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DEPARTS:

  • London Paddington

As summer fades into a gentle glow, embark on a four-day holiday from London aboard The Cornish Riviera – a nostalgic adventure through the coastal charm of the West Country.

Travel in timeless style past dramatic cliffs, hidden coves and glistening seas to the captivating Cornish coast where the sea whispers, time slows, and you can truly recharge.

 

Enjoy three magical nights and two full days exploring the art, heritage and seaside allure of St Mawes and St Ives. By day, on optional excursions, discover celebrated gardens, rugged landscapes, and heritage railways. By night, unwind in hand-picked hotels selected for their character, comfort, and charm.

Destinations

Discover the Charm of Cornwall: St Mawes & St Ives

As two of Cornwall’s most cherished coastal gems, St Mawes and St Ives enchant visitors with their picturesque harbours, golden beaches, and timeless seaside allure.

This captivating region has stirred imaginations for generations. A rich tapestry of rugged coastline, rolling countryside, and artistic heritage invites you to explore at your own pace, while the welcoming towns and villages brim with local character and charm.

Your holiday centres around these two delightful destinations. St Mawes, nestled on the Roseland Peninsula, offers tranquil waterside walks and panoramic views across the Fal Estuary. Meanwhile, St Ives, famed for its artistic legacy and vibrant streets, is a haven for galleries, cafés and coastal strolls.

You may choose to explore independently or take part in organised excursions (supplement applies) to some of Cornwall’s most iconic attractions.

Full details of our optional excursions will be announced next year.

 

Handpicked Hotels

We have secured an exquisite selection of hotels in St Mawes and St Ives, each offering a unique blend of coastal charm, comfort and character, tailored to your chosen class of travel: Pullman Dining or First Class.

Pullman Dining passengers will enjoy half-board stays at some of Cornwall’s finest hotels. In St Mawes, accommodation is provided at either the Idle Rocks or the St Mawes Hotel, both situated on the waterfront with captivating views across the Fal Estuary. These boutique properties offer stylish interiors, acclaimed dining, and a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. In St Ives, Pullman guests will stay at either the Carbis Bay Hotel, set within its own Blue Flag beach estate, Tregenna Castle, a historic estate full of old-school charm and sea views; or the elegant Harbour Hotel, perched above the town with sweeping views and a luxurious spa.

First Class passengers will stay on a bed and breakfast basis at carefully selected hotels that offer comfort, character, and excellent locations. In St Mawes, guests will be accommodated at the St Mawes Hotel or the charming Rising Sun, a traditional inn offering coastal views and a warm welcome. In St Ives, First Class accommodation includes Tregenna Castle, set in expansive grounds overlooking the bay, or Pedn Olva, a cliffside hotel (not suitable for guests with limited mobility, as there is no lift) with panoramic views and access to the town’s galleries, shops and beaches.

 

JOURNEY

ITINERARY

Day 1 - London to Cornwall -

Your journey begins at London Paddington, where you’re warmly welcomed by your liveried steward, setting the tone for an unforgettable escape. We depart aboard a diesel or electric-hauled locomotive gliding westward, passing through rolling countryside and historic towns.

At Taunton our majestic steam locomotive, joins us. From here, you’re treated to a sensory delight as steam fills the air and the whistle cries out across the lush Devon countryside.

Settle into the gentle rhythm of steam travel as we meander towards Cornwall, skimming past coastal vistas and wild moorlands. En route, marvel at engineering landmarks like the Royal Albert Bridge, gateway to Cornwall, and let the romance of the rails envelop you as we cross viaducts and curve around estuaries.

Our steam-hauled leg concludes with two enchanting stops: Truro, where guests bound for the coastal charm of St Mawes will disembark, and Penzance, the gateway to St Ives – followed by a short coach transfer to your welcoming hotel.

Day 1 - London to Cornwall

Days 2 & 3 – Discovering Cornwall's Coastal Treasures -

With two full days to explore the rich tapestry of Cornwall, guests are invited to unwind and immerse themselves in the region’s captivating blend of scenic beauty, celebrated gardens, and nostalgic railways. From dramatic coastlines to lush botanical havens and heritage journeys, each rich with charm and discovery.

Optional excursions (supplement applies) on Days 2 and 3 offer thoughtfully curated experiences showcasing Cornwall’s most iconic sights – from timeless coastal towns to treasured landscapes. It’s a perfect chance to relax, explore, and savour the spirit of this enchanting corner of Britain.

Final excursion details will be announced in 2026.

Days 2 & 3 – Discovering Cornwall's Coastal Treasures

Day 4 – Cornwall - London -

After breakfast at your hotel, guests will board a morning coach transfer to our return station, where our distinguished steam locomotive awaits for the homeward leg of the journey. As the train departs, settle into the comfort of your carriage and watch as Cornwall’s coastal splendour gently fades into the distance.

