A terrific Tamar Valley experience
Coastal views and valleys, barnstorming bridges and history aplenty on a tour down the Tamar! An itinerary for an unforgettable day out on the delightful Devon and Cornwall border!
Join the Route 25 Plymouth City Bus at Royal Parade A16 stop, Plymouth
Limber up to your fantastic day-out by being whisked in a whistlestop tour on the truly brilliant 25 bus which cuts through the heart of pulsating Plymouth, through the historic Barbican and waterfront, up the historic Hoe, with its naval history and panoramic views before arriving back at Royal Parade.
Get off the bus back at Royal Parade and walk to Plymouth Railway Station
It’s a 13 minute, 0.6 mile walk downhill to Plymouth Railway Station via Armada Way. There’s plenty of time for a coffee and snack en route, maybe at the delightful Ground Coffee House at Beckley Court, 192 Armada Way with its sumptuous carrot cake, sourdough toasties and brownies!
Join the Great Western Railway train at Plymouth Railway Station
A delightful journey through the Tamar Valley commences, combining docks, rivers, iconic bridges, lush woodland and quaint villages. It’s an enchanted trip that will leave you in raptures.
Alight the train at Bere Ferrers station
The Tamar Valley line is resplendent in railway architecture of a bygone, golden era and it feels as though time has forgotten this fab line, which has a sleepy but blissfully innocent atmosphere, no better than at this vintage station. Explore the fantastic Heritage Centre here, with its railway paraphernalia and artifacts, including a super signal box, dining car, turntable and much more! Stop for lunch at the renowned The Olde Plough Inn, a family run pub with a great vibe, fantastic customer service and freshly cooked food with local ingredients. There’s also a wonderful circular walk from the station alongside the river and past this charming pub!
Get back on board the train at Bere Ferrers station
The scenic adventure continues and it’s off to Calstock and along the dramatic, viaduct, 35 metres above the River Tamar and with stunning views of the Valley.
Disembark the train at Calstock
Peruse this wonderful village and enjoy a walk alongside the River Tamar up Lower Kelly. Devour the delightful views of the railway viaduct and towards the looming Prospect Tower and Cotehele National Trust property, which is worth visiting if you feel like getting a later train onto Gunnislake or just returning afterwards to Plymouth. When returning to Calstock station, maybe continue a few minutes further and pop in for a swift pint in The Tamar Inn.
Back on the train at Calstock
Along the Tamar then through more lush countryside the train makes its way before its denouement in delightful Gunnislake.
Alight the train at Gunnislake
Explore the streets of this historic mining town, taking in the narrow streets of miners cottages! Look out for the Village Hall which was built in 1878 and enjoy a woodland walk along the Tamar banks or peruse the fab independent shops!
Back on the train at Gunnislake
Settle back and enjoy the scenic trip back to bustling Plymouth.
Arrive back at Plymouth Railway Station
It’s been a great day, but Plymouth is famous for its nightlife, so why not enjoy the many great dining options and bars in Barbican, where the vibe is always buzzing. Take in a play at the Mayflower Theatre or for the adventurous, then there’s nightclubs aplenty in this most vibrant of UK cities!
Other great places to visit if you are staying longer!
Cotehele’s National Trust property is an incredible fortified, medieval mansion with an enchanted garden, including an orchard, terrace and ponds. The orchard features over 125 local apple varieties!
The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth is the largest Aquarium in the UK with over 4,000 animals!
Take a trip over the iconic Royal Albert Bridge to Saltash and peruse its independent shops, picturesque quayside, park and admire the many delightful fishing boats.
