Great Rail Journey To Cornwall Aboard Britannic Explorer

Your journey begins with the ease and comfort of a private transfer: your driver will collect you from your centrally located London hotel and deliver you to London Victoria Station with plenty of time to board the Britannic Explorer. As you step aboard, the promise of an extraordinary adventure unfolds. Departing in the soft afternoon light, take time to explore the train’s elegant carriages and settle into the sanctuary of your private cabin. As the city fades into the distance, England’s enchanting western countryside unfurls beyond your window. 

In the dining carriage, delight in Chef Simon Rogan’s Cornish Afternoon Tea—crafted with the finest ingredients from Cornwall’s larder and steeped in British tradition (complete with the age-old debate: jam or cream first?). Later, perhaps the Wellness Suite invites you to relax, or the Bar tempts you with cocktails infused with native botanicals as the train glides through the North Wessex Downs and the storied market towns of Somerset. By twilight, arrive at the West Somerset Railway, a heritage track offering spectacular countryside and coastal views. After an exquisite dinner by Chef Rogan and perhaps some music and a small-batch gin in the Observation Car, retreat to your suite and drift into a peaceful slumber. 

Mornings aboard the Britannic Explorer are made for unhurried indulgence. Ease into the day at your own pace—perhaps with a leisurely lie-in before brunch is served in the dining car, or with a revitalising session in the peaceful surroundings of the Wellness Suite. As the train glides along Devon’s spectacular southern coast, you’ll follow the iconic Riviera Line, where panoramic sea views frame pretty towns such as Teignmouth. Skimming the edge of rugged Dartmoor on the way to Plymouth, the train then crosses into Cornwall—known locally as Kernow. The journey west towards Penzance promises yet more breathtaking scenery, with the shimmering Cornish seas accompanying you past St Austell and Truro. 

By early afternoon, we arrive in south Cornwall, where you’ll choose from two specially curated experiences. Spend time in the charming town of St Ives, with access to both the Tate gallery and the Barbara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Garden. Or, opt for a guided tour of the Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, paired with a private Cornish wine tasting overlooking the iconic St Michael’s Mount. As evening falls, rejoin the train for a celebratory dinner showcasing Britain’s finest seasonal produce, followed by a night of curated onboard entertainment. 

After a delightful breakfast sets the tone for your final day aboard the Britannic Explorer, step ashore to discover the enduring charm of south Cornwall’s Lostwithiel region. Choose from two exceptional experiences: embark on a scenic boat tour from the postcard-perfect town of Fowey, complete with a relaxed beach barbecue, or visit the Colwith Distillery for an insightful tour and tasting of their award-winning Cornish vodka. 

As evening approaches, rejoin the train—your luxurious home on rails—for a picturesque journey through the countryside to Somerset, arriving in the enchanting town of Bruton. Here, enjoy an exclusive after-hours tour of the renowned Hauser & Wirth Somerset art gallery, paired with a drinks and canapés reception in Oudolf Field, the celebrated meadow designed by landscape artist Piet Oudolf. The day concludes with an extraordinary dinner at Da Costa, where dishes inspired by Northern Italy’s Veneto region are crafted using Somerset’s finest seasonal ingredients. As night falls, the Britannic Explorer rests on the peaceful East Somerset Railway, offering you a final night of undisturbed slumber.