Devon and Cornwall by Rail
Overview
Using your included BritRail Pass, you’ll navigate this self-guided itinerary to Devon and Cornwall, two neighbouring counties in the far southwest of England, known for their dramatic coastlines, historic sites and distinct regional cultures.
Devon is immediately east of Cornwall, between the Bristol Channel (north coast) and the English Channel (south coast). It’s known for its two national parks, Dartmoor and Exmoor, as well as its beautiful coastlines, including the Jurassic Coast (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). It also boasts charming towns like Exeter, Plymouth, Torquay and Dartmouth, filled with rolling countryside, farms and historic villages.
Cornwall, the westernmost county of mainland England, forms a peninsula bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the English Channel. It’s known for its stunning beaches and rugged cliffs like Land’s End and the Lizard Peninsula, picturesque fishing villages like St Ives, Padstow and Mousehole, Celtic heritage and much more.
Format
Locations
- United Kingdom
- London
- Portsmouth
- Torquay
- Penzance
- Falmouth
- Plymouth
- Exeter
- Bristol
Inclusions
• Round-trip flights to London (if the Flight & Hotel package option is chosen)
• 8 nights of comfort accommodation, a combination of 3-star and 4-star hotels, including buffet breakfast daily
• Private round-trip airport taxi transfers in London
• 8 Day BritRail Pass, to be used for transportation throughout your itinerary
• Admission to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
• Admission to SS Great Britain
• Earn extra Aeroplan® points per member on this tour
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Canada
Fly to London.
Day 2
Arrival in London
Upon arrival, you’ll take a private taxi transfer to your hotel, where you will spend 1 night.
Start your journey in the heart of the UK, London. After checking into your hotel, spend the day visiting landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Tower of London or the British Museum. In the evening, enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Covent Garden or the West End. Rest overnight in London, preparing for the adventure ahead.
Day 3
London to Portsmouth
Today, you’ll depart for Portsmouth by train (3.5 hours). Upon arrival, you can visit the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard to learn all about Britain’s naval history.
Spend an overnight in Portsmouth.
Included: Admission to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 4
Portsmouth to Torquay
Today, you’ll depart for Torquay by train (3.5 hours). Upon arrival, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches and charming streets of the English Riviera. Visit attractions like Kents Cavern or take a scenic coastal walk.
Spend an overnight in Torquay.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 5
Exploring Torquay
After breakfast, you’ll head to Paignton (10 minutes by train). From there, you’ll board the Dartmouth Steam Railway to Kingswear, enjoy a ferry ride to Dartmouth and explore this historic town. You’ll return to Torquay in the evening for an overnight.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 6
Torquay to Penzance/Falmouth
Today, you’ll embark on a scenic train journey to Penzance (approx. 3 hours), where you’ll be greeted by the picturesque Cornish coastline. You’ll spend the day exploring the town’s historic streets and charming seaside atmosphere. Consider visiting the Penlee House Gallery and Museum to discover local art and history, or take a leisurely walk along the South West Coast Path for breathtaking views.
Spend an overnight in Penzance or Falmouth.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 7
Penzance/Falmouth to Plymouth/Exeter
Today, you’ll head to Plymouth (2 hours) to explore the historic Barbican district with its quaint cobbled streets and charming shops. You’ll take a scenic boat trip from the Barbican along the Plymouth Sound, offering stunning views of the coastline and landmarks. Afterward, you’ll stroll along Plymouth Hoe, famous for its breathtaking views over the bay and the iconic Smeaton's Tower lighthouse.
Spend an overnight in Plymouth or Exeter.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 8
Plymouth/Exeter to Bristol
After your breakfast, you’ll take a train to Bristol (2 hours). Upon arrival, you’ll visit Brunel's SS Great Britain, take a Banksy Graffiti Tour to see the city’s famous street art and explore the lively Harbourside.
Spend an overnight in Bristol.
More Moments Activities Included
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Included
Admission to SS Great Britain
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 9
Bristol - London
Today, you’ll head back to London, where you will spend your last night soaking up this iconic city.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 10
Return Home
It’s time to say goodbye to London. You will be picked up from your hotel by your taxi driver, who will take you to the airport.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Accommodations
Where you'll stay
Comfort Accommodation
Location
Hotel
Room details
Type of bed(s): 1 double bed or 2 twin beds
Room occupancy: Maximum 3 people (3 adults, or 2 adults and 1 child)
Unless otherwise specified, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Important Information
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January 2026 – December 2026
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Not included
- Meals, unless specified
- Transfers to and from train stations and hotels
- Additional activities, excursions and entrance fees
- Personal expenses and insurance
- Porterage
- Hotel /city taxes
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Private airport taxi transfers
8 Day BritRail Pass
You can activate your pass by clicking on the link received by email and selecting the first date of travel. Your pass is considered activated if the first and last day of validity are defined. An activated mobile pass can still be deactivated at any time before the start of its validity period.
The BritRail England M-Pass can be validated up to 6 months after the departure date you stated when ordering. Once validated (first use), the BritRail England M-Pass is non-refundable.
Its recommended to activate the pass close to the date of the intended first use to avoid issues caused by travel delays or last-minute changes.
After activation and booking the first journey, you can either book the rest of the journeys you have already planned or book them closer to the date you intend to travel to avoid disappointment.
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The order of the itinerary could vary, including the number of consecutive nights per city. This itinerary is for reference only.
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Local hotel/city taxes, if applicable, are paid to the hotel in local currency.
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Check in: 3:00 p.m.
Check out: 12:00 p.m.