Rail itineraries – Best of South West England 7 day trip

Bath - Bristol - St. Austell - St. Ives
Pristine beaches, picturesque fishing villages and more hours of sunshine than anywhere else on the British mainland; it’s easy to see why sunny South West England is one of the UKs most popular holiday destinations.
This 6-7 day tour takes in the pick of the region’s highlights, from the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath to the unmissable Minack Theatre in Cornwall.
Easily accessible by train and public transport, the best way to explore the region’s many delights is with a BritRail South West Pass.
Start your journey
The train from London Paddington to Bath Spa takes around 1 hour 20 minutes. From Bristol airport there is a bus to Bristol Temple Meads, then the train to Bath, which takes under an hour.
For short trips, individual rail tickets can be booked in advance through the Trainline. For longer journeys, one of the easiest and most relaxing ways to explore Britain is with a BritRail Pass, which allows unlimited journeys and the freedom to explore. The BritRail South West Pass is the most cost-effective way to explore this part of Britain, and can be purchased on the VisitBritain shop.
Bath
Things to do in Bath
For centuries Bath has been the place where people came to in order to relax. The ancient Romans came here for the hot thermal waters, and the Victorians came here to take the healing waters and to shop. As a result, Bath today is a mix of ancient culture and refined boutiques, beautiful historic Georgian architecture and elegant eateries, with the Roman Baths still a centrepiece of the city.
Thermae Bath Spa
The natural thermal waters of Thermae Bath Spa offer visitors the modern equivalent of the ancient Roman Baths. There is no better way to experience the naturally warm, mineral-rich waters than by bathing in their rooftop pool overlooking Bath’s city skyline. Thermae is a 5 minute walk from the train station.

Supplier Information
Name | Thermae Bath Spa |
Category | Attraction |
Profile | Thermae Bath Spa, Britain's only natural thermal spa, located in the historic city of Bath, offers traditional and state-of-the-art spa facilities. Guests can bathe in the warm, mineral-rich waters, enjoy the Wellness Suite and a range of spa treatments designed to ease the body & soothe the mind. |
Phone | 01225 331234 |
reservations@thermaebathspa.com | |
Website | https://www.thermaebathspa.com/ |
Min - Max capacity: | 1-10. |
Frequency: | n/a |
Private tours: | Yes. Tours must be requested in advance by calling Peter Rollins on 01225 328463 |
FIT or Groups: | Small groups |
Translation: | n/a |
City Sightseeing
One of the most famous images of Bath is those golden stone Georgian terraced houses. There’s the magnificent sweep of them at the Royal Crescent, and also a complete circle at the nearby Circus. After exploring the stylish shopping streets and arcades, the highlights of Bath are best discovered from on board the hop on hop off city sightseeing bus.

Bristol
Things to do in Bristol
Bristol is a very quick journey from Bath, just 12-20 minutes by train.
It’s small enough to get around on foot, but large enough to keep visitors entertained. Its distinctive character mixes together some of the best parts of Britain’s South West — cider, gorgeous green countryside, a thriving music scene — not to mention Blackbeard the pirate (said to have been born here) and a fascinating maritime history from its days as an important harbour.[/
SS Great Britain
The largest ship in the world when launched in 1843, this impressive feat of engineering by Isambard Kingdom Brunel is a forerunner of all modern shipping. Exploring the ship promises a journey back in time: the cabins have been painstakingly restored to recreate life on the world’s first great luxury liner. One of the best experiences on board is ‘Go Aloft’, where participants climb the rigging to the top of the ship’s masts! The SS Great Britain is a 20 minute walk from Bristol Temple Meads station.

Supplier Information
Name | Brunel's SS Great Britain |
Category | Attraction |
Profile | Bristol’s top-rated visitor attraction comprising the world’s first great ocean liner – the SS Great Britain as well as two museums, historic dockyard and dry dock. Visitors explore the ship, climb the rigging, step inside Brunel’s family dining room and discover how he changed the world. |
Phone | 0117 926 0680 |
groups@ssgreatbritain.org | |
Website | https://www.ssgreatbritain.org/ |
Min - Max capacity: | Self-guided visits - no minimum or maximum. Guided tours can be pre-booked for a maximum of 25 people per guide (additional cost). |
Frequency: | Pre-booked tours available. Otherwise free sale of self-guided visits. |
FIT or Groups: | FIT and groups welcome. |
Translation: | German, French, Spanish, Chinese |
Ferry Trip
A Bristol Ferry trip is a great way to tour the city’s waterways. There’s so much to see, including the majestic Avon Gorge (spanned by Clifton Suspension Bridge) and the city’s historic harbour. The ferry port is just 14 minutes’ walk from Bristol Temple Meads station.

Bristol Street Art
Bristol has developed a vibrant street art scene – it is, after all, the city where the world-renowned street artist Banksy hails from. WhereTheWall offer Bristol Street Art Tours every Saturday and Sunday at 11am. Lasting two hours, this informative guided walk tells the story of Bristol’s incredible creative culture and art scene from the 1980s to the present day. The tours start at College Green, in the centre of Bristol – but more exact details are provided on booking.

