Romance on Rails: Cornwall's Most Scenic Journeys

Nestling into your seat as jaw-dropping scenes slide past the window in a flickering reel of blues and greens, it’ll be no time at all before you’re falling in love with Cornish rail. Exuding with nostalgic romance and irresistible simplicity, these journeys offer a mesmerising way of discovering Cornwall’s county and coast and a wonderful way of spending time together.

Particularly romantic for a Valentine’s Day sojourn, nothing will beat hopping aboard your train with your better half, sipping on fizz and luxuriating in the promise of nothing but pure relaxation. Sound tempting? We thought so. Get ready to see Cornwall like never before and treat yourselves to a day you’ll want to repeat, again and again:

Cornwall’s Most Scenic Railways

The Looe Valley Line

Connecting the ancient stannary and market town of Liskeard with the picture-perfect fishing port of Looe, the Looe Valley Line is a must for those staying in South East Cornwall. Cutting through wooded valleys before tracing the edge of the Looe River, it proffers a unique opportunity to spy some of the area’s incredible wildlife from the comforts of your cabin before alighting.

If you would like to continue your journey with a stretch of the legs, you can pick up the South West Coast Path from Looe towards Polperro, enjoying a clifftop picnic with views of St George’s Island. As an alternative, Looe’s tangle of narrow streets is also home to a wide array of restaurants and pubs, including the ever-popular Ancient Mariner Bistro and the Old Sail Loft.

The Atlantic Coast Line

Leaving the station at Par, on the edge of Cornwall’s clay country, the dog-friendly Atlantic Coast Line meanders its way south to north across the county’s luscious belly. Rising through the Luxulyan Valley, over the wild Goss Moor and eventually arriving at the doorstep of the golden-sand town of Newquay, it parades some the county’s most diverse and eye-catching scenery whilst offering lovebirds a chance to travel in style.

If you are staying in Newquay, you will already have had a taste of the town’s envy-inducing accolades. Leave footsteps in the sand on one of the area’s 11 beaches before taking a pew in one of the many eateries. Located in the town centre, Newquay station is within striking distance of a number of romantic waterside venues, including the Fish House, Lusty Glaze and the Harbour Fish and Grill.

The Maritime Line

Linking two of the county’s most popular hotspots, the Maritime Line juxtaposes the cobbled charm of Cornwall’s capital, Truro, with the quirky appeal of the harbour town of Falmouth. A short but visually striking burst of around half an hour, the journey is perfect for day-trippers looking to explore the best of both of worlds and truly offers something for everyone – including four-legged friends.

From those looking to treat their Valentine with shops and Champagne to those looking for a private escape along the coast paths, the Maritime Line ticks all the boxes. For the widest selection of big brands and independent boutiques before hitting the bars, make your way to Truro. Or for castles, culture and cruising on water, hop off at Falmouth.

The St Ives Bay Line

Arguably the UK’s most scenic railway, the St Erth to St Ives Bay Line will lead you and your beloved through frame after breath-taking frame. Starting at the picturesque St Erth station, the line follows the sweeping golden fringes of the West Cornwall coast, past the vast expanses of Hayle Towans, the turquoise waters of Carbis Bay and finally towards the artists’ mecca of St Ives.

In walking distance of many of our beautiful cottages in St Ives, a plethora of shops, galleries, time-old pubs and pristine restaurants await to welcome you once you arrive. One of the most romantic settings in the country, there could be no better way to round of your Valentine’s Day with a stroll hand-in-hand along the shore before tucking into oysters and white wine at Porthminster beach, watching the sun sink beyond the horizon in a wash of lilac, pink and blue.

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