The Best Scenic Train Journeys in Devon and Cornwall
Devon and Cornwall, arguably England’s most beautiful counties.
The Southwest, the West Country, Devon and Cornwall. Whatever you like to call them, England’s most westerly counties are surely the gems in our fair country’s crown. With two fabulous coastlines, two National Parks and so much beautiful countryside in between, it’s no wonder that Devon and Cornwall are so popular with visitors, especially in the summer months.
Unfortunately, during the summer and school holidays, this level of popularity can lead to traffic issues for locals and tourists alike. But there are a few Devon and Cornwall travel secrets that only the locals know.
We can’t reveal them all but visiting the beach in the early morning or late evening, opting for quieter inland locations during the day, and staying at home on bank holiday weekends all help with crowd avoidance.
Another brilliant crowd-busting option is to arrive by train.
The TrainSplit app makes it easy to find cheaper alternative journeys through split ticketing.
Download the app
The TrainSplit app helps you find better fares by splitting your tickets. Available on iOS and Android, just search for TrainSplit in your app store and start saving today!
It makes sense; on the train you don’t have to worry about the route, there’s no chance of getting your car stuck down a tiny lane and you won’t have any problems finding a parking space. Even better than that, when it comes to the best scenic train journeys, in Devon and Cornwall, you really will be spoilt for choice.
We recommend getting off your train to explore but even if you didn’t, you’d see some fantastic sights and travel some of the most beautiful train lines in the country, right from the comfort of your train seat.
So, which are Devon and Cornwall’s best train lines?
It would be hard to travel by train in the Southwest and not enjoy the views, but we’ve selected our favourite Devon and Cornwall scenic train rides to share with you below. We’ve also suggested places to visit, activities, and a short walk from each line, and if you’re really seeking solitude, we’ve included a few lesser-known locations as well.
Hop on board, there’s plenty to see.
Scenic train lines in Devon
The Riviera Line – Exeter St Davids to Paignton
Part main line, part branch, the Riviera Line arguably has the best sea views of any train line in the UK. Even better than that, it runs right beside the South West Coast Path and has plenty of stations. Hop on and off at will.
Exeter St David's cathedral | Image credit: RichardMorgan147 | Getty Images
What to look out for:
Sit on the left of the train leaving Exeter to guarantee waterside views along the estuaries of the rivers Exe and Teign as well as the beaches of Dawlish and Teignmouth.
Where to get off:
Dawlish Warren station for fun fair attractions, Dawlish station for Gay’s Creamery clotted cream ice cream, and Teignmouth station for a stroll along the sea wall.
Somewhere different:
Get off at Starcross station to explore fascinating Powderham Castle.
Activities:
From Teignmouth station, walk the Templer Way route all the way up to Dartmoor or if you fancy a gentler day, get off the train at Starcross and take the ferry over to Exmouth.
Cafe on the beach – the Cove Cafe at Dawlish’s pretty Coryton Cove.
Something for lunch – Cantina Torquay, delicious local food on Torquay seafront.
For a treat – Hotel Indigo in Exeter
Budget style – Ibis Styles Hotel on Paignton seafront
Short walk (50 minutes):
Walk along the Southwest Coast Path from Dawlish Warren station to Dawlish station.
Paignton | Image credit: RichardMorgan147 | Getty Images
The Dartmoor Line – Exeter St Davids to Okehampton
Originally part of the train route from Exeter to Plymouth, the Dartmoor Line reopened to regular all-season services in 2021. The line no longer continues around Dartmoor to Plymouth, but it is a fantastic gateway by train to the high slopes and tors of Dartmoor as well as a useful connection for locals.
What to look out for:
If you love Devon’s rolling hills and trees, this is the line for you. On the way pass through pretty-in-pink Crediton station and visit the National Park visitor centre at Okehampton station. Feel the calm sink in as you leave the hustle of Exter St Davids behind you.
Dartmoor National Park | Image credit: RainbowJoe | Getty Images Signature
Where to get off:
Crediton station for art and coffee in the Market Square. Okehampton station for Dartmoor adventures, Okehampton Castle, and the Museum of Dartmoor Life. Okehampton Interchange station is due to open in the spring of 2026.
Something different:
Pack a tent into your rucksack for a night of wild camping on Dartmoor.
Activities:
Hike to High Willhays, Devon’s highest summit or follow one of North Dartmoor’s beautiful rivers to find your own piece of outdoor swimming pool perfection. For more supported adventures including gorge scrambling and mountain biking, look out for Adventure Okehampton, right next to Okehampton station.
