Cornwall by Train: Weekend Itinerary

With countless golden, sandy beaches and the option to choose between adrenaline-filled fun and something soothing for all the family, Cornwall has a bit of everything that makes it the ultimate weekend getaway spot. 

This gem on the Southwest coast has stunning scenery that varies from rugged cliffs to picturesque countryside which can be admired from the train, making the journey even more spectacular. Join CrossCountry as we help plan out your next family weekend away in Cornwall. 

How to get to Cornwall by train:

Arriving for your weekend in Cornwall by train is simple with CrossCountry. With regular and direct services from Birmingham New Street and as far as Newcastle and York to Penzance and St Austell, CrossCountry can get you to the heart of Cornwall in style and comfort. We also run services towards Cornwall from Manchester via a change in Birmingham. 

Weekend in St Ives

There is a reason why St Ives weekend breaks are so popular amongst tourists from all over the world. St Ives has been treasured by locals and visitors alike for centuries and has held a special place in the hearts of many artists over the years due to its quality of light. You won’t run out of things to do over a weekend in St Ives. 

Start your day off in Scoff Troff Cafe

A perfect place to start your magical weekend in St Ives is the Scoff Troff Cafe. People from far and wide have been coming to this brunch spot ever since it opened its doors back in 2015. The eclectic menu is a reflection of the founders’ love of travel, with dishes inspired from their journeys across the globe.  

As it is one of the more popular breakfast and brunch spots in St Ives, we recommend getting there early to secure the best table. Whether you’re looking for a full English breakfast or their famous baked eggs, the Scoff Troff Café is the ideal way to kick start your weekend adventure in St Ives.

Visit Porthmeor Beach

What better way to walk off your breakfast than a brisk walk along Porthmeor Beach? A five-minute walk from the café is all that separates you and this idyllic beach. Burrowed between two headlands that are set on either side of this beach, Porthmeor is especially popular with swimmers and surfers.  

There are other activities that are just as popular however, where people of all ages can explore the numerous rock pools dotted around the beach and marvel at the various marine creatures living within the pools. 

Explore art at Tate St Ives

Looking over Porthmeor Beach is the impressive structure of the Tate St Ives. Stepping into this gallery highlights just why this corner of the world has been embraced by the artist community for centuries, making it a must visit on your Cornwall weekend break.  

The wide spanning bay window at the front of the building shows off the majesty of both the vast Atlantic Ocean as well as the unique light in St Ives. There are countless exciting temporary exhibitions on throughout the year, as well as certain eye-catching pieces that are part of the permanent exhibition in the gallery, so you’ll be sure to see something you’ll love at the Tate. 

Tuck into afternoon tea at Carbis Bay

After a soul-enriching stroll around the Tate, stopping for afternoon tea at the Carbis Bay Hotel is the perfect way to cap off a beautiful weekend in St Ives. With delicious cream cakes and your choice of either tea, coffee, or even champagne, unwind and watch on as the waves crash against the Carbis Bay Beach. 

Weekend in Newquay

Known as a surfer’s paradise, Newquay has more to offer than its waves and beaches. With top quality restaurants, breathtaking walks, and an idyllic harbour, there are plenty of ways you can spend a quality weekend in Newquay.  

The Fish House Fistral

Get started early with a Friday night in Newquay; the perfect place to start is The Fish House in Fistral. This restaurant prides itself on the quality of the local ingredients of Newquay, by preparing and cooking some of the freshest seafood imaginable. Whether you love battered cod or mushy peas, The Fish House has you covered! 

Make the most of Newquay's beaches

No short break in Cornwall is complete without a trip to Newquay Beach. With golden sand and crisp blue waves, this is one of the most popular beaches in the UK. It is a popular spot for surfers travelling from all over the UK and it also has some of the most picturesque walks along the surrounding cliffs. 

Hop on board at Escape Surf School

When visiting Newquay Beach, it’s impossible to avoid the temptation of surfing for yourself, even if you’re a complete beginner. This is where Escape Surf School come in to help. 

Their experienced and qualified teachers provide quality lessons for all abilities so you can experience the glorious Newquay Beach waves firsthand.  

Unwind at Olla Hiki Sauna

After an exhilarating surfing lesson, a trip to the Olla Hiki Sauna is a must. Their mobile wood-fired sauna provides the perfect end to your fun filled weekend as they provide half an hour or one-hour slots that can either be communal or private. 

Let your worries melt away as you can look out at the ocean and fields surrounding the sauna. 

Weekend in Looe

The quaint seaside town of Looe captivates visitors year-round, with its spectacular harbour and narrow cobbled streets. Although it might be small in size, it is grand in its appeal and has plenty to do throughout a weekend. 

Birdwatching on Looe Island

A pristine and peaceful nature reserve on the coast, Looe Island is a little piece of heaven on the Southwest coast. 

Looe Island is home to a wide variety of wildlife both in the water and on land, meaning it offers the perfect serene start to your weekend in Cornwall. 

Summer is the best time to go to see all the native flowers in bloom, so make the most of the floral displays. In order to visit the island, you will need to book an official and organised trip via the official Looe Sea Safari company.  

Dinning at Smugglers Cott

After a refreshing walk amongst the native wildlife of Cornwall and after the boat ride back to the centre of Looe, you will most likely want to find a cozy spot to dry your sea sprayed hair, enter the Smugglers Cott. 

This restaurant is a Grade II listed building that was built way back in 1420, so there are plenty of stories of the local history within these walls. 

Beyond the history, you will find a menu filled with delicious fresh fish caught locally and daily. With all of this on offer in a tight space, it is best to book in advance to make sure you get the best spot in the house. 

Weekend in Penzance

Penzance has nurtured a reputation of being a quirky and rugged market town adored by locals and tourists. This gem of a town located in the far west of Cornwall has enviable attractions and restaurants which makes it such a popular destination for a weekend away in Cornwall. 

Wonder at the flowers at Morrab Gardens

A perfect place to start your weekend in Penzance to give you a taste of the tropics is the wonderfully curated Morrab Gardens. This natural green haven has been an integral part of Penzance since it was built in 1841. It is home to an extensive collection of sub-tropical plants to let visitors explore rarer types of flowers within the UK. 

Visit Gollowan Festival

We recommend travelling to Penzance in June so you can make the most of the Gollowan Festival. It is a lot of fun, and worth planning a weekend trip around. 

This annual ten-day event towards the end of the month packs in a variety parades, performances and art for locals and tourists to enjoy in the summer sun. There are a number of stalls set up along the high street selling local produce and artwork for visitors to take home as a memento of a memorable weekend away. 

Enjoy dinner at the Boatshed restaurant

It is easy to work up an appetite when exploring everything that Penzance has to offer. Luckily, there are a number of quality restaurants available in the area, offering an ideal way to end your glorious weekend in Penzance. 

The Boatshed Restaurant is a standout option. With a selection of quality seafood as well as plant-based options, you’ll be sure to find something to satisfy your appetite. 

If you’re planning a weekend in Cornwall, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.