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Planet Rail · Luxury sleeper train journey

Belmond Britannic Explorer - London To Wales - 3 night Journey

Three-night luxury sleeper train through Wales, Pembrokeshire, and Snowdonia.

Illustration of Belmond Britannic Explorer - London To Wales - 3 night Journey

The Belmond Britannic Explorer, operated by Planet Rail, is a four-day, three-night luxury sleeper train that departs London Victoria and travels through Wales, Pembrokeshire, Snowdonia, and the Cotswolds before returning to London. You sleep in an individually designed suite with a private bathroom aboard the train each night; the journey blends relaxation on rails with carefully curated guided experiences. Day 2 brings a walk through remote Welsh valleys near Llandrindod Wells with a picnic hamper; Day 3 offers cultural excursions in Machynlleth, including the Museum of Modern Art and local wine tastings. All meals are prepared by Michelin-starred Chef Simon Rogan, all beverages are included, and a 24-hour steward service attends to your needs. The observation car and wellness suite are available throughout. This trip suits luxury-seekers, couples, repeat rail travellers, and food-and-wine enthusiasts who value fine dining and effortless travel without daily hotel changes.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price (GBP 5,800) is per couple sharing a Suite; Grand Suites cost GBP 13,950.
  • Bespoke excursion options via the onboard Concierge carry additional fees beyond the package price.
  • Pre- and post-journey London accommodation must be arranged separately.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Aboard the train, Haverfordwest

    London - Haverfordwest

    Mid-afternoon, board Britannic Explorer at London Victoria Station ready for your Welsh escape. Settle into your individually designed suite and enjoy a delectable Welsh Afternoon Tea, or a treatment in the wellness suite, as the route heads west towards Bristol, crosses the Severn Estuary into Wales and follows the south coast through Cardiff and Swansea into lush Carmarthenshire, the 'Garden of Wales', reaching Pembrokeshire with its castle-peppered coastline. Signature cocktails in the bar precede a meal created by chef Simon Rogan, Chef Patron of three-Michelin-starred L'Enclume, then entertainment on board. The train stables in the attractive county town of Haverfordwest.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Aboard the train, Porthmadog

    Haverfordwest - Porthmadog

    Sunrise illuminates the Pembrokeshire coastline. After a leisurely breakfast, disembark at Llandrindod Wells for a guided hike through the tranquil valleys of the remote Welsh heartland, with a quintessentially British picnic among fragrant lavender fields from a curated hamper of local produce. Rejoin the train for lunch and journey along the Heart of Wales Line through the rural uplands of Carmarthenshire and Powys, travelling north into Snowdonia National Park (Eryri). A gastronomic dinner is served on board, followed by lively entertainment; the train stops overnight in the harbour town of Porthmadog.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Aboard the train, Moreton-in-Marsh

    Porthmadog - Machynlleth - Moreton-in-Marsh

    Breakfast as the train leaves Porthmadog and journeys south over scenic Barmouth Bridge to Machynlleth, a hub of creativity renowned for its Museum of Modern Art, where the Concierge's curated black book of excursions offers a range of active pursuits complemented by natural Welsh wine. Back on board, lunch is served through Mid Wales and Montgomeryshire, passing Welshpool and crossing into Shropshire, then down through the Midlands to Moreton-in-Marsh. Disembark for an exclusive party in a quintessential Cotswolds pub, savouring homemade English fare such as Scotch eggs and sausage rolls, sampling local ales and artisan liqueurs and learning the art of pouring the perfect pint.

  4. Day 4rail

    Moreton-in-Marsh - London

    Breakfast is served as the train travels back to London, gliding through Oxfordshire and the Chilterns, arriving at Victoria Station early in the morning.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Board at London Victoria mid-afternoon and settle into your individually designed suite as the train heads west across the Severn Estuary into Wales, passing Cardiff and Swansea into Carmarthenshire, the 'Garden of Wales'.
  • Day 2Disembark at Llandrindod Wells for a guided hike through remote Welsh valleys with a curated picnic hamper among lavender fields, then rejoin the train for lunch along the Heart of Wales Line to Porthmadog.
  • Day 3Travel south over Barmouth Bridge to Machynlleth, where the onboard Concierge offers curated excursions including the Museum of Modern Art and local Welsh wine experiences.
  • Day 4Breakfast served as the train glides through Oxfordshire and the Chilterns, arriving at London Victoria early morning.

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 train travel included?
Yes. All three nights aboard the Belmond Britannic Explorer, all meals, all beverages including alcoholic drinks, and scheduled excursions are included in the package price.
Is this an escorted tour or independent?
The train provides 24-hour steward service and an onboard Concierge who curates excursions, but the tour is primarily a sleeper train experience rather than a fully guided coach or walking tour.
What accommodation do I get?
You sleep aboard the Belmond Britannic Explorer in a Suite (Double or Twin) or Grand Suite, each with a private bathroom. You remain on the train each night.
What meals are included?
All table d'hôte meals: full breakfast, three-course lunch, and four-course dinner with cheeseboard, coffee, tea, and petits fours. Menus are created by Michelin-starred Chef Simon Rogan. All beverages, including wine, beer, spirits, and handcrafted liqueurs, are included.
When does it run?
Planet Rail operates 14 departures between March and November 2026.
What is not included?
Bespoke excursion options via the onboard Concierge carry additional fees. Pre- and post-journey London accommodation and wellness suite treatments are optional extras.

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