Places to eat:
Right at the station – The Bulleid Buffet, Okehampton station
Riverside pub food – The Fountain Inn, Okehampton town
Where to stay:
For a treat – Mill on the Exe (near Exeter St David’s station)
Budget style – YHA Okehampton (at the station)
Short walk (55 mins):
Follow the tumbling East Okement River and admire Dartmoor on this short walk from Okehampton station.
The Avocet Line – Exeter St David’s to Exmouth
This waterside train line starts right next to the river at Exeter St Davids then follows the Exe Estuary along its eastern side between Topsham and Exmouth. It’s the perfect line for train walks because a newly designated section of the England Coast Path (signposted the Exe Estuary trail) runs right beside it.
What to look out for:
You might not spot avocets but along the estuary, watch out for other wading birds (especially in winter). Sit on the right-hand side of the train for the best views. At Lympstone Commando station, you might spot Royal Marines in training.
Exeter Canal, Part of Exe estuary | Image credit: MikeLane45 | Getty Images
Where to get off:
Topsham station for ferries over to the Exeter Canal and walks into Exeter Quays. Lympstone Village station to spot intriguing Peters Tower right on the estuary beach. Exmouth station for traditional seaside fun.
See the whole of the Exe Estuary from the comfort of the train by travelling Exmouth to Exeter on the Avocet Line then Exeter to Dawlish Warren on the Riviera Line.
Walk from Lympstone Village station to the National Trust’s 16-sided house, A-la-Ronde. Enjoy a family paddle boarding lesson in Exmouth. discover boutique shopping and independent eateries at the diminutive estuary port of Topsham.
Take the ferry from Topsham for lock-side charm – The Turf
Opposite Exton’s lovely play area – The Puffing Billy
Where to stay:
For a treat – Peters Tower on the beach at Lympstone
Budget style - Premier Inn Exmouth Seafront
Enjoy an easy stroll along the Exe Estuary between two lovely riverside train stations.
Scenic train lines in Cornwall
The St Ives Bay Line - St Erth to St Ives
Anyone who has visited St Ives in the summer will know that the train is by far the most sensible way to arrive at this beautiful seaside town. Tiny St Erth station marks the start of the St Ives Bay Line and is conveniently situated on the main London to Penzance line. St Erth station is also the park and ride for St Ives.
St Ives, Cornwall | Image credit: ianwool | Getty Images Pro
What to look out for:
Sit on the right-hand side of the train leaving St Erth for the best views of sand dunes, golden beaches and the blue waters of Carbis Bay beyond. It’s all so beautiful, you’ll be tempted to walk back along the South West Coast Path to St Erth when you’ve explored St Ives.
Where to get off:
Carbis Bay station gives you easy access to walks back through the Carbis Bay sand dunes. Lelant Saltings station only hosts two trains a day (one each way) but hopping off here would give you the opportunity for a station to station walk to Hayle station via the Hayle Estuary Nature Reserve and Carnsew Pool.
Porthmeor Beach | Image credit: Lillput | Getty Images
Something different:
Learn to surf from Porthmeor Beach with St Ives Surf School.
Activities:
If five golden sand beaches and bewitching cobbled alleys don’t do it for you, St Ives still has plenty to offer; and we’re not just talking about Cornish pasties. Why not indulge in the world of art at the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Tate St Ives? Or walk up to St Nicholas’ Chapel on the headland known as ‘The Island’.
Places to eat:
Just below the station - Porthminster Beach Cafe
Delicious local cuisine - Porthminster kitchen
Where to stay:
For a treat – Tregenna Castle
Budget style - Cohort St Ives (hostel)
Short walk (65 mins):
Follow the South West Coast Path between Carbis Bay station and Lelant station on this seaside station-to-station walk.
The Maritime Line – Truro to Falmouth
What to look out for:
The Truro River flows into the River Fal. At higher tides, it’s possible to catch a summer ferry between Truro (Cornwall’s only city) and Falmouth. If you get off at Falmouth Town station prepare yourself for a big step down to the platform or continue into Falmouth Docks.
Truro, Cornwall | Image credit: ianwool | Getty Images Pro
Where to get off:
Perranwell station for a walk to discover the Carnon Viaduct right next to the piers from Brunel’s original timber viaduct. Falmouth Docks station for walks out to Pendennis Point. Falmouth Town station for beaches and the National Maritime Museum.
