Independent Rail Tour of England

Trip Overview

Your 12 day independent rail tour of South West England promises to be a delightful cultural journey, filled with picturesque landscapes, rich history, and culinary delights. Take a scenic train ride from London to Paignton, a charming seaside town on the English Riviera. Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation and take a stroll along the traditional pier. Take a ride on Dartmouth Steam Railway through the scenic countryside. Indulge in a traditional Devonshire cream tea at one of the local cafes. Board a train to Falmouth, a historic fishing harbour in Cornwall. Explore the town’s maritime history and visit Pendennis Castle, a mighty fortress overlooking the sea. Sample fresh seafood at one of Falmouth’s waterfront restaurants. Visit St Ives, a picturesque seaside town known for its golden beaches and vibrant art scene. Overnight in the port city of Plymouth and finally onto the historic city of Bath. Wander through Bath’s Georgian streets and admire the exceptional architecture.
This itinerary allows for a balance of guided activities and leisure time, ensuring you have the opportunity to immerse yourself fully in the cultural patchwork of Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset.

Highlights

  • Visits to Totnes, Falmouth, St Ives, Plymouth & Bath
  • Heritage steam railway, paddle steamer, and coastal exploration around The English Riviera
  • Take in the famous sites of Cornwall’s Pendennis Castle and Roman Baths
  • Enjoy a full day tour to the Cotswolds

Inclusions

  • 11 nights in quality 3 and 4 star town centre hotels or inns
    • 2 nights Totnes, Devon
    • 2 nights Falmouth, Cornwall
    • 3 nights St Ives, Cornwall
    • 1 night Plymouth, Devon
    • 3 nights Bath, Somerset
  • Full breakfast daily
  • Rail Pass – Passes offer travel on the UK National Rail Network. Travel is fully flexible and completely unlimited on each day of use and will cover all outlined rail journeys.
  • Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company day trip
  • Admission to Pendennis Castle, Falmouth
  • Admission to Roman Baths or Escorted Walking Tour of Bath
  • Full day escorted tour from Bath to Stonehenge, Cotswolds villages

Optional Extras

  • Pre or post tour accommodation in London or other city
  • Add or remove nights in any of the towns or take alternative day tours
  • Extend your stay in Cornwall to include car hire on chosen days
  • Add a day trip to Penzance
  • Car hire can replace rail travel for part or all of journey

This tour can be customised to your preferred itinerary.

At a glance

12 days / 11 nights
Departing Dec 26 – Aug 27
From AUD$3,361pp
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Your Itinerary

A – Depart London Paddington Station
B – Totnes, Devon – 2 nights
C – Falmouth, Cornwall – 2 nights
D – St Ives, Cornwall – 3 nights
E – Plymouth, Devon – 1 night
F – Bath, Somerset – 3 nights
G – Return rail to London Paddington Station

Traveling by train allows you to relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of the West Country while avoiding the hassle of driving. It’s a convenient and enjoyable way to explore this part of England’s coastline.

DAY 1 – Depart London to Devon

Board a Great Western Railway service from London Paddington to the historic market town of Totnes in South Devon. Relax in First Class as the picturesque English countryside unfolds beyond your window, with rolling hills, charming villages and scenic landscapes accompanying your journey.

On arrival in Totnes, make your way to your accommodation and settle into this characterful town, renowned for its medieval heritage, independent shops and vibrant atmosphere. Perched on the River Dart, Totnes provides an excellent base for exploring South Devon’s beautiful coastline, countryside and nearby attractions, while offering a more traditional and authentic Devon experience.

2 nights Totnes
Overnight: Totnes town centre accommodation
Inclusions: First Class rail pass
Rail travel: 3 hrs

DAY 2 – Totnes, Paignton, Dartmouth

Discover the very best of South Devon with this iconic and much-loved excursion. Travelling from Totnes, combine a heritage steam railway journey, scenic river cruise and connecting bus ride to experience the highlights of the English Riviera, including the coastal town of Paignton and the picturesque harbour town of Dartmouth. This classic circular tour showcases some of the region’s most beautiful scenery and is one of the finest ways to explore South Devon.

Before the day draws to a close, treat yourself to a traditional Devonshire cream tea, featuring freshly baked scones served with local clotted cream and jam, accompanied by a pot of tea. This evening, return to Totnes and perhaps enjoy dinner in one of the town’s welcoming pubs or restaurants, where you can sample fresh local seafood alongside a glass of Devon cider or traditional scrumpy.

2 nights Totnes
Overnight: Totnes town centre accommodation
Meals: Full English Breakfast
Inclusions: Dartmouth Steam Railway & River Boat ticket

Devonshire Tea*

DAY 3 – Totnes to Falmouth

A rail journey through the Devonshire & Cornish countryside sounds like a serene way to start the day, offering picturesque views and a chance to relax before arriving in the charming fishing village of Falmouth.

Once in Falmouth, exploring its maritime history promises to be a fascinating experience. The National Maritime Museum is sure to offer insights into the town’s seafaring past, while the stunning gardens provide a peaceful retreat. And with an award-winning art gallery to explore, there’s plenty to indulge in for art enthusiasts. Falmouth’s blend of history, natural beauty, and cultural offerings indeed promises to make for a memorable stay. Enjoy your time exploring this captivating destination!

