Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Belmond Britannic Explorer – Wales

Four-day luxury overnight train through Wales, Snowdonia and Pembrokeshire from London

Belmond Britannic Explorer – Wales, a rail journey with Great Rail Journeys

Great Rail Journeys operates this four-day, three-night rail journey aboard the Belmond Britannic Explorer, a new luxury train with private cabins, departing from and returning to London Victoria. Because the train itself is the accommodation, the days are shaped around dining and scenery rather than checking in and out of hotels. Day one opens with an afternoon tea crafted by chef Simon Rogan, featuring Welsh teacakes and bara brith, a traditional Welsh fruit loaf. Day two stops in Llandrindod Wells for a guided hike through the Welsh heartland and a visit to Farmers' Welsh Lavender. Day three reaches Machynlleth on the edge of Eryri National Park, known in English as Snowdonia, with excursions including clay-pigeon shooting, before an exclusive evening at a 16th-century pub in the Cotswolds. It suits travelers who want a short, food-focused luxury rail trip through rural Wales rather than a longer multi-country tour.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence lists no current departure dates for this trip; confirm scheduling with Great Rail Journeys before booking.
  • Cancellation and travel insurance is not included in the price, and extras such as clay-pigeon shooting and other excursions in Machynlleth cost more and are not part of the base price.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Aboard the Belmond Britannic Explorer (near Cotswolds)

    Leaving London

    Your luxury Wales holiday begins at London Victoria Station, where you board the Belmond Britannic Explorer. After exploring your private cabin, relax in one of the botanically inspired dining carriages. Your journey commences with a thoughtfully curated afternoon tea, expertly crafted by Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan, featuring delightful Welsh teacakes and traditional bara brith. As you savour these exquisite treats, golden hour bathes the patchwork tapestry of the Cotswolds in a warm, enchanting glow. As the evening unfolds, you may choose to unwind in the Wellness Suite, sample the diverse selection of gins in the bar or engage in a board game with your fellow travellers. After relishing dinner curated by Chef Rogan, retreat to your suite and enjoy your first night on this luxurious train.

    Meals: Afternoon Tea, Dinner

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

    Pembrokeshire & mid-Wales

    As the sun rises, illuminating the picture-perfect Pembrokeshire coastline, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before disembarking at Llandrindod Wells. Here, you could opt for a guided hike through the tranquil valleys of the remote Welsh heartland. Relax post-hike at Farmers' Welsh Lavender to savour the aromas, recharge in the sauna or simply relax by the log fire. After your excursion, rejoin the train and continue your journey along the enchanting Heart of Wales Line, which gracefully winds through the rural uplands of Powys. Heading towards Cardigan Bay and the edge of Snowdonia, prepare to be mesmerised by the dramatic transformation of landscapes, with waterfalls cascading down soaring peaks into lush valleys. This evening's dining experience promises another celebration of seasonal British fine dining, followed by entertainment onboard.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: Aboard the Belmond Britannic Explorer (near Moreton-in-Marsh / Cotswolds)

    Snowdonia & the Cotswolds

    Spend a leisurely morning aboard the train before arriving in the popular town of Machynlleth, nestled at the southern edge of Eryri National Park (Snowdonia). Renowned for its Museum of Modern Art and annual comedy festival, Machynlleth is a hub of creativity. A range of excursions are available today, including active pursuits such as clay-pigeon shooting. Back on board, lunch is served as you continue travelling through the greenery of mid-Wales and Montgomeryshire, passing Welshpool before crossing the English border into Shropshire. Wind down through the Midlands to reach Moreton-in-Marsh, an idyllic Cotswold market town. After dinner on board, disembark for an exclusive party in a quintessential Cotswolds pub, the Fox in Oddington, featuring homemade English fare, local ales and artisan liqueurs, and the chance to learn the art of pouring the perfect pint.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 4

    Homeward bound

    Waking this morning, savour a farewell breakfast ahead of a journey through the picturesque landscapes of Oxfordshire and the Chilterns. Arriving at London Victoria this morning, your luxurious experience concludes, and you can make your way home or explore the capital independently.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Travelers board the Belmond Britannic Explorer at London Victoria and begin with an afternoon tea crafted by chef Simon Rogan, featuring Welsh teacakes and bara brith, a traditional Welsh fruit loaf.
  • Day 2The train stops in Llandrindod Wells for a guided hike through the tranquil valleys of the Welsh heartland, followed by a visit to Farmers' Welsh Lavender.
  • Day 3The tour reaches Machynlleth at the southern edge of Eryri National Park, known in English as Snowdonia, with excursions on offer including clay-pigeon shooting.
  • Day 3An exclusive evening is arranged at the Fox in Oddington, a 16th-century Cotswolds pub, as the train nears Moreton-in-Marsh.

Included

  • 3 nights aboard the Belmond Britannic Explorer luxury train
  • All meals aboard the train
  • All beverages including alcoholic drinks
  • 24-hour steward service
  • Onboard entertainment
  • Afternoon tea on Day 1 curated by Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan
  • Guided hike through the Welsh heartland near Llandrindod Wells
  • Exclusive evening at the Fox in Oddington Cotswolds pub

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Also sold by

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Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. The trip is a four-day, three-night journey aboard the Belmond Britannic Explorer, with a private cabin, meals and drinks all included.
Which train is this?
The Belmond Britannic Explorer, a new luxury train from Belmond with private cabin accommodation.
What is included in the price?
All meals and drinks aboard the train including alcohol, 24-hour steward service, onboard entertainment, the day-one afternoon tea curated by chef Simon Rogan, a guided hike near Llandrindod Wells, and an exclusive evening at the Fox pub in Oddington.
What is not included?
Cancellation and travel insurance. Optional extras such as clay-pigeon shooting in Machynlleth cost more.
When does this trip depart?
The evidence does not list current departure dates for this package.

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