Tour Ref: SG7/1
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We have combined the best of the west country to offer an outstanding holiday in Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. Being so distant from the rest of the country Cornwall is often overlooked for a non-beach/surfing destination but is so worth the effort of getting there. Our itinerary will show you the best of it and more as we island hop to the Scilly’s.
This holiday stands out amongst our other holidays as far as price goes and it is no surprise.
Accommodation in Cornwall at good standard hotels comes at a premium and, quite apart from the excellent attractions included, one must consider that flights to the Scilly Isles are by no means cheap.
So, a little more expensive perhaps, but worth every penny we are sure.
We meet at Taunton around lunchtime for an afternoon with the West Somerset Railway. Steam to the seaside through 20 miles of rolling Somerset countryside. We’ll take the scenic route by coach down the Exe Valley to Exeter arriving in plenty of time for dinner.
The South Devon Circular - a “local” day spent enjoying two legendary steam railways. From Paignton to Kingswear is a lovely line that hugs the coast with views of holidaymakers on the beach. But that is not all, we create a triangular day with a really relaxing cruise on the River Dart to Totnes. Then, it’s steam alongside the river with the South Devon Railway. Days out don’t come much better than this!
Our adventure now heads further west and includes a couple of Cornish branch lines. The switch-back rail line to Looe is lovely and you will appreciate a little time to explore the shark fishing capital of England. Then, more local rail, ending up at Newquay where we won’t be doing any surfing. From here it’s a short drive to the Penventon for our first evening in this super hotel.
Today we head west by train, destination St Ives. This must be among the prettiest lines in the country as it skirts the Cornish coast above pristine beaches. On then to a railway revival at the recently extended Helston Railway for a friendly welcome in the middle of nowhere.. Later we’ll visit Falmouth, via the branch line from Truro, and take a cruise on the Carrick Roads to Malpas and back.
From Redruth it is but a short journey to the Lappa Valley Country Park for narrow gauge steam and mining heritage. They have three lines, a large modern café, boating, mini-golf and woodland walks. Many people stay here all day but not us as we need more steam. So, it’s off to Cornwall’s famous standard gauge preserved line, the Bodmin & Wenford, running over two branches.
The most expensive UK day out we do starts with a morning flight from Lands End Airport to St Mary’s, the Scilly Isles. Our destination is the adjacent island of Tresco which we reach by boat and stroll up to the world-famous gardens and abbey Plenty of time to wander amongst the plants before crossing back to Hugh Town and taking to the skies once more, back to mainland Britain. You should be aware that there is no bookable transport on Tresco and so this day does involve a considerable amount of walking.
Our journey home starts with a drive across Bodmin Moor to our good friends at Launceston for a steamy finale and cream tea. All too soon we experience a final Cornish branch line down from Gunnislake to Plymouth to connect with homeward bound trains.
Perfectly situated for our explorations, this 4-star hotel is a fine Georgian mansion boasting recently renovated and individually furnished rooms. Public areas are grand indeed, with comfortable seating, portraits and ornaments…all very stately! A bonus is that at the end of our days one can relax, if one wishes, in the hotel’s spa and swimming pool – don’t forget your swimwear!
This is a grand ex-railway hotel with, of course, a bar and restaurant. The public areas are imposing and all of the modern rooms boast the amenities one would expect – t.v., wi-fi, tea/coffee facilities and a bed! After dining, why not enjoy a stroll in the centre and view the Cathedral, which is just up the road. It’s just a shame we won’t be here on Sunday to see why the hotel is called that!
