The Lake District
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Britannic Explorer: The Lake District & Wales (2026)
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The Lake District
Wales
Ribblehead Viaduct
The Lake District
Britannic Explorer - Observation Car
Britannic Explorer - Dining Carriage
United Kingdom

Britannic Explorer: The Lake District & Wales (2026) (Tour code: 14888)

Starts and Ends
in London Victoria Station
Travel Periods
10 Apr 26 - 25 Sep 26
Experience
Travel Style
Rail Journeys
Discover the Lake District’s ethereal charm – its mirror-like lakes, undulating hills and dramatic peaks – widely considered among the finest natural wonders in the UK.

Highlights

Embark on a luxury chauffeured ride to the Grade II listed Victorian mansion of Lingholm Estate, a place where Beatrix Potter spent her cherished summers. This private sanctuary, open exclusively to guests of the Britannic Explorer, promises a memorable escape into history and nature.

Step off the train for an exclusive gala lunch at a unique off-board venue, adding an extra touch of elegance to your journey.

Hike through the tranquil valleys of Llandrindod Wells, enjoy a delightful picnic in lavender fields, and witness the stunning transformation of landscapes as the train takes you through Snowdonia National Park

Visit the creative town of Machynlleth, renowned for its Museum of Modern Art

7 days
From
AUD 29,473
per person, twin share
Travelling with kids? Read more 
All services are subject to availability.

Overview

Over six unforgettable nights, explore the breathtaking beauty of the British countryside, from scenic hikes in Snowdonia and the Yorkshire Dales to visits to ancient castles. Experience the tranquil shores of Derwentwater and the invigorating Welsh wilderness, all while savoring the finest British treasures. Immerse yourself in the literary charm of Yorkshire, delight in gourmet experiences in the Cotswolds and enjoy the ever-changing views of rolling hills and picturesque villages from your private cabin window. This is an extraordinary voyage that celebrates nature, history and luxury in one unforgettable journey.

Inclusions

A tailor-made itinerary of exciting and varied off-board tours and experiences
Daily table d'hôte meals, including breakfasts, brunches, lunches, afternoon teas and dinners, alongside a selection of alcoholic and other beverages
Off board the train, enjoy a gala lunch at an exclusive venue
Six nights aboard the Britannic Explorer luxury train, with 24-hour steward service

Day 1 Depart London Victoria Station

Prepare to traverse the glorious English countryside and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of the Lake District as you step aboard the Britannic Explorer at London Victoria Station. Settle into your private quarters, where the elegant ambience reflects the illustrious landscape through which the train passes. Life on board is an indulgent affair, beginning with a sumptuous Cumbrian Afternoon Tea, curated by Chef Simon Rogan, with his own Cumbrian heritage reflected in the menu. Perhaps you'll try a slice of Kendal mint cake, or some sumptuous Grasmere gingerbread.

The route to the Lake District takes you through the heart of England, winding through the picturesque landscapes of Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, and South Yorkshire.

As night descends, take your seat for an exquisite dinner, once again crafted by Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan, a true pioneer of the farm-to-fork movement. Anticipate culinary masterpieces that celebrate local, seasonal ingredients and innovative flavours, elevating your dining experience to new heights. After dinner, join us in the Observation Car, where you can dance the night away to music while sipping a small-batch gin and tonic, surrounded by cherished new friends. Finally, retreat to your tranquil suite for a restful night’s sleep.

Dinner
Depart London Victoria Station
Town Bridge Sunset, London

Day 2 Workington - Gateway to the Lake District

Awaken to the scenic views of the Forest of Bowland and the enchanting Yorkshire Dales National Park rushing past your window. As you travel along Cumbria’s southern coast, let your gaze drift to the stunning panorama of the Irish Sea shimmering in the distance. By early afternoon, you'll arrive in Workington – your gateway to the Lake District. Here, take a chauffeured journey to the Lingholm Estate, a Grade II listed Victorian mansion where the beloved Beatrix Potter once spent her idyllic summers. Within this exclusive sanctuary, with private quarters open solely to guests of the Britannic Explorer, choose your adventure: immerse yourself in guided open-water swimming, meet the delightful local alpacas, or embark on a scenic hike around the breathtaking nearby fells. For those wishing to explore a little further afield, the onboard concierge is ready to curate your ideal outing.

