Journey by Steam to Cornwall in 2021

Tuesday 28 September – Friday 1 October 2021 

As the heat of summer gives way to balmier days, join us on this spectacular trip to Devon and Cornwall as our very own steam locomotive B1 Mayflower hauls us double-headed along this picturesque route with spectacular views all the way west. We will traverse the iconic Dawlish sea wall by steam before continuing across Brunel’s famous Saltash Bridge and arriving in Penzance for our three night stay. Here you will have two full days to discover the charm of Cornwall’s pretty villages, ancient history, inviting beaches, rugged cliffs and heritage railways.

Read on for details of the full itinerary and fill in the form below to receive an email quote for your holiday.

Fares from £325

Day 1 – London to Penzance

Our trip begins from London Victoria hauled by double-headed steam with 61306 Mayflower & 45596 Bahamas. We will then wend westwards through Ascot to Reading where we stop to pick up more passengers before immersing ourselves in glorious countryside views as we travel through the counties of Berkshire and Wiltshire. Our journey takes us along the picturesque Kennet & Avon Canal with views to the White Horses before passing the pretty town of Taunton. From here we head to the summit at Whiteball Tunnel before descending into the Exe Valley for a short afternoon break in the Cathedral City of Exeter. Here, passengers can stretch their legs with a walk down to the Quay or wander to any of the fabulous sights Exeter has to offer from its magnificent Cathedral to its many museums and cafes.

We will then resume our journey heading west again before what for many will be the highlight of the trip – travelling double-headed along the famous Dawlish sea wall – which will no doubt attract much interest as we go. From here we continue across the edge of Dartmoor, climbing some of the steepest mainline hills on the British railway network.

We’ll have an evening break in Plymouth before resuming our journey, now diesel-hauled, across the famous Saltash Bridge, brilliantly designed by the genius of Brunel as we snake along the corkscrew line to the Duchy of Cornwall. After arriving in Penzance, passengers staying with Steam Dreams will be taken to their hotels.

Days 2 & 3– At leisure in Cornwall

After a leisurely breakfast in the hotel, passengers will have the choice of relaxing and enjoying the facilities their hotel has to offer or wandering further afield to explore the charming region with its stunning beaches, ancient history, pretty villages and not forgetting delicious cream teas!

Alternatively join us on an organised excursion which are likely to include the Lost Gardens of Heligan, magnificent gardens which thirty years ago were unknown and unseen; lost to the brambles of time since the outbreak of WW1. It was only the chance discovery of a door in the ruins that led to the restoration of this once great estate. Today, The Lost Gardens have been put back where they belong: in pride of place among the finest gardens in England and are definitely not to be missed. The Barbara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Garden are also worthy of a visit, offering a remarkable insight into the work and outlook of one of Britain’s most important twentieth century artists.

A day trip to the beautiful seaside town of Padstow, which was the original destination of the famous holiday train the Atlantic Coast Express is also an option. With its lovely cobbled streets, gift and craft shops and an abundance of restaurants and cafes not to mention the fabulous ice cream shops, it will be very easy to while away a few hours here.

Poldark fans will be pleased to know we will be offering a tour of all the key filming locations, featuring dramatic cliffs, iconic sandy beaches and ancient landmarks. You’ll be guided by an extremely knowledgeable and engaging host as part of a small group.

If you are hankering after more steam travel discover the excitement and nostalgia of steam travel with a journey back in time on the Bodmin & Wenford Railway, Cornwall’s only full-size railway still operated by steam locomotives. Relax in style and enjoy a leisurely 13-mile round trip through beautiful Cornish countryside, taking in the sights, sounds and smells of a bygone age, as the era of a Cornish branch line in the 1950s reveals itself during the course of your journey.

Day 4 – Penzance to London

We head home today and as our journey begins diesel hauled we enjoy some of the spectacular views of Cornwall. St Michael’s Mount nestling in the bay as we depart Penzance, Truro Cathedral from high above as we cross over the city viaduct and the famous Royal Albert Bridge as we cross back into Devon.

At Plymouth we have a short break of around 45 minutes while Bahamas and Mayflower are attached to the train. From Plymouth once again hauled by double-headed steam we retrace our steps along the same route as our outward journey, returning to London Victoria in the early evening with a drop off at Reading.

Hotels

Pullman Style Dining and Premier Dining hotel rooms are now sold out.

Premium Standard passengers will stay at the Premier Inn in Newquay, just a short walk away from Newquay Beach in a cliffside spot overlooking the sea.

All passengers who decide to book hotel accommodation with Steam Dreams will enjoy the added extra of a dedicated representative at the hotel, transfers between the train or excursions and the hotel and luggage porterage to the hotel. Hotel accommodation is booked on a bed and breakfast basis for all passengers.

For more information, or to book, please call the Booking Office on 01483 209888 or fill in the form below to receive a holiday quote and more information about the trip.