Top 3 Cornish winter breaks by train from Birmingham

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Top 3 Cornish winter breaks by train from Birmingham

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:

The Sloop Inn - 14th Century pub that serves great locally sourced food
Porthgwidden Beach Cafe - right on the beach and open all year round
Walk from the railway - take the train to Carbis Bay and walk the coast back to St Ives

Trains and accommodation
Be in St Ives in 6hrs 15 from Birmingham New Street (includes change on to GWR services).

Look up train times and fares

Find accommodation in St Ives

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.

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:

The Old Sail Loft - fantastic local food at this former haunt of smugglers of yesteryear!
Ye Olde Salutation Inn - the fire is always lit at this cosiest of pubs
Jolly Sailor - take the ferry to Looe's oldest pub, dating back to 1516

Trains and accommodation
Be in Looe in 5hrs from Birmingham New Street (includes change on to GWR services).

Look up train times and fares

Find accommodation in Looe

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:

If the weather turns stormy, head to the Star & Garter for some warmth and respite:

Our three top Falmouth tips:

National Maritime Museum - Explore seafaring history, with plenty of hands-on exhibits
Rail Ale Trail - visit pubs along the Truro-Falmouth line
Penryn-Falmouth walk - take a scenic riverside walk

Trains and accommodation
Be in Falmouth in 6hrs from Birmingham New Street (includes change on to GWR services).

Look up train times and fares

Find accommodation in Falmouth

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