South-west England by rail
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From London, head west to discover Bath’s cultural treasures and Bristol’s vibrant festivals, before delving into Cornwall’s arty villages and clifftop trails – and diving into its surf scene.
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The route:
London – Bath – Bristol – St Austell – St Ives
London – Bath: 1.5 hours
Bath – Bristol: 11 mins
Bristol – St Austell: 3-4 hours
St Austell – St Ives: 2-3 hours
Getting around
- This train route covers a distance of around 310 miles (500km), travelling on Great Western Railway services.
- To save money, purchase a ‘Two Together’ railcard, which gives two nominated passengers 33% off fares when they travel together.
- The itinerary can be completed in either direction. To travel in an easterly direction, take the Night Riviera Sleeper from London to Penzance, then follow the route in reverse.
Route highlights:
- The Roman Baths
- Clifton Suspension Bridge
- Shipwreck Treasure Museum, St Austell
- Lost Gardens of Heligan
- The Eden Project
- Tate St Ives
Stop 1: London to Bath
Morning: Stroll Bath’s treasures
From the Royal Crescent to the Roman Baths, the city is full of architectural gems – best explored on a walking tour, featuring Bridgerton filming spots, Austen landmarks and more.
Afternoon: Feast on foodie Bath
Treat yourself to a traditional afternoon tea at the Pump Room, freshly-baked buns at Sally Lunn’s, or local cheeses and street food on a Savouring Bath walking tour.
Evening: Sip cocktails at a gin distillery
Explore the weekly changing list of gin flavours and gin-based cocktails at Bath Distillery Gin Bar. Stay atThe Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, a short stroll from the town centre.
Stop 2: Bath to Bristol
Morning: Soak in spa pools
Before you head west, soothe your muscles in the mineral-rich waters of the luxurious Thermae Bath Spa – you’ll emerge refreshed and ready for adventure.
Afternoon: Check out a festival
Bristol loves festivals, so see what’s on during your trip: from live music at the Bristol Jazz Festival (March) to hot air balloon fun at Bristol Balloon Fiesta (August).
Evening: Party at a floating club
Dance the night away at Thekla, a famous night club and gig venue on a converted German cargo ship moored in Bristol Harbour. Stay at the Harbour Hotel and Spa in the city centre.
Stop 3: Bristol to St Austell
Morning: Spot wild peregrine falcons
Before leaving Bristol, feast your eyes on Avon Valley views from the Clifton Suspension Bridge, an engineering marvel – and maybe even spot peregrine falcons.
Afternoon: Discover lost bounty
Explore the quirky side of Cornwall’s maritime history at the Shipwreck Treasure Museum in St Austell – packed with coins and curios salvaged from over 100 wrecks.
Evening: Experience Cornish luxury
Stay at the Carlyon Bay luxury resort and enjoy the complimentary facilities including a golf course, luxury spa, tennis courts and outdoor heated pools.
Stop 4: St Austell
Morning: Get lost in a rainforest
Discover the world’s largest indoor rainforest at The Eden Project, in its state-of-the-art biomes – and look out for festivals, live music and entertainment too.
Afternoon: Toast your trip at an ancient brewery
Raise a glass (or two) of award-winning beer on a behind-the-scenes tour of St Austell Brewery, a legendary Cornish brewery founded in 1851.
Evening: Sample local beers
Enjoy a curated range of local, limited-edition Cornish beers and pizza at the recently opened Harbour Beer House.
Day 5: St Austell to St Ives
Morning: Make a splash in St Austell Bay
Relax on a glorious Cornish beach – or try jetskiing, paddleboarding, sailing and kayaking via a local watersports centre.
Afternoon: Tuck into fish and chips
After travelling to St Ives, walk to Porthmeor beach (15 minutes) for fish and chips at Porthmeor Beach Cafe – a popular surfers’ spot with epic sunset views.
Evening: Catch a play at an outdoor theatre
Take a taxi to the Minack Theatre (around 40 mins), an outdoor clifftop venue with incredible sunset views – hosting everything from opera to traditional sea shanties.
Stop 6: St Ives
Morning: Try a surfing lesson
Of all Cornwall’s surf spots, St Ives is one of the best – so sign up for a session at St Ives Surf School, based on Porthmeor beach.
Afternoon: Be inspired by St Ives
This tiny town has a huge art scene: delve into modern masterpieces at Tate St Ives or at the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden.
Evening: Return to London
Catch the Night Riviera Sleeper – an overnight train from Penzance (40 mins from St Ives by bus). It takes 8–9 hours, arriving at London Paddington in the early morning.
South-west England by rail.pdf
South-west England by rail itinerary
