Can you suggest a pleasant small town to stay in for a 3 or 4 day "see nature in winter" get-away to Cornwall either before or after a week in London in the late-January thru February period? My wife and I are fit seniors and have been to England only once before (London, plus two nights in Rye for birding on the coast, all in early January ). Online information makes Cornwall sound like a good choice for winter walking. Because we will rely on public transportation, a central location where we could take on different out-and-back walks, loop walks, or walk-and-bus back combinations would be perfect. I notice that the train from London and any additionally travel needed could take up much a day, but that is also part of the adventure. We'll have at most two weeks for all our travels. We live in Washington state and are prepared for short hours of daylight and wet and cool-to-cold walking weather.
Posted by
Camano Island, WA, usa
1451 posts
You can use www.nationaltrust.org.uk to preview Cornwall. The site is upgraded seasonally so the current events are thru October.
They now have a 2 week pass you can buy just for Cornwall. You would have to wait until your dates to buy one which you can purchase on site there. This would let you tour several properties on your hikes. They have interactive maps that may help with finding where you want to stay. They do have some accommodations that are Heritage and are priced accordingly. You might look into staying at an Inn or Pub' which was convenient for us when wanted a Pint. They also have walks mapped, too.
Posted by
UK
504 posts
Penzance is medium-sized rather than small, but it’s very pleasant, right on the coast and is extremely well located for both bus and train services around the far west of the county.
Note - with reference to the above, don’t expect all National Trust properties to be open in January and February.
Posted by
Lake District, England
5866 posts
I think that Bodmin would be a good place to base. Bodmin Parkway station is a direct train from London, and there is a half hourly bus from there into the town. There are also direct National Express bus services from London.
There is a nice series of 5 circular walks called The Bodmin Way, centred on the town. Each of the walks is between 6 and 8 miles long- so a half day walk. I have done 4 of the 5 sections of the Way, and the walking is easy to maybe moderate.
Bodmin itself is full of history- with several indoor attractions.
A little further afield the county town of Truro is easily reachable by two different bus routes. And the 18 mile long Camel Trail (named after the local river, not the animal!!) is easily accessible by the same bus (which goes on to Padstow) as you used from the railway station.
If you want to gain a day the Night Riviera Sleeper train from London also calls at Bodmin Parkway- a far better and cheaper train than Caledonian Sleeper.
Changing bus at Wadebridge you can even easily get to Tintagel from Bodmin.