Reboard the train, now awaiting you at Penrith, just as dinner is being prepared. Tonight’s meal is yet another celebration of seasonal British fine dining, followed by lively onboard entertainment with your fellow bon vivants. As the evening draws to a close, the train will rest overnight on the scenic Settle & Carlisle line, nestled in the charming rural market town of Appleby.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Workington - Gateway to the Lake District
The Lake District

Day 3 Special gala lunch

Awaken to an elegant morning as a leisurely brunch awaits you in the dining car, alongside a freshly crafted Bellini. Savour this gentle time, perhaps with a spirited game of cards among newfound friends as the train glides over the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct on the famed Settle & Carlisle line. Soon, disembark for a sumptuous gala lunch at an exclusive venue.

Return to the train afterward to spend your final night aboard, resting overnight just beyond the lights of London.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Special gala lunch
Ribblehead Viaduct

Day 4 London Victoria Station journey to Wales

After a scenic journey, gliding through Oxfordshire and the Chilterns, arrive at London Victoria for an early morning arrival. You have free time here as more passengers board the train, so disembark and stretch your legs to explore the local area – perhaps making the short 15-minute stroll toThe Cadogan Hotel for a spot of lunch or a glass of English sparkling wine on their terrace.

In the afternoon, depart London once again, beginning your journey to Wales with a thoughtfully crafted afternoon tea, featuring delightful Welsh teacakes and traditional bara brith fruit cake. As you savor these treats, the golden hour casts a warm glow over the patchwork landscape of the Cotswolds, transforming the countryside into a breathtaking scene of rich colors. As evening approaches, you may choose to unwind in the wellness suite, sample a selection of gins at the bar, or enjoy a friendly board game with new companions. After a beautifully crafted dinner by Chef Rogan, retreat to your suite, where you can drift off to sleep, gently rocked by the soothing rhythm of this extraordinary journey.

Breakfast, Dinner
London Victoria Station → journey to Wales
Cotswolds

Day 5 Wales' scenic vistas

As the sun rises, illuminating the breathtaking Pembrokeshire coastline, embrace the promise of a day filled with exploration amidst Wales's scenic vistas and verdant valleys. After a leisurely breakfast, disembark at Llandrindod Wells, where a guided hike through the tranquil valleys of the remote Welsh heartland awaits. Along the way, indulge in a quintessentially British picnic amidst fragrant lavender fields, complete with a beautifully curated hamper that celebrates the best of local produce. For those desiring a more relaxed pace, the attentive Guest Experience team is on hand to recommend a selection of thoughtfully crafted activities tailored to your preferences.

After your invigorating excursion, rejoin the train and continue your journey along the enchanting Heart of Wales Line, which gracefully winds through the rural uplands of Carmarthenshire and Powys. As you travel northward into Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), prepare to be mesmerised by the dramatic transformation of landscapes, where lush valleys rise to meet soaring peaks and cascading waterfalls. This evening's dining experience promises another celebration of seasonal British fine dining, perfectly paired with an enchanting entertainment lineup. The overnight stabling point for the evening is the charming town of Porthmadog, nestled within the majestic embrace of Snowdonia National Park.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wales' scenic vistas
Pembrokeshire coastline

Day 6 Machynlleth & Moreton-in-Marsh

Spend a leisurely morning aboard the train, indulging in a wellness ritual or enjoying a blissful lie-in, followed by a sumptuous brunch. With a freshly made mimosa in hand, take in the passing scenery from the expansive windows of the Observation Car.

Your next destination is the vibrant town of Machynlleth, nestled at the southern edge of Eryri National Park (Snowdonia). Renowned for its Museum of Modern Art, Machynlleth is a hub of creativity, sustainability, and exceptional cuisine. The Concierge's curated black book of excursions reflects the town’s ethos, offering a range of active pursuits complemented by a glass or two of exquisite natural Welsh wine.

As you journey back on board, the time has come for the grand finale of this Welsh adventure, a celebration of the very best of British terroir. A lavish five-course lunch is served as the train glides towards the Cotswolds, traversing the lush greenery of Mid Wales and Montgomeryshire, passing through Welshpool before crossing into Shropshire. The train winds down through the West Midlands to Oxfordshire, arriving at Moreton-in-Marsh, an idyllic market town celebrated for its charming 'chocolate box' cottages. Here, disembark for an exclusive after-party in a quintessential Cotswolds pub, where you can immerse yourself in local culture. Savour an array of English delights, from homemade scotch eggs to delectable sausage rolls, and for those feeling adventurous, the bar awaits as you learn the art of pouring the perfect pint.