The steam-hauled journey winds past quaint fishing villages and undulating countryside, tracing the Cornish coast before heading inland through patchwork fields and wooded valleys – a scenic farewell to the South West’s rugged charm.

Our steam locomotive concludes its run at Taunton, where a vintage diesel or electric engine takes over for the express journey eastward. As we glide through Somerset and the Thames Valley, guests are invited to reflect on the days gone by, share stories, and enjoy the final leg of this elegant escape.

We arrive at London Paddington in the evening, bringing our Cornish adventure to a graceful close.

 

Day 4 – Cornwall - London

OPTIONAL

EXCURSIONS

23/09/2026

The Eden Project

£52 per person

Wednesday 23 September:

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, guests will depart by coach for a leisurely day out at the Eden Project. Travel time from St Ives is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes, and around 1 hour from St Mawes.

Marking its 25th anniversary, the Eden Project remains a must‑see attraction. Even returning visitors will find something new as the landscapes continue to mature. Set within a dramatic reclaimed china clay pit, the 30‑acre site is home to two iconic Biomes: one containing one of the world’s largest indoor rainforests, the other showcasing a beautifully curated Mediterranean environment. Wander through immersive botanical worlds, ascend the canopy walkway for a unique rainforest view, and enjoy the calming scents of citrus, herbs and sun‑drenched planting in the Mediterranean Biome.

Outside, the extensive gardens reveal a thriving landscape transformed from barren quarry to a living collection of more than 3,000 plant species. Throughout the site, well‑kept grounds, peaceful seating areas, and a choice of cafés offer plenty of opportunities to relax and take in the surroundings.

We will return to our hotels at approximately 16:30.

Accessibility: The Eden Project is fully accessible to all visitors.

The Eden Project

The Lost Gardens of Heligan

£45 per person

Wednesday 23 September:

After breakfast at your hotel, guests will depart by coach for a visit to the Lost Gardens of Heligan. Travel time is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes from St Ives and around 45 minutes from St Mawes.

Heligan is one of England’s most intriguing historic estates. Lost to nature after the First World War and rediscovered in the 1990s, it has become Europe’s largest garden restoration project. Once home to the Trevelyan family for more than four centuries, its 200 acres now showcase a remarkable blend of heritage, horticulture and natural beauty.

Guests can explore the Victorian Productive Gardens and Pleasure Grounds, follow atmospheric pathways created over two centuries ago, and venture into the famed Jungle with its sub‑tropical planting, bamboo tunnels and towering tree ferns. The wider estate features rare breeds, ancient woodland and abundant wildlife.

You will have around four hours to explore at your own pace, with opportunities to visit the Heligan Kitchen & Bakery or the Steward’s House Café. Serene viewpoints and beautifully restored landscapes create a refined and unhurried experience.

We will return to our hotels at approximately 16:30.

Accessibility: Most of the 13‑acre core gardens – including the Productive Gardens, Pleasure Grounds and Home Farm – are accessible, with step‑free access to the Steward’s House. The Jungle and wider estate include steep gradients, boardwalks and steps, and are not suitable for wheelchair users or guests with unsteady footing.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan

24/09/2026

The Bodmin & Wenford Railway and Harbour Visit to Charlestown

£45 per person

Thursday 24 September:

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, guests will depart by coach for a leisurely journey to the Bodmin & Wenford Railway, with a travel time of around one hour from both St Ives and St Mawes. Reopened in 1990, this heritage line offers a nostalgic steam‑hauled experience along 6½ miles of beautifully restored track running from Bodmin Parkway to Boscarne Junction, via the line’s principal station at Bodmin General.

Our train departs from Bodmin General, and the All Line Journey covers both branch lines for a total of 13 miles. The full experience takes around two hours. The route is steeply graded and delightfully winding, evoking the charm of a bygone era. Please note that the locomotive will pause to run around at each station and take on water mid‑journey, so steaming is not continuous throughout.

Cafés at both Bodmin General and Bodmin Parkway stations serve a selection of hot and cold snacks, sandwiches and cakes.

Following our visit to the Railway, we continue by coach to Charlestown – around 30 minutes away – home to the last open 18th‑century Georgian harbour in the UK and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once a thriving port, Charlestown is known for its classic tall ships, striking coastal scenery and beautifully preserved harbour. Guests may wish to visit the Shipwreck Treasure Museum, which offers a fascinating insight into maritime history and access to the underground tunnels once used to load clay onto ships.

We will return to our hotels at approximately 17:00.

Accessibility: Bodmin General station and its platform are level, though boarding the train requires stepping up from the platform and down to alight. There is no wheelchair access at Bodmin Parkway and no toilet facilities at Boscarne Junction. Charlestown is generally accessible to all visitors.

