This question is much like I asked in 2020 but we never got to go on that trip because of covid. We're trying it again, but having to alter it again......This is SO confusing. We're taking my elderly mom down memory lane as well as incorporating seeing relatives, hence the places that need to be our plan. We'll start in London and then for two weeks after that, have to fit in Darlington, Cornwall and Caenarfon, Wales. I realize these are not the easiest of shortest places to go to but either relatives or old places she needs to visit again are there, there is no choice. What would be the best route out of London? We also have to fly out of London upon returning home. We need to rely on public transportation as I will not brave driving over there! Thank you!
Posted by
Cornwall
609 posts
Where in Cornwall?
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Penzance for sure, Devon, Truro and whatever we have time for.
Posted by
Lake District, England
9015 posts
The obvious way to ticket this train wise given the length of the journeys is with a Britrail pass, if you want flexibility with your plans.
Given how special this trip is, a 1st class pass would not be unreasonable.
I would go straight up the East Coast from Kings Cross to Darlington.
Then direct train every hour Darlington to Liverpool, the frequent Liverpool to Chester train, then at least hourly train Chester to Bangor.
Caernarfon no longer has a main line station, so frequent bus Bangor Station to Caernarfon.
There are various ways from Caernarfon to Cornwall. The easiest is the every two hours train from Bangor to Birmingham New Street, then Birmingham to Plymouth, change trains for Cornwall.
E.g. - Bangor leave 1002, Birmingham arrive 1352, leave 1412, Plymouth arrive 1747.
From Cornwall to London I would suggest treating yourselves and take the GWR Pullman train from Penzance at 1615, arriving London Paddington at 2124, and take advantage of the Silver service dining on board.
The other stylish way would be the Riviera Sleeper night train from Penzance to London.
EDIT - If you did want to commit to specific fixed trains there turn out to be some very good deals given the distances involved and the city pairs. I have checked for 13 May for the 4 journeys as a sample check-
Kings Cross to Darlington from £50, which feels high
Darlington to Bangor from £24, one change at Newton le Willows
Bangor to Plymouth from £53 on the 12 noon train
Penzance to Paddington on the Pullman £63 or £92 first class .
TOTAL £190.
Buy yourselves a Two Together Rallcard for £35 and Mum a Senior Railcard for £35. You save 1/3 off the fares so £190 each becomes around £125 each.
Posted by
UK
918 posts
Penzance for sure, Devon, Truro and whatever we have time for.
Devon isn’t in Cornwall - it’s a whole other county that’s bigger than Cornwall.
Penzance is right down the far end of Cornwall but is easily reached by train. It makes a good base for exploring the far west by public as there are a number of good bus services to take you to places such as St Ives (also accessible by train), Sennen/Lands End, Porthcurno, Mousehole, St Michael’s Mount etc.
I like Truro as a pleasant city but I don’t think it’s a tourist must-visit. You could change trains there and head to Falmouth for a couple of days - this has lots to offer: it’s a very busy harbour town with a great maritime museum, a castle and some nice beaches.
But to be honest with your short timescale, you will have to take decisions!