After a night filled with laughter, dancing, and sampling a variety of local ales, wines, and handcrafted liqueurs, retreat to your suite for your final restful night on board.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Machynlleth & Moreton-in-Marsh
Cotswolds

Day 7 Farewell

Savour a farewell breakfast as your journey through the picturesque landscapes of Oxfordshire and the enchanting Chilterns. As you reflect on the unforgettable memories from your breathtaking exploration of the United Kingdom, the train gracefully arrives at London Victoria in the soft light of early morning.

Breakfast

Accommodation

Britannic Explorer

Upgrade available

In the comfort of your exclusive private quarters, your mobile sanctuary awaits. This luxury sleeper train, a true reflection of British elegance, is filled with charming touches. From the privacy of your suite, take in the ever-changing shades of the English and Welsh countryside through your window. Inside, the interiors capture the essence of both the landscape and the whimsical spirit of British design – as night falls, your space transforms into a warm and inviting retreat.

SUITES - DOUBLE/TWIN

The Double suites are adorned with a green colour scheme, reflecting the lush British landscapes, while the Twin suites feature a blue palette inspired by the country’s rugged coastline.

Each Double suite offers a luxurious double bed and an en-suite bathroom. By day, the space features comfortable banquette seating that transforms into a double bed at night.

The Twin suites come with plush twin beds and an en-suite bathroom. During the day, the banquette seating converts into twin beds by night.

Each room is decorated with artwork by English designer Luke Edward Hall. 

Twin Suite - by day
Twin Suite - by night
Double Suite - by day
Double Suite - by night
  • Plush double/twin beds
  • En-suite bathroom 
  • Fold-out table and stool

Room Upgrades

Grand Suites

There are three Grand Suites – Elder, Valerian and Juniper – each are uniquely designed to reflect the bright beauty of an English country garden. As the most luxurious accommodation option onboard the train, they come with a range of features including a full-length mirror and marble dining table, offering coveted space as you traverse Great Britain’s railways.

  • Personal butler service
  • Indulgent cabin amenities
  • In-cabin private dining on request
  • One complimentary spa treatment per guest
  • Private arrival and departure transfers
  • Plush double bed
  • En-suite bathroom with marble basin and shower cubicle
  • Long-hanging wardrobe and sofa with storage drawers
Grand Suites

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Additional information

2026 departure dates:

  • 10 April
  • No departures May - June
  • 31 July
  • No departures in August
  • 25 September
  • No departures October - December

Excluded

  • International airfares and taxes
  • Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
  • Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
  • Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
  • Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.)
  • Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
  • Or any other travel expense that has not been included or mentioned in our holiday package 

FAQs

What should I wear onboard?

For daytime excursions and relaxing on the train, comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear are recommended. A warm, waterproof jacket and good walking shoes are advised. Formal and informal dinners are included, with formal events requiring a dark suit, tie, tuxedo, or evening wear, and informal dinners suitable for a collared shirt and jacket.

What is included in the price?

The price includes suite cabin accommodation, daily meals, a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, onboard entertainment, and outdoor excursions as outlined in the itinerary. Insurance and gratuities are not included.

Does the train have Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi is available throughout the train but may be intermittent in remote areas.

What luggage can I bring?

Due to limited cabin space, it is recommended to take one suitcase, a carry-on bag, and a garment bag per guest.

How can I request special assistance?

For special assistance, including reduced mobility needs, please contact our reservations team to discuss options and arrangements for your journey.

Are pets allowed onboard?

For safety reasons, pets are not permitted, but assistance dogs are welcome. Please contact our reservations team for more details.

Can transportation be arranged?

Transfers to and from the station can be arranged in advance. Guests in select suites may receive complimentary transportation.

Are children permitted?

Children are welcome, with infants under two travelling free. Parents should bring their own food and bassinet. Children may be restricted in certain areas like the bar and restaurant cars.

Can I smoke onboard?

Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited by UK law on the train.

What is the check-in procedure?

Check-in takes place at the reception on platform 2 at London Victoria Station. Please arrive at the time specified in your itinerary for check-in and luggage transfer.

Are there laundry facilities?

Pressing services are available, but there are no laundry facilities onboard. Laundry services can be arranged for longer stays.

Are there electric outlets in the cabins?

All cabins have electrical outlets, and UK voltage is 220/240V. Adapters may be needed for foreign appliances.

Can special dietary preferences be accommodated?

Dietary preferences, including vegetarian or vegan, can be catered for if notified in advance. Strict religious meal requirements cannot be guaranteed, but the chefs will aim to prepare suitable dishes.

Will I need travel insurance?

As with all holidays and trips abroad, we strongly recommend that you have travel insurance. Please consult with our agents at time of booking and we can assist you with this.

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