The Bodmin & Wenford Railway and Harbour Visit to Charlestown

A Visit to Padstow

£25 per person

Thursday 24 September: 

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, guests will depart by coach for the journey to Padstow, with a travel time of around one hour from both St Ives and St Mawes.

Padstow may be renowned for its culinary connections – thanks in part to Rick Stein’s influence over the past five decades – but its appeal extends far beyond its celebrated restaurants. Still a working harbour, the town is framed by beautiful beaches, coastal scenery and a network of narrow streets filled with independent shops and local character.

Guests may wish to take the short Black Tor Ferry across the estuary to Rock and enjoy a gentle walk to St Enodoc Church, the resting place of poet John Betjeman. Alternatively, you may prefer to stay in Padstow to watch the boats in the harbour, browse the boutiques, or visit attractions such as Padstow Distilling, Prideaux Place – a Grade I listed Elizabethan manor – Padstow Museum, or the award‑winning National Lobster Hatchery.

Padstow offers an enticing selection of cafés, bistros, tapas bars, cosy tearooms and welcoming pubs. For a quick bite, classic Cornish pasties and fish and chips are readily available, while those seeking a Rick Stein dining experience will find several of his restaurants just a short stroll from the harbour.

We will return to our hotels at approximately 16:30.

Accessibility: Padstow is generally accessible to all visitors. The Black Tor Ferry can accommodate wheelchairs; however, at low tide it departs from the lower beach, which is not wheelchair friendly. At Rock, the ferry also disembarks onto the beach.

A Visit to Padstow
SOMETHING TO SUIT EVERYONE

Classes of travel

Pullman Dining

FROM £2750
  

Enjoy a sumptuous culinary experience aboard lovingly restored vintage carriages, adorned with polished brass, fine woodwork, and the timeless elegance of Pullman Dining.

A multi-course seasonal menu will be served on days 1 and 4 of your journey, accompanied by half a bottle of wine per person. On days 2 and 3, guests will enjoy evening meals in their hotel, offering a chance to unwind in a relaxed setting.

Pullman Dining passengers will stay for three nights half board in a selection of Cornwall’s finest hotels. In St Mawes, either The Idle Rocks or The St Mawes Hotel. In St Ives, guests will stay at either Carbis Bay Hotel, Tregenna Castle or the elegant Harbour Hotel.

For an added touch of indulgence, guests may upgrade to a Junior Beach Suite at Carbis Bay Hotel for a supplement – double occupancy only.

First Class

FROM £1600
  

First Class offers an unparalleled journey into the past aboard elegantly restored carriages, with spacious seating arranged around tables of two and four.

A sanctuary for those seeking a refined, leisurely experience without formal on-board dining, guests are welcomed with a glass of fizz and freshly brewed tea and coffee. Afternoon Tea is served on both the outward and return journeys, accompanied by a glass of champagne. Additional drinks and snacks may be purchased to enjoy at their seat, or guests may bring their own picnic on board.

Hotels will be on a bed and breakfast basis with an evening meal included at the hotel on Day 2. Guests will enjoy three nights’ accommodation at either the St Mawes Hotel or The Rising Sun in St Mawes, and at either Tregenna Castle or Pedn Olva (not suitable for guests with limited mobility, as there is no lift) in St Ives.

TRAVEL TIMINGS*

Boarding Stations

The following pick-up and set-down stations are available on this journey

STATIONDEPARTSRETURNS
London Paddington 08.30 20.30
Destinations

The following destination stations are available on this journey

STATIONARRIVESDEPARTS
Truro 19.30 10.45
Penzance 20.15 10.00

PLEASE NOTE *
All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change.

Scheduled locomotive

Duke of Gloucester

71000

71000, Duke of Gloucester is a British Railways Standard Class 8P built at Crewe works in 1954.

Designed by Robert Riddles to work the heavy express trains between Euston and Scotland, Duke of Gloucester was a prototype for the BR Standard Class 8 express passenger locomotives but was the only one of the class ever to be built.

Previously, Riddle’s Britannia class 7 had been highly successful and the Standard Class 8 was intended to be an enlarged version of the Britannia class, with a three-cylinder layout instead of two worked by the more steam efficient Caprotti valve gear. However, certain design and construction errors meant the locomotive failed to achieve its expected performance in service and in 1962, after only 8 years of operation, Duke of Gloucester was withdrawn for scrap.

Sent to Barry scrapyard it languished until rescued by the Duke of Gloucester Steam Locomotive Trust in 1974. A thirteen year restoration project began, during which time the initial faults were corrected to transform the locomotive into the free steaming, powerful engine it was designed to be.

After being withdrawn from service 2012 the Duke has been through a long extensive overhaul before its return to hauling trips on the mainline in 2024.

Whilst this locomotive is rostered for the steam hauled sections of the trip listed, it cannot be guaranteed and may be substituted for a different engine.
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