxury seekers, couples, and food-and-wine travellers who want refined comfort with guided discovery built in.

What to know before you look closer

  • Bespoke excursion options on Day 3, such as private boat tours and coastal hikes, incur additional fees beyond the package price.
  • Pre- and post-journey London accommodation is not included but can be arranged separately.
  • The from-price of GBP 5,800 is per person based on two people sharing a Suite Double or Twin; Grand Suite prices start at GBP 13,950.

Day by day

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

    London - Bishops Lydeard

    Mid-afternoon, board Britannic Explorer at London Victoria Station and settle into your individually designed suite. Enjoy a Cornish Afternoon Tea as the route takes you through the lush North Wessex Downs and the Somerset market towns of Frome and Taunton. As evening falls you arrive at the West Somerset Railway, 20 miles of heritage track stretching towards Dunster. Signature cocktails in the bar are followed by a meal created by celebrated chef Simon Rogan, Chef Patron of three-Michelin starred L'Enclume, then entertainment on board.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Aboard the train, Fowey

    Bishops Lydeard - Penzance - Fowey

    A leisurely brunch as the route heads to the south coast of Devon and the famous Riviera Line, hugging the coast past Teignmouth and the iconic Dawlish Sea Wall, skirting Dartmoor to Plymouth and entering Cornwall through St Austell and Truro. After lunch, disembark at St Erth to explore the artistic haven of St Ives, or continue to Penzance for a guided tour of the Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens and James Turrell's 'Aqua Oscura' installation, followed by a private Cornish wine tasting overlooking St Michael's Mount. Rejoin the train to Fowey, where it stops for the night on a secluded track overlooking the river; enjoy the wellness suite, the bar, another gastronomic dinner and entertainment on board.

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

    Fowey - Bruton

    Choose from a range of activities in and around the picturesque harbour town of Fowey and the Lostwithiel area, including coastal hikes, private boat tours and other bespoke adventures. Return to the train and travel to the enchanting market town of Bruton in Somerset for a private, after-hours tour of the world-famous Hauser & Wirth contemporary art gallery, followed by a drinks reception and an exclusive dinner. The train stops overnight on the peaceful East Somerset Railway.

  4. Day 4rail

    Castle Cary - London

    Breakfast is served as the train departs for the journey back to London, arriving at Victoria Station early morning.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Board at London Victoria in mid-afternoon, settle into your suite, and enjoy Cornish Afternoon Tea as the train travels through the North Wessex Downs and Somerset market towns of Frome and Taunton.
  • Day 2Travel the Riviera Line hugging the south Devon coast past the Dawlish Sea Wall and into Cornwall; choose to explore the artistic haven of St Ives or take a guided tour of the Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens and James Turrell's work near Penzance.
  • Day 3Enjoy a private after-hours tour of the world-famous Hauser & Wirth contemporary art gallery in Bruton with a champagne reception in the gardens, followed by an exclusive dinner at Da Costa, the gallery's Italian restaurant.

Included

  • 3 nights' aboard the Britannic Explorer
  • All table d'hôte meals (breakfast, three-course lunch, and four-course dinner including cheeseboard, coffee, tea and petits fours)
  • All beverages including alcoholic drinks
  • All sightseeing excursions & entertainment as shown in the itinerary
  • 24-hour steward service
  • Experiences as per scheduled itineraries

Not included

  • Bespoke excursion options (additional fees may apply)

Questions travellers ask

Is all train travel and accommodation included?
Yes. The package includes three nights aboard the Belmond Britannic Explorer in a suite with a private bathroom, all table d'hôte meals, all beverages including alcohol, 24-hour steward service, and all scheduled sightseeing excursions and entertainment.
What trains does this journey use?
The journey is aboard the Belmond Britannic Explorer, which includes segments on the West Somerset Railway heritage line, the Riviera Line in South Devon, and standard rail through Cornwall. The train has 8 carriages, including 2 dining cars, 1 observation car, and 1 wellness suite.
Which cabin types are available?
Suite Double or Suite Twin cabins start at GBP 5,800 per person (based on two sharing). Grand Suite cabins, which are more spacious and luxurious, start at GBP 13,950.
What meals and dining are included?
All meals are included: breakfast, three-course lunch, and four-course dinner with cheeseboard, coffee, tea, and petits fours. The menus are specially curated by Michelin-starred Chef Simon Rogan. All beverages, including alcoholic drinks, are included.
What excursions and activities are included?
Included excursions include a private Cornish wine tasting overlooking St Michael's Mount, a private after-hours tour of Hauser & Wirth gallery with a champagne reception, and a private gala dinner at Da Costa restaurant in Bruton. Optional bespoke excursions, such as private boat tours and coastal hikes, may be arranged for an additional fee.
When does this journey run?
The Britannic Explorer runs in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November 2026. Planet Rail has 19 departures scheduled across these months.

Similar journeys