A Region shrouded in myth and mystery explore the Devonshire and Cornish coastlines on this 8 day rail tour through the South West of England. The Tour
Day 1
Use your rail pass jump aboard the Heathrow Express to Paddington station, from here you can pick up a mainline train and journey out into open countryside heading for the Salisbury plain to the historic town of Salisbury. On Day 1 begin exploring Wiltshire's only city and take an amble through the narrow pedestrianized alleys surrounding the main market square before a visit to the Salisbury's famous cathedral. In the afternoon be sure to visit Stonehenge either by an informative organized tour or by public bus you can be there within 30mins to visit these iconic and eerie monoliths standing tall on the Salisbury Plain. Overnight Salisbury. Day 2 Jump aboard an early service to travel into Britain's most southerly county of Cornwall steeped in Arthurian legend and myths of smugglers and pirates. Your journey takes you on one of the most scenic rail routes in Britain running directly along the Devonshire coastline where in places the ocean waves have been known to splash against the carriages. Arrive in Plymouth and after checking in to your hotel jump straight back on the train to St Austell where you can pick up a bus to the renowned Eden Project a huge botanical garden dome outlining mankinds reliance on plant life. Return to spend the evening in Plymouth, climbing Smeaton's Tower a tradtional red and white striped lighthouse to gain unrivaled views over the city and coastline. Below the tower you will find Plymouth Dome with various exhibitions detailing Plymouth's history all the way back to Sir Francis Drake who sailed from Plymouth to defeat the Spanish Armada in 1558. A stroll along the seafront and you won't miss the Royal Citadel an impressive fortress dating back to the 17th century. In the evening you can't miss the opportunity to sit back and sample some fresh fish in one of Plymouths many individual restaurants. Overnight Plymouth. Day 3 On day 3 ride the rails to Penzance to hear tales of Pirates on the Cornish coast. From here you can take a bus to the most south westerly tip of Cornwall and indeed the UK at Land's End where you can appreciate England's rugged coastline as it is battered by the Atlantic Ocean. Hear the myths around St Michaels mount, an island mount housing a medieval castle and celtic monastry. At low tide you can walk along the causeway to reach the mount but watch the waters as high tide cuts the mount off from the mainland and you will need to return by boat. From Penzance you can also make your way to the small fishing village of St Ives for a relaxing stroll along the waterfront and to sample some traditional Cornish ice cream. Return to Plymouth for a stroll on the Victorian pier before bed. Overnight Plymouth. Day 4 Return east in to Devon and to the West Country's most charming city, Exeter. With a rich Roman history and developing into a wealthy sea port in the middle ages Exeter is home to a treasure trove of architecture from various eras. The medieval Cathedral is the highlight having stood within the city for 600 years, why not take one of the free guided tours through the Cathedral to discover its secrets. The brave might like to explore the city's medieval underground passages and discover the tales and myths surrounding these ancient tunnels. In the afternoon visit the Royal Albert Memorial Museum which details the city's rich history and the some of Elizabethan England's greatest sea captain's who lived near Exeter, Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh. Overnight Exeter. Day 5 Head north deep into the Cornish countryside and to Barnstaple, the ancient capital of North Devon. Barnstaple is a real hidden gem with its ancient timbered market place and is home to a 14th century church with a twisted spire. Or travel south to the various coastal towns and traditional British seaside resorts. Dawlish, Teignmouth and Paignton all have their own sea front promenades and long Victorian piers stretching out in to the English Channel. Don't miss out on Exmouth with its golden sandy beach where you'll see rows of little beach huts, a true icon of the British summer vacation. Overnight Exeter Day 6 Return north through the Avon Valley to Bath where you'll find a grand Georgian city with a quaint and friendly feel. Explore the famous Roman Baths and Pump Room, shop till you drop in the city's famous shopping district, wonder at Bath Abbey, stroll along the banks of the river Avon or enjoy the rows of elegant Georgian town houses, Bath has something for everyone. Overnight Bath. Day 7 Finally return to England's Capital city. London is home to a host of must-see landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Westminster and Big Ben, St Pauls Cathedral, Tower Bridge and Covent Garden. Spend the day getting some great snaps and round off the vacation seeing the city skyline at sunset with a flight on the British Airways London Eye. Day 8 Hop on board the Heathrow or Gatwick Express to take you to the airport ready for your retrun flight to the US/Canada. Whats Included? 7 nights hotel accommodation in Salisbury, Plymouth, Exeter, Bath and London. All accommodation is on Bed and Breakfast basis to inlcude a full english breakfast and all bed taxes. 8 Day Britrail Consecutive Pass including Heathrow/Gatwick Express rail transfers.
Optional Extras Take a live guided bus tour from Salisbury to visit Stonehenge, unreachable by rail. Enjoy a City Sightseeing tour of the city of Exeter or Bath.
Top Tip
Day Number 1: SalisburyDay Number 2: CornwallDay Number 4: DevonDay Number 6: BathDay Number 7: London
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