Something different:
On a dull day, how about LovePark, Falmouth’s fantastic indoor skateboarding park.
Activities:
Enjoy the golden sands of Gyllyngvase Beach. Catch a ferry over to the historic fishing village of Flushing. Explore Falmouth’s winding streets and independent shops.
Falmouth | Image credit: Winston Tjia | Unsplash
More Splits, More Savings! Find cheaper train tickets by splitting your fares with the TrainSplit app. Download now on iOS or Android—search for TrainSplit in your app store.
Get the app
Places to eat:
Right on Falmouth harbour wall - INDIDOG
Near Perranwell train station (in the village of Perranwell Station) - The Royal Oak
Falmouth Harbour| Image credit: Thomas Faull | Getty Images Signature
Where to stay:
For a treat: The Penthouse at Packet Quays in Falmouth
Budget style: Accommodation isn’t cheap in either Truro or Falmouth, but you could stay at Premier Inn Plymouth City Centre and catch an early train in.
Short walk (63 mins):
A circular beach walk from Falmouth Town station; take in sandy Gyllyngvase and Swanpool beaches before a stroll around Swan Pool Nature Reserve.
The Atlantic Coast Line - Par to Newquay
Newquay | Image credit: ian35mm| Getty Images
What to look out for:
You won’t miss the fantastic track curve on leaving Par Station. Between Luxulyan and Bugle, look out for the signal box at Goonbarrow Junction; this was once the joining point for the steep Goonbarrow Branch line, which served China clay works, some of which remain in the area.
Par, Cornwall | Image credit: TMW Photography| Getty Images
Where to get off:
With a total of seven stations, it’s going to take you some time to explore the whole of the Atlantic Coast Line. Get off at Luxulyan to explore the history of this beautiful valley. Or enjoy the 12 km circular trail across Goss Moor from Roche station.
Something different:
From Par station, take a short walk to Par Sands to discover the fascinating Time and Tide Bell, designed to warn us of rising sea levels by tolling as the tide rises.
Activities:
Enjoy a walk through mining history and across the Treffry Viaduct from Luxulyan station. Pick up the Saints Way in Par and walk to Fowey (catch the bus back). Enjoy a post sea-swim sauna on the beach at Newquay.
Places to eat:
Dog-friendly pub – The Kings Arms at Luxulyan
Home-cooked Mexican – The Panchanga in Newquay
Where to stay:
For a treat – the Headland Hotel and Spa in Newquay
Budget style: Travelodge Newquay Seafront
Short walk (69 mins):
This partly circular walk from Luxulyan station takes you past charmingly rustic Luxulyan church and across the disused Treffry Viaduct.
Devon and Cornwall by train from London
If you’re travelling from London, arriving into Devon and Cornwall couldn’t be easier. Hop on the regular London to Penzance service from London Paddington and you’ll find yourself just over three hours away from some of the UK’s most beautiful beaches, walks, and most importantly, train lines.
Travel Smarter
Buy a digital Railcard through TrainSplit and store it in the app—no plastic, no paper, just ready to roll.
Staying longer?
Book your accommodation in advance with our trusted partner and skip the scramble.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most scenic train routes in Devon and Cornwall?
Top picks include the Riviera Line, the St Ives Bay Line, the Dartmoor Line, and the Atlantic Coast Line. Each offers stunning coastal or countryside views.
Can you travel around Cornwall and Devon without a car?
Yes. Many scenic locations are accessible by train and foot, with well-connected lines, local buses, and coastal walking trails from the stations.
Which train has the best coastal views?
The Riviera Line between Exeter and Paignton is famous for running right beside the sea, especially near Dawlish and Teignmouth.
Is the Dartmoor Line worth taking?
Absolutely. The Dartmoor Line to Okehampton offers access to wild landscapes, walking trails, and charming countryside views with far fewer crowds.
Are these routes included with a Railcard discount?
Yes, you can use your digital Railcard on these routes to save money. Buy your digital railcard here, and store your Railcard directly in the TrainSplit app.
Making a Booking
Help and FAQs:
Ticket Information:
- Ticket types explained
- Split tickets explained
- Advance tickets
- Cheap Train Tickets
- Cheapest vs flexible tickets
Booking and Travel Guides:
Blog:
Terms and Conditions:
Information and Services:
- Live Running Information
- Buy digital railcards
- Introducing Digital Railcards
- Delay Repay
- Rail Strikes
- Refund form
Check out our other blog posts
Journey Planner