Time in Cornwall

We haven't visited Cornwall, but I researched going there and booked a week, staying in Truro.

Had to cancel because of Covid19.

Two nights would be inadequate for Cornwall. Also, it gets very busy during summer holiday season.

In 2017 we spend four weeks driving around S. Wales and England (no time in London).

We spent six nights in the Cotswolds and used it as a base to visit Oxford, Blenheim Palace, Stratford Upon Avon and the Cotswolds.

You can't even see the Cotswolds in one full day, need two.

For York, you need three nights. Lots to see there, don't miss the National Railway Museum.

Thanks for advice!

We will not have car in York, but I hope I can find a tour for James Herriot sights. Did you do that?

I think that is too much. Cornwall is just so far to get too that for 1 full day there you are going to spend most of 2 days in transit. Was there something in particular in Padstow you wanted to see or were you aiming for Port Isaac or Tintagel?

I’d cut this if you can’t give the area more time. It would make more sense if you were going to do Dorset/Devon/Cornwall instead of York and Edinburgh.

Do want James Herriot sites from his actual life (Thirsk is where he practiced) or where either the old or new series was filmed?

We are actually headed to Scotland to meet friends and tour Scotland for 12 days. Will fly home from Edinburgh.

We’ve been to England once before and on this trip we are trying to see things we missed.

I am big fan of Doc Martin and want to see Port Isaac area. Thought we would stay in Padstow. Not enough time to go to Lands End unfortunately. Was hoping two nights would provide enough time for visit. Will drive to Cotswolds for 3 nights stay then drop car in Oxford. Take train to York.

Three nights in York where there is lots to see. Was hoping for day trip to see James Herriot country. I have been big fan since the books were published. But only tour I could find was $500 for four people.

Then on to Scotland where we meet our friends.

Just not enough time! But this may be last chance.

Cornwall is a long way from your other destinations, you'll spend more time getting to and from there than in Cornwall itself. Driving there is very slow because of the terrain, and because it's so popular, especially in summer. Three nights in York means two full days, which for me would be enough for the city itself but not for a day trip.

If you're flying into Heathrow, you might consider The Airline bus to Oxford, rent a car there for the Cotswolds, then either drive or train to York depending on the train schedule. Without knowing how much total time you'll have before your Scotland tour starts, it's hard to make more specific suggestions.

EDIT -- To get your Herriott fix, after York you might want to drive north, through Thirsk and up into the Dales countryside, ending where you can get a train to Edinburgh (maybe Durham or Newcastle). That gives you a chance to see the area while moving north.

You needn't bother with Land's End which is now a very expensive theme park...
2 nights only effectively gives you 1 day in Cornwall. Allowing for time to get there and back, this isn't an effective use of your time.

James Herriot practice was based in Thirsk and the 'real' Skeldale House is now "The World of James Herriot" Catch a train from York to Thirsk (pleasant small market town) and visit that.

If you want to visit Cornwall and Edinburgh, consider flying between them. Logan air flies between Exeter and Edinburgh. You can rent a car in Exeter, spend time visiting Devon/Cornwall, return the car, fly to Edinburgh. York can be done as a daytrip or overnight - it is a two hour train ride from Edinburgh.

James Herriot practice was based in Thirsk and the 'real' Skeldale House is now "The World of James Herriot" Catch a train from York to Thirsk (pleasant small market town) and visit that.

The bus may be a better option. The train station in Thirsk is about 1.25 miles away from the museum. The bus leaves from the heart of York and drops you off in the Thirsk marketplace, maybe 200 yards from the Herriot museum. Also just down the block is the church where they were married. We didn't have time to do any tours of the countryside but online I see bus tours of the Yorkshire Dales for £50 or less per person although they aren't specifically Herriot themed.

York Minster is a great place to visit. Also look into the tour they offer, once a week I believe, where you go up into the scaffolding to see the restoration work they are doing.

Thanks for advice everybody! I’ve decided to take Cornwall off the itinerary and focus quality time in London, Cotswolds snd York. Will be less stressful. Hope to visit Cornwall on another trip.

Have added a night to York and we plan to take a public bus to Thirsk and visit Herriot museum. Maybe we will meet some nice Yorkshire people on the bus!! After all, that is the way James Herriot arrived in the book!

Again, thanks fellow travelers!

Have added a night to York and we plan to take a public bus to Thirsk and visit Herriot museum

The bus leaves right in front of the York Art Gallery; you buy the ticket from the driver. The buses run more often weekdays than on Saturday and not on Sunday (when we were there). The schedule is online. In Thirsk get a coffee and pastry (or sandwich) from the friendly shop on the market square by the clock tower, sit on the benches with all the other folks in town.

In York we found ourselves every morning getting a coffee and a wonderful cinnamon pastry at Brew and Brownie bakeshop; highly recommended! Also York has a free walking tour that leaves from the York Art Gallery square run by volunteer locals. They have a lot of enthusiasm for the town and show you Roman and middle-age sights as well as explaining the history.

One night we had an excellent dinner at "The Star Inn - The City" which is recommended in the Rick Steves guide book. They fill up so make a reservation by the nite before if you want to eat there; ask to sit on the patio overlooking the river.

Great tips!! Thank you!

We love walking tours with locals and plan to sign up.!

Thanks for info on bus pick/up and schedule. Can’t wait!!!