2 nights Falmouth
Overnight: Falmouth town centre accommodation
Meals: Full English Breakfast
Inclusions: First Class rail pass
Rail travel: 3 hrs 15 mins

Falmouth*

DAY 4 – Falmouth

After breakfast begin your Cornish adventure by visiting Pendennis Castle, just a short walk from your hotel. Situated atop a hill and overlooking Falmouth’s coastline, the castle offers a fascinating glimpse into military history and provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area.

After soaking in the history and views at Pendennis Castle, the afternoon presents a wonderful opportunity to indulge in Falmouth’s renowned seafood. With its coastal location, Falmouth boasts an array of waterfront restaurants offering fresh and delicious seafood dishes. Whether you’re craving classic fish and chips or a gourmet seafood platter, there’s sure to be something to satisfy your palate.

Relishing in the flavors of fresh seafood while enjoying the picturesque waterfront setting makes for a delightful way to spend the afternoon in Falmouth. Bon appétit!

2 nights Falmouth
Overnight: Falmouth town centre accommodation
Meals: Full English Breakfast
Inclusions: Pendennis Castle admission

Falmouth*

DAY 5 – St Ives

Continuing your coastal adventure by taking the train to St Ives. With its stunning white surf beaches and vibrant art scene, St Ives promises a delightful experience for visitors.

Exploring the narrow streets lined with galleries and studios is a must-do activity in St Ives. From traditional paintings to contemporary sculptures, the town’s art scene offers a diverse range of works to admire and perhaps even purchase as souvenirs.

After immersing yourself in the local art scene, indulging in a traditional Cornish pasty or creamy Cornish ice cream is a perfect way to refuel and savor the local flavors. Whether you opt for a savory pastry filled with delicious ingredients or treat yourself to a scoop of rich and creamy ice cream, you’re sure to enjoy a taste of Cornwall’s culinary delights.

Strolling along the picturesque coastline, taking in the stunning views, and savouring the local cuisine make for a memorable visit to this charming coastal town.

3 nights St Ives
Overnight: St Ives town centre accommodation
Meals: Full English Breakfast
Rail travel: 1 hr 45 mins

St Ives*

DAY 6 – Optional day trip to Penzance

Choose to spend the day discovering Penzance.  A 40 minute rail journey to Penzance offers another opportunity to explore the rich history and stunning landscapes of Cornwall.  From Penzance, St Michael’s Mount located on tidal island in Mount’s Bay can be visited.  Chapel Street in Penzance, which with its many galleries, shops, and boutiques, offers a chance to pick up unique souvenirs or gifts. Indulging in fish and chips on the promenade whilst taking in the spectacular views across the bay is a quintessential experience in Penzance.

Alternatively, spend the day in St Ives where you can unwind and enjoy the local culinary scene at one of the town’s restaurants or traditional inns. Whether you opt for fresh seafood dishes or traditional Cornish fare, you’re sure to find a cozy spot to relax.

3 nights St Ives
Overnight: St Ives town centre accommodation
Meals: Full English Breakfast

 

St Michael’s Mount*

DAY 7 – St Ives at leisure or optional day trip to St Austell & Charlestown

Suggestions to make the most of your day in St Ives:

Boat Trip to Seal Island: A boat trip to Seal Island to see the local seal colony can be a memorable experience. Observing these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat, amidst the backdrop of Cornwall’s stunning coastline, is both peaceful and exciting.

Coastal Walks: The South West Coast Path offers some of the most breathtaking coastal walks in the UK, with routes suitable for all levels of walkers. Whether you’re looking for a short meander or a more challenging trek, the path provides unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean, rugged cliffs, and lush countryside. Walking along this path to some of Cornwall’s most cherished places is a great way to experience the area’s natural beauty.

Tate St Ives: Art enthusiasts should not miss a visit to Tate St Ives. This gallery is part of the Tate family, focusing on modern and contemporary art, much of it connected to the locale. Its exhibitions showcase the vibrant art scene in Cornwall and the unique light that has attracted artists to this area for generations. The building itself, with its stunning architectural design, is worth admiring.

Fore Street Shopping: For those who enjoy shopping, wandering through Fore Street in St Ives is a delightful experience. This street is lined with independent shops offering a range of products from local crafts and artworks to clothing and souvenirs.

Relaxing on Porthminster Beach: If you’re looking to relax and soak up some sun, Porthminster Beach is a popular choice among visitors. Its sheltered location makes it ideal for swimming and sunbathing, and the fine, golden sand and clear waters create a tropical feel. The beach also offers stunning views back towards St Ives and is a perfect spot for ending your day with a picturesque sunset.

Optional day trip to St Austell & Charlestown:  A one hour train journey to St Austell will provide another Cornish town to explore.  Spend the day discovering the market town well known for the St Austell Brewery, continue onto the famous Eden Project or why not take the 40 minute walk to historic Charlestown with its Georgian port and a regular filming location for Poldark, Dr Who and other TV and movie productions.

