The Lake District & Wales by Britannic Explorer

Prepare to immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of the Lake District as your journey begins with a private transfer from your centrally located London hotel to London Victoria Station, ensuring a seamless and stress-free start. Step aboard the Britannic Explorer, where the promise of indulgence and adventure awaits. Your experience begins with a sumptuous Cumbrian Afternoon Tea, curated by Chef Simon Rogan and inspired by his Cumbrian heritage, featuring delights such as Kendal mint cake and Grasmere gingerbread. As the afternoon unfolds, perhaps unwind with a restorative treatment in the Wellness Suite or sip a handcrafted cocktail from the Bar while the train winds through the heart of England, passing the picturesque landscapes of Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, and South Yorkshire on its way north. As night descends, take your seat for an exquisite dinner created by Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan and Executive Chef Sven-Hanson Britt—a celebration of local, seasonal ingredients elevated with innovative flair. After dinner, join fellow travellers in the Observation Car, where live music, small-batch gin, and good cheer set the scene. Finally, retreat to the comfort of your tranquil suite for a restful night’s sleep.  

Wake to views of the Forest of Bowland and the Yorkshire Dales, framed by sweeping windows. As we travel along Cumbria’s southern coast, the Irish Sea shimmers on the horizon. Arriving in Workington, disembark for an exclusive experience at Lingholm Estate, where Beatrix Potter once found inspiration. Enjoy private access to this Victorian treasure — try serene watersports on Derwentwater, meet the estate’s alpacas, or engage in classic English lawn games. In the late afternoon, rejoin the train at Penrith for another evening of culinary excellence and conviviality. Dinner is a celebration of Britain’s finest produce, followed by lively entertainment among fellow travelers. As evening deepens, the train rests along the scenic Settle & Carlisle line in the charming town of Appleby, promising a peaceful night in the countryside.  

Begin your day with a relaxed brunch paired with a freshly shaken Bellini as the train crosses the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct, an engineering marvel set against the wild Yorkshire landscape. Later, disembark for a rare behind-the-scenes experience at Simon Rogan’s regenerative farm in the picturesque Cartmel Valley. Stroll among vibrant fields, discover sustainable farming techniques, and enjoy an intimate, farm-to-fork dining event showcasing hyper-seasonal ingredients. Afterward, return to the comfort of the Britannic Explorer for an evening of relaxation as the train journeys southward. As countryside landscapes unfurl outside your window, settle in for another night of supreme comfort, stabling in the peaceful surroundings near the Cotswolds.  

Awaken to a scenic journey through Oxfordshire and the Chilterns, arriving back at London Victoria for a brief interlude. Disembark for a leisurely stroll or visit the Belmond sister hotel, The Cadogan, to enjoy a glass of English sparkling wine or a light lunch. Reboard the train in the afternoon as we chart a new course westward. A thoughtfully curated Welsh afternoon tea — complete with bara brith and teacakes — is served as golden hour bathes the Cotswolds in honeyed light. Evening brings a masterpiece of seasonal British cuisine by Chef Rogan, enjoyed in the glamorous dining car. After dinner, relax with a nightcap before returning to your suite, lulled to sleep by the gentle rhythm of the train as we journey into Wales.  

Greet the morning with breakfast as the Pembrokeshire coastline greets you with its dramatic beauty. Disembark at Llandrindod Wells for curated excursions: embark on a guided hike across Wales’s quiet valleys or indulge in tranquility at a Welsh lavender farm, complete with pond swims, saunas, and roaring fires. Rejoin the train for a scenic ride along the Heart of Wales Line, passing through the rural uplands of Carmarthenshire and Powys. As we edge northward into the towering peaks of Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), marvel at the changing landscapes. After dark, join our wellness partners Wildsmith for an elemental fire ceremony. Tonight, the train stables near the coastal village of Barmouth, allowing you a restful night framed by the sounds of the sea.  

Enjoy a serene morning aboard, with the option of a wellness ritual or a mimosa-accompanied brunch. Arriving in Machynlleth, a vibrant town at Snowdonia’s southern edge, choose between two exclusive excursions: an immersive art class and theatre experience, or the thrill of clay pigeon shooting amid breathtaking scenery. Back on board, a leisurely lunch is served as the train weaves through Mid Wales and Montgomeryshire, eventually crossing into the rolling hills of Shropshire. After another elegant dinner, disembark in Moreton-in-Marsh for a private evening at The Fox in Oddington — a quintessential Cotswolds pub. Savour traditional English fare, sip on local ales and craft liqueurs, and learn the perfect pint pour, rounding off the day in true British style. 

Savour a final breakfast as the Britannic Explorer glides through the lush landscapes of Oxfordshire and the storybook hills of the Chilterns. Bathed in soft morning light, the train makes its graceful return to London Victoria. As you reflect on seven days of remarkable discovery, luxurious dining, and breathtaking scenery, it’s a fitting close to a journey that has traversed some of Britain’s most enchanting regions — from the fabled Lake District to the wild valleys of Wales, and the timeless beauty of the Cotswolds. Step off the train with cherished memories and a longing to return to the golden age of travel, reimagined for the modern explorer.