Bath, Devon & Cornwall Small Group Rail Tour

Bath is a simple city to reach via rail, even if arriving by air from outside the UK. We’ll be delighted to help with your travel plans.

Today you check in to your hotel just 10-minutes’ walk from the Roman Baths. Perhaps arrive early and make a day of it, discovering a little of the city under your own steam. In the evening, meet your tour leader and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner at the hotel, a chance to get to know one another before a fun week together.

Your Accommodation in Bath

On one of Bath’s classic tree-lined avenues, in a peaceful residential area, your accommodation in Bath is a colourful and stylish hotel enjoying views of the Abbey and across Bath’s famous rugby ground. There’s an arty feel throughout, with a bold palette contributing to the cheerful feel to rooms and lounging areas.

There’s a tempting range of dining, too, whether on the terrace or in the Alpine-style lodge, with local, seasonal and fresh produce front and centre.

Take a hearty breakfast this morning in preparation for a full day out. You’ll enjoy travel by private coach, heading first for Salisbury Plain and legendary Stonehenge.

The story of these world-famous mystical stones is brought to life by your guide, and you’ll have time to take a moment or two’s contemplation to yourself. Onward, settle into a journey through hidden Somerset, away from the tourist trail.

This is a corner of lush landscapes, mediaeval ruins, country gardens and ancient architecture; at a relaxed place, take in classic villages and lunch at leisure in a 14th-century hostelry.

You’ll be back in Bath by late afternoon, perhaps in time for a refreshment in one of the city’s ancient pubs or tea-rooms, and dinner at leisure in the evening.

Breakfast at your hotel before waving goodbye to Bath as you board the train to the south Devon coast. The journey wends its way to Bristol, around the Mendips to the Somerset coast, skirting the Blackdown Hills and spearing through Exeter on the way to Paignton.

You’ll be relieved of luggage at Paignton and have an hour or so to take lunch, then embark on one of this trip’s highlights as you board the fabulous classic rolling-stock of Dartmouth Steam Railway.

This wonderful railway steams its way along the gorgeous coastline of Torbay, past pastel-painted beach huts and golden sand, across Victorian viaducts through rolling Devon countryside and overlooking the River Dart, to the village of Kingswear.

At Kingswear, board the ferry for the short crossing to the glorious hillside town of Dartmouth. Rich in maritime and industrial heritage, picturesque Dartmouth features galleries, gardens, riverside architecture and the world’s first operating steam engine, still running to this day at the town’s visitor centre.  You might wish to treat yourself to some irresistible Devon ice-cream along the way.

Returning by ferry to Kingswear and steaming back to Paignton, you’ll be met by private coach (containing your luggage) and transferred to the heart of Dartmoor and your castle hotel for the night.

Your Accommodation in Dartmoor

Opened by Great Western Railways in 1930 as a hotel and golf resort, today this imposing castle delights guests with its jaw-dropping setting amidst 275 acres of rich parkland, as well as its inviting bedrooms, award-winning dining and attentive service. You’ll enjoy dinner here alongside your fellow travellers and guide, before a restful night in your castle-style room.

After breakfast overlooking the castle’s rolling grounds, board your private coach and travel south amidst the tors, bogs and granite of glorious Dartmoor. This uniquely rugged, intimidating landscape, home to deep river valleys and enthralling wildlife, never fails to leave its mark on visitors. There’ll be plenty of photo stops along the way, as you spear through the moor on your way to ‘Britain’s Ocean City,’ Plymouth. Here, pay a visit to The Box, the southwest’s award-winning, recently created museum, art gallery and archive, featuring permanent collection and installations as well as world-class visiting exhibitions.

Take lunch here, then board the train at Plymouth, rising away from Devon and across the length of Cornwall bound for Britain’s southernmost station: Penzance. Here, you’re met by coach and transferred the short distance to your fine clifftop hotel at St Ives.

Your Hotel in St Ives

Perched in a commanding position overlooking town, your hotel in St Ives enjoys stupendous views of the golden ribbon of Porthminster Beach, the rooftops of the town itself, St Ives Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Rooms are calming and bright, with ocean blue and gleaming white continuing a nautical theme that starts in the lobby. As well as a colourful restaurant, from which you can view fisherfolk who supply the menu’s fine seafood, there’s a beachfront spa featuring a heated pool and the opportunity to soothe away any lingering knots.

Drink in those heartstopping views over breakfast, before boarding your private coach on a voyage of discovery around the coast of Cornwall. You’ll visit some richly evocative locations, including hidden smugglers’ coves, snaggly outcrops and abandoned tin mines. Along the way, enjoy a visit to England’s westernmost point at Land’s End as well as the classic Cornish village of Mousehole. Later, traverse the causeway (or take the little boat) to St Michael’s Mount, to clamber its castle and explore this tiny, atmospheric tidal island. Return to your accommodation by late afternoon and take dinner at leisure, either at the hotel or at one of any number of great spots in St Ives.

A more relaxed timetable today; in the morning, get to know some of the secrets of St Ives on a guided walking tour. Stroll the tangle of cobbled streets and discover the history of industry and intrigue that emanates from every brick and corner. Hear about the many artists and historic figures who’ve made this jewel of a place their home, before taking the rest of the day to yourself. Perhaps enjoy a little shopping, lunch at a classic inn, a visit to world-class Tate St Ives or a laze on the beach, before joining your guide and fellow travellers for a farewell dinner at your hotel.

Travel the short distance to Penzance station by coach in time to catch your train. We’ve assumed travel back to London but for a surcharge will be happy to assist with your specific onward plans.