15th October, 2019

Top 3 Cornish winter breaks by train from Birmingham

This article is more than 4 years old.

Winter's a great time to visit Cornwall - enjoy fantastic sunsets, beaches all to yourself, cosy pubs and atmospheric coastal walks.

Getting there
Take the train from Birmingham with CrossCountry to enjoy great views from the train window. Travel along the seawall on the Devon coast, over Brunel's Royal Albert Bridge into Cornwall and onwards on the county's scenic branch lines to our three favourite winter destinations:
Map of Devon and Cornwall showing Looe, Falmouth and St Ives
Look up train times and fares on the CrossCountry website and check out their money-saving tips including how you can save a third with a national railcard.

1. St Ives

Visit the far South West and explore St Ives' glorious beaches, harbour and cobbled streets. The final part of your train journey sees you arrive via the St Ives Bay Line - one of the country's most picturesque branch lines which hugs the coast offering great views.

Winter sunshine bathes the town in a gorgeous light:
Even on grey days the empty beaches and cosy harbour-side restaurants make for a great getaway:
Our three top St Ives tips: Trains and accommodation
Be in St Ives in 6hrs 15 from Birmingham New Street (includes change on to GWR services).

2. Looe

Looe's charms include its picturesque harbour and beaches, its restaurants specialising in fresh local ingredients, and its maze of narrow streets. Arrive by train on the scenic Looe Valley Line with its estuary views.
Winter in Looe - photo by Mark Camp
Stretch your legs with a winter coastal walk from Looe to Polperro (get directions):
Walker on the coast path from Looe next to coast path sign post
Or explore Looe's lovely beaches - with the summer crowds long gone:
Our three top Looe tips: Trains and accommodation
Be in Looe in 5hrs from Birmingham New Street (includes change on to GWR services).

3. Falmouth

Explore Falmouth's harbour, beaches, art galleries and maritime heritage. Take a boat trip on the Fal River, or try your hand at kayaking or windsurfing.
On a sunny winter's day, enjoy a bite to eat at the Gylly Beach Cafe:
gylly-beach-cafe-small
If the weather turns stormy, head to the Star & Garter for some warmth and respite:
Fireside meal at the Star and Garter
Our three top Falmouth tips: Trains and accommodation
Be in Falmouth in 6hrs from Birmingham New Street (includes change on to GWR services).

This information campaign has been supported by the CrossCountry Community Engagement Fund.

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