If there’s ever been a moment to fall back in love with British rail, this is it. This week, Belmond’s Britannic Explorer — their newest luxury train — rolls out of the station on its inaugural journey to Cornwall, marking the start of a new golden age for slow, elegant travel across the UK.
This isn’t your standard hop from A to B. The Britannic Explorer is an invitation to settle in, glass of champagne in hand, as the countryside slips by outside your window — all polished wood-panelled carriages, linen-clad tables and attentive staff topping up your glass before you even notice it’s empty. It’s nostalgia done properly, with all the creature comforts that make Belmond a name you can trust.
We’ve had the privilege of sending several RASK VIPs on some of Belmond’s standout trains — from the classic elegance of the Belmond Le Train Bleu cruising through the French countryside to the timeless charm of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express weaving along Europe’s waterways.
Jonas experienced the Belmond Hiram Bingham in Peru firsthand, enjoying the striking Andean landscapes before settling at the foot of Machu Picchu, all wrapped up in that quietly impeccable service Belmond is known for. Having been part of these journeys ourselves, we’re genuinely excited to bring that same sense of discovery and comfort closer to home with the new Britannic Explorer.
You’ll start your three-day Cornwall journey by settling into your impeccably styled cabin, complete with 24-hour steward service and en-suite. Each day begins with a table d’hôte breakfast, followed by brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner — all thoughtfully prepared and paired with a curated selection of wines, cocktails, and other beverages.
Stepping off the train, the itinerary offers a choice: spend time exploring St Ives with exclusive access to the Tate gallery and the Barbara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Garden, or enjoy a private guided tour of the Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, complete with a Cornish wine tasting overlooking St Michael’s Mount. One special evening features a gala dinner at Da Costa, the acclaimed Italian restaurant located within the Hauser & Wirth gallery in Bruton, Somerset.
Back on board, unwind in the Wellness Suite (you’re treated to a complimentary spa treatment) or enjoy botanical-inspired cocktails in the Bar as the train winds through the North Wessex Downs.
Beyond Cornwall, the routes get even more tempting. From September onwards, the Britannic Explorer will be weaving its way into the wild hills of Wales and the storybook landscapes of the Lake District — two regions that lend themselves beautifully to this kind of lingering travel. Think craggy coastlines, hidden gardens, stately homes and private castles you’d never stumble upon by car, let alone on a hurried weekend break.
At RASK, we love a train that makes the journey the reason to pack a bag — and the Britannic Explorer is exactly that. Picture multi-day itineraries that pair onboard feasts with off-train excursions you simply can’t replicate solo. One day you’re sipping your morning coffee with views of rolling hills; the next, you’re stepping off for a private distillery tour, a garden picnic on a grand estate or a guided wander through ancient market towns.
RASK Recommends: Pair your rail journey with a few nights at one of our favourite countryside hotels — Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons near Oxford, or the chic Cadogan London if your route swings that way. Or let us arrange a seamless onward trip — castle stays, countryside picnics, private transfers — so the luxury doesn’t end when the final whistle blows.