St Austell
Things to do in St. Austell
The journey to St. Austell from Bristol takes around 3 to 3.5 hours via Exeter St.Davids station and from Bristol Temple Meads takes around 3 hours.
The historic market town of St Austell is one of Cornwall’s biggest towns. It’s best known for the nearby tropical biomes of the Eden Project, and is well located between some of Cornwall’s loveliest beaches. We recommend spending 1 to 2 nights here.
Eden Project
The Eden Project is like no other garden on Earth, let alone in England! Built 15 years ago in a disused clay pit, Eden’s iconic Biome greenhouses contain the largest indoor rainforest in the world and are also surrounded by vast outdoor gardens.
The 101 bus runs to the Eden Project from Trinity Street (30 mins journey time)

The Lost Gardens of Heligan
One of Cornwall’s most magical gardens, Heligan was rediscovered after 25 years under a tangle of weeds, through a hidden door in the ruins of a country estate. Full of wildlife, from kingfishers to badgers, alongside an exotic array of designed gardens, exotic plants and even a giant sleeping lady, they’re a rewarding place to explore!
The 471 bus runs from South Street (35mins journey time)

Supplier Information
Name | The Lost Gardens of Heligan |
Category | Attraction |
Profile | On Monday 16th February 1990, The Lost Gardens of Heligan were rediscovered from the brambles of time. Today, Heligan remains one of the most loved and romantic gardens in the UK, appreciated as much for their beauty and mystery, as for the ground breaking restoration project - the largest in Europe. Over 200 acres are now a paradise for the explorer, wildlife, plant lover and garden romantic. Victorian Productive Gardens and Pleasure Grounds beckon along winding paths laid out over two centuries ago. The Jungle takes you on a sub-tropical journey through bamboo tunnels and under majestic tree ferns, giant rhubarb and bananas whilst the estate reveals a lost world of traditional breeds, wildlife and ancient woodlands. Heligan is a garden for all seasons, so whether you plan to visit in the hazy buzz of mid-summer, or the tranquillity of winter, you are guaranteed a unique experience. |
Phone | 01726 845100 |
info@heligan.com | |
Website | http://www.heligan.com/ |
St Austell Brewing Experience
St. Austell Brewery was founded in 1851, and it’s the biggest brewery in Cornwall. There are few better establishments to tour, see how beers and ales are made, and enjoy some samples! It’s a 9 minute walk from the train station.

Supplier Information
Name | St Austell Brewery |
Category | Food, beverage & Entertainment Venues |
Profile | Offering a new and interactive Brewing Experience, our Visit England accredited Visitor Centre reveals the secrets behind our award-winning ales and our 160 year-old brewing process, with tasters included. |
Phone | +44 (0)1726 66022 |
vcoffice@staustellbrewery.co.uk | |
Website | https://www.staustellbreweryvisitorcentre.co.uk |
Min - Max capacity: | Maximum group size for tour is normally 15, though we can accommodate larger groups |
Frequency: | Easter to mid-October: Guided tours start on the hour, every hour from 10.00am - 4.00pm and last 90 minutes Mid-October to Easter: Tours run at 11.00am, 12.00pm, 2.00pm & 3.00pm |
Private tours: | Yes |
FIT or Groups: | Both |
Extra information: | Last entry at 4pm. Please note that certain parts of this tour are not suitable for anyone with reduced mobility. Children are welcome. |
St Ives
Things to do in and around St Ives
The train from St Austell to St Ives, via St Erth, is a 1 hour 25 minute train journey. In particular, the St Erth – St Ives part promises a beautiful 15 minute ride, with fantastic broad vistas across some of Cornwall’s most beautiful bays. For visitors who are tight for time, it’s best to catch the train to St Ives on the evening of day 4, ensuring there’s still enough daylight to take in the views.
Voted among Europe’s top 10 beaches on TripAdvisor, St Ives is a beautifully picturesque seaside town on the Cornish coast. Its latitude means it’s actually subtropical, and visitors will find palm trees growing here beside the water. It’s also a centre for arts, with Tate St Ives and the wonderfully atmospheric Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden.
Tate St. Ives
It’s a real treat to be able to combine the laid-back seaside atmosphere with a trip to the Tate gallery in St Ives. Every Tuesday the gallery holds guided walks around the town to tell the story of the artists who’ve lived here.

Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Gardens
A visit to the home and workshop of one of St. Ives’ most famous artists is not to be missed. After settling here at the outbreak of World War 2, Barbara Hepworth lived and worked in what is today her museum, a beautiful space full of her bronze, stone and wood sculptures. It’s a lovely way to experience art, and to learn a bit about the artist’s life. The museum is in central St Ives, easy walking distance from the station.

St Michael's Mount
St Michael’s Mount is one of Cornwall’s most popular and unique attractions and has a fascinating history. It has magnificent panoramic views across Mount’s Bay to Land’s End and The Lizard, boasts a picturesque harbour and has a spectacular castle, complete with beautiful gardens. This attraction has something for everyone, and is a perfect family day out.
From St Ives, St Michael’s Mount is only 20 minutes by road.

Minack Theatre
The open-air Minack Theatre enjoys a dramatic position, high above a rocky granite outcrop overlooking the sea at Porthcurno. Visitors here are rewarded with a memorable evening watching theatre in a fantastic natural setting. Oates Travel offers transport to Minack Theatre and back to St Ives.

Supplier Information
Name | The Minack Theatre |
Category | Attraction |
Profile | The Minack is a unique theatre perched on the cliffs high above the Atlantic ocean. We put on a full programme of drama, musicals and opera every summer, together with music, comedy and story-telling. We are open all year round for you to come and explore this amazing place and discover the incredible story of Rowena Cade who created the theatre. We look forward to welcoming you. |
Phone | +44(0)1736 810694 |
info@minack.com | |
Website | https://www.minack.com/ |
FIT or Groups: | Both |
Return to London Paddington
Catching the train from St. Ives back to London Paddington takes around 5 hours and 52 minutes.
Britrail Pass
For those exploring Britain by train, a BritRail Pass is the easiest and most cost-effective way to travel. For a single fixed price, pass holders can make unlimited train journeys around the whole country or a region of their choice. BritRail tickets are exclusive to overseas visitors so they will need to buy their ticket before they arrive in the UK.