Britannic Explorer: A journey to the Lake District

Your journey begins in the heart of London at the capital’s Victoria Station, the starting point for your journey to the Lake District. Stepping aboard the light-blue carriages of the Britannic Explorer, you’ll head to your private suite as the train’s creatively designed interiors transport you back to travel’s golden age. But the luxury here reaches far beyond the design, as you’ll discover with your first onboard dining experience – a delicious Cumbrian afternoon tea, served to views of the picturesque English countryside. Then, as evening arrives, you’ll join your fellow guests for a signature cocktail before dining on a menu crafted by renowned chef Simon Rogan. Inspired by locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, it’s a showcase for innovative cookery and a true celebration of English farm-to-fork cuisine.

Today starts in relaxed fashion as you enjoy a leisurely brunch onboard, enjoying views of the Forest of Bowland, the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales and Cumbria’s Irish Sea coast. Arriving in Workington in the early afternoon, you’ll join a chauffeured journey to the historic Lingholm Estate – a Grade II listed Victorian mansion on the shores of Derwentwater Lake, which was once the home of acclaimed children's author, Beatrix Potter. Here, within an exclusive reserved exclusively for guests of Britannic Explorer, you’ll choose between a range of activities, including wild swimming, rowing and hiking. Later, head to Penrith and the scenic Settle & Carlisle line where the train will stay overnight. In the evening, enjoy another delectable dinner onboard, and perhaps relax with a treatment in the wellness car.

Accompanied by a leisurely breakfast, this morning’s route follows the scenic Settle & Carlisle line, often hailed as England’s most picturesque railway. Marvel at the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct and take in magnificent views of the Peak District as you head south to Oxfordshire for an evening at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Hotel. This famous and historic manor house is the domain of Chef Patron Raymond Blanc OBE, and a black-tie dinner in the Le Belle Époque dining room will feature a two-Michelin-starred menu of garden-to-table cuisine. End the day unwinding in the observation car with drinks and live entertainment as you pause in the Chilterns for one last night onboard.

Your journey ends with a sumptuous breakfast served as the train departs for London’s Victoria Station where you’ll disembark.