Explore the sunny South West of England on this 8 day rail tour through Devon and Cornwall. Enjoy sandy bays, Victorian beach resorts, bustling fishing villages, rocky coves and eerie moors, not to mention seafaring history through the ages in the charming Cornish and Devonshire towns of Falmouth and Exeter.
Day 1 - Devon's Countryside and Coast
Use your rail pass to jump aboard the Heathrow Express to Paddington station and join the mainline taking through the English West Country and Devon to Exeter . After leaving your luggage at the hotel, explore the Devonshire countryside and coastline by rail. Take in the stunning Victorian beach resorts of South Devon including Dawlish, Teignmouth and Paignton each with grand victorian piers and long promenades. If you're brave enough visit the haunted castle of Berry Pomeroy in Totnes. By bus you can travel inland where you will find the spectacular scenery of Dartmoor, eerie setting for "The Hound of the Baskevilles" and the ruins of Okehampton Castle .
Overnight Exeter.
Day 2 - Medieval Exeter
Explore Exeter on foot. 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. Explore the city's network of underground tunnels and enjoy the stunning medieval cathedral. Don't miss the Royal Albert Memorial Museum which details the city's rich history and Exeter's ties with Elizabethan England's greatest sea captain's Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh
Overnight Exeter.
Day 3 - Cornwall and Lands End
Journey along one of the most spectacular rail trips in Britain, directly along the Devonshire coast where the waves have been known to crash on the sides of the carriages. Reaching Falmouth take the morning to wander this charming town, the deep natural harbour and the sweeping bay and make a visit to the History of Maritime Museum. In the afternoon, hop back on the train to visit Penzance to hear tales of pirates and snap St Michaels Mount, stroll the water front of St Ives, a quaint but lively fishing village and visit Land's End, the very tip of England. Return to Falmouth.
Overnight Falmouth.
Day 4 - Regency Bath
Return north through Devon and the cider hills of Somerset in to the Avon Valley to Bath. The Spa town of Bath is regarded as the best-preserved Georgian city in Britain and is a UNESCO world heritage site. Bath is home to endless rows and terraces of grand Georgian architecture such as the Royal Crescent overlooking open garden squares. The impressive 13th century Abbey lies at the heart of the city’s cobbled streets and fashionable shops and arcades whilst Baths crowning glory is the must-see, marvellously preserved Roman Temple, Baths and Pump Room.
Overnight Bath.
Day 5 - Explore London
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 Paul's Cathedral, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and Trafalgar Square . Not to mention shopping on Oxford Street, Covent garden or in Harrod's department store and visiting some of the world-class museums and galleries. Round off you day viewing the city skyline on the London Eye .
Overnight London.
Day 6 - Return Home
Make your way back to the airport for your return flights.
Optional Extras
- Enjoy a City Sightseeing Tour of London or Bath.
- Take a flight on the London Eye.
Customize Your Tour
- Add nights in Bath or London to really get to know the cities.
- Add a night in the south Devonshire City of Plymouth.
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