Travel Cornwall

Getting to Cornwall by Air

A range of airlines serve Newquay Cornwall Airport year round and new routes are constantly being added. For a real alternative to the long and frustrating journey by land visit www.newquaycornwallairport.com to check the latest destinations served to and from Newquay.

Skybus - operates the Isles of Scilly service Monday to Saturday, six days a week from Southampton, Bristol, Exeter (main season) Newquay and Land's End (all year round). Day trips to the islands are also available from Land's End and Newquay Cornwall Airports (reduced rates for children). Please check the website or call for details and special offers. www.islesofscilly-travel.co.uk or 0845 710 5555 for Isles of Scilly. Skybus also provides a direct route to St Brieuc [Brittany]. www.skybus.co.uk or 01736 334224 for St Brieuc.

Getting to Cornwall by Road

The M4, M5 and M6 motorways have made travel to Cornwall simple and straightforward, while within Cornwall itself, the two major holiday routes, the A30 and A38 continue to improve, with fast dual carriageways as far as Carland Cross, Mitchell, and most of the way to Penzance.

Follow the M5 to Exeter, after which you will take either the A30 or A38 into Cornwall, depending on your final destination. Alternatively, if you enter Cornwall via North Devon, then there is the Atlantic Highway, the A39, which you can join at junction 27 on the M5.

By rail

Cornwall has main line stations at Saltash, St Germans, Menheniot, Liskeard, Bodmin, Lostwithiel, Par, St Austell, Truro, Redruth, Camborne, Hayle, St Erth and Penzance. There are also branch lines to Gunnislake, Looe, Newquay, Falmouth, St Ives and 'bus branch lines' to The Eden Project from St Austell Station and Helston from Redruth Station. For National Rail Enquiries train times and information call 08457 48 49 50. The Night Riviera Sleeper is a refreshing way to travel between London Paddington and Cornwall, getting you to your destination early in the morning after you have had a relaxing night's sleep. The Sleeper operates Sunday to Friday between London Paddington and Penzance. The Sleeper departs from London Paddington at 23:45 and arrives in Penzance at 08:00 the following morning. From Penzance the Sleeper departs at 21:35 and arrives in London Paddington at 05:41 the following morning. Please note: On Sundays this service departs Penzance at 21:15 and from London at 23:50.

By bus or coach

Megabus, First or National Express offer coach or bus services to Cornwall.

St Ives

There’s no need to leave the town, St Ives boasts enough restaurants, pubs and shops for 10 holidays!  St Ives is the ultimate foodie heaven but, fear not, opportunities to burn calories abound with walks, leisure centre, golf and watersports including surfing and coasteering.  With beaches, supermarkets, train station, cinema, theatre, galleries, Tate St Ives and more all in town this is the ultimate car free holiday.

Looe

The train arrives on the outskirts of the small, harbour town with its safe beaches, wide choice of restaurants, pubs and live entertainment, excellent walking routes and much more to keep the whole family entertained. Out on the water – Looe has a thriving sailing club or take a boat or fishing trip. If you’re feeling more adventurous, try snorkelling or even diving one of the wrecks along the coast.

Padstow

With a vast array of cottages situated in the heart of town, you'll be just yards away from everything you need. Pubs, restaurants and shops on your doorstep; fabulous sandy beaches; daily ferry to Rock and the famous Camel Trail cycle path providing a road-free route to explore Wadebridge. Plus, with a Spar shop in the middle of town, your groceries are right on your doorstep too!

Newquay

Enjoy the 5 fantastic beaches all within walking distance of town - perfect for bucket and spade holidays or surfing breaks. Newquay has the pubs, cafes and shops you'd expect but also a boating lake, zoo, aquarium, riding stables, leisure centre and cinema. The little land train provides transport around the town and is great fun for kids. Sainsbury's provides a shopping bus or order in your groceries. 

Wadebridge

Wadebridge is the ideal base for a walking or cycling holiday. The Camel Trail follows the route of the old railway line taking you to Bodmin in one direction and Padstow (where you can catch the ferry across to Rock) in the other. It passes right through the town where you can hire bikes. Wadebridge has pubs, restaurants, shops, tennis courts, a leisure centre, a bowling green and a cinema.

Falmouth and Penryn

An energetic and artistic harbour town, Falmouth has a long nautical history exhibited in the National Maritime Museum located right on the quay. The arty vibe and independent shops combined with beautiful local rivers and estuaries create the perfect holiday destination. Explore local gardens and beaches, beautiful walks, art galleries, family activities and festivals and events held throughout the year.

Benefits of a car free holiday

* Turn up to the station and let the train do all the hard work
* Reduce your carbon footprint
* Fantastic grocery delivery available - no need to trawl the supermarkets and trying to find that elusive parking space will be a thing of the past
* The world famous Eden Project offers discounts to those arriving by public transport
* Walk, cycle, horse ride - great ways to truly enjoy the area. Enjoy a slower pace of life. Why not be like the Cornish and do things dreckly?
* You can still hire a car for a couple of days (see the hire options above). Why not try Cornwall Classic Car Hire?