Whatever you choose to do, your day in St Ives promises to be filled with memorable experiences. Enjoy exploring this amazing destination at your own pace!

3 nights St Ives
Overnight: St Ives town centre accommodation
Meals: Full English breakfast
St Ives*

DAY 8 – St Ives to Plymouth

Today your rail journey from Cornwall to Devon offers scenic views of the rugged coastline, rolling hills, and charming villages of Cornwall and Devon. Upon arrival at Plymouth Railway Station, you’ll find yourself in the heart of the city, with easy access to its attractions including the historic Barbican area, Plymouth Hoe and lighthouse, the Royal Citadel, and the Mayflower Steps.

1 night Plymouth
Overnight: Plymouth city centre accommodation
Meals: Full English Breakfast
Inclusions:  First Class rail pass
Rail travel: 2 hrs 10 mins

Plymouth

DAY 9 – Plymouth to Bath Spa

Embarking on a rail journey from Devon to Somerset provides a seamless transition from the rugged, coastal landscapes of the southwest to the genteel elegance of Bath, with its stunning Georgian architecture and historical richness. Upon arrival in Bath, you’ll find yourself immersed in a city that effortlessly combines its ancient heritage with a vibrant contemporary culture.

3 nights Bath
Overnight: Bath city centre accommodation
Meals: Full English Breakfast
Inclusions:  First Class rail pass
Rail travel: 2 hrs 30 mins

Pulteney Bridge, Bath

DAY 10 – Bath at leisure – including Roman Baths

Included today is admission to the famous Roman Baths, among the finest surviving Roman sites in Britain. Discover the steaming waters of the Great Bath, supplied by natural hot springs, and learn about the history of Roman Bath through the fascinating artefacts and exhibits housed within the adjoining museum.

 

Alternatively, for those wishing to explore the city from a different perspective, an escorted walking tour of Bath can be arranged. Choose between a tour focusing on Bath’s rich history and architectural heritage, or one exploring the city’s strong connection to Jane Austen, whose time in Bath inspired several of her most famous works.

Afterwards, discover Bath at your own pace. A city steeped in history and culture which boasts an array of must-see attractions:

Bath Abbey located near the Roman Baths, is a stunning example of Gothic architecture. It has been a place of Christian worship for over a thousand years and is known for its magnificent fan vaulting, beautiful stained glass windows, and the Abbey tower, which offers panoramic views of the city.

The Royal Crescent is one of the most iconic examples of Georgian architecture in the UK.  This sweeping crescent of 30 terraced houses set against a large green lawn is a breathtaking sight. No. 1 Royal Crescent is now a museum, furnished in the period style, offering a glimpse into the life of the Georgian upper class.

Pulteney Bridge inspired by the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy, is one of the few bridges in the world lined with shops on both sides. It offers picturesque views of the River Avon and is a favorite spot for photographers.

Thermae Bath Spa allows visitors to bathe in Britain’s only naturally warm, mineral-rich waters, just as the Romans did over 2,000 years ago. The spa’s rooftop pool offers stunning views of the cityscape.

3 nights Bath
Overnight: Bath city centre accommodation
Meals: Full English Breakfast
Inclusions: Admission to Roman Baths or Escorted Walking Tour

Roman Baths

DAY 11 – Cotwolds Day Tour

Embarking on a full-day escorted tour to the Cotswolds is a wonderful way to experience the quintessential English countryside and immerse yourself in its timeless beauty. Spend the morning discovering Oxford, a city renowned for its striking Gothic architecture and prestigious university heritage. Later, journey into the heart of the Cotswolds to explore some of England’s most picturesque villages, including the historic market town of Burford and the idyllic village of Bibury, famous for its honey-coloured stone cottages and the iconic Arlington Row. After a day immersed in quintessential Cotswold scenery, return to Bath in the early evening.
Alternative tours available to Stonehenge, or Cheddar Gorge and Glastonbury.

3 nights Bath
Overnight: Bath city centre accommodation
Meals: Full English Breakfast
Inclusions: Full day escorted tour

Bibury Village, Cotswolds

DAY 12 – Bath to London

After a final breakfast, bid farewell to England’s West Country and board the direct train back to London Paddington.  Your First Class rail pass provides a travel day to return to London or onto further destinations. Our agency can assist with post-tour accommodation and onward travel bookings.

Meals: Full English Breakfast
Inclusions: First Class rail pass
Rail travel:  1 hr 20 mins

Tower Bridge, London

Proposed accommodation in 3 and 4 star hotels or boutique B&Bs located less than 10 minutes walk from arrival/departure railway station.

Prices are per person, sharing a double/twin room based on 07 May 2027 departure. A single supplement applies for solo travellers provided on request.
Terms & Conditions apply.  Click to view
*Image credits: Visit Cornwall Adam Gibbard (Falmouth), Matt Jessop (Falmouth) (St Michael’s Mount), Chester Robinson (St Ives), Visit Britain David Clapp (Devonshire Tea)
Exclusions:
Travel Insurance – we ask that our guests purchase suitable cover in case planned travel is affected or disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances
Flights – all tours are land only within the UK
Meals and/or sightseeing other than that outlined above.
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