Bath, Devon & Cornwall By Rail

Setting off from London Paddington, board the train to the ancient Roman spa town of Bath. Located in the valley of the River Avon, Somerset, the town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Great Spa Towns of Europe.

Check into your boutique guesthouse before heading out for an evening meal at one of the town’s restaurants*

After breakfast it’s time to explore this historic town. Each day at 10.30am the Mayor of Bath's Corps of Honorary Guides offer a free walking tour of the city, including the Royal Crescent and The Circus - it’s the perfect way to discover the city with a local guide. And of course no stay in Bath is complete without a visit to the famous Roman Baths and the famous thermal spring spas.

If literature is your thing, why not also visit the Jane Austen Centre, the novelist who made Bath her home in the early 19th Century.
Once done, it’s time to pick up the South West 660 route on Devon’s south coast with a train to Exeter, a vibrant university town with a grand cathedral at its heart. Enjoy your riverside hotel location or dine out in the relaxed ambiance of the restaurants surrounding the 15th Century cathedral

Enjoy a wildlife walk along the River Exe this morning, or indulge in a little culture with a visit to the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery and a browse around the city’s shops and 15th Century cathedral.

After a leisurely lunch it’s time to leave the city behind and continue your rail journey from Devon to Cornwall. Take the direct train to St Austell, from where it’s a short taxi ride to one of the South West 660’s most charming coastal villages, Charlestown.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting out to explore a section of the South West Coast Path. Take the local bus to Mevagissey to enjoy a 12km hike back to Charlestown along the coast, or choose a shorter circular walk to Porthpean and give yourself time to relax in this beautiful corner of the world. With harbourside eateries where you can watch the world sail by and lost treasure to discover at the Shipwreck Museum, this small town has a lot to offer.

Optional: Brewery Tour & Tasting
Head back to St Austell for a 2 hour brewery tour & tasting at the St Austell Brewery
Price: £28pp

Pack your bags this morning, it’s time to head to the north coast of Cornwall. With a quick change at St Erth, this final stretch of line takes just 10 minutes but you’ll be spoiled with spectacular seaside scenery! (Psst… sit on the right hand side for the best views)

St Ives is a beautiful seaside town with much to explore! Venture out on the narrow cobbled streets to sample the local art scene and enjoy fresh seafood. Head to the ‘Downalong’, a labyrinth of small narrow cobbled streets, to discover more galleries, cafes and little shops than you can shake a stick at!

Check in to your comfortable guesthouse and enjoy a relaxed evening in St Ives.

Fill up with a delicious breakfast before setting out for a day of adventure. With so many walks to enjoy from St Ives, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Or why not take to the clear blue water with a wildlife boat trip, surf lesson or stand up paddleboard experience

Optional: Wildlife Boat Trip
Enjoy a 1 hour sea safari to explore this beautiful stretch of coastline from the water. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, both Common and Bottlenose dolphins, as well as a wide array of sea birds and even the occasional shark or whale!
Price: £40

Optional: Surf or Stand Up Paddle Board Lesson
Cornwall’s north coast is famed for its surfing and watersports, so pull on a wetsuit and dive on in!
Price: on request

Enjoy your final day in this beautiful town, continuing to explore the maze of tiny streets and independent businesses. Alternatively, why not treat yourself to a full day’s tour of the region with a private driver-guide. Our local partner will indulge you with sights and stories that only a local would know - it’s the perfect way to see the real Cornwall.

Optional: Private driver-guided tour
Join our local guide for a tour of the region, including the village of St Ages, Perranporth, Bedruthan Steps and Porthcothan Bay.
Price: on request

After breakfast it’s time to pack your bags and continue west. Hop on the train to travel through stunning scenery from St Ives to Penzance, a historic town on the far south west coast of England.

There’s plenty to learn about Cornwall’s past through the rich history you’ll find along the streets of Penzance, from its fishing heritage to the smugglers and pirates of these Cornish waters. The Art Deco open-air Jubilee Pool is great for a refreshing dip and the street food vendors on the promenade offer alfresco dining alternative to the many restaurants in town.
Relax into your local guesthouse, your home for the next two nights.

Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring the area before enjoying a short walk to the edge of town where you’ll find the Polgoon Vineyard & Orchard. Here you can explore the vines and fruit trees on a self-guided tour of this family-run estate, as well as the well-stocked shop brimming with locally-produced artisan food and drinks. In the unlikely event you were short on ideas for gifts and mementos to take home, this place will more than cover you!

After your tour, why not treat yourself to lunch on the vineyard’s covered terrace. With delicious wood-fired pizzas and local charcuterie to enjoy, accompanied by a tasting flight board of Polgoon’s own wine, it’s the perfect way to spend your final afternoon in South West England.

This morning it’s time to wave goodbye to England’s beautiful south west. Head to the station for the final train of your rail journey back to London.

Optional: Extend your stay in London
Make the most of your return to the capital and extend your break with an extra night or two in London. Simply let us know when you submit your preferred dates and we will help plan your city stay
Price: on request