Search

railtour suisse · Luxury train journey

Britannic Explorer - Cornwall

Luxury train journey from London through Somerset and Cornwall for four days

Illustration of Britannic Explorer - Cornwall

The Britannic Explorer, operated by railtour suisse, is a four-day, three-night luxury train journey through England's south coast. Departing from London Victoria, the train carries passengers through Somerset's market towns, the dramatic Devon coastline, and the rugged landscapes of Cornwall before returning to London. All three nights are spent on board in stylishly appointed suites with 24-hour steward service. Meals are prepared by Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan, using seasonal and regional ingredients. Day one brings Cornish Afternoon Tea while crossing the North Wessex Downs. Day two offers a choice: disembark for the artists' village of St Ives or visit the Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens near Penzance, passing the striking Dawlish Sea Wall en route. Day three includes an exclusive private tour and aperitif at the contemporary art gallery Hauser & Wirth in Bruton, followed by dinner at Da Costa restaurant. Optional activities such as private boat tours and distillery tastings are available for an additional fee. This journey suits luxury seekers, food and wine enthusiasts, and couples seeking a curated rail experience.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of CHF 8,260 per person for a Double or Twin Suite covers the train accommodation and included experiences; outward and return journey costs are not mentioned in the package
  • Grand Suite cabins are priced significantly higher at CHF 18,054 per person
  • Some on-board experiences and optional activities such as distillery tours and boat tours carry additional charges beyond the package price

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Bishops Lydeard area (West Somerset Railway)

    Day 1: London - Bishops Lydeard

    In the afternoon, board the Britannic Explorer at London Victoria Station and begin your journey to Cornwall. Make yourself comfortable in your stylishly designed suite. Enjoy a delicious Cornish Afternoon Tea while admiring the passing scenery, or a treatment in the wellness suite. The route takes you through the North Wessex Downs and the market towns of Frome and Taunton in Somerset. At dusk you reach the historic West Somerset Railway, a 20-mile line running along the coast to Dunster. Enjoy signature cocktails in the bar before dinner in the dining car, prepared by Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan (L'Enclume), followed by evening entertainment.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Fowey (train stops overnight on a quiet stretch of track overlooking the river)

    Day 2: Bishops Lydeard - Penzance - Fowey

    Brunch on board, then the journey continues to the Devon coast and the Riviera Line, past Teignmouth and the Dawlish Sea Wall, Dartmoor National Park, Plymouth, and on to Cornwall via St Austell and Truro. After lunch, choose to disembark at St Erth for the artists' village of St Ives, or continue to Penzance for a guided tour of the Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens (including James Turrell's 'Aqua Oscura' installation) and a wine tasting overlooking St Michael's Mount. Return to the train and continue to Fowey, where the train stops overnight overlooking the river; dinner in the dining car.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Bruton area (East Somerset Railway)

    Day 3: Fowey - Bruton

    Morning free time around Fowey and Lostwithiel: choose a private boat tour or a tour and tasting at the Colwith Distillery. The train then continues to Bruton in Somerset, where guests take an exclusive private tour and aperitif at the contemporary art gallery Hauser & Wirth, followed by dinner at Da Costa in Bruton (Veneto-inspired menu). The train stops overnight on the East Somerset Railway.

  4. Day 4rail

    Day 4: Castle Cary - London

    Breakfast is served while the train departs for the return journey to London, arriving at Victoria Station early in the morning.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Afternoon departure from London Victoria; Cornish Afternoon Tea served while the train passes through the North Wessex Downs and Somerset market towns
  • Day 2Journey along the Riviera Line past Teignmouth and the Dawlish Sea Wall, with a choice to visit the artists' village of St Ives or the Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens near Penzance
  • Day 3Private tour and aperitif at the contemporary art gallery Hauser & Wirth in Bruton, followed by dinner at Da Costa restaurant with a Veneto-inspired menu

Included

  • 24-hour steward service
  • all meals mentioned
  • all drinks including alcoholic beverages
  • entertainment on board
  • experiences as per itinerary (customised options available, additional charges may apply)

Not included

  • outward and return journey
  • gratuities and personal expenses
  • meals not mentioned
  • hotel accommodation on site
  • Entry fee (ETA) for GB
  • cancellation costs and travel insurance

Questions travellers ask

What is included in the Britannic Explorer package?
All meals prepared by Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan, all drinks including alcoholic beverages, 24-hour steward service, entertainment on board, and the itinerary experiences such as a wine tasting and private gallery tour at Hauser & Wirth. Optional extras such as boat tours and distillery tastings are available for an additional charge.
Does the price include the train fare?
The package covers accommodation, meals, and included experiences on the Britannic Explorer. Outward and return journey costs are listed as not included.
Which trains and routes does the journey use?
The Britannic Explorer travels from London Victoria through the North Wessex Downs, Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall, passing the Riviera Line, Dartmoor National Park, and the Dawlish Sea Wall before returning to London Victoria.
When does the Britannic Explorer run?
Departures operate between April and November 2026, with 18 confirmed dates across those months.
Can I choose different cabin options?
Yes. Double or Twin Suites start at CHF 8,260 per person, and Grand Suites are priced from CHF 18,054 per person.
Are there optional activities?
Yes. Optional extras include a visit to St Ives village, a private boat tour in Fowey, a Colwith Distillery tour and tasting, and wellness suite treatments on board.

Similar journeys