7 cosy pubs to visit on Devon & Cornwall’s branch lines this January

There’s nothing better on a cold blustery day than cosying up in front of a roaring fire in a traditional country pub. Here are seven of our favourites that you can visit by train and have a tipple without the worry of needing to drive.

1. The Olde Plough, Bere Ferrers
Set at the heart of this picturesque riverside village, the pub has a warm and cosy feel with open fires and flagstone floors. Real ales are from Tamar Valley breweries and the menu showcases local produce too.

Pub website
Map (0.5 miles from Bere Ferrers station)

Olde Plough, Bere Ferrers

2. The Tamar Inn, Calstock
Historic 17th century pub set right beside the river Tamar with views of the impressive Calstock viaduct. The pub offers a wide range of home-cooked food as well as local real ales.

Pub website
Map (0.2 miles from Calstock station)

Tamar Inn, Calstock

3. The Two Clomes, Quintrell Downs
This 18th century pub (pictured at the top of this blog post) is named after two fireside ovens either side of the large fireplace which now houses a large wood burner, ideal for warming up on a chilly day. The extensive menu is very popular and booking is advisable if you want to eat. Note: Engineering works on the Par-Newquay line 27-30 Jan.

Pub Facebook page
Map (0.4 miles from Quintrell Downs station)

4. The Jolly Sailor, West Looe
Situated over the bridge in West Looe, the Jolly Sailor is one of the oldest pubs in the county, dating back to 1516. The pub is full of character with open fires, beams and low ceilings and serves three real ales from local breweries.

Pub website
Map (0.6 miles from Looe station)

The Jolly Sailor, Looe

5. The Rising Sun, Umberleigh
This traditional country pub is brimming with character and is just a short walk from Umberleigh station. Enjoy a drink in the bar in front of the fire or a meal from their seasonal menu.

Pub Facebook page
Map (0.2 miles from Umberleigh station)

6. The Famous Barrel, Penryn
This characterful pub is hidden away at the bottom of the town but is well worth seeking out. The bar is very traditional with low beams and a huge open fire.

Pub Facebook page
Map (0.6 miles from Penryn station)

The Famous Barrel, Penryn

7. The Union Inn, St Ives
This pub in the heart of St Ives is warm and friendly with walls adorned with old photographs of the harbour and its activities in days gone by. The pub is dog friendly (as is the train) and serves traditional pub food.

Pub Facebook page
Map (0.4 miles from St Ives station)

For more information on lots of other pubs easily accessible by train, visit the Rail Ale Trail section of our website.

Train times and tickets
Look up train times and buy rail tickets on the GWR website or app.

Save a third off on local day trips for you and a friend (with kids travelling for just £1) with a Devon & Cornwall Railcard – just £12 a year for local residents.

More to Explore

Walks from the railway

Rail Ale Trails

Foodie Guides

Beaches by train